| Homepage | Web Directory | Bid Directory |
Articles. News. Information. | |
Category of Information, News & Articles |
|
|
|
European Car Rental - Top Ten Tips for Europe Travel - Tip #6: Location Location Location
For most of us, the basis of a car rental in Europe is the journey, not the destination. We spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars so that we can see everything that we want in the minimum amount of time available. This is what a rental car is perfect for, what it is made for, and what you should use it for. Although I am not against taking a train from one place to another (especially after a long drive) I am constantly finding myself looking out the window wondering "Hey what's over there?" Of course, the destination is a factor when choosing our itinerary. Equally important is the starting point. Not only can the beginning and end of your car rental save you money, but chosen poorly, it can be the beginning and end of your vacation as well. First and foremost, if at all possible, try and pick up your rental car in town. In some countries, this can be the difference between fifty to five hundred dollars or more. In some places, it's just not worth it as the airport can be 20 kilometers or more from downtown with little to no public transportation. In other places, such as Rome's Fiumicino (or Leonardo da Vinci) airport, there is a train between the airport and main station in town. And in some places the airport is practically in town. The common places where you will find a flat fee for airport pick ups are France, Spain, Portugal, Denmark and the United Kingdom. In Germany, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria it is usually a percentage, anywhere from 10% to 17%. In Holland, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe it can go either way. Please be advised that this is for the major car rental suppliers and does not cover every one. Always make sure to ask if the airport surcharge is included and if it is a percentage or a flat fee, and if it is waived if you pick up in town. Also, it is good to note that if you pick up in town to avoid a fee, you can usually still drop off at an airport without having to pay the surcharge. Picking up downtown won't always save you from a fee, though it usually reduces it if anything. Railstations sometimes have a surcharge (Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium) and if you pick up at a "Premium Location" such as Russel Square in London or Haddington Way in Dublin, you will have to pay a fee as well. Also, some port offices require payment too, either as stand-alone or for a "meet and greet" situation, where the office is outside walking distance so the agents wait for you at the pier. Once again, make sure you ask if there is a fee if you are picking up at a station of any kind. Aside from saving money, convenience is always a sticking point when deciding where to pick up your rental car. If you are hesitant to drive in a big city, but you want to save money, then you have a couple of options. For one, you can always pick up outside of a busy area but still "downtown" but this alternative comes with the price of having to get there, which is okay if you already have your hotel nearby. You can also find a rental location that is near a highway on-ramp, which is particularly good if you need the rental car not for the city you'll be in, but for the one you need to get to. A mapping program using the internet is of course invaluable in this search. Get the addresses for your hotel and available pick up locations, and choose the one that is most convenient for you. Finally, it is important to know what locations are available along the way to your destination. If you need to add an additional driver in the middle of your trip, or you need to swap out your car for any reason, then knowing where you can choose from will help optimize your time and money. There's no point in going back if you can do the same moving forward right? It's a good idea to have the phone numbers to the locations you'll be dealing with, as well as a headquarters number for additional inquiries. Try to use a service that has 24 hour support. The locations may not always be open, but at least you can get through to someone who can let you know your options. Oh, and try not to involve yourself with a rental location that is part of a gas-station, restaurant, barber shop or any other strip mall business that is not car rental. Although many of the major suppliers have locations like this with their name on them, they are licensee, independently owned subsidiaries and you will find the shadiest clerks and the worst service here. This is really just common sense though. In conclusion, we all know that getting there is half the fun. But the other 50% depends on the start and finish. If you know where that is before you try to move on, you'll get there just fine. Murdoch Morris has spent 3+ years digging through address books to find every client's best location options. If you have any questions regarding your specific area of travel, please feel free to contact him.
MORE RESOURCES:
Acne - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Where to Find Lodging and Accommodation in Whistler, BC Are you thinking about a great place to go for a winter holiday? For avid skiers or anyone looking for a cozy winter getaway, the many chalet and condo rentals around the Whstler Ski Resort in British Columbia can be a great way to relax this winter. The Whistler Ski Resort is located in the province of British Columbia, in a natural mountain environment. All Inclusive Vacations Most of the time, when an individual is planning a vacation, they have to consider all aspects of the time they will spend away from home. The lodging, the transportation, the meals and so on are all things that have to be thought of. Vacationing in Lake Tahoe Lake Tahoe is a pristine recreational lake area. With high-stake casino gambling and Las Vegas-style entertainment on one side and spiritual retreats and horseback riding on the other, you can't go wrong. So You Want to Sell Your Timeshare You are the owner of a timeshare and have decided the time has come to part ways. You may be interested in another timeshare or have decided a timeshare isn't for you. A Closer Look at Pigeon Forge Real Estate Those looking to invest in real estate should not overlook Pigeon Forge, TN. Though the 2000 census estimates the number of permanent Pigeon Forge residents at just over 5,000, the population during the popular summer months can soar to tens of thousands. Shropshire - Englands Forgotten County Shropshire is England's forgotten county, but it is well worth making the effort to get there. It is only three hours by train from London and there is plenty to see and do. All Inclusive Resorts - Sunscape The Beach Punta Cana Sunscape The Beach Punta Cana is located on the north east coast of the Dominican Republic & 50 minutes from Punta Cana airport. With one of the finest oceanfront location on the Caribbean island and protected by a coral reef, the all-inclusive Sunscape The Beach Punta Cana provides the perfect escape to turquoise blue water, white sand, and a forest of palm trees. Oceanside Vacations on Hilton Head Island The largest barrier island on the Atlantic coast between New Jersey and Florida is Hilton Head Island. This beach paradise is 12 miles long and 5 miles wide. Vancouver, Hidden Jewel Of The Pacific Northwest Vancouver will receive a lot of attention as the 2010 Olympics approach, but why wait to visit during the most crowded, tourist deluged period since they hosted Expo 86?Skiing and winter sports will receive the lion's share of attention during the 2010 Olympics - it is the Winter Olympics, after all - but summer is Vancouver's best season.After a fall and winter of grey skies and rainy days, Vancouver emerges to a summer of endless blue skies, gorgeous ocean views and warm but fairly dry climate. The Natural Beauty of Havasu Falls Three major cascades at Havasu Creek create a landscape that is both beautiful and entertaining. At the base of these falls, one of which is Havasu Falls, is a travertine pool filled with cold turquoise water. Use Sydney Apartments, Not Hotels, To Save Yourself Money If you're planning a visit to Australia, then you'll be glad to know you can save money on your accommodation by staying in Sydney apartments instead of regular hotels.While there are plenty of excellent Sydney hotels to choose from, many business people and seasoned travelers elect to use some of the many available Sydney apartments instead. A Guide to Cozumel Vacations What kind of traveler are you? Do you want everything handled for you so all you have to do is arrive at the airport on time and everything else is already arranged? Or do you like to be a hands-on manager of your vacation planning? Do you want to arrive at your luxury hotel with your time scheduled out in advance - massage at 3, dinner at 6, dancing at 8 - or do you prefer to arrive at your efficiency suite, grab the local yellow pages and let the adventure begin? Whatever it is you want, however you like to travel, as long as you enjoy beautiful island paradises, great food, a choice of adventures to experience and friendly people, you'll find it on Cozumel. Start with a travel agent in the town or city where you live. Vacation Rentals on Hilton Head Island Each year, over two million people find their way to Hilton Head Island to find a relaxing vacation spot in the sun. The largest island off the coast of Georgia has been developed as a tourist's paradise, carefully zoned, environmentally sensitive, and always with a sense of appreciation for the history and natural bounty of this unique place. Looking For A Holiday With A Difference? Fancy holidaying somewhere unusual? How about a 7 day tornado chasing safari? Care for a camping safari across the desert? How about a night in an Igloo? Or perhaps you may want to attend a winter driving school and receive your reindeer license!Chloe Lim goes in search of holiday spots with a difference. You will reach areas that are totally remote, stunningly beautiful, rich in history and heritage, away from mainstream tourism and not in any guide book. Sea Pines Plantation - The Pearl of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Sea Pines Plantation - The Pearl of Hilton Head IslandHilton Head Island is one of the nicest places to vacation, regardless of what time of year you decide to stay. And I must inform you that a stay in Sea Pines Plantation must be top on your list. Looking For Maui Rental Property? Maui is one of the islands found in Hawaii. It is known asthe second largest island in Hawaii and it is also calledValley Isle. Thailand Golf Packages and Thailand Hotels Reservation Thailand is a popular golf paradise and home to many world class designed golf courses. There are many reasons for golf lovers to golf in Thailand. Pigeon Forge Cabins Pigeon Forge is rapidly becoming one of the major tourist destinations in the South. Located in eastern Tennessee within walking distance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge is an ideal destination for a fun family vacation. Scottish Roadtrips -- Encountering Porridge with Salt and Other Dangers Edinburgh and beyondRoadtrips around BritainIt's hard to overstate the poetry of Edinburgh. Even when crossing the North Bridge in a screaming gale, fearing you lost your nose five streets ago. Zambia... What an Amazing Country! When you travel abroad, especially far away from home you want to have peace of mind. The same applies if you’re on an African safari.
|
| Home | Sitemap | |
| © 2006 eInfoJunction.com | Homepage | Web Directory | Article Directory Bid Directory |