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.
http://www.autoeurope.com
Family Travel information Recommended Products
Thomson Holidays Price Blitz Thomson
holidays offers access to great value holidays, direct from the UK's No1
supplier of air inclusive package holidays. With the widest range of
holidays available, all linked to the most punctual charter airline, your
users are bound to find the perfect holiday. More satisfied holidaymakers
come back to Thomson than any other holiday company - why choose anybody
else?
Save £'s with Thomson Holidays
Online travel agents
Thomas Cook offer flights, sun
holidays, faraway holidays to exotic destinations, late deals, city
breaks, UK breaks, snow holidays, hotel booking and foreign
exchange.
Thomas Cook Deal
Opodo is a new online travel service
that addresses the real needs of today’s traveller.RomanceShoppingArt and
CultureOffering an unbiased and competitively priced online
travel service for world travel, Opodo have access to
flights from over 400 airlines, as well as an extensive
range of worldwide hotel properties and car rental
companies, as well as Opodo travel insurance.
lastminute encourages spontaneous, romantic and sometimes adventurous
behaviour by offering people the chance to live their dreams at unbeatable prices
easyCar a leading car
rental broker we are able to select from the best car rental companies
around the world, both international and regional, with a wide range of
quality vehicles. easyCar – the low cost, online car hire specialist. It
currently provides car rental in over 60 countries including the UK,
Ireland, the USA, Canada, Spain, Switzerland, France, Portugal, Italy,
Greece, Cyprus, South Africa, Germany, Jersey, Guernsey and Australia.
Expedia sell everything for
Travel. Find special deals
on airfares, accommodation, holidays, car hire, insurance as well as in-depth
travel information and world guides at Expedia.
OutdoorGear UK offering a wide range of equipment for campers,
walkers and outdoor lovers with very competitive prices.
Over 50,000 Real Package Holiday Reviews of
airtours cosmos first choice jmc my travel mytravel portland direct
skytours thomas cook thomson tui unijet and more from Holidays Uncovered
- Real truths and reports about package holidays from holidays
uncovered. Holiday uncovered. Guide and Guides
Vacation With Toddler Headlines
W.Va. Man Convicted of Toddler's Death (WSAZ NewsChannel 3 West Virginia)
A Parkersburg man has been convicted of murder of a child by guardian or custodian in the January 2007 death of his girlfriend's 15-month-old daughter.
For the past 18 years, our family has traveled from New Jersey every summer to rent a house for two weeks on Emerald Isle. We vacation with several other families who rent their own houses.
Automotive ( top ) Tips for Road Trips With Pets (ARA) - Bringing the family pet along on a road trip may seem like a good idea - you don't have to ask friends or family to look after your pet and you can avoid the costs and concerns that go with boarding and kennels.
