Hiring a car, when you are on holiday is a great and exciting way to explore the new place you are in. The rent-a-car option can also be way cheaper than the pre-organised excursions and you also have the freedom and flexibility to make your own route and follow it, instead of wasting your whole day with a group of people that want to spend the time on a certain place and you don’t.
However, besides the indisputable benefits and advantages of hiring a car, when you are on holiday, this can be somehow a little tricky, if you are not prepared. When travelling and going on holiday, the main challenge for your budget is usually the hotel or the place you are staying in. So planning wisely your budget, when you are there is a key for an enjoyable vacation and a way to save yourself some bad experience and unenjoyable situations. Planning your rent-a-car options is another aspect of saving money when you are on holiday. Here is our advice on how to make sure you are doing the car hire abroad thing right!
Shop around
As it comes with everything, even rent-a-car can be a subject of poor deals or successful deals. Shop around and look for your best chances to find a bargain. This may sound obvious to you, however, many people still don’t know that they have at least a few options when they are hiring a car abroad and that this can be another aspect of saving your hard-earned money. Check the background and you can also do the research before the holiday. Search around the Internet for what people share as an experience when they visit this place, have a look at the prices offered, so you can be prepared for what to expect and don’t fall into the wrong offer.
Book early
Booking a car abroad earlier is a very easy way to save extra money. Do you remember how you have booked the flight tickets and the hotel earlier in order to get them on reduced price? Well, the same comes to hiring a car! Book early and before the peak season. Find a few websites and keep your eyes peeled for offers and deals!
Independent excess insurance policy
Although the car hire company would offer to buy an insurance excess, these can turn out to be way more expensive and costly. Buying insurance excess from an independent seller is a smart way to save some money.
Be sure to take your time to check it thoughtfully and take pictures
There is one thing we know for sure and this is that when something goes wrong, it is always your fault and you have to pay, even when in reality it is not your fault at all. So don’t hesitate and check the vehicle for minor and major faults. Check the car inside and out and take pictures, so you can verify the condition. Don’t forget to check if the car is petrol, diesel engine, electric, or hybrid, because using the wrong fuel can cause major problems!