We have all seen the smooth-talking, slick suit-wearing salesmen in the movies that have a way about them that no matter what they say it sounds like butter and you wonder why at the end of it the person is driving away with a new, used, or rented vehicle. The commission cheque is being written and the win-win situation seems to be working for everyone, now the question is how to get a set of those keys into your hands.
Considering that your adventure is not as permanent as those movie scene actors, and more of a 2-week excursion to visit, see and enjoy a different country, renting a vehicle is the way forward and we want to look at how to do that most cost-effectively and efficiently as possible.
Be smart.
Rushing in and choosing the first car rental company that pops up in the search engine is never going to end well, you want to take your time, to make decisions based on your travel plans and venues, and that fits within your budget.
Now seeing the car or visiting the rental agency is not likely if you are traveling abroad so the fine print is going to be key to your homework and what will determine the final choice.
Have a figure in mind of what you are willing to pay, what services or amenities you ideally want to come with the car and take into account the size of your traveling party. There is no point in finding a great deal on that sports car you have always wanted to drive when you have a 6-member family vacationing with, am I right?
Check to see if they have a set time to fetch or bring the vehicle back, ask about a grace period in the event plans get delayed, and what are the penalties incurred if it is returned later than the stipulated times.
You want to ask about insurance cover, all driver names to be stated, can you pay with a credit card (this gives added insurance coverage especially if a deposit is needed), and is a navigational system installed, or would you need to bring your own (we don’t want to pay for extras unnecessarily.)
In the beginning.
You may not think it but the act of rentals started long before cars were even invented, centuries ago the Greeks and Romans would hire out horses and carts, and even chariots, and as the invention of the automobile arrived this practice then changed to car rental.
What initially began as a 3-car boutique rental business soon developed into a franchise and what we know today as the rental car companies that we see globally. Travel became easier, costs dropped and so people were opting to rent vehicles without needing to tie themselves down to a lump sum down payment or a rolling monthly contract that went on for too long.
Rental shops popped up all over the nation, spreading to countries on every corner of the globe, and a development that soon revolutionized the way we travel and embark on adventures.
No more hassling and waiting for the local bus or train to arrive for which you need schedules of course before arriving in the country, or standing in line at the taxi rank while a lift arrives because all the drivers are out on a call. With your own vehicle rented and ready to go when you arrive you can begin your vacation stress-free.
Which is right?
The big question.
You have worked long and hard to save up for this deserved holiday, you’ve been practicing your Spanish to hopefully communicate with the locals, and paella is all you’ve been googling amongst other travel arrangements.
The main component of the trip however is going to be the transport, and if not booked carefully and mindfully it could end up being the headache of the trip. Spaniards are charming as it is, never mind trying to negotiate in a foreign language for a better deal on a rented vehicle last minute, no thank you.
Your homework and research are vital, take a look at some tips travelers have mentioned and what worked for them.
- Plans. What is on the agenda, will there be long trips where you need comfort and space for everyone, will there be day trips up and down that a fuel-efficient car would be more suitable for, and will you be traveling elsewhere that requires an early or late return of the vehicle.
- Size. In this case, where 6 people are traveling together space is essential, even more so with the weather in Spain and the sun beating down on you daily it can get sticky and people will be cranky. While bigger may be better be sure to keep to your budget, or that deal that looks too good to be true will come back to show you its ugly side in fuel costs.
- There are some great pieces of advice here https://twomonkeystravelgroup.com/car-rental-service-guide/ to see all that there is to know when renting a car and the pros and cons of each factor. It is always safer to know more than less, especially when you’re abroad.
- Drivers. Establish who will or won’t be driving the car, while everyone may be able to drive and would like to at some point on the trip, the rental companies, as well as the insurance firms, will need to add all drivers onto the cover which means costs for everyone. Leave it one or two main drivers.
Prices abroad.
It is no surprise that when locals see tourist prices tend to rise, perhaps it’s because they think we don’t know the actual prices or they are trying their luck with the language barrier, either way doing your research can save you a lot financially.
Opt for a company that has a range of vehicles suited for all demographics, that is fairly priced (after your careful research into the prices in the area) and that is professional from their company website down to the phone manners when booking the vehicle.
You want to feel comfortable that the firm is reputable and reliable and has been in the industry for years, they will listen to your questions and concerns and work with you to find the right car for your proposed budget.
Companies that offer a range of choice lets you see what is available and don’t try to persuade you into a deal that is more suited to profit them than make your experience an enjoyable one. For the best experience on leiebel Spania know what you are looking for, does it accommodate all traveling participants, and most importantly does it fall within budget or is it costing you an arm and a leg?
Conclusion.
You want the best out of your travels, to look back on them with a smile and fond memories of all the events that took place, the last thing you need is a pothole in the road because you thought it would be easier to rent a car when you get there. The small investment of time will save you money in the long run, and who doesn’t want to save money right?