The Best US Festivals to Visit this Fall

July 27, 2023 No Comments

Fall is fast approaching; the summer sun is winding down. and the latter end of the year is gearing up for the next few months of festive cheer. From Halloween thrills to Thanksgiving spreads, there’s something special about Fall in the US. Looking for your next adventure for the last half of the year? Here are some of the top fall festivals to add to your next trip.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

For 9 whole days, from October 7 – 15, Albuquerque puts on a spectacular display for the International Balloon Fiesta. This 60+ acre area launches over 500 hot air balloons into the sky in a mass ascension. Known for being one of the most photographed events in the world, it’s surely not to be missed this year. This event is perfect for those with children, as there is a myriad of activities to participate in as well as watching the balloons ascend into the sky.

Getting to and from

For ease of access in and out of the balloon park, the event provides park & ride services, meaning you can park at a partnered location and hop on the shuttle to take you to the festival park. Make sure to check the schedule for the day you intend to attend and remember that tickets cannot be purchased at the remote lots, so pre-booking is essential!

Activities

Other activities include the opening ceremony, drone light shows, firework displays and chainsaw carving. Displays run from as early as 5:45am up until 8:00pm at the latest. The balloon fiesta also plays host to the music fiesta, with headline artists providing a truly amazing atmosphere whilst watching the balloons fill the skyline.

Local and national performers also attend the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, including a military brass band, and differing genres of music. Main Street is home to strolling performers, with Native American dancers celebrating the New Mexico culture. Look out for the Mariachi troupes and Flamenco dancers too!

Hospitality

For a truly first-class experience of the balloon fiesta, why not upgrade to the Gondola Club VIP experience? You can benefit from A gourmet buffet, shuttle service to and from the park, souvenir gifts and the best views of the launch field. Other hospitality choices include the Chaser Club or glamping/camping. If you want a true camping experience, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta also allows visitors to bring in their own food and drink in soft-sided coolers. The only prohibited items include alcohol and glass.

Cincinnati Oktoberfest (Zinzinnati)

Fancy a long weekend-style trip to Cincinnati this year? Look no further than the Zinzinnati Oktoberfest from September 14-17. Taking place at 5th Street Downtown, this change of location brings even more fun to the festival this year as it gets bigger and better for 2023.

Food & Drink

Southwest Ohio celebrates its deep-rooted German culture with this 4-day weekend extravaganza, making it the perfect weekend to take a trip to this busy city. Expect a range of food and drinks, including Metts, Sauerkraut balls, bratwurst, pretzels, and strudel. Not to mention, all the German beers you can think of are included in this free city event!

Getting to and from

There aren’t any official parking partners with this event, however, it is advised to pre-book parking in the city centre ahead of the event. If you are traveling from out of the city, there are also many transport links within Cincinnati to get you to and from the event, especially if you want to enjoy the local brews and beers the event has to offer!

Activities

As well as the overwhelming choice of food and drink (you will never go hungry), there is a range of activities that are family-friendly at this city event. The famous ‘Running of the Wieners’ is expected to kick off this year’s event, much like in past years. This race is specific to our four-legged wiener friends, all of whom are usually dressed in hot dog costumes! Last year’s winner was Maple, a 1-year-old miniature dachshund that took home a Petsmart gift card worth $75. This one is especially good for the children to watch!

To get a head start on the Oktoberfest celebrations, the pre-event the week prior is the Gemütlichkeit Games (goodwill). Located at Fountain Square, you can watch this fantastic community celebration where contestants are challenged to participate in the Dachshund derby, beer barrel rolling, beer sein racing, log sawing races and nail hammering races.

Other fun activities include the World’s Largest Chicken Dance and the Sam Adams Stein Hoist competition.

Columbus Oktoberfest

If you want to make your time in Ohio worth the trip, you can also travel to Columbus for their Oktoberfest before attending the Cincinnati festival! Both festivals are only 1 hour 30 minutes from each other, and follow consecutively, starting with the Columbus celebrations. Taking place from September 8 – 10, this event takes a more traditional route for its German festivities.

Getting to and from

The city of Columbus once again offers a wide range of parking options which we highly recommend pre-booking before you visit. If you would prefer to really indulge in the event, the local city transport links are always a good idea when it comes to pre-planning your trip, meaning you can take full advantage and really soak up the culture of this yearly event.

Activities

This family-friendly event features a myriad of things to do, including the kick-off party at Hofbräuhaus Columbus, where you can enjoy food and traditional German beers whilst listening to live music. There is also the Oktoberfest Meiler Vier, a four-mile foot race that envelopes the fairgrounds, it is limited to 500 participants however, so get yourself signed up ASAP!

The main event of this Oktoberfest takes place at the Ohio Expo Center, housing traditional German beers, music, bands, and polka dancing. Strap on your finest Lederhosen and join in with the celebrations! There is also crafts and vendors for the kids, so you know you will never go hungry at this event, with plenty of things to keep the kids occupied too, including bouncy castles and face-painting.

Enjoy a bratwurst or two, frankfurters, German potato salad, Cream puffs, and German Sauerkraut. The best thing about Schmidt’s Columbus Oktoberfest is that admission is free, but parking is $10 per vehicle, so great if you are on a budget this year!

Duluth Fall Festival

Named one of the top 24 fall festivals in the US, the Duluth festival is another great activity to look at for something to do from September through to October. Comprising an opening parade, food, drink, trinket booths and a 5k road race, this festival is sure to get you in those fall feelings this year.

Getting to and from

Duluth is a reasonably small town to get around, and luckily a shuttle service is set up every year, meaning you can park and ride the event if you so wish! This means you aren’t sat in lengthy queues, potentially missing out on the opening ceremony. Parking near the festival site is extremely limited, so this is often the best way to get to and from the event. If wanting to watch the opening parade, it is recommended you arrive at the shuttle lot by 9am as the surrounding streets are closed for the parade.

Activities

Duluth fall festival has plenty to eat, drink, see and do for 2023. From cheerleader marching bands to electric jazz bands playing unique original songs, it’s the true culture of the Southwest injected into fall time – including traditional blues rock!

There’s no limit on food and drinks at this festival either, Duluth goes all out with 25-30 vendors expected to take part in this year’s event. Offerings include breakfast, lunch and dinner favourites, coffee, lemonade, breakfast biscuits, kettle corn, hamburgers and much more to suit all palates.

If you want to take home a special trinket from this fall-themed event, don’t forget to peruse the arts and crafts vendors, often selling homemade jewelry and trinkets that are sure to catch your eye! Knowing that all products have to be handmade makes this a truly awe-inspiring event, knowing you will take something home that is truly unique.

New York City Wine and Food Festival

New York is once again host to a spectacular wine and food festival this fall. From October 12 – 15, the big apple is THE place to be to try the latest in food and drink trends. This event is catered to adults, however, so we recommend this trip as an adult-only party and is ideal for friend groups and couples.

Getting to and from

NYC is a city that never sleeps, so you are guaranteed a great night with a lot of transport links to get to and from the New York City wine and food festival. With a subway system that never closes, you don’t have to worry about getting back to your hotel after a night of enjoying good wine and good food.

Activities

The NYC wine and food festival promises a plethora of activities to participate in, from Cocktail making master classes to a dinner hosted by your favourite chefs, you really don’t want to miss out on this one!

This fall festival promises a mix of signature events, walk-around tastings, demos and dining, and even master classes, allowing you to really get involved. CapitalOne also has exclusive cardholder access events, including a grand tasting package and a blue moon burger bash.

Pennsylvania’s National Apple Harvest Festival

Split over two separate weekends, October 7 & 8 and October 14 & 15, the Pennsylvania National Apple Harvest Festival is the perfect setting to get into the fall spirit. Arendtsville, PA is the heart of apple country and promises a wide range of tasting to be had.

Getting to and from

Much like the other festivals recommended in our guide, the National Apple Harvest Festival offers outlying parking fields with a shuttle bus service provided to get you to the festival grounds. This parking is included in your admission fee, so definitely worth parking and riding to the event! This festival is within driving distance from Washington D.C, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Baltimore.

Activities

This is the perfect fall festival for those with young families and adults alike, with a myriad of activities to participate in, including over 300 arts and crafts vendors, a huge selection of apple-themed food and drinks, hayrides, pony rides and even a petting zoo! The list is endless, so you and the kids are guaranteed to have a jam-packed weekend.

Alongside the many vendors and attractions to enjoy, you can try a variety of different foods and drinks local to the area, including Ribeye steak sandwiches, a full pork barbeque and vintage sodas, all whilst enjoying the live entertainment. The festival is open both weekends from 8am until 6pm and is held outdoors. Make sure to try all the apple-themed foods at this fall festival, and don’t forget a truly one-of-a-kind trinket from your favourite stalls!

Portland’s Harvest on the Harbor

Another great location to enjoy a fall festival this year is Portland’s Harvest on the Harbor. This annual food and spirits festival offers a diverse selection of food and drinks to try, perfect for the foodie in your life! This is an adult-only event, so best to leave the kids at home for this one.

Getting to and from

Occurring late October, from the 26 to the 28, the Harbor of Portland becomes a gateway to a spectacular offering of a variety of food and drinks to warm you up at the cool coastal town. Due to this being an event in the city, we recommend parking in the city and hopping on local transport to get to and from this event.

Activities

This fall festival is purely centred around food and drink and features live entertainment from local performers. Showing the culture of Maine, this is one for the food eccentrics and showcases the diversity of food and drink in Portland.

Starting with TOAST! This event allows you to meet top cocktail and spirit makers in Maine, followed by a Gourmet graze the next day. Featuring coffee, chocolate, and wine, you can also book an intimate cheese and chocolate tasting! This fall festival is rounded off by an OysterFest session, allowing you to truly indulge in what Portland City Harbor has to offer.

Flying into your fall festival?

Are you traveling in from further afield for a fall festival this year? Don’t forget to pre-book your airport parking with ParkSleepFly! We compare hundreds of airport parking lots across the US and can get you the best deal and dollars off your next reservation. Check out our offers before you fly out for your fall festival this year!

Romantic Valentine’s Day Destinations

January 26, 2023 No Comments
Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

Are you looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day trip? We all know that a trip to Paris or Napa Valley can be romantic, but there are lots of other cities in the world that can ignite the spark.  Whether you want to embrace the winter weather or travel to somewhere a little warmer, below are five romantic places to take your Valentine for a special getaway.

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING
Cupid’s favorite holiday technically falls at the end of winter, so embrace the season.  Jackson Hole is remote, so it’s one of the least crowded places to choose if you’re looking for a winter wonderland.  Hit the slopes at one of the five ski resorts, take a sleigh ride through the Elk Refuge, or take a Dog Sled Ride to Granite Hot Springs. After your day out in the snow, cuddle up together at one of Jackson Hole’s many B&Bs or Resorts.  Can’t wait to plan a trip?  All the information you will ever need about this snowy city can be found on the dedicated Jackson Hole website.

HOTEL KAKSLAUTTANEN,  LAPLAND, FINLAND
Hotel Kakslauttanen offers many different accommodations, one of the more exciting being its glass igloos.  Cuddle up together in bed and gaze up into the Northern Sky.  These igloos provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to view the Northern Lights.  From the resort, you can go ice fishing, or take a Husky or Reindeer winter safari.

Looking to kick-start your Lapland trip? Dont forget to pre-book your hotel + parking package with ParkSleepFly before your trip!

MADIERA, PORTUGAL
Temperatures here rarely get below 55 °F even in the winter months, so it’s a great destination if you just can’t take the cold winter weather anymore.  The island has an abundance of protected reserves.  Hike up to breathtaking mountain views or explore the many manicured gardens.  Adventure seekers can scuba dive under the crystal-clear waters, and culture connoisseurs can explore churches and convents that date back to the 15th century.  Of course, you’re never too far from the beach, so relaxing in the sand is always an option.  Their official tourism site has an English option, so check it out.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
Savannah, GA is the go-to romantic getaway in the South-eastern United States, but why not try something a little different?  New Orleans can be just as romantic.  The charm of the French Quarter can make you feel like you’re on the streets of Europe.  No other American city has such a distinct and unique cuisine, from beignets to crawfish to gumbo, you’ll find you don’t have enough time to taste all that New Orleans has to offer.  Hit up a jazz club for a romantic night of dancing or enjoy the ambience at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar.  Right at the end of busy Bourbon Street, it is reputed to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States.

NAKED STABLES PRIVATE RESERVE MOGANSHAN, CHINA
You’ll have to pack for cooler weather, February temperatures are generally in the 40s and 50s, but this 60-acre resort promotes wellness as a lifestyle.  Stay in one of their cozy earth huts and restore your balance and spiritual and physical well-being.  Connect with nature and each other by taking one of many hikes, bike riding tours, or horseback riding tours that they offer.  You can also learn something new together; the resort offers calligraphy and tea-picking classes as well as yoga workshops, kite flying, and archery.

Prepare for your trip to China by pre-booking your parking lot space and hotel room the night before you fly. ParkSleepFly can help save your dollars and guarantee your lot space at your chosen airport!

Airline Service Animal Policy: Cracking Down on Service Animals

January 8, 2023 No Comments


If you’ve been planning on taking your service animal on vacation with you, you may need to readjust your expectations. Due to the myriad of complaints and negative publicity that service and emotional support animals received in previous years, airlines are really cracking down on allowing them on-board future flights. If you have an animal that provides support to you and you’re wondering how the rules have changed, we’re here to clear up any confusion with our guide to airline’s rules to service animals.

Read More

Where will 2023 take you?

December 20, 2022 No Comments

Looking ahead to 2023 vacations is on a lot of traveler’s minds at the moment. The main question is where should you be taking a trip to? We have compiled a list of recommendations and trending destinations covering the US for domestic, European, and further afield worldwide travel.

There are many reasons to go on a trip to certain places, mostly including relaxing and tasting the best foods. To get our list started, we will look at some featured destinations for the best cuisine.

Best places to eat

Panoramic view of the historic town of Assisi on a beautiful sunny day with blue sky and clouds in summer, Umbria, Italy.

Umbria, Italy – Italy is already known for its outstanding taste when it comes to food, and the historic region of Umbria is a hidden gem within this country. From truffles to Pecorino cheeses, refresh your palate after indulging in fresh pasta with the finest wines from the region. It’s recommended you pair these decadent flavours with a deep Montefalco Sagrantino or Torgiano Rosso Riserva, both are made from the Umbrian red grape.

Petronas Towers, also known as Menara Petronas are the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The capital of Malaysia is always guaranteed to get your tastebuds tingling, and the large varieties of foods available mean you are always spoilt for choice when it comes to dining in this city. Roti Canai, a traditional east Asian dish has become popular in Kuala Lumpur over the years, and the multi-cultural impact of the city can be seen among many restaurants. Other dishes include Nasi Lemak, rice soaked in coconut milk, which is a staple recipe in Malaysia. This dish is very versatile and enjoyed at all times of the day.

Journeying to Malaysia has never been easier, with a stress-free airport parking booking with ParkSleepFly, you are guaranteed to get your trip off to a smooth start. Book now!

Fukuoka, Japan – The bustling city streets of Japan are filled with numerous places to soak up both the culture and the food of the East. Japanese food is becoming a big hit in the US, but it never beats trying traditional recipes in its homeland. From Mentaiko (spicy cod roe) to Tonkotsu Ramen and vegetable or pork Gyozas, there’s something to suit everyone in Fukuoka. Soy sauce, Miso and Salt are common ingredients to use throughout Japan and give a full-bodied Umami flavour to anything you pair it with. Vegetables, meats, and ramen are prepared and cooked with the utmost skill and enjoying Sake on the side is always recommended.

Lima, Peru – From the far East to the far south, Lima in the heart of Peru offers a plethora of interesting flavours that you won’t want to miss. Ceviche, the national dish of this country is the top of the list when it comes to enjoying food in Peru. This cold ‘cooked’ fish dish takes the region by storm and can be found on a large majority of menus throughout Lima. Lomo Saltado (Stir Fried Beef) is a big hit with meat eaters, and the traditional Peruvian preparation and cooking of this dish makes it a standout to try when you visit. Papas a la Huancaina (Potatoes in Spicy Cheese Sauce) is also the perfect carb-filled alternative if you aren’t one for eating heavier meat dishes. Peruvians take a larder staple and add a variety of spices to potatoes to create a mouth-watering dish that leaves you wanting more.

If you’re itching to see Peru, take the added stress away from your vacation by pre-booking your parking + hotel package with ParkSleepFly today!

Beach and Twelve Apostles mountain in Camps Bay near Cape Town in South Africa.

Cape Town, South Africa – Cape Town is all about community, and their version of a BBQ, known as Braai, brings together the local community. If you can find a Braai cookout when you visit, we highly recommend trying something new from the grill. Choose from meats including an exotic Warthog or Ostrich!

Best places to unwind

Aerial view of the coastline in Halkidiki, Greece

Halkidiki, Greece – The traditional European beaches offer beautiful coastlines and Halkidiki is guaranteed to not disappoint. Rest and recuperation are in high demand, so enjoying the sun in this coastal town gets you away from the hustle and bustle throughout 2023. If you want to take some time out for yourself, the turquoise waters lapping at the sand are the perfect place for you.

Jamaica – Just south of the US you can find the Island of Jamaica, which boasts multiple spa resorts, perfect for unwinding after a busy 2022. Enjoy full body massages, heated pools and saunas whilst enjoying the winter sun at the start of 2023. Montego Bay is guaranteed to offer a vacation of luxury, whilst the Martha Brae is the perfect place to steep yourself in nature by taking a raft out onto the river.

Beautiful view of Gozo island from a boat, the background landscape boasts the old town buildings

Malta – The Phoenicia Malta Gardens is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and to immerse yourself in your favorite book. Featuring views of the harbor, and a breathtaking infinity pool, you have the opportunity to soak up true Maltese culture. Finish your evening with a trip to The Phoenix restaurant and a cocktail or two at the Club Bar with views of the coast.

Raja Ampat, Indonesia – Indonesia is known for its long-term use of Eastern relaxation techniques as well as medicine. Raja Ampat boasts a Biodiversity Nature Resort, offering the perfect options for unwinding and relaxing before a busy 2023. With free breakfasts, Wi-Fi, and something for the kids, it’s a great choice for families looking to get away from a busy city setting.

Indonesia is calling, so pre-book your ParkSleepFly airport parking lot space now! Your travel stress will simply melt away knowing everything is taken care of.

Jordan – After a busy 2022, why not explore Jordan in 2023? There you can find the Hammamat Ma’in hot springs. These mineral water springs and waterfalls offer the ultimate relaxation after a busy Christmas and New Year season. This resort and spa location means you can enjoy a hot soak just south of Amman and at 264km below sea level!

Don’t let those hot springs be a daydream! Pre-book your hotel + parking package with ParkSleepFly and benefit from our exclusive coupons and offers.

Other trending destinations to visit in 2023 include Sydney Australia, Auckland New Zealand, and Salvador Brazil. All guarantee to offer even more interesting cuisines and dishes for you to try, or to enjoy a relaxing spa break before a busy rest of the year. Do you already have your flights booked for one of these destinations?

On Location – The House of the Dragon

November 4, 2022 No Comments

With the recent success of House of the Dragon, the world of travel offers new and exciting experiences all over the globe. Since the series wrapped up, we have been left wondering, where are all those incredible sights to be found? Look no further, as we have listed various places where the HBO show was filmed.

Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe, Spain

The first location scoped out during the principal photography stage was the breathtaking Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe. This beautiful, historic building can be found in the Cáceres province of Spain. Eagle-eyed viewers may remember this place from the show’s predecessor, Game of Thrones. Scenes were shot for both King’s Landing and the Red Keep, and to keep continuity for this prequel, the exact location was used for House of the Dragon.

The scenes that used this space include Rhaenys’ discussion with Princess Rhaenyra about her being named heir to the Iron Throne, and where Rhaenyra chose Ser Criston Cole as her Kings guard.

Want to revel in a Spanish summer next year? Make sure to pre-book your lot space for your car before flying. ParkSleepFly can help get you the cheapest deal and save you dollars!

Featuring in the second to last episode of House of The Dragon, the Caceres church – San Francisco Javier was the backdrop for an intense scene between Aegon and Aemond Targaryen. The former ran away from his duty becoming king, and his brother was sent to hunt him down. The altercation between characters in this scene is played out in front of the many steps that can be seen before the entrance.

San Francisco Javier Church, Caceres

In reality, this baroque-style church is in the centre of Caceres, a small town located in Spain. This 18th Century church adds to the old town aspects of King’s Landing and made for the perfect addition to the House of the Dragon filming locations.

Flying to Spain soon on an extravagant trip? Add an airport parking lot space to your booking to guarantee your space today!

Other locations for filming included Monsanto in Portugal

The next recognisable location can be found across the pond in Holywell Bay, Cornwall. The view from this large cave was used as Rhaenyra and Laenor walked across the beach. It is the primary location used to represent the Valeryon family home at Driftmark. This location was new to the Game of Thrones universe, after not being previously used. The Valeryon home was never featured in the show’s predecessor.

Holywell Bay beach, Cornwall

Cornwall is located in the very far Southwest of the United Kingdom and makes for a great vacation spot. The summers can get particularly warm, so a good place to consider if you want that English charm sprinkled into your next trip. We also recommend traditional fish and chips and Cornish ice cream as a treat!

Fancy a stroll across the bay? Pre-book your airport parking lot space with ParkSleepFly today for the best deal! Pre-booking guarantees your lot space and peace of mind whilst on your trip.

Just a stone’s throw from Holywell Bay is the beautiful St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall. This was the main feature for the Drift mark exterior shots, which served as the Valeryon ancestral home. Laena Valeryon greeted King Viserys and welcomed him to the home in one of the earlier episodes of House of the Dragon.

St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall

The stunning location is very reminiscent of Mont Saint-Michel in France, but the two locations are totally separate.

We recommend adding this breathtaking historical castle to your trip to Cornwall! There is an online castle tour also available for those keen historians who want to learn more about the destination.

Preparing for your next trip has never been easier than with ParkSleepFly, and pre-booking your airport parking lot space is always recommended. Book now!

Our final destination in Cornwall is Kynance Cove beach near the Lizard Peninsula. Located further south than Holywell Bay, this truly looks out into the ocean. This Cove faces out to the Celtic Sea and the English Channel.

Kynance Cove was the main location used for the Stepstones Battle between Daemon, Corlys and the Triarchy.

Kynance Cove, Cornwall

The blue water of the cove is a sight to be seen on any trip to Cornwall, with the rocky pillars below being the perfect backdrop for a true battle Game of Thrones style. After a walk down to the beach on a sunny afternoon, why not enjoy a fresh Cornish pasty or homemade cake with clotted cream? The Kynance Café and Cottage eco-friendly eatery is a must-visit after a long day.

The 3.2km walk offers scenic views and Lizard point is the UK’s most southerly point. This National Trust location is a protected conservation area, so make sure you dispose of all trash appropriately!

Looking forward to jetting off to Cornwall next summer? Make sure to pre-book your airport parking lot space now with ParkSleepFly!