How to Dress like a Local in Top US Cities

Do you often strive to "look like a local" when you are traveling? Maybe you don't want to be targeted by pickpockets who prey on tourists. Maybe you just. cant. stand. to be seen as one of "those people." Whatever your reason for wanting to dress like a local, our friends from the Orbitz Travel Blog have created this hilarious little graphic: [Do you think the photo is true about Florida locals?]

That was funny, wasn't it? Before you pack your suitcase for your adventure as a "not tourist," remember to make your Tampa International Airport Parking reservation with A1 Express!

Five "Must See" Destinations for 2015

We are halfway through the first month of 2015, and if you haven't started planning your vacations for this year, you should probably start! Flight options from Tampa International Airport are continually increasing, and choosing a destination can be quite time consuming! To start your 2015 off right, we have a list of the top five "must see" travel destinations for 2015:

Milan, Italy

Milan, Italy certainly isn't a new, or even an up-and-coming destination, so why does it make our top five for places to travel from Tampa in 2015? This year, Milan is hosting a 2015 expo on "the future of food" that will draw over 20 million visitors! This expo brings along with it tons of new architecture unique to Milan and hundreds of cuisines from across the world. 

Singapore

As if you needed a reason to visit Singapore in the first place, this year, the country will celebrate its 50th year of independence with parades and merry making all year. The country is extremely safe and the urban areas are shockingly clean. Tourists can enjoy wide expanses of green spaces, cultural heritage, a national art museum, and world-class hotels and dining.

Oman

Most people have never even heard of this Middle Eastern country, located right next to the United Arab Emirates. Have you always wanted to travel to the Middle East and experience the culture and cuisine of this mysterious world? Oman is the safest Middle Eastern country in 2015 and is a highly anticipated destination to visit this year. 

Durham, North Carolina

8 hour flights and international border crossings not your idea of fun? Durham, N.C. is a lot closer to home and just as interesting as overseas destinations! Durham is boasting all the latest cuisine innovations, from fair-trade coffee shops and micro-breweries, to the best local diners you can find. This year, Durham is debuting a "tree house" hotel, where guests will stay some 20 feet above the ground.

Dominican Republic

If you are okay with a shorter flight [under 4 hours from most USA cities], but still want to visit an exotic destination, the Dominican Republic may be just right for you! Instead of visiting the "usual" high-tourist areas of the Dominican Republic, consider visiting the country's pristine northern shore. The north shore will have much less traffic and the beaches and hotels are a far cry away from "ordinary."

Before embarking on your 2015 trip of the year, don't forget to make your online parking reservation with A1 Express. We want to ensure that your Tampa International Airport flight experience is a smooth as possible by ensuring we get you to your gate on time so you don't have to worry about airport parking! 

Tampa International Airport Questions

Check out all that A1 Express has to offer!

Here are some of the most popular questions we come across relating to our Tampa Airport Parking services: 

• How Far from Tampa International Airport is A1 Express? We are located less than a mile away from Tampa International Parking. 
• How long does it take to get to the airport form your parking lot? Less than five minutes!
• Do I need a reservation? No! Tampa Airport Parking reservations are not required, but certainly recommended, especially for holiday travel. This way, you are able to reserve your spot ahead of time!
• How do you calculate parking charges? Our parking rates are based on a 24 hour period beginning when you check in at our parking lot. We allow a 2 hour grace period from that time. Sales tax of 7% also applies.
• How to I get back to your lot when I return from my trip? When you deplane and are on your way to pick up your luggage, please give us a call! A A1 Express shuttle should be there to pick you up in less than 15 minutes! 
• How often do your shuttles run? Our shuttles depart from A1 Express on demand. If you arrive at our TPA parking facility and a shuttle is not available, one should be on the way and arriving within a few short minutes.
• Do you offer an airline employee discount? Yes, airline employees with proper ID get a 50% discounted rate!

Did any of these Tampa Airport Parking answers help to answer your question? If not, please comment below or contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible! As always, thank you for choosing A1 Express Airport Parking! 

Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Tampa

 Sometimes, being a vegetarian or vegan can be tough because there are hardly any options for you to choose from when dining out. This is not the case in Tampa! The Bay Area offers plenty of vegan and vegetarian options for those of you who choose a plant-based diet. Vegan friendly food doesn’t have to be hard to locate! Read on to see some of our favorite vegan/vegetarian restaurants in Tampa:

Loving Hut Tampa

Vegans rejoice! Loving Hut serves all vegan food, including dessert! Although the restaurant serves primarily Asian inspired dishes, they also sell fan favorites such as “Ocean Pasta” and vegan club sandwiches. Finish off lunch or dinner with a delicious dessert and stop by their small grocery section to pick up food for later on your way out.

Jai Ho

Although not technically vegan/vegetarian, Jai Ho features a huge veggie friendly menu! The restaurant features Indian fine dining on a budget. The inside is beautiful and the prices are surprisingly moderate. If you aren’t feeling too adventurous, try the Navaratn Korma, which is basically veggies and rice cooked in Indian sauces. Want to step outside of the box? Order the Kofta Naramdil and feast on soft cottage cheese dumplings stuffed with dry fruits and cooked in mild herbs and spices.

Bamboozle Café

Who doesn’t love some good Chinese comfort food? Like Jai Ho, Bamboozle isn’t specifically vegetarian, but offers many delightful options for veggie clients. A huge bowl of Pho noodle soup with tofu and veggies rings in at only $8.95! The good thing about Bamboozle is that pretty much any meat menu item can be made vegan friendly with just a simple tofu substitute.

Taco Bus

This wouldn’t be a complete list of Tampa veggie friendly restaurants without at least a mention of Taco Bus! With multiple locations around the Tampa area, Taco Bus offers tons of yummy options for the vegan diner. Veggie burritos are moderately priced and can include vegan steak strips, tempeh, or simple rice and beans. For a small fee, Daiya vegan cheese can be added to orders as well. Vegan quesadillas anyone?

Café Hey

Café Hey is local owned and is a staple for vegan brunch in the Tampa Bay area. Their ABBA sandwich is made with almond butter, apricot jam, banana, and fresh cinnamon. Many of their soups are different every day so it pays to visit often! While you are using Café Hey’s free wifi, munch on a delicious chocolate muffin.

Please keep A1 Express Airport Parking in mind next time you fly out of Tampa Airport! Park with us, save big on Tampa Airport Parking, and spend that money on all the vegan goodies listed above! 

Ice Cream in Tampa

Summer is the perfect excuse to eat ice cream, especially if you live in Florida! Celebrate long nights and sunny days by eating everyone’s favorite summer treat! Sure, you could hit up the local grocery store for a pint, but this year, we are challenging you to think local! Here are some of our local Tampa Bay ice cream suggestions:

ü  Campbell’s Dairyland. This family-owned 50’s style ice cream shop just screams family fun! They offer a gigantic selection of ice cream and frozen dairy treats! There is literally something for everyone. In addition, they offer a large assortment of delicious fried foods, including fried veggies and tater tots. The outdoor play area is perfect for kids to run around while you enjoy ice cream in the shade.

ü  Twistee Treat. This little ice cream stand has multiple locations throughout the Tampa Bay area, and it is easy to see why. Twistee Treat offers drive through or walk-up service. Try their brownie sundae, it is to die for!

ü  Bo’s Ice Cream. Bo’s has been in the same location for almost sixty years! You won’t regret ordering an upside down banana split with all the toppings!

ü  Dairy Joy. Located in South Tampa, Dairy Joy only takes cash, but is much cheaper than other ice cream places in the area. Small hot fudge sundaes are just $2.50 and are quite large. Come for the ice cream, stay for the malts, shakes and floats!

Whether you are flying in or out of Tampa International Airport, there is always enough time to catch a sweet bite to eat before leaving your car with A1-Express Airport Parking!   

Concerts in Tampa

Going to be flying into Tampa International Airport sometime this summer? Live in the Tampa Bay area and wondering what there is to do? Summer is the perfect time to attend concerts and shows and Tampa is no stranger to these events since the Bay Area boasts many appropriate venues. Whether you love country, pop, rock, or rap music, there is something for everyone this summer! A1 Express Airport Parking has compiled a list of shows and concerts going on around the Tampa Bay area this summer. 

Check out some of our favorites:

• Nine-Inch-Nails Tampa! On August 11^th, this 90’s industrial rock band will take the Mid-Florida Credit Union Amphitheater by storm! They will rock new hits off of their current album as well as old favorites from previous records. Local tip: want cheaper seating? Look for the “lawn seats” option when purchasing tickets.
• Braid Paisley. Have you been keeping up with the new hit TV show “Rising Star??” Brad Paisley has been judging contestants this season but now it is time for him to take the stage! On Friday, August 15^th, this country music powerhouse will be crooning crowd favorites at the Mid-Florida Credit Union Amphitheatre. Get your tickets early; this show will surely be packed!
•   Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Come out on September 21^st to see your favorite 80’s band play all of the best hits! They just don’t make music the same as they used to, right? The concert will be held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.
• Baby Anne. Love dance and electronica music? Baby Anne will be spinning all of your favorites on August 30^th at the Amphitheatre club in Ybor City. Tickets start at $10 per person.

Don’t forget to make your free online parking reservation with A1 Express the next time you fly out of Tampa International Airport. Tampa Airport parking has never been easier! 

What to do in Tampa Bay in July

 

Going to be flying into Tampa International Airport sometime in July? Live in the Tampa Bay area and wondering what to do during the rest of the month? You have come to the right place! A1 Express has compiled a list of events and activities going on around the Tampa Bay area during the month of July. Check out these ways to beat summer boredom:

·         Metrocon. Love anime, cosplay, and Japanese culture? Check out Metrocon, Florida’s largest anime convention. The event is July 11-13 at the Tampa Convention Center and entrance fees range from $10-$100. Come as you are, or dress up as your favorite pop culture character. See an anime themed human chess match, dance the night away at a rave dance, and dress up and attend the formal Fantasy Masquerade.

·         Bush Gardens Summer Nights. Enjoy the “summer nights” at Bush Gardens, which is open till 9pm through August. The theme park is filled with DJ’s and dancers to entertain guests while they ride roller coasters and thrill rides in the dark! Local tip: Stay till the end and catch the nightly Fireworks show. If you purchase a ‘Fun Card” you can pay for one day and come back all year.

·         Vans Warped Tour 2014. Rock music more your thing? Check out more than 25 bands as they play all day on July 25^th at the Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg. Doors open at 11am but the event runs until 9pm. Tickets are $48 when purchased on Ticketmaster.

·         Fashion and Art Gala Fundraiser for Flood Relief. Come out to Cheap Lounge in South Tampa on July 27th at 4:00 PM for this fashion-forward fundraiser to raise money to help flood victims in Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia. The event has a suggested donation of $20 and attendees have access to a fashion show, silent auction, complimentary drink, and discounted menu.

Don’t forget to leave your car in the care of A1 Express next time you fly out of Tampa International Airport!