Find the Best Parking Rates with Best Parking.com

BestParking.com is a free search engine that allows users to search for parking rates in major cities, such as New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, and more, as well as major airports.

When searching by city, choose daily parking or monthly parking rates and search by neighborhood, address, cross street, or attraction. Details for each parking facility are given, including phone number, capacity, and any type of vehicle restrictions.

When searching airports, both short and long term parking options are available. The airport code is given as well, so you can double check your flight tickets to match codes. A map of the city, with the location of the airport, is also available.

Travel Apps for a Stress-Free Vacation

The following travel apps will help you plan, navigate, locate, and more, so your vacation is as easy and stress-free as possible.

WorldMate Live
With WorldMate Live, you can create an itinerary, look up a flight status, flight alerts, flight schedules, find hotels, get maps and directions, check the weather, check the time, view exchange rates, and more. WorldMate Live is available for all smartphones, including the Blackberry, iPhone and iPod Touch, Windows Mobile compatible devices, and certain Nokia models.

GPSed
Mark your favorite restaurant, retrace your way back to your hotel, find your position anywhere in the world, and more with this app—even if you're without network coverage. You can also add photos to your tracks, add text to your tracks, and share your tracks with other users.

GPSed is compatible with mobile devices equipped with internal GPS receivers, such as the iPhone 3G, the Blackberry Storm, Blackberry Bold, and Nokia N95. It is also compatible with mobile devices that have access to external GPS receivers via Bluetooth, and any GPS receivers, such as Garmin, TomTom, and others.

Around Me
With AroundMe, you can quickly find out information about your surroundings. Locate nearby restaurants, hotels, gas stations, supermarkets, hospitals, banks, and more, and AroundMe will show you a complete list by category within a certain distance of where you are.

AroundMe is available for free on iPhone and iPod Touch devices.

How-to Get Free Wi-Fi at Airports

While many airports have, or plan to implement, airport wide free internet access, many more only offer internet access for a fee. If you happen to be at an airport that requires you to pay for an access code, here are a couple of tips on how to get around that fee.

1. Look for free minutes from Boingo, which provides Wi-Fi at over 500 airports, at airport food establishments and gift shops.

2. Call Boingo, or the airport's internet provider, directly and ask for a promotional or complimentary code.

3. Check LoungeGuide.net for airport lounges that offer free internet access.

Airline Services that might Sweeten the Deal

In recent years, airlines have cut services such as meals and free on-board entertainment. They've also raised booking fees, and started charging for baggage. But what, if anything, have they added to their service list that might make flying more affordable and/or enjoyable?

WiFi
American Airlines, Delta, Virgin, Southwest, and Jet Blue airlines offer, or have plans to offer, WiFi access on many fleets. Unfortunately, access isn't offered for free. On American Airlines, for example, laptop users will pay $9.95 for flights under 3 hours, and $12.95 for longer flights. Other device users will be charged a flat fee of $7.95.

Frequent Flyer Programs
Nearly all major airlines offer frequent flyer programs, but some claim to be better than others. Check out this article from Smarter Travel, and pick the program that's right for you.

Non-Stop Flights
It's often hard to get a non-stop flight between destinations, but as the travel industry continues to struggle, airlines are adding more non-stop flights to try and lure travelers their way. Many of these non-stop offers are seasonal, however, such as Alaska Airlines service between Seattle or Portland to Cancun, Mexico. Check airlines for specific details.

6 Easy Ways to Save on Vacation Expenses

• Book your airline ticket after midnight on Wednesday in the time zone where the airport's hub is located. This is the time when budget fares hit the market.

• Use alternative airports. Big city airports aren't always the cheapest. Compare surrounding areas.

• Check out "Driveaway Deals." Car companies often have too many cars in certain locations, so you can get great deals on renting these cars and driving them to different destinations.

• Skip car rental insurance. Your car insurance on your personal vehicle usually covers you driving a rental car. Check with your insurance company for details.

• Book hotel rooms with kitchenettes. That way, you don't have to eat all of your meals out.

• Negotiate. Many hotels, resorts, and other vacation destinations offer freebies, such as the 3rd night free. Work them. Ask for a better rate, an extra free day, and the like. You'll be surprised on the deals you can get!

Solar Radio

Powered by the sun's rays, this portable AM/FM radio will play for seven hours when fully charged. On rainy days, use the hand crank to play your favorite tunes and programming. One minute of hand cranking will give you thirty minutes of play back time. The Solar Radio measures just 3.25" x 3" x 2.25", which makes it easy to store in windowsills, garages, workshops, vehicles, and even camping boxes.

Solar Radio from Useful Things.

What's the Most Eco-Friendly Way to Travel?

How should you get to your destination? Via car, train, plane, bus? A lot will depend on road conditions, the type of car, how far you're traveling, and how many passengers are involved.

Airplanes emit more CO2 than buses, trains, or cars, but they carry more passengers and make traveling longer distances feasible.

Trains pollute more than cars, but they too carry more passengers.

On the other hand, the materials that go into road construction aren't green at all, so even if you're traveling via fuel efficient car, there are other variables to consider. Likewise with buses.

So, what's the most eco-friendly way to travel? Sadly, there is no right answer. The best we can do is continue to improve our technology, so that green travel will one day be a reality.

Herbs that Ease Travel Ailments

Traveling is often stressful and hard on the body. If you experience motion sickness, anxiety, nausea, headaches, or any other ailment from traveling, try the following hears to ease your troubles.

Peppermint
Peppermint's calming effects will soothe your nerves and help your stomach digest. As a bonus, it freshens your breath.





Ginger
Ginger is well-known for its ability to curb nausea and upset stomachs. Ginger is also a natural anti-inflammatory, so it's effective for muscle aches and headaches.





Chamomile
A great all-around relaxant, chamomile is sure to put you at ease if you have any anxiety about your upcoming trip.





Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm contains mild sedative properties. Use it for anxiety, restlessness, and irritability. It can also help still a racing heart.

How-to Combat Jet Lag

Drink plenty of water during the days before you leave, and during the flight itself.

Don't caffeinate, especially at night.

Get plenty of sleep the week before you leave.

Sleep on the plane, if you can. If you're sensitive to light, an eye shade will help. If sound is the problem, pack ear plugs.

Try to schedule your arrival during the afternoon or early evening, so you're not faced with an entire day of activity.

Exercise helps combat fatigue. Set an exercise schedule for the week's before you leave, if you don't have one already.

Relax, and try not to think about it too much!

Point It: Traveller's Language Kit

Point It: Traveller's Language Kit by Dieter Graf enables you to travel anywhere in the world and communicate what you need and want without misunderstandings. With 1200photos generated from the author's own travels, this picture dictionary allows you to simply point to what you're after instead of trying to cross-reference the word and pronounce it. It's compact, light-weight, and full color.

Point It: Traveler's Language Kit from Useful Things.

Track Flights with Flight Arrivals

Flight Arrivals, one of the oldest flight arrival status sites on the web, updates information every four minutes, so you will always be able to find current information on arrivals, departures, delays, and schedule changes at 71 major airports all over the world. Search by flight number, city, airport code, airline, or time-frame to find the flight you're looking for. Flight Arrivals new Airport status also allows you to check the weather at an airport, and any delays associated with weather conditions.

Point It Book

The Point it Book by Dieter Graf enables you to travel anywhere in the world and communicate what you need and want without misunderstandings. With 1200 photos generated from the author's own travels, this picture dictionary allows you to simply point to what you're after instead of trying to cross-reference the word and pronounce it. It's compact, light-weight, and full color.

Point It Book from Useful Things.

Travel Sewing Kit

This ultra small sewing kit is only 3/8" thick and includes 6 colors of thread, 3 needles, a needle threader, 3 buttons, and 2 button fasteners. It slips easily into any carry-on, purse, or briefcase, making it perfect for travelers. The Travel Sewing Kit is only $8.95 and comes in two colors--green and orange.

Travel Sewing Kit from Useful Things

Point It: Traveller's Language Kit

Point It: Traveller's Language Kit by Dieter Graf enables you to travel anywhere in the world and communicate what you need and want without misunderstandings. With 1200photos generated from the author's own travels, this picture dictionary allows you to simply point to what you're after instead of trying to cross-reference the word and pronounce it. It's compact, light-weight, and full color.

Point It: Traveler's Language Kit from Useful Things.

How-to Pack Toiletries for Airline Travel

The rule for toiletries packed in carry-on luggage is easy to remember: 3-1-1. This amounts to 3 ounce bottles or less, packed in 1 quart-sized, clear plastic, zip-lock bag, and 1 bag per passenger.

Before arriving at the screening area, remove the toiletry zip-lock bag from your carry-on. It will need to be sent through security separately.

If you need to pack toiletries larger than 3 oz. they must go in checked baggage. However, medications, baby formula, and breast milk are allowed in carry-on in larger than 3 oz. containers in reasonable quantities. Declare them when you arrive at the checkpoint.

Where to Find Deals on Airfare

There are plenty of online sites that offer deals on flights. Here are three good ones to try your luck with. One hint before you dive in—research shows that even if you're traveling in a group, booking your flights separately (but on the same flight, of course) can save you money.

Travelocity
(http://travelocity.com/)
Check Travelocity's Deals, Last Minute Packages, and Flexible Dates to find the best rates on airfare. If you're not that flexible, or flying to a remote area, their web deals can offer some pocketbook relief.

Expedia
(http://www.expedia.com/)
Expedia claims to give you the best price on every trip, guaranteed. You can get their best deals delivered, or visit their site, where you can check their 24 hour sales or discover Expedia exclusives.

Airfare Watchdog
(http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/)
Sign up for the cheap airfare alert, or visit their site and check current deals. Check their Discount Airfare, Top 50 Fares, and Fare of the Day pages, as well.

Point It Book

The Point it Book by Dieter Graf enables you to travel anywhere in the world and communicate what you need and want without misunderstandings. With 1200 photos generated from the author's own travels, this picture dictionary allows you to simply point to what you're after instead of trying to cross-reference the word and pronounce it. It's compact, light-weight, and full color.

Point It Book from Useful Things.

Road Trip Tips

Watch the weather, and try to plan traveling days around storms.

Don't forget to pack the maps, and have a back-up route in case the roads you're traveling have construction or are shut down.

Allow extra time for delays, break-downs, and pit stops.

Before you leave, take your vehicle in for a tune-up. Make sure you or your mechanic checks tire pressure, tire tread, lug nuts, brakes, windshield wiper fluid, and antifreeze levels.

Stock your car with must-have emergency items, such as a flashlight, jumper cables, first aid kit, tow rope, spare tire, and extra food and water.

Make frequent stops and stay hydrated, so when you do arrive at your destination, you're not too tired to enjoy yourself.

Travel Sewing Kit

This ultra small sewing kit is only 3/8" thick and includes 6 colors of thread, 3 needles, a needle threader, 3 buttons, and 2 button fasteners. It slips easily into any carry-on, purse, or briefcase, making it perfect for travelers. The Travel Sewing Kit is only $8.95 and comes in two colors--green and orange.

Travel Sewing Kit from Useful Things

Airport Security Line Triggers

The following items can set off the metal detectors at airport security checkpoints. Before you arrive at the checkpoint, make sure you have removed the following items. If the item is not removable, inform the security guard.

• Jewelry, including heavy necklaces, bracelets, barrettes, rings, watches, earrings, tie pins, cuff links, and body piercings.

• Keys and loose change.

• Personal portable devices, such as cell phones and pagers.

• Jackets with metal snaps and buttons.

• Belt with belt buckles.

• Under-wire bras.

In addition, you will be asked to remove your shoes. You are, however, permitted to wear head coverings or other religious garments, though you may have to be moved to a special screening area.

Organize Your Travel Information and Itinerary

Traveling can be stressful, which is why it's crucial that you're organized with your itinerary and traveling information. TripIt is an online personal travel assistant that can help you stay organized and stress-free. Simply e-mail your flight, rental car, hotel and other information to TripIt, and it will prepare a master itinerary complete with maps, nearby restaurants, the forecast, and more. You will be able to access your itinerary via email, mobile device, or by printing it out. You can also share the itinerary with others in your traveling party.

Trip it is compatible with more than 250 websites, including airlines, hotels, rental car agencies, travel agencies, and cruise lines.

Packing Shoes for Traveling

Shoes are bulky items to pack in luggage. They take up a lot of room, and they have a tendency to get crushed. Here's a few quick tips for packing shoes that will save room and protect your footwear.

• Roll your socks and stuff them into the toe of your packed shoes. This will help keep the shoe intact. It also saves space.

• Place your shoes on the bottom of your suitcase or along the sides, so they don't get your clothing dirty.

• Pack only neutral shoes that go with everything, so you're not taking one pair of shoes for every outfit.

• If you're traveling on a plane, wear a pair of shoes that you can take on and off easily, as you will have to remove them at the security checkpoint.

Find Green Spaces with Green Maps

Whether you're traveling, relocating, or curious about your community, Green Maps shows you where green spaces are located. The maps, which are created by people who live and/or work within the community, "chart green living, ecological, social and cultural resources," including parks, habitats, healthy dining places, farmers' markets, sustainable local businesses, ecological organizations, and much more. The maps also show you where undesirable locations, such as waste facilities and prisons, are situated.

The next time you're looking for a place to visit or relax, check out Green Maps, and find yourself in a healthy and sustainable environment.

Airline Three Lane System Reduces Security Wait Times

The Transportation Security Administration has introduced a new three lane system designed to shorten wait lines at security checkpoints. Called "Diamond Lanes," the three lines are:

Families and Special Assistance
Casual Traveler
Expert Traveler

You're an expert traveler if you fly more than twice a month and are accustomed to security procedures. If you stand in this line, it's expected that you will have all items, including shoes, jewelry, jackets, etc. removed before entry, and all documentation in hand.

If you don't meet the qualifications for the Expert "Black Diamond" line, use the Casual Traveler line, where people who are familiar with traveling, but don't fly as frequently as expert travelers, are welcome.

Those people who are traveling with children or have special needs, should use the slower lane, where they can take the time they need to get through security comfortably.

Use Trip Cart to Customize Your Vacation

Are you looking for an adventurous road trip across the United States, a ski trip to Vermont, or a family-oriented vacation to Florida? You can plan all of those vacations and more with Trip Cart.



While other travel sites allow you to book flights, make hotel reservations, and rent cars, Trip Cart takes trip planning several steps further. With Trip Cart, you can customize your vacation and build an itinerary based on the places you want to see and the activities you want to take part in. If you want to tour wineries in Sonoma, or visit historical homes in Savannah, Georgia, use Trip Cart’s visually appealing symbols to the right of the map to build your vacation. Add your activities to your itinerary, and from there, you can schedule your day-to-day activities, add directions, phone numbers, confirmation numbers, and other notes. You can even email the itinerary to your traveling companions. It's easy and free!

Public Transportation Made Easier with Google Transit

Google Transit can help make public transportation easier to use. If you ride the bus, subway, or rail to work, or plan on using public transportation on an upcoming vacation, Google Transit can help you find:

• a list of transit stops in your area, or the area you are traveling in
• step-by-step directions
• station schedules and information

Google Transit covers many major US cities, including the San Francisco Bay area, Southern California, Denver, Miami, Chicago, Baltimore, Detroit, New York City, Dallas, Seattle, and more, as well as international locations throughout Asia, Australia, South America, and Europe.

Five Carry-on Essentials

• Change of clothing. Don't let lost luggage have you scrambling to find something to wear. Always pack an extra outfit in your carry-on, in case your luggage is lost or delayed a day.

• Medication. You never know when your flight will be delayed or canceled, or if your luggage will be lost. Always carry any essential medication on your person, instead of in checked baggage.

• Water. Staying hydrated is important while traveling. Purchase a bottle of water after you get through security.

• Gum. Plugged ears be gone! Gum can help keep those ears open and headaches at bay.

• Reading material. Even if your flight is short, bring something to do in case your flight is delayed, canceled, or on hold for maintenance.