Whether you’re travelling for fun or business, the unavoidable aspect of any journey is travel plans. If you have to go with your family or alone, you have to take care of hotel reservations, flights, food, and pets (if you have one that must come with you).
Every aspect of your plan is easy to handle if you begin as soon as you confirm your journey. With online access and, of course, reliable services you’re only a click away from putting everything in order.
A crucial aspect of your plans is a movement within the destination country or location. So, you really should make reservations ahead. You may decide to rent a car or get transportation services from reliable ground chauffeur services like Limo Services USA.
Employing the services of a chauffeur company is mostly stress-less. In fact, your pickup is always waiting for you at the airport. However, if you like to explore your adventurous side and decide to rent a car without an escort or guide, here are some things you should know.
To understand some of the advantages and disadvantages of such decisions, keep reading; it will help you plan better.
Pros of Renting a Car for travel
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Here are a few of the pros of renting a vehicle for travelling.
Accessibility
Let’s face it; there are many car rental companies out there. It’s easier nowadays since these companies are accessible online. If you make a reservation online, you will see a wide array of cars to pick from.
However, if you decide to make your rental on arrival, you still have an array of cars to choose from. Rates are quite competitive too. What are we saying? That renting a Car caters for your convenience and affords you the chance to go anywhere you want to go.
Affordability
The fact that there’s a competition in the rates means affordability. Overall, you’d find a price that works best for you. Asides that, there are a lot of options to explore and many deals and offers to enjoy to save cost. Inevitably, when you provide money in exchange for the service, you know you’re getting value for your cash.
Test driving a vehicle you like
Now, this sounds weird but true. If you’ve had your eyes on the latest Mercedes, here’s your chance to test drive one. The possibility of setting sights and driving a car you’ve always wanted is high.
Now, this is an exciting part of your journey and a chance at getting a feel of it. Even though you may get to select the car you want ahead of time (no guarantees there), there could be an upgrade or a downgrade.
Upgraded services
Some rental companies offer you upgraded services like better gas mileage, a new car, storage, and other services that your vehicle may not have. Also, you could tailor your choice to what’s important to you during the trip. Typically, a new car has fewer chances of developing engine problems. Again, renting cars is sometimes cheaper than parking in some cities.
Cons of Renting a Car for travel
Here are a few of the cons of renting a vehicle for travelling.
Insurance
A disadvantage of renting a car for a trip is the limited coverage on the vehicle. If you hire a car with limited insurance policies, you could be held in contempt of the law or pay extra insurance charges. Therefore, be sure of the insurance details from the rental company before finalizing your renting.
You do the navigation
Road navigation in a new destination could be challenging. Right, you have the help of GPS as well as other navigation systems. Despite the tremendous support they provide, alongside your phone, they could be distracting. The fact that you have to look at your phone and focus on the road simultaneously is not only distracting; it could cause accidents.
Parking fees
When you rent a car, all the parking fees or charges are your responsibility so you can add that to your expenses. Most countries require parking fees for parking and other events; parking fees are almost impossible to avoid.
Learning the rules of the new country or destination
It is utterly true that the laws of the road differ from country to country so if you rent a car in a new country, you have to know the rules. Also, there are international road signs that you must interpret to navigate the road and stay safe. This may not entirely count as a disadvantage since you’re learning something new but if you don’t know it, you know there’s trouble.
To Keep in Mind
Here are a few things to keep in mind when renting a car for travel.
Safety
Apart from insurance challenges, the worst part of renting a car is safety issues. In the event of an accident or dent to your rental car, you could be held responsible. Be sure to read the details of the rental company before making a purchase.
The Age barrier
Some rental companies impose age limits on senior citizens, mostly starting at the age of 70. As if that’s not enough, these limits may not show up during the rental process or on the website until you’re at the rental counter.
Rip-Off
Rip-offs come in different scenarios. Hiring a car is a part of your journey that you could quickly put off to the last minute or until you arrive at your destination. When you do this, you may not get the kind of car you want and maybe offered something less in the name of an “upgrade.”
Some car rental companies give you the “full-empty option,” i.e., before you even enter the car, you have to pay upfront for a tank-full of petrol so that you can return the tank empty. First, you may be overcharged for the petrol price, and you may not use up the gasoline on your trip. Although there may be a refund, service charges are still attached. You may want to look for rental services with “fair fuel policy.”
Final Thoughts on Car Rental for Travel
Now that you know some advantages and disadvantages of hiring a car, you can plan better for your next journey. The best step is to make bookings in advance and online. You want to read and understand the policy of the company you’re working with before making any final decisions. Likewise, be sure of your destination’s details to avoid getting lost or spending extra.
