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It’s fair to say we know quite a bit about the car rental business, but we can’t say the same for all of our customers – particularly our first-time customers. First time customers – for the purpose of this blog – are people renting cars for the very first time.

Renting a car can be a little bit more complicated than some would think – especially the first time through. Additionally, there are a whole slew of things to try and navigate so that you make sure that not only do you get to your destination safely – but that it’s the car you’re taking for a ride and not you!

Here are some rock-solid tips for first time car renters on how you can get the most out of your car rentals and not get taken to the cleaners. Let’s jump right in!

Avoid airport charges

While renting a car at the airport is more convenient – it’s also a lot more expensive. Not only will some companies charge you more simply for being at the airport, they’ll also charge you more to get to and from the airport if their lot is offsite (hint – it is). Sometimes they’ll mark up a $25 ride as a means to charge you $50. Simply take a cab or Uber to an off-site rental lot and you’ll save a lot of money on that alone.

Get a car that fits your trip

While we all want to save a buck, the reality is that you’ll have needs depending on the trip. Whether it’s driving distances or being able to park in small spaces – you’ll need to choose a car that literally and figuratively fits what you’ll need it to do in your given destination. There are plenty of discount codes and deals out there that you’ll be able to make SOMETHING fit into your budget. Shop for the needs of your trip first, then look for the discount.

Expect a hold charge

This one gets first timers every time. Just about every rental company will charge you a hold fee. This can range anywhere from a few bucks to hundreds of bucks. These are there to cover the company if you up and disappear with the car or steal it. This way, the company is assured it’s covered its loss. You WILL get your money back, but make sure you have that hold charge factored into the cost of your trip and not baked into expenses elsewhere on your itinerary.

Don’t buy too many bells and whistles

You don’t need to get a GPS- you should have it in your phone or car. That goes for many special features. We offer these as supplements to your trip – not requirements. They’re particularly handy if you forget something, but don’t feel as if this is an essential component for your travel.

Fill up the tank yourself

It’s convenient to have an agency like us fill up your tank, but convenience is about the only reason to do it. Rental companies do charge a premium on gas fill ups – so this is a great place to save some scratch. Simply fill the car up just before you bring it back.

Hopefully these tips will help make it a little easier to rent a car and not get stuck in any sticky situations. Enjoy your next trip and we look forward to seeing you around the world soon!

Are you getting ready to head off on the road trip of a lifetime? Whether you’re looking to save some money or find those special places off the beaten path – today we’re going to share with you a few tips that can help you get the most out of your next big road trip.

Whatever your reason for hitting the road, our advice will help make the trip a little bit easier and a whole lot more fun. Let’s jump right in!

Mix your plan up

Sounds a little weird, right? Aren’t plans supposed to be things that keep you organized? Well in this case, yes and no. First off it’s important to have an overarching master plan. The big stops, the must-see activities and destinations – make sure that’s there. And be sure to try to stick to it, too. Road maps are for memories so make sure you add stops along the way that ensure you’ll enjoy what you see along the way.

That being said – be sure to leave plenty of fun for those things that just look cool and that you can’t resist. Check out points of interest. Explore the exotic store. Eat and the cool looking roadside food truck. Turn rest stops into activities to tire the kids out. Whatever it might be – be sure to leave plenty of time for the spontaneous.

Carry cash

Make sure you have a sizeable hunk of cash with you when you travel. This has a whole myriad of benefits. For one – it can help you cost-save a bit. If you’re working on a budget – this can help ensure that you only spend what you have in your hands. On the other hand – it’s also good in case you lose your card or if your debit card gets stolen. Make sure you have some backup cash on hand.

Keep your essentials close

Having a backpack filled with the important stuff can really take the edge off your trip. Keep things like hand sanitizer, tissues, prescriptions, sun block, chargers, and a mini first aid kit – all that good stuff – keep it in your bag and have it handy. Especially when you’re carrying little ones around – it can make a huge difference.

Take turns

Take turns driving. You’re going to get tired and we all know about the hazards of driving when you’re drowsy. Break the trip up and share the responsibility. Don’t place the burden all on one person.

Pack supplies and snacks

One of the biggest budget busters on a road trip can be all the money you randomly decide to spend on food to and from destinations. While the occasional meal is great and even an essential ingredient of a good road trip – meals out don’t have to be the only food you consume. Pack things like snacks, fruit, nuts and other food so you can snack over the course of your trip. This helps fight hunger and keeps you from splurging unnecessarily.

Just as important – it’ll save you from some very restless, ‘hangry’ kids!

Deciding exactly which car to rent for your next trip can seem a little daunting on it’s face – but with a little experience and a little friendly advice – you can find the right car to take you on your next big adventure. Today, we’re going to offer up some tips about a few of the things you should be thinking about when it’s time for you to rent a car.

There are parameters to consider, deals to mull and amenities to weigh. When all is said and done, we’re hoping that this blog will help you find the right car for your trip. Let’s jump right in!

Being honest about your itinerary

The type of vehicle you rent should be the one best suited to your trip. So while it might be your dream to go all out renting a sports car for a road trip – and while we’d be happy that you’d pay us to rent it – we’re here to tell you that’s probably not the wisest choice.

If you’re planning on a long trip, don’t cut corners with your budget and invest in large rental that will allow people to stay comfortable. If you’re traveling to a city keep mobility and ease of use in mind. And hey maybe that short solo trip would present you with the opportunity to rent that sports car. But the moral of the story here is – choose a car that fits your needs – whether that’s comfort, mobility or whatever it might be. Be honest about what kind of trip you’re going on and get a car that fits the trip’s needs – not just yours.

For intercity travel

If you’re going urban for your next trip, you’ll want something that can zip in and out of spaces and is easy to drive. Cities are tight, so you’ll want something that’s got an automatic transmission and has extra safety features like sensors and cameras. In addition – you’ll want a car that’s easy to park and gets really good gas mileage in the city. In the urban jungle, mobility is king – so make sure you choose something more compact and that can get you from point A to point B with as little hassle as possible.

For intra-city travel

If you’re going on a long road trip, then you’ll want to be built for comfort and space. You’ll want great fuel economy – as you’ll be driving a lot. Additionally, things like legroom and storage space need to be factored into your decisions. No one wants to be cramped in a car for long periods of time and nobody wants to get crushed by their luggage. Make sure your road tripping vehicle has plenty of comfort and space as you’ll be depending on it to not only get you to where you’re going – but also as a place where you’ll be recharging the batteries a little bit. Keep that in mind.

When you rent, regardless of where you’re going

While the type of trip will dictate a lot with regards to what kind of car you rent – there are some universal rules that you should follow no matter what. Make sure you both pay for your rental with your credit card and book in advance. Not only do some credit card companies offer discount deals for booking rental cars in advance, but they also come with hidden benefits like rental car insurance baked into their deal. That can mean significant cost savings so long as you’re a little bit more organized than usual.

Also, you’ll want to make sure you do your own due diligence before you get into the car. Inspect the vehicle itself before you drive. Not only is this an important thing in terms of safety, but any scratches or minor bumps should be identified so you don’t get charged for them later on.

Hopefully, these tips will help make renting a car a little easier for you on your next trip. Until then, stay safe, have fun and good luck!

At times it feels like renting a car is a big deal, even if it’s only for a few days. As a result, many families always seem to try to rent the cheapest thing that can get – forgoing other needs that they might have on vacation in order to save a few bucks.

This isn’t always the best route to take however, as unexpected scenarios can pop up that radically alter your plans and can put a damper on your vacation. It’s also important to understand that what might be cheaper up front, might not be cheaper on the back end as gas mileage and other factors can play into your experience.

If you’re planning on traveling with your family in the coming holiday months – here are some tips to help you figure out which rental car to go with.

Substance over style

Family needs are often more practical than flashy. Especially when you have two kids, getting something that’s cool looking rather than functional is a big no-no. Take into consideration what your family’s comfort needs are and then what you’re going to need for your vacation.

Distance is meaningful

If you’re driving in and around an urban area, than gas miles and something that’s driveable is important. If you’re going to be driving long periods of time, than comfort will be important. Sometimes, it’s a little bit of both and fortunately there are rentals that can help you find a happy medium.

How big is your family – literally and figuratively

The overall size of your family and the size of the things they’re traveling with are both extremely important factors to consider when renting a car. Even smaller families with small kids can travel heavy at times – with rockers, strollers, clothes, diaper bags and the like – meaning you’ll need to have significantly more space – particularly if you’re traveling long distances. It’s important to remember – it’s not always JUST about the number of people in your family – sometimes it’s about what they bring.

But we’re on a budget

Being on a budget is fine but make sure – especially if you’re traveling with a family – that you weight all of your options and look out for hidden costs. Things like car seats and the like can cost you extra. And like we mentioned above small doesn’t always equal ‘efficient’ when it comes to gas consumption. What might appear to be inexpensive up front might not be so inexpensive when it comes to dropping the car back off at the end of the trip.

Family vacation time is great. It’s a time to make memories and get some much needed rest and relaxation. But make sure you do your homework and ultimately rent a car that fits both your family’s needs and the needs of your trip. Hopefully these tips will help you. Good luck!

We’re sure you’ve heard from people that once you have kids that your travel days are pretty much over and frankly – that’s not true. Is it a little more expensive? Sure is – but traveling with a family isn’t the hassle some people make it out to be. In fact, it can be one of the best experiences you have as a family.

Some of our most common customers are families with kids. They’re gearing up either for the last leg of a trip or hopping in a rental to hit the road. Either way – while traveling with kids can be exciting for them, there are some setbacks. When it comes to those long trips in our rental cars – we’re sure you’ll have a few. Here are some tips to dealing with typical kids-related travel issues on road trips and how to better manage them.

Let’s jump right in.

Plan your vacation with them

Include your kids in the planning for your next trip. Let them pick some destinations with you and feel like what they want to do really matters – and do it because it should! There is another purpose here though – and that’s that it makes it easier to convince your child to muscle through those last few hours on the road, keep themselves occupied a little longer and hold off on whatever is bothering them – just because they know that carrot is at the end of the stick. Make kids a part of the process!

I’m tired

While it doesn’t always seem like it – kids don’t have the kinds of gas tanks that we do. They need some rest and that goes for rest at night and even some respites during the day – especially if they’re little. Be sure that you plan your road trip in a way and manner that is not completely overwhelming.

I’m bored

Nothing drives a parent crazier than ‘I’m bored’ being bleated out from the back seat (or anywhere else for that matter). While you’ll never fully overcome this objection at any point in time as your children grow up – you can do some things to take the edge off. Make sure you have plenty of activities for them to do in the car, some home comforts like toys, books and snack packs – all of whom can be lifesavers on a trip. And especially if you’re in rental car, plan out some road stop mini-destinations. Things to scrub off the list to say ‘we did that.’ This way, the trip is broken up a little bit more and a bit more bearable for the young ones.

I’m hungry

Snacks are an integral part of any road trip – not just for the kids, but for you, too. Long trips can leave kids cranky and hungry! Also – especially on travel days – try to plan it so breakfast and lunch stops are planned, Like your side-track tourist trap locations along your journey – these help break up the journey but they’re also a more economical choices for meals as they tend to cost significantly less and are considered not-as formal/kid friendly affairs.

Traveling with kids does bring with it some challenges, but the rewards are so much greater. If you’re thinking of hitting the road on your next family vacation, then give us a call! Good luck and enjoy your trip!

We mostly travel for pleasure, so it’s kind of ironic that when we decide to take a trip somewhere that most of the decisions are pretty stressful. How much do you spend? How do you get there? Where will you stay? A lot of things have to come together for the trip to be exactly what you want it to be.

But beyond all that, there’s a lot of little, tiny things that can add up and create a smoother travel experience. The kinds of things that take the edge off and allow you to enjoy your trip. Here are some things you can do to make those little things add up to one, big memorable experience. Let’s jump right in!

Be open to off-campus lots

As airports expand, they need more parking spaces. The trouble is finding one. Parking at airports is expensive and plenty of great deals can be found by driving down the street to lots who are off campus in all but name. If you’re an economy minded traveler, it makes more sense to leave your car there. Not just to save some money, but keeping it so you can spend it in a place that you actually want to spend it.

Make sure your essentials are in your carry-on

If we’ve seen it once, we’ve seen it a ton of times. People lose their bag and with it goes their toothpaste, shampoo, toiletries, clothes and the like. In fact at least one bag gets lost on every single US flight. Crazy, right?

That’s why it’s important to make sure you pack all your essentials in your carry on bag so you know you won’t lose it. We’d also recommend making sure you pack one set of clothes as well. That way if you ever do lose your bag, you’ll have a clean change of clothes!

Remember your info

Kind of an all-encompassing tip – but be sure to remember things like your flight numbers, hotel information and the like. If anything goes wrong, you’ll have everything on hand that you need. Keep things like your boarding pass as it’s a proof of travel that can be used for tax purposes and as a proof of travel. Remember your flight number, too. Seems like no-brainer but some airports don’t list the full names of destinations or only list their flights by number alone. This’ll save you potential headaches.

Get a City Pass

CityPass is an incredible tool if you’re going to be here or Canada. They’re a fantastic way of saving money and will allow you to get into a ton of museums and attractions at either a substantially discounted price or entirely free. It also allows you access to public transit that allows you to get around seamlessly.

The next time you travel, remember these trips and hopefully they’ll make things go smoother. Good luck and safe travels!

For some, traveling for business is new and exciting. For others, it’s a tiring ordeal where you’re juggling people, deadlines, pressure, time zones and everything else you do during the day. If you’re one of the people who fall into the later group, today’s blog is for you.

Traveling for business can be draining, but there are plenty of ways for you to take the edge off. Here are some tips as to how you can make your next business trip a little bit more bearable. Let’s jump right in!

Always bring a pre-charged phone/device charger

Calls, emails and especially maps and GPS can drain your battery quickly. Make sure you have a portable USB charger on hand. There are plenty of gadgets you can choose from – all of which vary from size to the amount of charge in them. Nothing stinks worse than being on the road with no way of communicating.

Use hotel and car rental rewards

Most Hotel and rental car companies feature some sort of rewards program for their repeat customers. Take advantage of those! You can build up points that get you a lot of free stuff – including rentals, cost savings, discounts and even some cool perks (free drinks, etc). Most businesses are happy to let you book under their credit card with your own personal rewards account – so it’s something that can benefit your personal life as well.

Bring your family

A lot of the stress associated with business travel simply comes from being away from home and not with your family. So when you have the chance – considering bringing them and stay an extra day or two in your destination. It’s a great educational and recreational opportunity for the kids, but it’s also a great way to mix a little business and pleasure while always giving you an added sense of peace of mind.

Take your own excursions

If you’re going to be in town for a few days, then you’re crazy to sit in your hotel room the whole time and sleep. Get out, see the local sights and sounds – take in the scenery, participate in an activity, attend a game – do something to keep your mind off the negativity and stress of travel and enjoy it instead.

If you’re noticing a common trend, that’s because there is one – that’s it’s all about self-care and blending it with business. Half the anxiety and stress associated with business travel is a lack of familiarity and not enough willingness to take the edge off. Get out, enjoy the place you’re traveling, kill it in your meeting and take a deep breath. This should be fun!

Packing is a lot harder than people think. But trust us when we tell you that once you get it down – it’ll totally be worth it. No one wants to spend the time or money lugging and paying for big bags on your next vacation, let alone trying to find the space for all your things in one of our rental cars.

Lucky for you, packing for your trip is not only going to get better, it’s going to get a lot lighter. Today, we’re here to discuss how you can pack more efficiently – dare we even say – lightly for your next trip out of town. Here’s how to pack light and get more out of your trip!

Pack your must-haves, not the nice-to-haves

Lay out everything you would like to bring with you and then give it some thought. Eliminate all the things you won’t absolutely NEED on your trip. Resist the urge to be over prepared. That’s nice to be ready for anything, but ‘anything’ rarely happens and what actually ends up happening is that the ‘anything’ you were talking about ends up being you stumbling through an airport with and overstuffed bag.

Never pack more than one week’s worth of clothing

Trust us when we tell you its actually easier (and less expensive) to do laundry than it is to carry a big bag around with a weeks’ worth of clothing in it. Pack some versatile outfits and keep the colors simple. That way you’ll be able to mix and match just about any outfit.

The more versatile, the better

You should zero in on items that’ll always be useful to you or be useful in a ton of situations. Think twice about the things that you’ll only use in or on unique situations. Also, it’s probably a good idea to remember that you can often rent something locally if you need it or find a cheap temporary fix if something goes wrong. And yes – don’t fret about forgetting something! Believe it or not – they have shops everywhere! Trust us when we tell you you’ll be able to find toothpaste on the road!

Use the rolling technique

When you pack for your next trip, simply use the rolling technique with all of your clothes. That way, you’ll be able to maximize your space and place whatever you need into your bag. That way when you’re ripping around an airport, in a rush, in and out of cabs, rental cars, tight spaces and bustling streets – that you’ll be able to do so without the cumbersome responsibility of dragging your stuff everywhere.

Always remember – the most important part of your trip should be enjoying it – not spent lugging your belongings across the globe. Good luck on your next trip!

Seasoned business travelers all have their own tips and tricks as to how to stay ahead of things on the road. But for you beginners out there – the whole thought process of going over what to bring and what to leave behind can be a little overwhelming.

So switching gears this month – we’ll be talking about some tips you can use to make your business trip run as smoothly as possible.

Charge your electronics

This seems like a no-brainer, but if you’re helter-skelter with chargers and the like, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got as much juice in your devices as possible. You’ll be on the go, so there won’t be much time to stop and charge.

Keep your valuables in your carry-on

Keep your travel docs, medications and electronics on your carry-on. You don’t want to risk losing them or having them all end up in the wrong city if there’s a baggage issue. Keep your essentials on you at all times. You can always check TSA guidelines and see what is permitted and what isn’t.

A note about clothes

If you’re traveling for business, you’ll want to be sure to not over pack. In terms of what you should pack, we recommend neutral colors and keep the style basic. That way you can mix and match according to the situation. Also another pro tip – if you’re unsure of the dress code, go business casual. It never fails.

The next thing to think about is how you’ll pack. We recommend either going flat fold or using the old roll-it-up technique. That way you’ll maximize the space in your bag and will be able to travel lighter.

Plan ahead

No kidding, right? But we’re serious when we tell you that you’ll be glad you did. Being away from home is always a little unsettling, so having your tickets ready to go, knowing in advance how much time you’ll have to get from A to B and not having to pack last minute will be a major relief. Also be sure to make sure your luggage tags are up to date and the important things on your person can be recovered if lost.

Also take some time to go over your schedule and see where you need to be and when. This can save you a ton of time and will also help you figure out when you have downtime so you can schedule out a little personal fun as well. Business trips without fun aren’t business trips!

Good luck!

For many, driving in traffic is a flat-out, anxiety inducing nightmare. Cars cutting you off, races from light to light, no parking, rude drivers – you name it, there’s plenty to worry about.

There’s plenty you can do however, to make that experience a little easier on you. Here are some tips for driving in the city that can make your experience a whole lot easier.

Get the right car

Here’s where we come in. If you’re driving in the city, do yourself a favor and don’t rent a big car. Get something like a sedan or compact car that can zip in and out of small spaces and can fit into nooks and crannies. If you’re in the city, chances are you’ll be headed there for something specific so don’t worry about glitz and glam. Focus on practicality and having something that’s going to work in that space.

Go full auto

Stick shifts are fun and save you money on your rental, but they’re completely impractical for the city. Especially in hilly places like San Francisco, they just add an element of parking you don’t need to worry about. Keep it simple and go with an automatic transmission.

Figure out how much you’ll be driving

MPG is a thing to consider depending on what city you’re in. If you’re here in Tampa or a more spread out city like Los Angeles, you’ll want something that gets good gas mileage because it’s not as easy to get from place to place and things are a bit more spread out. If you’re in a more compact city or one like New York with narrow streets, it’ll be less of a concern.

Get assistance

Having a few tools can go a long way in the urban jungle. Make sure your car has a full-blown security system because you’ll have to worry about things like break-ins a little bit more. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Also explore the option of parking assistance. It’s especially handy when you’re parking in tight spaces with a lot of pedestrians around who won’t hesitate to walk right out in front or in back of your car.

Use navigational tools

In the city you have to make decisions faster, so having a GPS or something like it on board makes a colossal difference in your experience and can also help you find those hard-to-discover places you might be headed to. Sure, it might cost a little bit extra, but it’s worth it!

Finally, the best advice we can give you is to not sweat the small stuff. Cabbies will cut you off, people will walk in front of your car and drivers might be rude – but just keep your cool. If you’re going be late, be late. It’s not the end of the world and your safety and sanity is what’s most important. Good luck!

There are dozens of ways to insure yourself when driving a rental car and one of the most popular ways is through your credit card company. It seems cheap up front, but there is a lot you need to know before using it. While you might save a few bucks up front – in the event something does happen – you’ll wish you had used your rental car agencies’ coverage.

Here are some of the pitfalls of credit card car insurance.

Be wary of credit card coverage

Credit cards offer a variety of benefits, and car rental insurance is certainly one of them. But credit card car rental insurance isn’t always the best. For one, it’s almost never universal, so you can’t easily use it from company to company. The other thing to know is that credit card car rental insurance might cover certain cars, but not others.

The big thing to remember is if you’re on a long trip where you’ll need your car for a number of days, maybe even weeks. Credit Card Car insurance will only insure you up to a certain amount of dates, which if you don’t know, could end up costing you the full amount at the end of the trip if something happened.

Limited options

In most cases, if you want to use your credit card to insure your rental, you have to put the full amount of the rental onto your credit card. If someone has limited or poor credit, this keeps you out of the game and if you don’t put the full amount on your card, then you’re exposed.

Again, if you’ve got a big line and are ok – then that’s one thing, but just remember where the bill’s going at the end of the day.

Credit card coverages usually offer secondary coverage

Be mindful of this. If you’re in an accident, then you’re going to have to go through other avenues for compensation if you need to pay for your damages. There’s a charge to your personal auto insurance, and then once that’s done – you try to claim the rest through your credit card company. It’s not the easiest route to go.

Some companies do offer full coverage, but it depends on the cardholder and your own personal account to know what you are protected from.

Paying up front

Credit Card car insurance usually assigns itself as secondary insurance. And your auto insurance is almost always going to make you pay out of pocket – at first – for your damages. Any complications and you’re looking at harm to your credit score. Be wary.

For people that have never been on business trips before, there can be a little bit of a learning curve. Taking a trip on someone else’s dime isn’t something most younger professionals are used to and as such, there can be some pitfalls, and benefits that are often fallen into and overlooked.

If you’re going on your first business trip, then today’s blog is for you! Here are some things to think about before you head out on your first business trip.

Be sure you know the company handbook

What we mean by this is just knowing the rules under which you’re traveling. It’s important to know what you can expense, what needs to come out of pocket, etc. In addition, it’s good to know behavior expectations and any corporate deals or memberships you can use. If there isn’t some sort of guidebook – just be sure you ask in advance.

Avoid rides-haring

Renting a car is usually covered by your employer. Ridesharing usually isn’t. In addition, you’ll have the luxury of being able to come and go as you please as well as have a reliable way of ensuring that you’re always on schedule. Parking can be a bit of a challenge, but at least you’ll be able to get it reimbursed.

Pack to be on the move

One of the golden rules of any business trip is packing light and packing to be mobile. If it can’t fit in a carry-on suitcase, then you’re bringing way too much. Pack a professional outfit, some business casual outfits, something to work out in and then just some personal garb. Also be sure to scope out the weather forecast for your destination. That way – you won’t be caught short handed by the weather.

Have fun, but don’t go nuts

Business trips are fun – but you have to remember that work is priority #1. But when it comes to your free time, it’s important to not go overboard. Don’t be the last guy back at the hotel, make sure you’re getting enough sleep to function and don’t do anything that could jeopardize your professional relationships.

Business trips are awesome if you know the ropes, so be sure to follow these tips and enjoy all the personal and professional growth that can come from the experience! Enjoy your first business trip!

This one is for some of you rookies out there who haven’t ever rented a car before and aren’t sure what to do when you bring it back. We’re sure you’ve probably hard some not-so-great stories from your peers in the past but rest assured that if you do these four, basic things – dropping off your car should be a breeze.

Let’s jump right in!

Check the agreement

Be sure to take a quick glance through your rental agreement before you leave the place you’re staying. It should include information on the places where you can drop your car off, what time it needs to be dropped off and requirements on the gas tank. The agreement is a contract and not abiding by it could result in your paying extra fees, so be careful to go over it in full.

Return the car on time

Being on time is a basic adult skill, but making sure you return your rental car on time is really, really important. Companies like ours handle hundreds of reservations a day and are depending on you to return cars when you promise you will. That makes sure that our fleet is used efficiently and that everyone is served as fairly as possible.

Be sure to plan for the day you leave so that you take time to account for traffic and the like.

Fill your tank

Chances are you won’t be too familiar with the surrounding area around a rental car drop off station. Take a gander at your phone or a map the night before and get an idea of where the nearest gas station is. That way, you can fill the tank upon return. While it might be a little bit more convenient for you to not fill the gas tank, the convenience will cost you. Companies will charge you on a per gallon rate that’s more expensive than local gas rates. Just get the car filled up and save some money.

One last walkthrough

Give your car a once over in the parking lot BEFORE you bring your rental back. Check to make sure you have all your belongings but also check to see if there is any damage to the interior or exterior of the automobile. Make notes of trouble area, too. If there is damage, then we recommend you take photos of it and write it down.

If you have questions about dropping off your car, just give us a call. We want to you to spend as little time as possible thinking about us and as much time as possible doing and enjoying the things that caused you to travel in the first place. Just follow these four basic tenants, and your drop off should go smoothly.

So we deal mostly in domestic drivers, but we always want to provide you with some value on this blog. And while we’d love to position ourselves as GLOBAL LEADERS, we’re not. We’re an individual shop who do a great job.

But we also get a lot of folks who are repeat customers and the reason they come back is simply that we know what we’re doing. They get a good deal, they get great service and hey – like any small company – we provide a little extra value for the money invested. So consider today’s blog one of those times.

We have a lot of international traveler who go elsewhere in the world and while renting here is a fairly straight-forward process, renting a car in another country is as challenging to some as learning the language.

Today’s blog is all about some things you’ll need to know if you’re renting a car abroad.

Are you eligible to drive? 

If you’re in an English speaking country, the chances are you’ll be able to get by on your drivers license. Some countries though, want you to have an IDP or what they call an International Driving Permit. It’s not a bad idea – especially if you’re a frequent flyer – to at least look into the option. They’re recognized in over 150 countries and renting a car becomes simple.

But don’t let this put you off – because getting an IDP isn’t hard. All you need is a form, a valid license and two photos of yourself. Then of course the payment – but you won’t drop more than $20-$25. And yes- you’ll need to be at least 18 to get one.

Always check the minimum and maximum driving age in each country. Some countries like Ireland won’t give you a vehicle if you’re over the age of 70.

Get covered 

US auto insurers will almost never insure you while driving abroad, with the sometimes exceptions of Canada and Mexico. To get insurance abroad, we recommend checking with your credit card company first. Many offer overseas driving insurance for tourists.

Outside of that, it’s just a good idea to purchase the company’s regular insurance. It might not be good in many cases, but it’ll at least protect you. It’s an extra expense well worth it.

Get comfortable

Believe it or not, auto transmissions can be a premium in overseas driving markets. You’ll pay more if you want an automatic. Just be ready for this. Also get used to roads that have significantly more bend, more curves, corners and that are generally less maintained than US roads. In some countries you’ll even drive on the opposite side of the road.

The trick is just to make sure you have as many comfortable conditions lining up in your favor as possible. Get a good GPS and you should be all set. If you don’t have one – check with your car rental service and they should provide you one for roughly $14 per day

Know the rules

Be sure to know the usual signage meanings and rules of where you’re going to drive. ON the German Autobahn – you can fly. In other areas, driving 30mph can get you in trouble. Ignorance is never an excuse for violating the law, so make sure you know your rights, your options and what you can and cannot do.

It’s rare to have the open road ahead of you never mind in a foreign country. Take the time to plan – and the experience will be that much more rewarding. Relax and enjoy your time out of the country!

Everyone loves their pets and for some, the thought of leaving them behind while you’re trotting across the country is difficult. Fortunately for animal lovers everywhere, car rental companies are becoming more open to the idea of traveling with pets in their cars. If it’s your first time traveling with your furry friend, there are some things you should know in advance and that’s what we’re here to discuss today.

Here are some tips for renting a car with your pet.

Bath Time

One of the best ways to make sure your pet doesn’t smell up a car is to give them a bath and make sure they’re clean. Remember – this is a vehicle that’ll be used by a lot of people – so be considerate and be cognizant of your pet’s odor and do your best to keep them clean. No fleas or ticks, please!

Seat covers are your friend

There are a whole bevy of products available to help keep the fur off the seats and make sure they’re protected. Full seat covers and pet hammocks are effective and can be purchased at any local pet store. It gives them their own space and thing to sit and sleep on – without the hassle of cleaning up after them when you’re done.

Keep your pet dry

Wet hair is incredibly potent, but it’s also preventable. Be sure to thoroughly dry or clean your pet in the event they get wet or go swimming. While it’s more or less expected that your pet will leave signs that it was, in fact – in the rental car; you can get dinged with fees if the smell in the car is too much. So it’s best to avoid the wet stuff.

Don’t leave your pet unattended

This should be obvious to people, but we can’t stress it enough. To heck with the car – it’s flat out wrong to leave your pet cooped up in a car in any weather. It can lead to interior damage in the car, the danger of heatstroke, or something worse. If you do need to leave your pet in the car, make sure someone is there to sit with them.

Clean your rental before returning it

Hopefully the end of your trip means lots of happy memories and good times. But just in case you have a mishap, or even if you’ve checked all the ‘must do’s’ and the car is still a little messier than anticipated, then don’t sweat it. Just get it cleaned quickly before you drop it off. A quick vacuum can make a big difference.

Bring some toys

Pets regularly struggle with new environments and that can lead to some erratic behavior. Sometimes they’ll chew on seatbelts or other features in the car. Bring some familiarity from home for them to give a little added comfort.

Good luck on your next trip and hopefully you and your pet can create lots of great memories!

Choosing your location is probably the most important thing on your next trip – but choosing the right rental car comes in as a close number 2! Arriving in a busy city like Tampa and finding out that the car you rented is too big to fit into certain parking spaces or navigate through traffic comfortably can be awful! That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re matching up the right car with the right destination.

And of course – that’s why we’re here, today! Here are a few destination/car matches that can make your trip that much more enjoyable.

For cities: compact cars and sedans

If you’re going to be in a city – whether it’s a spread out one like Dallas or Los Angeles or a more condensed crowded New York or Boston, then you’ll want a smaller car to help you navigate said city. Parking is tighter, traffic is heavier and space in general is more condensed – even in places with more sprawl. You’ll need something to squeeze into those tight places and create bigger spaces on your own.

The long road trip: SUV’s or 4×4’s

If you’re planning to make that big trek out of the city and into the wild blue yonder – wherever that might be – then it’s best to get big wheels for those big dreams. Any time distance, remote locations or staying in several different places blend together – then you need something bigger to sit more comfortably for longer and store all the things that will inevitably be coming with you.

SUV’s and 4×4’s are ideal for these sorts of trips because they’re big enough to carry camping gear, hiking gear or any other needs that may arise. They’re capable of handling any kind of terrain and especially if you’re going off the beaten path (literally), then these guys are the only way to go.

The day trip: Sports car or convertible 

Let’s say you’ve got a morning meeting in a city and then a whole lot of time to burn before you go home. Or that you’re looking to do a turbo tour for relatives coming to a nearby city for a short period of time… then we recommend that you get the kind of car that can get you around and allow for maximum sight seeing.

No trip to LA is complete without a trip up to Malibu. No evening in New York is complete without a cruise through Times Square. And you’ll need a car you can lean out of, one you can snap photos from. You’ll need a car that’s compact enough for the city but has enough power for those places that are a little more remote. You’ll need something that can get you to that site an hour away quickly.

So we recommend you use a sporty sedan or a convertible. There just isn’t a better way to take in the surroundings!

Choosing the right rental care for your trip is about choosing where you want to go and what you want to do. Good luck with your next trip and if you’re going to be in the Tampa area, we hope to hear from you very soon! Safe travels!

Especially for those of us who are travelers in the Tampa region, traveling in winter weather can present a whole host of challenges other than getting up and off the runway and to your destination. Driving isn’t particularly fun in the winter and with that in mind, we come to our topic for this month: driving a rental car in the winter.

A lot of folks will advise you to rent the all wheel drive vehicles and to spruce them up with heat warmers and the like. Honestly, it’s not a bad idea at all. But still, you’d be surprised that unless you’re in a ‘buried by snow’ city like Buffalo, you probably won’t need that and you can waste a lot of unnecessary money acquiring those features.

The simple truth of the matter is that most to all cars today are front-wheel drive and should handle well in most snowy and icy conditions. Most even come with anti-lock breaks, which we feel is a must if you’re traveling in the winter – so just be sure and ask to make sure your rental comes equipped with them.

We say this because more often than not, the most dangerous thing about driving in the cold and snow is breaking – especially on sharp curves. Anti-lock breaks help you and the car from slipping out of control. Now notice we only said ‘help’ because snow sometimes has a mind of it’s own.

Which brings us to our next point – which is to simply slow down. No matter what wing-dings you have for your vehicle of choice, none of it will do you any good if you’re driving around at 60MPH in snow. Now that being said – it’s a good idea to avoid rear-wheel drive cars altogether – particularly sports cars like Mustangs and many Cadillacs. They handle very poorly in cold, wet conditions. Stick with all wheel drive and front-wheel drive cars only!

Also be sure to keep your fluids full. Washer fluid, gas and the like. Gas is particularly important because gas equals heat, so keep as close to a full tank as you can throughout your trip.

The next piece of advice would be to simply prepare yourself. Pack warm clothes and wear them. Keep a shovel and a roadside assistance number handy. And if there was ever a time to NOT avoid car insurance – this would be it. While you can take all the precautions in the world, it’s no guarantee that others will. And with snow comes an increased likelihood of an accident being caused by something. Just be prepared for the worst!

In closing, the best thing to do is to make sure that your car is ready to drive, that you’re ready to drive yourself in the snow and that you provide yourself with the necessary safety nets in the event something bad happens. Do those three things, and you should arrive at your desired destination happy and healthy. Safe travels!

Renting a car is a fun time and some of us even like to go all out when we do it and get all the bells and whistles we could or can’t afford in our actual cars. There’s a certain ‘playing pretend’ fun about renting cars, for sure.

And there’s no doubt that many of today’s bells and whistles are really, really cool. Web browsing, streaming music, hands free calls and texts – all of it can really add to your experience. While it’s all fun – there is a danger in it though – and that’s privacy.

Staying connected is important in today’s world, but there are certainly some things to keep in mind if you’re renting a full-connected car. Cyber security and data protection is a big issue in today’s world and it’s certainly (inevitably) leaked its way into the automotive industry as well. And that’s what we’re here to help with today.

Here are some things you can do to keep your data and information more secure when you rent a car.

Don’t connect your devices to the infotainment system for charging – We know – that’s kind of asking a lot – but it’s safer to use a cigarette lighter adapter. Why? Because more often than not, USB connections transfer data automatically without asking your permission. And that’s data you may or may not want in the hands of others.

Be sure to check all your permissions – In a smooth transition from point #1, be sure to check all the permission functions on your phone – or the section in your settings that says what your device can and can’t share. Grant access to only the things you think are necessary. So if you want to just play music – make sure that music is the only thing your car can access.

Delete all your data before returning the car – We actually see this a lot where a client returns a car to us and doesn’t reset the infotainment system. While WE do that here, not everyone does it or even trains their employees to do it. So what happens is that your data is just there, hanging out there for anyone to take. And truth be told – you don’t know who will be renting that car next. Clear our your information so it doesn’t get stolen.

So why is all this information management important? Aside from the general embarrassment that can come from it – valuable information can be retained in a car – such as your home address, where you work, bank, etc. Your phone number, other people’s contacts and even text messages can all be logged as well. Keeping this information out of the hands of people is important.

So the next time you rent a connected car – have fun! But take the necessary precautions to protect you and your information from harm.

Traveling during the holidays is always stressful and while we’d love to write a blog about how it’s no big deal and how we can make it easy for you – that’s just not true. There are simply too many things that can go wrong, that get complicated and that can be stressful about the whole experience.

Many things we don’t even have to bother going over with you here. You know the drill, right? Presents, family, kids, more people, more stress, flights to catch, connections to make, multiple mood gear shifts – it’s all there.

But we can do – is help take the edge off a bit by helping you find a great deal on your holiday car rental. The one thing people ALWAYS overlook during this time of year is renting a car from here to there. You’re more worried about making sure you get to your general destination via flight, you’re worried about buying presents, you’re worried about surprises, valuables – all of it.

So we’re here to remind you that – yes, you’ll probably need a rental – but that there are ways to make your experience easy, affordable – and do it all with as little stress as possible.

So let’s jump right in!

Make sure you need one

If you’re traveling within the city limits or close to an airport – then a taxi, Uber or rail might be all you need. But if you’re traveling to a destination located out of a particular metro area, the chances are you’ll need a car. Then from there – it really comes down to the length of your trip and the kind of comfort, space and room you’re looking to get.

Set a budget

When people travel during the holiday season, the last thing they usually take into account is the expense of a rental car – and that’s where they tend to get themselves into a little trouble. Set a budget and do what you can to stick to it. Everyone’s purses get stretched thin during the holiday season – so get what you need.

Search for local deals

While the big boxes get all the attention, a lot of people don’t know that going with a smaller, more local car rental company can prove to be far more beneficial. They’ll be able to work with you on things like budgets, stipulations and the like. And above all else – try to stay away from booking rental cars at the airport. Go off-campus, so to speak. You’ll pay more for the ‘convenience’ of renting a car at the airport when a simple shuttle or taxi cab ride can save you hundreds of dollars.

Do your research

Get an idea for what the actual going rates for the period of time that you’ll be traveling. The holiday season tends to see a bit of a spike with many rental car services, so get an idea of what the market looks like and see where you can find the best rate. Also – don’t be afraid to travel off the beaten path and look local. Again – you’ll be able to wheel and deal effectively there – and they need your business. You’ll get better, more reputable service.

Be mindful of terms, conditions, deals and packages

The holiday season brings with it a significant uptick in business for car rental companies. To maximize their profits, companies will frequently offer deals, holiday specials and package deals. Take advantage of them – that’s what they’re there for!

Bad service is the exact opposite of what we want to do. And too many times the customers we get are people coming off of bad experiences with others. While we’re not all that optimistic that they’ll stop soon, we can at least take a few moments to grind our gears.

So let’s jump right in.

High pressure sales tactics

We wrote a blog a few months ago about how everyone’s now a salesman. Everyone. Rental companies make a ton of money off of optional insurances and let’s face it – sometimes they are absolutely worth it. They’re also absolutely profitable for companies. But the extent to which they’re pushed isn’t good. It’s great to let customers know what they might want because they don’t know everything. It’s a different thing altogether to pressure them into something they don’t want.

Optional but mandatory

This doesn’t happen as much here – but overseas you’ll see a lot of companies who will provide you with the option of taking insurance or ancillary products. However, it’s not really an option because if you choose to NOT take the add-on you get charged a fee for opting out of that. Nuts, right? If you’re going to charge the money anyway, include it in your standard fare.

Don’t worry about it until you have to

This unfortunately happens more than it should. “This” – meaning when rental car agents inspect your car for damage – they go looking. And we mean really, really looking. Be sure to notate everything up front about the car and list off any damage. Get a list from your agent and make one yourself. That way – everyone’s on the same page.

It’s also a good thing to do because sometimes this just happens by mistake. Or that you’ll get one employee who’s pretty relaxed about damage while you have others who are hopelessly tied to employee rules and regulations. Some like to video tape inspections, honestly that’s a little far on our end. We’ll initial and sign off on a list if you need us to. If you’re video taping someone doing an inspection, than maybe you should reconsider why you chose that company in the first place.

Any other things that drive you nuts? Grinds your gears? Let us know below!

Traveling is always stressful, even for your most rugged, grizzled road warriors. The trips are long, you always have to be on your toes and being in unfamiliar faces is dependably draining.

This month, we’ve got some tips to share with you that can help make sure your mind is at as much peace as possible on your next road trip – but more importantly – a whole heck of a lot safer.

Let’s jump right in!

Share your itinerary

Some of us just hate the fact that everyone is watching what we do seemingly all the time and escaping the watchful eye of our supervisors, employees and peers is seen as a luxury in today’s world. But on a business trip, it’s a safer bet that someone knows where you are. That’s why if you have an itinerary, share it with someone.

That way people will know where you are. In case something happens like an accident and the like – at least someone will have a general idea of where you are, why, etc. Also don’t be afraid to check in. Sometimes we get stuck in cities, places and meetings and it’s good to call and/or text in to just say ‘I’m good, just running behind.’

Download some helpful apps

There’s an app for everything these days, and when you’re off the proverbial reservation, it’s a good idea to have those tools handy at your disposal. Some really good ones we’ve found:

• Gas Buddy – helps locate nearby gas stations quickly in case you’re running low on fuel.
• iExit – Restaurants, C-stores or whatever else you need is right at your fingertips.
• Me – Super detailed maps and it works in the most highly populated cities as well as totally remote rural areas. It also has an offline accessibility feature as well AND has updated exit information should you ever find your exit under construction unexpectedly.

Get your rest

Even the most hardened road warriors will tell you to get your sleep – especially if you’re driving. And on the road – that’s a little harder. Humans have a harder time sleeping in unfamiliar places, after all.

If you’re driving, make lots of rest stops where you can snooze for a bit if you have to. And at night – even if you don’t feel tired – it’s a good idea to rest at least for a little while. Our bodies naturally have triggers to doze purely because it’s night out; so don’t leave yourself and others susceptible to injury.

Keep emergency equipment on board

You never know when you’ll take a slip, a stumble, blow a flat, slam your hand in the door – accidents are all around us. Being prepared is important. A road emergency kit can cost you $20 and give you everything you need. Make sure you have it on you even if the rental car you’ve procured has one. Better to be safe than sorry.

If you already have one at home, just bring it with you. Toss it in the trunk or backseat.

Here’s our best for a safe business trip and an even safer trip home!