Best Free Travel Apps of 2015

Smartphones are all the rage these days, and apps are a popular way to make travel easier and cheaper. Why do all the research when you can hit that download button, put in your information, and let the app do all the work for you? We have compiled a quick list of some of our favorite travel apps to make your life easier:

• Airbnb. Free. This app allows you to rent unique places in over 190 cities in any budget. You can use the filters to set your budget, and can even request an entire house. Airbnb allows you to get to know the local neighborhoods on a more personal level.
• Tripit. Free. For the planners to track every detail of their trip. Customize your itinerary and keep plane, train, and dinner reservations all in one tidy little place. 
• Google Translate. Free. Traveling to a foreign country? This app is a lifesaver! You are even able to scan simple text, such as menu items or train time tables, and it will translate it into your desired language.
• Gas Buddy. Free. Road trip? Need to fill up that rental car? This popular travel app searches your location and compares gas prices on the spot. Super helpful way to save a few bucks! 
• Hotel Tonight. Free. Sure, you usually have your hotels all lined up for your entire trip, but sometimes things just don't go as planned. This app helps you find last minute deals on leftover hotel rooms minutes or hours before you need to check in. In a tight spot, it can be a lifesaver. 

While these travel apps are a great way to aid in a stress-free trip, A1 Express will leave you at ease when you drop your car at our lot and hop on our free shuttle to Tampa International Airport. Reserve online today and save. 

A-1 Express Needs Your Help – No New Airport ‘Privilege Fee’ for Off-Site Parking!

A-1 Express Airport Parking has been proud to serve the Tampa Bay community for nearly 20 years, but today, we turn to you, our customers, to ask for your support.

 Last month, the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA) proposed a new airport tax of 8.5% to all off-site airport parking companies. If imposed, this tax will present a nearly $300,000 burden to just three local parking businesses, which we feel is unfair. We currently operate a full service business at a very competitive rate, and if this new tax is put into place, we will have no choice other than to reduce services or increase our fees, neither of which we want to do.

 Many of our customers appreciate the added convenience that A-1 Express offers, assisting with their luggage from the time they arrive at our facility until they return from their travels to retrieve their vehicle. We are known for our outstanding service, and providing less is not an option for us.

 The Aviation Authority Board will discuss implementation of this new tax at their board meeting at 9:00 am on Thursday, November 7. The boardroom is located on the third floor, next to the Blue Earhart Elevators, of the Tampa International Airport Main Terminal. The general public is invited to attend.

 We are not against paying our fair share for maintenance and upkeep of airport facilities, but we do feel that 8.5% is extreme. If you agree and would like to support our effort to keep this tax from being imposed, the following board members to ask them to reconsider this tax.

 

Mr. Robert I. Watkins, Chairman
Robert Watkins & Company
610 S. Boulevard, Suite 100
Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: 813-254-3369; F: 813-253-3280
E-mail: rwatkins@robertwatkins.com

 

Mayor Bob Buckhorn , Treasurer
306 E. Jackson St.
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: 813/274-8251; F: 813/274-7050
Assistant: Conchita Hilton
E-mail: conchita.tilton@tampagov.net

Victor D. Crist , County Commissioner
Assistant Secretary & Assistant Treasurer
601 E. Kennedy, Tampa, FL 33601
or P.O. Box 1110, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: 813/272-5452; F: 813/272-7047
Assistant: Eric Johnson
E-Mail: johnsonek@hillsboroughcounty.org

 

Joseph Lopano, Chief Executive Officer
P.O. Box 22287
Tampa, FL 33622-2287
Phone: 813/870-8701; F: 813/875-6670
Assistant: Kim Humphrey
E-Mail:  khumphrey@tampaairport.com

 

Martin L Garcia, Board Member
Pinehill Capital Partners, Inc.
1700 S. MacDill Avenue, Suite 240
Tampa, FL 33629
Phone: 813-253-3999
E-mail: mgarcia@pinehill.com

 

Gary Harrod, Board Member
Harrod Properties Inc
5550 West Executive Dr
Suite 550
Tampa, Fl 33609
813-229-1500

 

 The growth that A-1 Express has experienced over the years is the direct result of continued patronage of customers like you, who support and appreciate our business and commitment to providing you with outstanding service. We value your trust, and we will do our best to continue to be your preferred airport parking facility for years to come.

 For more information regarding this issue, download the fact sheet here.