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Getting The Best Deal On Car Rentals Abroad
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Tips on saving money, understanding the fine print and enjoying a hassle free car rental abroad.
Renting a car may be your best bet to a flexible, do it yourself vacation. Finding a good deal however is not exactly hassle free. It does involve some amount of effort and understanding.
Here are a few tips to ensure you get your money's worth while renting a car abroad.
- ASK, or you won't get: Car rental companies are known to have better deals that are not offered unless asked. So don't hesitate to ask if they have a better price. This goes for local offices as well as toll free numbers.
- RESEARCH the competition: Many car rental companies will actually give you price match if you check the competitors' price and advise them. Now this is only valid in off peak periods and for a truly comparable deal. It may be beneficial to you if this particular agency has a tie up with your mileage program or have a better track record.
- RETAIN the promos: See a promotional offer online or in a newspaper? Cut it out and save the coupon code. While making your actual reservation, this could come handy because booking agents always need prompting.
- AVAIL discounts: Senior citizens, students, members of auto clubs and hotels, travel and hospitality fraternity and military personnel all qualify for a discounted rate. Specifically ask if you do qualify. Certain credit card companies and frequent flyer programs also tie up with car rental companies. Beware that sometimes the senior or auto club rates are higher than the online specials.
- SMART save: Seasoned travelers often reserve a smaller car like a compact or mid size, knowing very well that they might end up with a full size car. Car rental companies have a limited number of cars of each variety and if your reserved car type is not available at pick up, you end up with an upgrade. This happens most often at airport locations. Larger groups or families beware! Imagine arriving there and finding that your compact car is actually available and cannot even fit the people, let alone the luggage.
- PRICE check: Even if you've made a booking in advance, walk into the agency and enquire about availability and prices. If they offer you a lower price than that of your reservation, they are obliged to honour it. Only then disclose your booking details.
- PERIOD: Weekly and monthly rates are cheaper than per day rates. So if you do need the car for 13 days, consider renting it for two weeks instead. Now remember, some rental agencies will charge you an early return fee. Find out that cost in advance. Weekend specials are often advertised from Friday to Sunday or from Saturday to Monday. Note that if you do wish to keep it for an extra day, some companies will readjust the entire amount to the regular rate, ignoring the weekend rate.
- CHILDREN: Car seats and restraints for infants and toddlers come at an additional cost and can be quite expensive for the entire rental. You can save if you bring along your own car seat. Check with your airline for details, but most do permit it as part of your free luggage allowance. Make sure the kids do not use their markers or spill and stain the upholstery as that could cost you more!
- PARKING: Are you renting at the airport only to drive downtown to the hotel and retire for the night? Consider taking a shuttle to the hotel and renting the next day downtown. This will save you parking fees for the first night plus one day of the rental. In big cities, one way to save is rent only for a limited period of your stay. Discover the city by foot or taxi for the first few days. Rent for the latter half to visit far away sights and return the car at the airport. You will save on parking costs at the hotel plus in the city.
- MILEAGE: Not all of them offer unlimited kilometres and there are restrictions on driving across state borders. Plan accordingly and inform the rental agency beforehand.
- REFILL gas: Prepaid gas plans are almost always a waste. It's best to just refill the tank just before you return the car. That way you just pay for how much you actually use. Fuel prices are generally higher around airports, so fill up before you get in the vicinity.
- READ the fine print: Understand the rules and costs for additional drivers, insurance, drop off charges on one way rentals, no show charges, penalties for delay in returning the car and other surcharges.
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Aarti Thadani
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