| ||
| ||
|
Larry Bartley . . Honeymoon and Vacation Rental Information. | |
|
|
|
European Car Rental - Top Ten Tips For Europe Travel - Tip #1: Car Size and Type
More often than not, a person will base his or her entire decision on the price. This is especially true when one is on-line creating their own itinerary without the help of a travel agent or trained professional, something that within 5 years from now will be standard practice. While price is undoubtedly one of the most important things to consider when making a reservation, it is not the first priority. The first priority should be to determine what kind of car you will need, based on a few different factors. To begin, you must know how many people will be accompanying you on this trip. Remember that the European equivalent of a rental category will be smaller than its US counterpart, so make sure that you take notice of the model that they are quoting you for, along with the supposed size. Once you know what the model is, look it up on the internet and make sure that it will work for you. Some companies will quote you for what they bill as an intermediate car when it is in reality a compact size. Usually for 1 or 2 people, an economy will suffice, provided you have one suitcase apiece. In the event that you have more luggage than this, you may opt to put it in the back seat or upgrade to a larger vehicle. Keep in mind that if you are planning on stopping at any places where your luggage will be visible from outside the car, it is best not to keep it in the back seat. For 3 people, a compact should be suitable. Sometimes, if you do not mind being a bit cramped on shorter trips, this will also accommodate 4 people. You may have to put some luggage in between the people in the back though. A car this size should be roughly the equivalent of a Ford Focus or Toyota Corolla here stateside. If you can afford it, I would definitely recommend an intermediate 4-door vehicle for 4 people. For anything above 4 people, it is best to get a van, or more than one car. Once again, if you don't mind being cramped, then get an intermediate wagon. This will allow you to seat 5 people and have room for the luggage. However, luggage for 5 may not fit under the pull-shade most wagons are designed with to eliminate luggage visibility, therefore increasing your chances of a break-in if you leave the vehicle unattended. Vans are typically much more expensive and use a lot more gasoline, which is a commodity in and of itself in Europe (current average of about $4.00 USD per gallon, less for diesel) and sometimes even more expensive than two compact vehicles. There's nothing less embarassing than trying to squeeze too many bodies and suitcases into a car that's not designed to take them. That is, unless you get a stickshift vehicle and don't know how to drive one. Americans (myself included) have generally been spoiled with unlimited access to automatic transmission. Most of the rental cars in the States are automatic as well. The opposite is true in Europe. While most major locations do stock automatic vehicles, you will not get a very good selection to choose from and those that are there will cost anywhere from fifty to one hundred percent more than the manual version. On top of that, you will lose 5 to 10 miles per gallon in gas efficiency. However, if you are uncomfortable with a stick, it costs a lot less in the long run than taking a chance in getting in an accident, which costs you time, money and overall enjoyment of the experience. This is especially true in countries like England, Ireland and Cyprus, where the cars (and drivers) are on the opposite side. In conclusion, remember that in most cases you are planning for a vacation. Sometimes in order to enjoy it, you have to be willing to spend a little bit more. Keep an eye out for my next installment, when we discuss the best way to get the car you really need for the price you really want. Murdoch Morris has worked in the European Car Rental industry for 5+ years, helping drivers to find the best way to get the most out of their itinerary for the least amount of money. Feel free to contact him with any questions you may have specific to your next trip to Europe.
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Finding The Best Timeshare For You - Make The Search An Adventure! Taking the plunge from average vacationer to vacation property owner is a big jump. The fear associated with a full, outright purchase of property hundreds or even thousands of miles away from home can be blissfully alleviated through the purchase of a timeshare. 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. Why The Vacation Home Sale Market Is Unsustainable The rental market and Vacation Home sale market is unsustainable. Property prices are still rising by appalling amounts. Visiting the Best Orlando Timeshare Resorts: A Report on My Familys Trip to Central Florida Visiting the best Orlando timeshare resorts: a report on my family's trip to Central Florida, Walt Disney World, and the perfect place to spend our holiday every year.When we left Heathrow airport, we were certain that we should be wearing several layers of clothing. 10 Tips for Selecting the Perfect Costa Rica Vacation Rental Planning a Tropical vacation full of lush jungles, secluded beaches, and friendly people but not too expensive? Costa Rica is the place to go! But where do you stay, a resort or a private villa? Do you want long lines, crowded pools, kids running up and down the corridors? I think not.Selecting the best Costa Rica vacation rental can be the difference between a great vacation and one where you feel like you are 'doing without'. Florida Beachfront Rentals - Finding Florida Beachfront Vacation Homes Florida beachfront rentals are a great way to enjoy a Florida vacation. Florida beachfront rentals and Florida beachfront vacation homes can be found in all the most popular beach areas year-round. Six Good Reasons to Take a Family Vacation When I was young, family vacations with my parents consisted of driving for a week from place to place in a hot stifling car. My parents had the knack of picking the hottest week of the summer to do so. Vacation Destinations Many times, when we plan a vacation, we know where we want to go. But, perhaps you don't have a specific place in mind and are looking for some vacation destinations to choose from. 7 Tips To Avoid Costly Surprises When Travelling Abroad ==> Try to buy your vacation travel package from a business you know.If possible, deal with businesses that belong to professional associations such as the American Society of Travel Agents, the National Tour Association or the United States Tour Operators Association. Timesharing Without Owning A Timeshare If you're dreaming of a unique vacation experience, but don't have a budget to cover outrageous hotel expenses, or to even purchase a timeshare yourself, there are ways to take advantage of the great deals offered by timeshare owners without actually becoming one yourself.With timeshare locations found all over the globe from the snow-capped Rocky Mountains to the tropical beaches of the Bahamas, the only thing limiting a destination is a person's own imagination. A Look at Bahamas Vacation Resorts Bahamas vacation resorts are great places to look into if you are interested in finding many activities all in one spot. In addition to providing its guests with a place to sleep, resorts often feature such amenities as golf courses, tennis courts, restaurants, clubs, water activities, boat and other rentals, shopping, and more. Pigeon Forge Motels Motels became prominent in the United States after the advent of the interstate highway system simplified cross country travel. A motel, or motor hotel, is a lodging where visitors park outside their rooms and enter through a door leading to the parking lot. Vacationing in a Gatlinburg Cabin For many decades Gatlinburg has been a favorite resort getaway for both families and couples. Located in the Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg sits at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Timeshare Presentations: Scams or Opportunities Timeshare presentations are tricky animals. They can either be an excellent method of obtaining expensive vacations for nothing more than a couple of hours of your time or they can turn into pricey burdens on your budget. 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. With Vacation Rentals You Can Stay For a Long Time Vacation rentals are an option when you plan to go on a vacation and stay for any length of time. For example, Florida has the basic strategy of finding what the vacationer needs, what they are looking for and with what budget and then fulfilling that need. Top Family Vacation Destinations Planning a family beach vacation? Looking for destinations with family resorts that have fun sports and activities for the whole family, all inclusive resorts where meals are included and kid clubs? Here are some of the most popular beach destinations for families to unwind and relax:MexicoMexico, especially the Cancun area, and Mayan Riviera, an hour's drive south of Cancun, is a popular place for family beach vacations. The Mayan Riviera is one of the regions of Mexico - and the world- which offers the richest variety of landscapes and archaeological treasures including Mayan ruins, coral reef, snorkelling lagoons, and eco-theme parks such as Xcaret. 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. Staying In A Vacation Cabin Rental Did you know that staying in a vacation cabin rental is a much better deal than staying in a hotel room?Why?Well, it's pretty simple, basically you get a house to stay in instead of a single room with four walls.Plus, you get to enjoy privacy, you can cook, you get a full size refrigerator, you may also get many amenities that just don't come with a hotel room, like a Jacuzzi and a game room. French Property - Looking to take a holiday in France ? Aquitaine with its 5 departments; Dordogne, Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques.Weather: There are two separate climates in Aquitaine.
|
| home | Larry Bartley Site Map |
| © 2007, www.LarryBartley.com |
| Internet Commerce System by www.LarryBartley.com. |