island car rental.city car rental.car rent airport.: March 2009

29.3.09

Where to find cheap travel insurance

When you are planning a trip, the first thing you start thinking about is what places you should visit and how much fun you can have. Various activities can be undertaken during a vacation and you would like to try them all out if you can.

There is nothing condemnable about that, because everyone does the same thing, but in order to be smarter than the rest, you need to be prepared for hazards. Sure, any vacation is undertaken with the purpose of having fun, away from you every day worries, but you shouldn’t exchange those worries with others that can ruin that small amount of time when you should be having fun.

Everyone knows that bad things can happen during a vacation. Now I am not saying that they will happen, but you can never be too cautious. Holiday insurance can get your mind off the things that can trouble you during your trip so you can have the fun you want.

Holiday insurance has been especially designed for people who want to take trips and have fun with family and friends. Why trouble yourself with things that can go wrong, when you can be insured and in case anything happens you will be compensated? That is indeed a relief that can allow anyone to concentrate on how to have the fun they deserve.

Holiday insurance addresses anyone that goes on a trip, not just the rich and famous. Even though you may think that insurance companies are out to rip you off, when trouble comes, you will be very pleased if you are insured for that situation.

The services provided by such companies are based on calculating risks. The higher the risk you are exposed to, the higher the cost of the holiday insurance policy will be. The same thing applies for the services and the coverage you are seeking. More services mean higher costs. But what if there was a solution for you that allow you to have your vacation and not spend all your money on insurance?

Cheap travel insurance is not very easy to come by these days, especially one that can provide reliable services. Everyone knows that low costs mean low quality, but this is one exception that will prove very helpful in case you need it.

The cheap travel insurance policy I am talking about covers medical expenses in case you need any medical intervention and hopefully it won’t be the case. You have coverage against stolen goods and you will be compensated in this unfortunate situation.

For people that enjoy winter sports and spend their vacation on the slopes, cheap travel insurance covers all the hazards that can occur during that time. You can even rest assured as far as your equipment goes because it is ensured no matter if it damaged or stolen, even if it is a rental.

There are lots of services you can get with a very small amount of money with cheap travel insurance. If you are looking for the best deal available on the market today, check out the information found on the website tavel-insurance.net.

Hiring a Car in Sanford and LA

Transportation can sometimes be a great challenge when travelling to major cities that have great networks of roads like Sanford and Los Angeles (LA). But with planning, you can make your travelling enjoyable and much fun and by planning, you will visit many destinations without worries.

Hiring a car will help travelers stick to their plans and visit many places of interest easily without wasting much time, the reason here being to save money and make your journey comfortable.

Sanford for example has close to 30 well known parks which are well equiped with ideal locations that travelers may want to visit for sight seeing like the Sanford municipal cemetery, the museums and art centers and the many parks. Los Angeles on the other hand is a city with a bee hive of activities day and night all year round. You can choose to visit different sites or attraction like the Griffith observatory, museums or else spend your time having a look around and using the public utilities such as browsing and taking a walk in the park.

There is always something for every one who visits Los Angels, young or old you will definitely have something to smile at. At night, the city is turned into a beautiful well lighted place with the sound of music filling the air. You can choose to visit one of the many music centers.

Hiring a car is the best option given that there are many interesting sites to visit. Most people will go for rental cars because not only is it affordable but also convenient to use and most companies have pick up and drop off points for their customers. Cars are usually rented on arrival meaning you will get them at the airport. Once you are through with your bookings, you can be sure of a car waiting for you; from there when you can decide where to go. You can choose to go to the hotel or start by visiting one of the attraction sites the choice is all yours.

It is good if you can compare the prices of rental cars online so that your work can be made easier when you arrive there. Bookings can be done online, with different companies offering services. The competition is high therefore you are guaranteed a good car presented in excellent condition.

Alamo, Avis, Budget just to mention a few are among the well known suppliers of rental cars that are cheap and affordable to meet your touring needs. Using public transport can work in some places especially short distances but the fact is that in most cities hitch hiking is not an option as it can be dangerous, and without vehicles, touring can be impossible and sometimes a very awkward venture.

Driving laws are different depending on the state you are in. When booking ask for a booklet containing the driving rules of that state, it will guide you on your visit. Refer to it every time when in a different state.

Travellers will find it worthwhile to rent a car for there is so much to see and do but too little time. Want to enjoy your visit in Los Angeles and Sanford? Transportation should never be a challenge, go for rental cars which are now affordable to everyone!

28.3.09

recent searches: piano note, used car, music and children Benefits of Buying a Used Luxury Car

As a result of improved vehicle technology and materials, used car buying has become increasingly popular in the past several years. This is especially the case in the used luxury car market. Luxury cars hold their value in terms of performance and styling even more today than they ever have in the past. Here we'll take a look at some things to consider when buying a luxury car.

Value:
Some people have the perception that buying a used car just means buying someone else's troubles. While this might be true in some cases, it's certainly not the norm of the 40 million used cars purchased every year. The majority of used luxury cars available are lease returns and those who simply enjoy buying a new luxury car every few years.

While used luxury cars retain their value much more than standard vehicles, a several-year-old used luxury vehicle can sell for 30% - 60% less than it did new. Buyers of new cars pay a steep premium just to enjoy first ownership but the moment the car is driven off the lot and becomes a "used car," the value decreases. In two years, the owner of that same vehicle will in essence be driving a used car but still making the payments of a new vehicle.

Buying a used luxury car also allows you to get more options for less money. For the same price as a new stripped down model, you can buy a used luxury vehicle with accessories like built in TV's, surround sound stereo, or a GPS system.

Less Risk:
When a new vehicle enters the market, it hasn't undergone real consumer road testing. Oftentimes, it isn't until many people are using the car daily that an assembly line mechanical problem surfaces or drivers realize an irritation like that the trunk space not adequate for an average family's needs. By researching used luxury vehicles online you can uncover a wealth of performance reviews and real-world commentary from everyday drivers.

In addition to performance reviews, crash statistics for a used luxury vehicle are better understood than that of a new vehicle. Before a new vehicle is released, it has normally only undergone a series of controlled crash tests. It isn't until 1-3 years after a vehicle is released that there is enough information available to discern how a vehicle will perform in a real world crash.

To minimize the risks of buying a used luxury vehicle, obtain a Car Fax report. Car Fax runs a query on the title of the vehicle, compiling any information about reported accidents, thefts, vandalisms, etc. Most dealerships will offer a Car Fax report at no charge.

Warranty:
Because cars have improved so much in recent years, used car warranties can rival that of a new car warranty depending on the warranty company. Used luxury car warranties can cover up to 3 years and 45,000 miles. Depending on the year of the used luxury vehicle purchased, this can extend longer than the original warranty.

Be sure to check the standard warranty of the car dealership selling the car. Some offer a warranty of just a few days, most give a 30 day standard warranty, but some offer a 90 day standard warranty. Consider the length of the standard warranty a testament to the amount of belief the seller has in the quality of the cars being sold on its lot. Those that have a rigorous selection process often have a longer and more inclusive standard warranty.

Buying a used luxury vehicle is a wise choice for many car owners. There are many people who only choose to purchase used luxury cars because it's such a smart decision overall. With the advanced search capabilities of today's internet, finding a used luxury car that matches your lifestyle and personality can be fast and enjoyable.

recent searches: piano note, used car, music and children Benefits of Buying a Used Luxury Car

27.3.09

Timeshare Rentals for Honeymooners

Are you engaged and looking for a place to honeymoon? Instead of renting a hotel room for a week, which can be very expensive, why not rent a timeshare for a week. There are many timeshare rentals out there that can give you the once in a lifetime opportunity that you deserve on your honeymoon. Not only are these timeshare rentals resorts beautiful and charming they also can offer you the privacy that many hotels and motels can’t offer you. This is a unique and neat way to spend your honeymoon because most people don’t think of this when they are planning their honeymoon.

There are a ton of locations across the United States as well as outside of the United States that you can look into for a timeshare rental. Some of the most popular destinations are Orlando, Mexico, Hawaii, and even the Bahamas. One of the best reasons to pick a timeshare for your romantic getaway is because it will be one of the most memorable experiences in your life. With many timeshares you will be able to relive that memorable experience year after year as you continue to go back to the same place year in and year out. One way to choose the perfect location for your romantic getaway is by making a list of things you both love to do whether it is skiing, swimming, or relaxing. Then you should discuss if you want to go to a warm location or a cold location. For many cold locations there are snow capped hideaways in the mountains that can create one of the most romantic experiences of your life. If you decide to go somewhere warm you can choose to go to a beach where you can go swimming together or lay on the beach hand in hand. Either way you will be spending time with your loved one.

Depending on where you go, you may be eligible for honey packages so check with the timeshare owner to find out if you are. Also, it helps to choose where you are going as far ahead as you can in order to lower the chance of any conflicts that may arise with your stay. You have already spent a ton of money planning your wedding, why spend thousands more planning a honeymoon, many timeshare rentals start with a very low price and go up depending on location and time of the year. A timeshare is the perfect way to take any stress about the honeymoon out of the picture, and as stated before it is an excellent option for people who want to relive their honeymoon again and again, so either way if you are interested in spending a lifetime of vacations at the same place or just looking for a one time vacation timeshare rentals may be the perfect idea for you and your loved one.

In a Rental Car in a Foreign Country? Don't get Lost

You're in a foreign country that you have never visited before and you're in a rental car. This is the perfect combination to get you lost. You have several elements working against you. Those elements are: You're in a car that is unfamiliar to you, the steering wheel is probably on the opposite side of what you're used to, and you are not familiar with the area. That is why you need to do everything you can to keep yourself from getting lost. By not getting lost, you are able to get to your destinations faster and enjoy your trip instead of being frustrated all of the time.

Things to do before the trip

Before you leave to go to a foreign country, make sure you familiarize yourself with the spoken language. Make sure you recognize it in writing as well. It is ideal that you acquire maps of the places you're going to visit in your own language so that you understand what the maps are telling you. If you don't and you acquire the maps in the country you are visiting, you may be able to acquire maps in your own language. If they are not available, that is another reason for you to familiarize yourself with the language so that you can read the maps.

Try to arrange a group tour. See if there are any tours going on in which you can travel in groups. That way you have some kind of guide on your trip while enjoying the tour and you don't have to worry about getting lost unless you get separated. The odds of you getting separated is very slim, so hooking up with a tour guide and going on some sort of tour can really be quite the treat and you don't have to worry about losing your way.

Once you're there

Many cellular phones nowadays have built-in GPS systems. Many of these phones can also be used in foreign countries because they are designed to work on the different bands that exist around the world. If you have a phone with a built-in GPS system and it is called a 'world phone,' then you can use the GPS system on your phone to help you navigate around a foreign country in your rental car. This is stress-free travel at its finest.

However, for those who do not have world phones, there is another option. There are cellular phone rental booths at airports that allow you to rent these phones. If your phone has a SIM card, all you have to do is insert your SIM card into the phone and all of your activity is billed to your cellular phone account. In the meantime, you are able to utilize the GPS feature and make phone calls to your loved ones back home.

You also want to acquire a map when you get there anyway. Even if you acquired a copy in your own language, you want to compare the maps since some things change. You don't want to miss anything, so this is definitely an ideal task. Even if you didn't hook up with tour guides before you left, you can learn about tours and find out what types of tours are taking place within the country. That way you can become a part of these tours and know exactly where you are going. No matter which way you do it, you can enjoy your trip to a foreign country and drive around the way you want to so that you can enjoy your freedom.

Cutting Costs for Auto Insurance Tips and Tricks

Car insurance prices can seem radical at times, and you may feel as though you are stuck, with no way to lower the cost of your auto insurance. However, upon closer inspection, you'll find several ways to save on your auto insurance costs. Here are a few ways you may be able to put back a few bucks.

Don't purchase an insurance policy until you've shopped around. You should have the quotes and coverage information from at least three different companies. The idea of having car insurance is to provide you with the financial assistance you need should you have a claim, and you should be able to trust that the auto insurance company from which you decide to purchase your policy is secure in its own financial standings. This determination should go hand-in-hand with affordable rates. After all, what good is it to have the financial assistance of an insurance policy when you file a claim if you are paying too much for the policy in the first place?

Also, before you buy a car, check into the options you have that will help reduce the coverage costs. Insurance costs are partially based on the safety rating of the car you are driving. Sports cars increase insurance rates, while sedans with dual side airbags, antilock brakes, and security systems provide discounts on auto insurance rates. Check the internet for the list of cars most likely to be stolen; these will surely increase your insurance payments.

Change your coverage; use higher deductibles to decrease the premiums. Deductibles are the amount of money you must pay toward auto repairs prior to your insurance kicking in. The only caution involved in using a higher deductible is that you must have the money saved to cover the deductible should you need to file a claim. However, you can save quite a bit if you can do this. For example, changing your collision and comprehensive damage deductible from $200 to $500 can save you anywhere from 15-30% overall. Also, if your car is older, and you are no longer financing it, you could reduce the coverage. Most states do not require full coverage, only liability, on an older car. If your car is worth less than ten times the premium you are paying on it, you should consider reducing the insurance policy.

Seek other discounts from the auto insurance companies. Sometimes, purchasing multiple policies (for example, car and homeowner's insurance) from the same company will earn you a discount. Also, having multiple vehicles on a policy can reduce the premiums. Low mileage can reduce your insurance rates. Good credit records, excellent driving records, and defensive driving courses all help to reduce insurance costs. Also, if there is a young driver on your policy who is an excellent student, good grades can often be presented to insurance agents to reduce the price of your policy.

So don't feel stuck in a rut with high insurance rates. There are plenty of ways to reduce the premiums that the insurance companies are charging you for your coverage. Take the time to sit down and find ways to reduce your costs so that you can save money for more enjoyable things!

24.3.09

Limousine for an Unforgettable San Francisco Tour

San Francisco attracts millions of tourists from all over the world each year. Whether you are a history buff or an adventurous type, you would plenty of things of your interest in this fourth most populous city in California.

There are end number of attractions which are scattered all around the San Francisco city. Coit Tower, Golden gate bridge, Alamo Square, Alcatraz, Chinatown, museums, cable cars, gardens, parks and lots more. And a limo is the best mode of transport for traveling in this big city and for exploring all these attractions in complete comfort and luxury. Here are reasons why you should hire a limo for your San Francisco tour:

1. Suppose are visiting San Francisco for the first time, it would be difficult for you to travel around the city on your own. The driver of the limousine knows the locations of all the attractions and the short-cuts. He can take you to your desired location without any difficulty and you won’t have to ask anyone directions.

2. Getting a parking in San Francisco city is not a joke. And especially if you are a first time visitor you might find it even harder to find parking for yourself. Hence the best way to enjoy your vacation is to leave all the tensions of parking to the limo driver and you enjoy exploring the tourist spots.

3. If you have come to San Francisco city specifically for some important business project then hiring a limo is the best solution. You can be picked from anywhere in San Francisco and transported to your destination on time for your important meetings.

4. Needless to say, a ride in a limo is a luxurious experience. There is an in-built bar, spacious seats, TV, DVD players, refrigerator and so on.

The market is full of limo rental companies. So how can you choose a reliable and professional San Francisco limousine provider? Here are some of the tips to help select a good company:

1. The company must have all the latest models along with the classic limos. In short, the San Francisco limousine provider must have a huge fleet of limos.

2. The company must have limo drivers who are not just skilled and trained but well-behaved also. Plus they should be well-dressed too in their formal attire.

3. The company must be fully licensed and insured. In addition, the insurance must cover the vehicle and the passengers too.

4. Find out whether the bay area limo service provider maintains punctuality.

5. Just having huge fleet of limos is not enough. Make sure that the limos provided by the bay area limo service provider are also clean.

6. Just make sure that before hiring a limo you read the online testimonials and contact the previous customers. This would help you gauge whether the particular company is reliable and professional enough.

Keep all these tips in mind while hiring a limo and select only the reputed and professional company.

Car Rental Glossary

Car rental can sometimes be a little confusing with lots of phrases being thrown around. To help you out, we have put together a glossary which will hopefully help with your next car rental booking.
Additional Driver: Additional to the main driver, registered and listed on the Rental Agreement. May be an extra charge for an additional driver, depending on the supplier.

Additional Liability Insurance (ALI): Provides additional protection for bodily injury or death plus property damage.

Airport Fee: Charge applied by airport authorities for terminal and off terminal locations. In most cases, this charge is also applied to additional charges, such as one way fees, fuel option, child seat rental etc which are not included in the daily rate and are paid at the counter.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers the rental vehicle in the event of accidental damage to the rental vehicle other than by theft or attempted theft. An excess usually applies and the amount will vary depending on the pick up country and/or vehicle type.

Excess Reduction (ER): Optional charge offered by the car rental company to reduce or waive the insurance excess in the event of an insurance claim against damage or theft.
Gazetted Roads: A sealed or unsealed road regularly maintained by a local, state or government body or council.

Insurance Excess: The amount the client is responsible for in the event the rental vehicle is damaged (whether the driver is at fault or not) or stolen.

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): Covers the rental vehicle in the event of accidental damage and theft. An excess usually applies and the amount will vary depending on the pick up country and/or vehicle type.

One Way Fee: This fee is imposed to cover the costs of returning the vehicle back to the originating location. In Australia & USA, charges may apply between cities within the same State and renting between States. Some countries charge for one way fees between airport and downtown locations within the same city.

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Covers the driver and additional passengers of the rental vehicle for personal and physical injuries incurred in an accident.

Premium Location Surcharge/Location Service Charge: Charge applied by car rental companies at selected downtown and railway locations. This additional item also includes the Airport Fee. In most cases, this charge is also applied to additional charges, such as one way fees, fuel option, child seat rental etc which are not included in the daily rate and are paid at the counter.

Rental Period: Your car rental period starts when you pick up the rental car and ends when you drop it off. Rental periods are based on 24 hours periods from the time of pick up – so, for example, from 9am on a Friday to 9am the following day is charged as a one day rental.

Sealed Road: A road sealed with a hard material such as tar, bitumen or concrete.

Security Deposit: Amount frozen on the client’s credit card at time of collection. The amount frozen is usually the full insurance excess amount. However, if an insurance excess is not applicable or the full excess is not frozen then an amount may still be frozen for incidentals such as fuel bond, optional charges, loss of keys etc.

Senior Driver Surcharge: Surcharge payable by senior drivers over &/or between a specific age.

Theft Protection (TP): Covers the rental vehicle in the event of theft, attempted theft or vandalism. An excess usually applies and the amount will vary depending on the pick up country and/or vehicle type.

Third Party: Provides coverage against bodily injury to persons other than the driver of the rented car and property damage to anything other than the rental vehicle and contents of same.

Vehicle Licensing Fee/Vehicle Road Registration Fee: Government imposed levy for each rental car in the car provider's fleet. Charge to partially recover the vehicle registration costs.

Young Driver Surcharge: Surcharge payable by young drivers under a specific age.

Car Rental FAQs Part 1

Q. Why take a ‘driving holiday’?
A. A drive holiday gives you the freedom and flexibility to decide on where you travel and what you see and do. You are in charge of how much time you wish to spend at a particular attraction. You have the independence to move around as much or as little as you like. A drive holiday allows you to discover so much more as a car will allow you to drive through the little villages in out of the way places.

Q. How is car rental charged?
A. Car rental is based on 24 hour periods and charged accordingly. If you pick up a car at 9am on Thursday and return at 9am the following day, this is one 24 hour period and therefore a one day booking.

Q. Is it cheaper to pre-book my car rental or should I book when I arrive?
A. Pre-booking will save you money almost every time! With a wholesaler like DriveAway Holidays, you receive the benefit of our purchasing power. Our prices with the major car rental suppliers are considerably lower than walking in off the street in a foreign country to rent a car. In addition you are pre-paying in Australian dollars so the risk of fluctuations in the currency are reduced.

Q. How does a prepaid rental work?
A. The booking is made in advance, paid for and a voucher is issued. The voucher is then used as payment when you go to pick up the car from the supplier.

Q. What additional extras will I have to pay?
A. It depends on what the rental covers. DriveAway Holidays in most cases include all mandatory charges, like road taxes or airport surcharges. Many optional charges are applicable such as young or additional drivers, Insurance Excess Reduction or extra equipment like child seats. Be sure to check out rate inclusions – first when you are choosing your vehicle online and when you have made your booking (the inclusions will be on your voucher).

Q. What happens when I pick up the car?
A. Present the rental voucher, a valid drivers license and a credit card for a security deposit. A passport may also be required depending on the supplier and location. Any additional charges will be explained as well as the conditions of the rental. A signature will be required to accept or decline additional charges and to acknowledge that the rental conditions are understood.

Q. What does the supplier do with the renters credit card?
A. It varies depending on the supplier – they may freeze a specific amount as a deposit, an imprint may be taken as a deposit or an amount may be charged to cover the security deposit and then refunded on the return of the vehicle. In some instances the bond can be paid in cash – check with the supplier/broker when you book.

Q. Will there be fuel in the vehicle?
A. Yes, there should be enough to get you on your way. Different companies have different policies regarding fuel – most will supply a full tank and require the car to be returned with a full tank of fuel, otherwise the renter is charged the difference. Some companies provide minimum fuel and is to returned as the renter wishes.

Q. What is a Pre-Paid Fuel Option?
A. Most car rental companies provide a full tank of fuel and will charge you for re-fuelling the vehicle if it is not returned with a full tank. By accepting a Pre-paid fuel option you are agreeing to pay a pre-determined price for fuel regardless of whether you return the vehicle with a full, partially full or empty tank. This means you won’t need to search for a petrol station before you return the car, but there is no refund for any fuel remaining in the tank.

Q. Should I check out the condition of the rental car before driving away?
A. Yes, it is a good idea to check the vehicle before you leave the depot. Any damage or unusual dents/scratches should be noted on the contract before leaving.

Part 2 coming soon!

Car Rental FAQs Part 2

Q. What does “car type” or similar mean?
A. Car rental companies can never guarantee a specific model or car. When renting a car, companies will give you an idea of what you can expect – you may get the car type that was advertised or you may get one similar in size or model.

Q. How old are rental cars?
A. Depends on the car rental company. Larger suppliers like Hertz and Avis carry cars on their fleet that are about 3-4 months old. Smaller companies can carry cars up to 4 years old.

Q. Can baby seats be requested?
A. Yes, the majority of car rental companies do carry baby or booster seats and can be requested before collection.

Q. What happens if my rental car breaks down?
A. Most car rental companies should include 24 hour roadside assistance in the rental rate. If you do break down, help is only a phone call away.

Q. Can I pick up a rental car in one city and drop it off in another?
A. This is known as a one way rental. It depends on the supplier and the country – sometimes a fee will apply. Ask when booking!

Q. Can cars be driven into countries other than the country the vehicle is collected in?
A. In most cases, yes but conditions and restrictions do apply. In Europe, there are restrictions about travelling into Eastern Europe and some vehicles cannot be driven in Italy. In the USA, cars cannot be driven into Mexico. Always check at the time of booking.

Q. Are there age restrictions on drivers?
A. Yes. Maximum and minimum ages vary depending on suppliers and car type. Additional fees may also apply for younger or older drivers.

Q. Can anyone drive the rental car?
A. Additional drivers must be added to the rental contract before collection. There may be a fee for additional drivers.

Q. Can my prepaid rental be extended after the vehicle is collected?
A. Yes. In most cases, the renter pays the supplier directly for any extensions. However, this is at the local rate which is often higher than the pre-paid rate.

Q. What do I do if I return the vehicle early?
A. This is possible, however no refund of unused rental days is allowed by the car rental companies.

From Paris with Love……

I visited Paris for the first time in 2005 and after only a few hours I had fallen in love - what an amazing city. I headed straight for the Sacré Coeur Basilica in Montmartre which is just magnificent and has the best views across Paris - great to get your bearings too!!

From the wide tree-lined avenues to the quaint little back streets that ooze history and charm, the city is so easy to navigate using the Metro and simply walking. The iconic landmarks that we all want to tick off our ‘seen that’ lists are so easy to find and they are even more stunning when viewed in person. I highly recommend a Paris Museum Pass and a Paris Visite Transport card as all that you would want to visit is near a Metro station and the Museum Pass gets you in to the best Parisian museums free without having to stand in line with the masses for a ticket.

Some people may say that Paris is expensive and that the people are unfriendly, I have not found this to be the case. Of course if you want to spend up big then there is every opportunity to do so; shops along the Champs Elysees and Rue du Faubourg St. Honore are designer heaven, but the back streets of the Latin Quarter and the Montmartre are much more fun, cheaper and there are great cafes and brasseries in which to stop and recharge….the patisseries are to die for. Whilst visiting the Latin Quarter you can visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and don’t miss the riverside art stalls either - they are really fascinating.

Another typically Parisian thing to do is to go to the local market and buy a baguette, some fresh tomatoes and a hunk of camembert and head to the closest ‘Gardin’ (garden or park) for a picnic. Wine is optional and the parks are just beautiful - they usually have water features and plenty of benches and grassy areas to sit and watch the locals go by.

I went back to Paris again this year and I have to say that the highlight of both trips was visiting the Louve - you don’t have to be a connoisseur of art to appreciate the exhibitions and everyone should visit the Louve at least once in their lifetime.

Here Are Some Tips Before You Rent A Car

The world is running in very fast mode and it is necessary to survive the speed. Renting a car would never become an old fashioned method as even today there a several people who opt for renting a car. They have their own genuine reasons for car renting.

When on a vacation renting a car is the best option any one can think. There are several advantages of car rental but it is very important you to know certain things before you consider renting a car.

In the past you must have rented a car but there are possibilities you were not following the proper channel and also that the car rental agents have taken you for a ride.

It is difficult to remember things when you book a Car for rent, as one cannot keep the track of every single detail. Many people have zero knowledge related to car rental procedures. It is altogether a very confusing deal. Though it is not that easy to know the in and out of the procedure but here are some tips that will help you to navigate from the complex world of car rentals

It is always advised to do a thorough research before renting a car. Ensure that you have more than one car rental companies, as that will help you to compare the fares and facilities offered by the company. Thanks to the latest innovations, most of the car rental companies have their own websites that will help you find basic information online. Also, give a call to the local dealer, as some times the dealer will have some special packages that are not updated online.
Before making the call prepare yourself well as what exactly you want to know. Do your math well. Enquire about the price, car availability. Clarify the taxes and surcharges involved and some 'additional charges'. Some of the car rental companies will also tie ups with hotels and airlines.
It is better to opt for a small car or a compact car. Every car class will vary in rental in terms of price and mileage. Majority of the people choose to go for the economy class and as result, the company run out of these models. In such cases, there are chances that you will be influenced or pushed to go for an upgraded car. However, the wise decision would be to say 'no'. This will lead to extra burden to your expense.
Enquire and clarify in and out from the company before booking the car. If at all you are planning to cross the state line, then ensure that the company is well aware of your destination. There will be separate deal supporting it. In addition, make a note of all the do's & don’ts before you finalize the booking. It is also important to elucidate with any special instruction because ignorance can lead to pay big, huge bills.
Some rental companies offer insurance policy. However, your personal auto insurance will support you incase of any accidents with a rental car. Some rental agencies will also insist on additional expenditure on collision damage and other insurance coverage. It is always better to cross check with your insurance person before paying the extra amount.
Check for the car details like missing or broken material, accessories, and scratches before you take it. The car rental will always give you the car with a full tank fuel. So ensure that when you return the car, the fuel tank filled. Failing to do so will give them a chance to extract more money from you and you may end up paying more much more than the market price for fuel. Another important matter to be taken care before returning the car is to check that you have not left any personal belongingness inside the car. Do not forget to check the boot! Some of the very common articles that we prone to forget are cell phones, sunglasses and umbrellas.
After the usage, ensure that you return the car to the agency on time. If not given on time, the car rental agency may charge you additional as a full day’s rental and at times even charge higher. Moreover, if you are going to delay the car, then enquire the about the late fee charges, so that later you do not end up paying huge some.
Another important matter to be taken care is, never rent a car from the airport. This will lead you to pay additional fees such as airport surcharges, drop-off fees or taxes levied by local governments. It is advisable to rent a car from a suburban location as you can avoid paying extra expenses.
Maintaining a rented car is very important. Most of the time children will join the trip, it is very important to take care of the car and the accessories. Any damages made by you will lead to the pay extra than its actual cost. Also make sure that the car rental attendant inspects the car in your presence and that you agree about any damage. Verify the rental agreement carefully for all extra charges they have added and make sure they credit any deposit to your account while you wait.

Would You Like A Free Car Rental Upgrade?

An art form in itself, renting a car needs more than just skill. There is a misconception that because a person has rented cars frequently, they are getting the best deals. Getting the savviest deal requires some tips and tricks that many car rental consumers may not know about. With this article, today, we hope that changes will begin.

Let's use upgrades as an example here. When you decide you want to rent a car, the class you request is not necessarily what you are going to get. Unless you are ordering a specific special car, this will be the case. Now I will further elaborate on this:

A lot of time and money have been spent by rent-a-car companies to discover what their clients want. Knowing how the costumers will react to the ever changing market has prompted many studies by these companies. They want to ensure the most profitable use of their investments. What many of these companies have found is that most consumers just want to find a bargain. The rental companies need the clients to believe their company offers the best bargain. Which can be very tricky and many agents need the help of their computers to achieve this.

An important thing to remember is that agents at a car rental agency get paid an hourly wage plus commission. This means that they may not have your best interests at heart and are often driven by a need to sell. A large part of their income is from what is call the "upsell" of product from the rental company. An example of an upsell would be a ten day car rental with an upgrade like a compact to a full-size vehicle which is an additional $10 a day. Therefore the agent would be netting an upsell of $10. All agents are required to maintain a specific amount of upsells to avoid being reprimanded but most limits are set relatively low. Often if an agent reaches a certain amount of upsells a day they will receive a bonus or "multiplier". For example, an agent who averages a $5 upsell a day may make 1.25 times their normal commission.

Car rental agents want to sell as many rental upgrades as possible because of the manner in which they are paid. You can use this to your advantage and save money in the long run. Because smaller cars are easier to rent, agents will try to save this for "walk-up" customers - people who don't reserve a car in advance, and who are less likely to upgrade. Selling to these customers is different from selling to customers who reserve cars in advance because they receive a different kind of commission for their work.

Most car rental agents will attempt to talk you into spending an additional $10-$25 per day by upgrading from one type of vehicle to a higher class of rental car. The upgrade can be from a subcompact to any larger vehicle, and the quote will be the same in most cases. When you are in the market for a rental, make sure you know how the market has been going. Perhaps you would really like to rent a convertible, but the normal charge is an additional $35 per day over the cost of a subcompact. A charge of only $10 per day to upgrade sounds like you're getting quite a bargain! And, at least on paper, you are.

If you are planning to rent a car there are some things you should know. First of all, the car rental upgrade fee, ranging anywhere from $10 to $25, is not a legitimate fee. Rental companies use fees to make certain cars seem more desirable. For example, that convertible may carry a higher rental fee than a subcompact, but all the rental company really cares about is getting cars off the lot. The convertible makes them no money if it sits on the lot waiting for a premium price. When a car sits unused on the lot, the car rental agency loses approximately $15 per day. Have you ever noticed that the subcompact you booked is frequently unavailable? The reason is that the rental company often overbooks its most popular models so it can substitute other cars for them, thus getting more cars off the lot. So, in order not to lose money through inactivity, they will accept a lesser amount per day to rent that car.

Of course, many rental agents prefer to offer you a higher rate in order to up their commission. However, the low rate is a possibility. Renting at month end increases the possibility of obtaining a lower rate. One can often find an agent floating just below their threshold to receive a multiplier for the month who is more willing to give up their daily average to achieve the volume that could increase their commission.

One more thing you should know: any and every agent there can give you any car rental upgrade they have available - without penalty or risk. A gutsy consumer might try sweet-talking an agent, or bribing them with a much-appreciated gratuity or gift to get into an expensive car much cheaper than one could have imagined. You'll have even better luck if you rent regularly from the company. Agents often keep "naughty and nice" lists. If you can make the nice list - your future just might contain some sweet, cheap car rentals.