The days are getting longer, the temperatures are starting to rise — spring is definitely in the air. That can only mean one thing — Spring Break! Thousands of people will be doing a lot of traveling within the next few weeks. To kick things off and get your travelling juices flowing, here are 3 apps to help you with your Spring Break travels.
- TripIt – This travel app does it all. All you have to do is forward your confirmation emails (for hotels, car rentals, air travel, etc) to TripIt, and it will turn them all into a custom itinerary for you. You can edit that itinerary as needed, and share it with others in your party. You can do all this with the free version of the app. If you want TripIt Pro, you can also see flights in real-time, locate alternate flights, and you’ll have access to VIP travel benefits that can save you money.
- ParqEx – Whether you’re planning on a visit to Chicago, or you’re going to be leaving your Chicago home for a sandier, saltier destination, this handy parking app is a must-have. If you are visiting Chicago, you can use this app to make sure downtown parking will not put a crimp in your travel style. You can rent a parking spot for the duration of your trip, and not spend an arm and a leg. If you are leaving town, and you currently own a parking spot, you can rent that spot out and let it make you a little extra souvenir money while you’re gone.
- BringFido – For those of you who wish to travel with your four-legged furbaby, this app will be your new best friend (after the furbaby, of course!). You can search for pet-friendly hotels, dog parks, and vet clinics in and around your travel destination. There are tons of resources about travelling with your pet, and information about what you need to know if you’re looking to fly with your furry companion.
Now that you have your apps downloaded, let’s take a look at three things you don’t want to forget to do before you leave on your trip.
-  Don’t let your mail pile up. – Mail that is piling up can be a big tip-off to thieves that there is no one home. Make plans to have your mail picked up by a neighbor, friend, or family member. If that isn’t doable, you can also make a request with USPS to have your mail held. You can schedule a hold anywhere from 30 days in advance, all the way up til 2 a.m. CST the day you’re leaving. Bear in mind that the postal system isn’t open on Sundays so you won’t be able to make your request on that day.
- Get a pet-sitter. – If your pet isn’t traveling with you this time, or if you have a pet that isn’t much of a traveler (like an aquatic pet), you will want to allow plenty of time to get a pet-sitter scheduled. Leave detailed instructions for the sitter about food, treats, play time, known anxieties, medications, etc. It’s generally a good idea to have the sitter come over a few times before you leave to allow your pet time to get used to them. You will also want to leave your contact information and your vet’s contact information in a central place should the sitter have a question or an emergency.
- Let your bank know where you’re going. – Giving your bank a head’s up that you will be using your card in a new location can prevent them from freezing your funds. A lot of banks will monitor where (in what city) your card is used, and if an unfamiliar place pops up, they may stop all transactions to make sure it’s you that’s using your card. If you live in Ohio, and you’re going to Florida on vacation, by letting them know in advance where you will be heading, they won’t freeze your card when they see charges in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia — they’ll know the general direction you’re going in.
If you have questions about Spring Break travelling, feel free to contact us with them. Please let us know, also, if you have any questions about using the ParqEx app, or about how ParqEx works. We want to help you have a happy and safe Spring Break!
