How To Travel, Part 4: Renting a Car
Updated: Mar 6
Renting a Car While Traveling
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Disclaimer: Check with the rental companies before you book a car. All information here is based on personal research or experience. This is not considered legal advice. Do your own research before making any plans.
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Renting a car while traveling can be scary. There are many options to consider and there is always the slight possibility of an accident that you fear you may be ultimately responsible for. However, for many trips, a car may be strongly advised or even necessary to fully enjoy the amenities of the area. Take a look at these tips and decide for yourself if renting a car is worth it.
1. Rent a driver and car instead. With the recent surge in the use of car services (in addition to the traditional taxis), renting a driver and car has become very popular. If you have a group, it might even be cheaper. Renting a driver (perhaps along with a tour guide) can take the fear out of driving in an unfamiliar city, state or country. This can be arranged before you arrive at your destination or with the hotel's concierge. If you are renting a house or apartment, check out the tourist information booths (the official ones) for suggestions.
2. You will need a credit card. You can use a debit card with some companies, but they may hold a large amount of your funds and there is a possibility it many not released for up to two weeks. Certain countries put a hold on very large amounts, such as $1,000- $2,000. In other countries, foreigners are not allowed to drive (Bermuda). What to do? See #1 above or use public transportation.
3. You may be required to purchase insurance or purchase a temporary license (for a small fee, such as $10 - $25). However, check with your personal auto insurance and also check out your benefits with your credit cards. If you are renting domestically (USA), you may already be covered. Be prepared to have cash in the local currency to fill up the tank, especially if you don't want to swipe your card at a foreign gas tank. Another option is to pre-pay for the fuel (a good idea if gas stations close up early or are not near the rental facility).
4. Europe makes is fairly easy to navigate by rail (train) and public transportation. But the lure of the countryside can be hard to resist. Also, labor strikes are frequent, planned and unplanned. If you are staying in a city, you will only need a vehicle for a day trip (keeping a car longer gets complicated with parking). You can also take a bus or train to a town and then rent the car on that end.
5. When you have limited time, such as on a cruise, renting a car gives flexibility and independence. Combine sightseeing along with a trip to the beach to save time and money. Buy a map beforehand and get one from the car rental company. Roads are often not numerous in smaller countries and they often have one main highway that makes navigating fairly easy. Also, there are often signs with cruise ship icons designed to help you back to the dock.
6. Some of the cheaper car rental options are not at the airport or cruise dock. If the company offers a free shuttle, bear this in mind when you have to return the car. Add an extra 45 minutes to allow for traffic or the fact they may have to wait for the van to fill up and may not leave the rental site right away.
7. If you rent a car for a cruise day, note the operating times of the company. If your ship docks on a week-end or a holiday, you options may be limited.
8. Although not 100% necessary, an international driving permit is strongly recommended, particularly if you want to go from country to country. It is valid for one year and not renewable (you must start a new application). You must have a driver's license in your own country and carry both. You also cannot use it in your own country in place of a real driver's license. Only two companies in the USA are authorized to issue them: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).
9. Be alert to the driving patterns: learning how to drive on the opposite side of the road, using an opposite steering wheel; learning expressions like Give Way, rather than Yield and navigating traffic circles and roundabouts. Speed limits vary from slower to racing. You also have to remember the measuring system (kilometers or miles) and reading in other languages. Luckily, most sign colors and shapes are international.
10. Finally, wherever you are, it is your responsibility to know the local laws, such as drinking and driving, wearing the seatbelt, car seats for younger riders, turn on your lights when it is raining, etc.
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This article is my personal opinion. I am a travel agent. I am an Amazon Associate.
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