Get the most out of your budget car rental

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Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 11-09-2009

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Renting a car is often a very convenient option for the traveler. This can often be less expensive than riding in a taxicab. However, when renting a car there are some things to be considered. There is much competition in the car rental business today and sometimes you may get the feeling that the car rental company does not have your better interest at heart and you can become frustrated dealing with the details. Be sure to check out more than one rental agency and compare prices to see that you are getting the best deal. You should be able to find tips to help you in making your decision concerning car rental.

If you aren’t restricted in your rental car needs, try to rent a budget car through a site that allows you to rent cars at your own price. These sites try to find a car hire deal which will work within your budget. Sometimes this means they can throw in perks such as unlimited mileage. There are different types of package deals to consider looking at which may offer fly-drive-stay deals or fly-drive deals, but be wary about the prices offered through airline packages, as they often tend to be much higher than other package deals.

One of the best ways to get a good deal is to reserve a rental car online. Many budget car rental sites exist to provide better deals, some even giving internet-only rates! It’s also easy to obtain rental upgrades or special offers depending on the season to save money. And there’s nothing more convenient than reserving from the comfort of your own home. It’s also wise to ask for available discounts, because you never know if your Credit Card Company, frequent flyer program, or military service can further lower the cost!

Cheap car rentals are usually not maintained properly. This is why, when you rent a car, you should make sure that you document and evaluate the entire vehicle for scratches, dents, engine trouble, or any other issues that may cause unanticipated trouble upon return of the vehicle. Checking the outside of the vehicle is not enough. When you rent, you must also check all working parts such as the windshield wipers, mirrors, safety devices, instrument panels, and any other item that might come into question upon return of the vehicle. You are a lot less likely to be charged with any damages if you take the time to check out the entire vehicle before you take it off the rental lot. This advice will help to make your rental experience a carefree one.

Another money saving tip is on car rental insurance. Car rental insurance is always required when you rent a car. Before buying insurance from a rental firm, check with your own private car insurance to make sure the rental is not already covered. Although budget car rental insurance doesn’t cost much, being covered by two insurance companies is not necessary. Another money saving tip is to pick up your car in the early morning when the firm is opening for the day. This is because budget car rentals have not been returned yet and it may be possibly to get an upgrade at a lower price.

Visit carrentalssa.co.za for more information about budget car rentals.

Discount Car Rentals

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Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 25-08-2009

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It seems that one lesson in life that I keep learning time and again is that doing things the same way over and over is not always good.  I have not thought of myself as close minded or stuck in a rut, but there are times when I must be told more than once before I hear what someone is telling me. 

That’s when I’ve a light bulb moment just like in the cartoons.  After several conversations the wisdom of what the person is asserting sinks in.  I had one of these light bulb moments when I was talking to a work-mate about my upcoming trip to Vegas.  She asked me if I had ever used any of the discount auto rentals when I was there.  I said that we didn’t hire a auto but employed the taxis and the train.  She said that they have found by using the discount auto rentals they actual save money and it is a lot more convenient than using public transportation.  While she was chatting I was recalling what our travel agent had told us several years ago about how tricky it was to drive on the strip and that parking was most unlikely.  I mentioned this to my work-mate.  She announced that there are many cross streets and parallel roads to take along the strip and that all of the major hostels and casinos have valet parking.  They just pull up to the front doors and hand the keys to the valet.  The tips to the valet are the same you would give a cabbie. 

I was thinking about this and then discharged the idea in favor of how we have always done things.  When we arrived in Vegas there was an issue with the baggage area so there had been a slight delay.  As we were waiting I saw the booth for discount car rentals.  We might have a two door compact for the price of one taxi trip.  There were no limits on the miles.  We decided spur of the moment to hire the cheapest auto available.  This way we could see more of the area.  By the time our baggage arrived we had the forms filled out.  The workers at the discount car rentals were polite and helpful and gave us great directions to the hotel we were staying at.  The traffic on the strip was extremely heavy but there are numerous traffic lights that control the intersections.  We found that we adored the freedom of having our own transport.  We saw parts of Vegas we had never been to before.  My work-mate was right about the valet parking available in all the major strip casinos.  We never had to go looking for a parking place.  I was pleased that I let the advice of my work mate seep through my mind set of taking taxis and the train.

See the Instant Car Hire web site for car hire in Belgium.

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