Hiring a car is a great way to keep your independence on a holiday, letting you get out and about and see all the sights at your own pace. Touring around countries or regions is becoming more popular all the time and especially if you have travelled a long way you want to get the most out of a trip and car rental can help you do this.
When you are booking your car hire, check all of the small print. A cheap deal may look tempting, but with car hire it is important not to scrimp on things like insurance, space and comforts. Insurance is of course the most important, check what you are covered for in careful detail; you don`t want your holiday ruined by an accident that costs you more than you bargained for. For extra peace of mind you can usually pay a waiver to reduce any excess, although these don`t always apply to windscreen or tyre damage.
The size and comforts of your chosen vehicle are also important; you may think a compact hatchback with no air conditioning will be fine whilst you are sat at home, but forward to a car crammed full of hot, stroppy people on a long journey and you`ll soon regret the saving. Make sure you have plenty of space for suitcases and any souvenirs that may be added to your luggage along the way.
If you are setting off on a touring holiday, then bear in mind that you`ll be spending a lot of time in your chosen car so consider the options carefully. Spending a little more on something a bit special can really make your holiday; imagine cruising across the States in a classical Cadillac, or winding along Italian mountain roads in a vintage sports car; the icing on the cake for a multi stop holiday.
Wherever you are renting a car make sure you investigate the local driving rules and habits. Many countries drive on the opposite side to the UK, which can be a little daunting at first but most drivers soon adapt, especially in a left hand drive car. The US doesn`t have roundabouts and the road system is usually straightforward, but be aware of rules changing from state to state, along with speed limits. Some cities are very busy and it is best to avoid driving through the centre of these; many have a good park and ride style system to help with this.
All in all renting a car on holiday will add an extra level of independence and adventure to your trip; you can explore the local areas and get away from the standard tourist sites and discover your own special places. With cheap car hire getting more available all the time, you can find some great deals and often actually save on the cost of organised tours, so next time you are planning the perfect get away, why not book a rental car as well.
