Picture this: four of your favorite people are inside a modern and comfortable car that you are driving and you are all going on an incredible road trip in the United States. This is the dream vacation for many Americans and international America enthusiasts. Many people do not chase this dream because the cost of renting a car is big. Well, that’s not true if you follow the smart way to rent a car in the US. The 5 tips for getting more value and saving money below will ensure that you will have the best vacation ever without going broke on the way.
Tip 1: Plan your trip carefully
Carefully researching and planning your itinerary is a vital first in making appropriate travel arrangements. How many days you will need to rent the car for, booking hotel rooms and tickets for the right days in the right cities are things that you should get right. Otherwise, you will be charged extra or need to pay twice. Be realistic about the amount of hours you will need to get from one destination to another and how much time you will want to devote to each place. And don’t forget the traffic.
Tip 2: Consider off-airport companies
Most people tend to rent cars from companies in the airport because they are the most convenient option. They acquire a vehicle at the moment they land in the US and start their journey comfortably without stressing over getting on and off public means of transport. However, people who prioritize saving money should spend some time evaluating all their options. Most car rental companies outside airports offer similar vehicles at the same condition at cheaper prices than the ones on-site. Covering a few more miles is definitely worth it in order to save several bucks.
Tip 3: Compare prices online
Researching rental car prices ensures you can distinguish truly great offers from fake ones. The internet is helpful because price ranges and conditions vary by state. You can visit holidaycar.com so that you can effortlessly evaluate and compare affordable car rental options. The real-time check of directories from thousands of car rental agencies ensures that you will receive accurate information and will be presented with a large number of options so that you can be certain that you will find the ideal vehicle for you.
Tip 4: Read the rental agreement
It might sound boring, but it is imperative to read the rental agreement and understand what you are consenting to. Pay attention to fuel policies, cancellations, and additional fees. Each car rental agency has its own terms and conditions, so it is not safe to take anything for granted.
Tip 5: Return the vehicle on time
Something that may seem inconsequential to you may be a serious cause for the car rental agency to charge you extra. Returning the rental vehicle a few minutes or even several minutes late can result in additional charges for drivers. In order to avoid that you should make sure that you have plenty of time to reach the drop-off location.