There are a lot of factors in picking out a travel destination. It’s easier to hit the big cities it seems since they offer public transportation options. However, that doesn’t mean they’re the only places to go. Many of the U.S.’s natural beauty is not even close to a major city.
Enter renting cars. Frequently, renting cars is made out to be an expensive proposition for bargain travelers. That just isn’t the case if you look around. Often it takes some poking around and verification, but the expansion on your vacation is worth it.
Before considering renting a car, it’s time to check what you already have. Some car insurance companies include rental car coverage in their policy. Certain credit card companies do the same thing. That negates the need to take extra coverage out on a rental and saves a ton of money.
One of thing to check is partner affiliations. My auto insurance partners with a half dozen different companies for lower rates on the day to day rentals. By booking through their website, I save anywhere between three and fifteen dollars a day. There are credit card companies, airlines, and hotel chains that provide that same type of perk.
Another thing to consider is not buying the tank of gas. If you’re going to be turning the car in super early or late, then it’s certainly a consideration. However, there’s usually a 25 to 90 cent markup per gallon versus gas stations. If you’re not turning the car in at 3 am, finding a gas station near the airport to fill up is worth the ten-minute detour.
Renting a car while traveling expands the areas you can see. By booking these vehicles early and taking advantage of deals, who knows what adventures you’ll have? If I know I can plan to use the car, I usually rent one both for the convenience and the expanded range.
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