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Rental Car Tips For A Memorable Trip
Think about it.... do you want a rental car or not? We love renting cars and rambling around countries of the world. It does add to the cost of your trip, but it gives you great flexibility to see the backroads, small towns and all the countryside. If you travel with friends and can split the cost, all the better.
Just be sure you realize what you're in for... driving on the left sometimes, unfamiliar road signs, long tunnels, and maybe ferries that can be small or large, crowded or infrequent. The roads may be narrow or dirt. And always think about the price of gas.
Plan your trip and think about where you want to go. If you're planning to go just to big cities.... skip the car. You don't want to be driving a car in the cities, and you don't want the expense or liability of parking one. If you're spending time in Rome and Florence, for instance, take the train between them. If you want to spend time in Tuscany after that, rent the car in Florence.
Renting a car can give you great independence to go places that no bus or train can get you to.
Reserve Your Rental Car Ahead
We most often leave on our trips with no hotel reservations, but the one reservation we have if we want to drive is for our rental car. Call around to the rental car companies to see who can give you the best rate. This will vary from country to country. Some rental car tips to ask and think about:- The more remote the area you're going to, the more you'll probably want to go with a well known company so you will have more options and protection if something happens... and easier contact once you're home. We've rented cars in Papua New Guinea, Namibia, and on the border of Botswana to get to South Africa... and the well known companies we used made it easy.
- When you compare prices between companies be sure to compare "apples to apples". Make sure they quote all the charges.... airport fees, taxes, drop off fees, any compulsory insurance... and that you are comparing the cost for the same size car.
- It may be cheaper to rent the car in town rather than the airport. If you're going to more than one country... research which country has cheaper rental car fees (especially taxes), and plan your itinerary accordingly.
- Do you want to do a one way rental... and pay the drop off fee...? Or do you want to get back over the border to avoid a drop off fee...? Or do you want to drop off where you rented?
- Can you take the car over borders to the countries you want to visit?
The rules change all the time. Check all of this each time you rent. Write down the details and your confirmation number, so when you arrive you make sure you get the deal you reserved for. Ask each agency you check with if it will be OK to take the car over a border. Some agencies will let you, others won't. You might have to declare the countries you plan to drive in when you rent the car. We often change our minds about destinations when we're on a trip, but this will definitely be a factor. The first time we went to the Czech Republic, we couldn't take the car in from Germany.
Picking Up Your Rental Car
Will you take their insurance or will your credit card cover you? What kinds of driver's license do you need? How many drivers will you have? Inspect the car at the rental car lot to make sure all damage is recorded. All things you need to think about just as you've gotten off the plane with jet lag.
Rental Car Safety
When you're driving an unfamiliar car in an unfamiliar country you have to think about safety for the car and for yourself. Will you be comfortable driving on the left? Should you drive in the dark? Should you stop to help a stranded motorist? Where should you park the car for the night? Should you pick up a hitchhiker? We did, but that's another story... that and more tips for rental car safety on another page.
Can You Read the Road Signs?
International Road Signs may be different than you're used to at home... and they may be not only in a different language, but in a different alphabet! Does that circle with a slash mean no entry, no parking or what? Some may make you laugh, but you need to know what road signs mean to drive your rental car safely and get where you want to go.
Know What The Roads Are Like
Are you going to drive on the right or on the left? Will you be on super highways with tolls or on narrow country roads? Will there be tunnels, ferries and roundabout? Will there be domestic animals or wildlife to contend with? Elephants really do have the right of way. You'll be more comfortable if you do some research and know what to expect on the road.
Consider the Problems That Might Occur
If it can happen to your car at home, it could happen with your rental car. Locking your keys in, flat tire, break down, or even an accident. You could get lost and drive into pedestrian zones, the car could overheat, or you could get stuck waiting for that elephant to get off the road. Expect it, plan what you might do, then don't worry. The problems will probably never happen, but if they do, deal with them... then laugh your troubles away and get on with your trip!
You Want A Rental Car But...
There are some countries where you don't want to rent a car (or can't) and you might have to hire a car and driver... as we did in India and Mali. Make sure the driver is safe and knows what you need. In countries where the traffic is just too confusing or the road too hard to find, this can give you great peace of mind.
Mark would say that the navigator is the critical component... and I'll admit, I'm good. When we have friends along, we tell everyone to be back seat drivers... if they see a road sign or something dangerous happening... call it out!!! The more eyes the better. If you decide you do want a rental car, just use good common sense and drive defensively... you'll have a great adventure! If you decide you do want a rental car, just use good common sense and drive defensively... you'll have a great adventure! If you want to search for rental cars on the Web, here a handy place.... click on the Web button and search away. You can search our site too... to see some of our stories about travels. Before you leave for your search, why not us... make us a favorite! See you back! Even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! Happy Travels! Judy and Mark
Go to International Road Signs Australian Road Signs
Share Amusing Confusing Roadsigns
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