There is no better feeling than going on a road trip in a reliable rental car that’s in good condition. This is especially important if you are traveling with your children. Roads trips are pocket-friendly and practical if you have a family. You’ll get the chance to bond and have fun together. When you are searching for a rental car online, you want to get the best value for your money. Here are some tips on how to save money on car rental.
- Make Advance Bookings
When you make a rental car booking in advance, you get it at a better rate than making the booking at the desk upon arrival. Also, online bookings are easy and faster. After a long flight to your holiday destination, the last thing you want to do is spend more time at the airport’s car rental desk negotiating for a rental car. Ensure you have all the necessary documentation to complete the transaction.
- Make Frequent Price Checks
Just as you would check for air ticket price changes, you also need to keep checking for car rental rate changes. Use online resource that will list all available car rental services in your area of interest and show the rates for each rental car company. In case you make a booking early and realize there is a better deal days later, you can always cancel and re-order. There are usually no cancelation penalties and your credit card will only be charged once you pick your rental car.
- Book the Vehicle Based on Your Needs
Before you get overwhelmed with all the amazing vehicles available, you need to decide on what size of vehicle best suits your needs. While it may be tempting to go for a fancy sports car or SUV, it might prove impractical. Consider the number of people you’ll be traveling with and the fuel consumption. This should form the basis of your decision on the size of the car. Note that the larger the car, the more expensive it’s bound to be. Another way to save money on car rental is by booking the lowest class available for your needs. There is a huge chance that you will get an upgrade at the counter. This way, you enjoy the convenience of a better car for the rates of a lower class vehicle.
- Do Not Book at The Airport
Car rental services outside the airport are generally more affordable than at the airport. A quick way to save money is to book a rental car outside the airport. You can choose to take a taxi ride from the airport to the rental car dealer once you’ve reached your destination. This is an excellent strategy for destinations that have a reliable means of transport from the airport. The trip to your car rental dealer should not cost you much. You can use services such as Uber if there are available in the area.
- State Taxes and Fees
You need to take your time and learn of any additional state fees and taxes in case you cross borders to enter other countries during your travel. Always ensure your rental car service provider knows that you will at some point visit another state using their vehicle. They will tell you if you need additional insurance in case you experience car issues.
