Advantage Car Rental

Hawaii Don't Hire a Tour Guide Guide Yourself

2008-09-09T09:28:00.001-07:00

When you visit Hawaii there are many islands that offer plenty of exciting activities, natural wonders, and enjoyment for all who visit. However, Hawaii is one of the most expensive places to live in the United States, so you can only imagine how traveling in the area might affect your budget. Because of this you might prefer to guide yourself through the islands with some suggestions of the better activities and natural wonders awaiting you, especially on Oahu and Kauai. If you choose to guide yourself you will certainly save yourself lots of money not to mention you will enjoy your trip a little more because you will be in charge and more aware of your surroundings. When you guide yourself through Hawaii you will enjoy more of an adventure than if you hire a guide. The following activities will help you guide yourself to a vacation of a lifetime.

Guide Yourself on Oahu
If you are on the island of Oahu then you can enjoy the beauty of the island from a rent a car and simply drive to the appointed locations as well as discover some on your own. Oahu is incredible and there is so much to see and do you will really enjoy guiding yourself because you can stay a little longer or move ahead faster if you choose to do so. If you follow these suggestions you will spend a couple hours checking out the recommended sites, or longer if you choose.

The first stop is at the Punchbowl/National Cemetery. The cemetery is located off of Puowaina Drive and there are signs that will guide you the short distance to the cemetery. Here you will encounter the National Memorial Cemetery that is the resting ground of thousands of WW2, Korea, and Vietnam soldiers who gave their lives for their country. More than 35,000 graves are located at Punchbowl, which is an extinct crater of a volcano. The Punchbowl is open to visitors daily from 8:30 am - 6:30 pm and more than 6 million visitors visit each year. You too should visit the Punchbowl to honor those fallen and to remember.

From the Punchbowl you can hop back in your car and head to Puu Ualakaa Overlook. This stop offers an amazing 230 degree view of Honolulu from Mt. Tantalus. You can see from Pearl Harbor to Diamond Head and will simply be overwhelmed with this site. If you feel like stopping for a few minutes and continuing on that is fine, or else you can pack a picnic lunch, hike the trails, and just enjoy the beauty.

If you are really interested in plant life and hiking then your next stop will be truly enjoyable. From the Overlook you should head to the Lyon Arboretum. More than 194 acres of rainforest is home to 8000 species of plants that will truly turn your head and make you appreciate nature. There are trails you can hike as well as restrooms on the premises.

Also while on Oahu you should visit Pearl Harbor. This is perhaps one of the most frequented locations on the island. Here is the USS Arizona memorial and you can view a memorial to all the individuals who lost their lives when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. The memorial is constructed above the ship that sank. There is also a free program you can attend and learn more about Pearl Harbor.

While there are many places on Oahu you just have to visit, these are several recommended options that will keep you on your feet and enjoying the beautiful area.

Tour Kauai on Your Own
Once you have seen Oahu you should set your sites on Kauai. There is so much to see and do in Kauai that you could tour the island for weeks and still not see and do it all. However, just a few of the most exciting and interesting locations will be highlighted here.

The Waimea Canyon Lookout is a must see if you are in Kauai and you will be amazed at the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. From the lookout you have a vista of the mile long, 10 mile wide canyon. You will be amazed at the site.

After this visit you should head to Salt Pond County Beach Park, which is next to the salt ponds. These are the only salt ponds in Hawaii that are still in use and produce the ancient rock salt. This is off of mile marker 17 so keep your eyes open as you are driving along.

Another must see location in Kauai is the Russian fort at Hanalei Bay. Russia was not in Hawaii too long, but there is a bit of their fort remaining to remember when they were. Although the two year adventure ended and little is left of the fort, you have a breathtaking view of Hanalei Bay that is worth the trip.

Then, you must visit Maniniholo dry cave. This cave is made from a mesh of trees and vines and is simply amazing. There is no water in the cave to be concerned with, either. This sea cave has been in existence for ages and there is a legend that it was dug by sea elves. Once you see Maniniholo dry cave you can make up your own mind.

The final must see on Kauai is Kamokila Hawaiian Village. Here you will be able to learn a little bit about Hawaiian history and how old Hawaiians lived. Amazingly enough, these Hawaiians were truly self sufficient and lived off the land. Kamokila Hawaiian Village. Here you will be able to learn a little bit about Hawaiian history and how old Hawaiians lived. Amazingly enough, these Hawaiians were truly self sufficient and lived off the land. You can visit this village any day and even take a ride in a canoe if you so choose.

There are many more things to do in Oahu and Kauai than those listed above; however these are just suggestions to help you keep in mind hat Hawaii is more than beautiful beaches and luaus. It is a state with a significant past and an amazing history regarding the Hawaiians as well as the Americans. When you are visiting Hawaii you will get a feel for the past and truly come to understand a little more about Hawaii.

Steven Anderson is the reservations director of Hawaiian Discount Rental Cars, specializing in Maui Jeep & Car Rentals. He has personally experienced many Hawaiian adventures and offers his advice on the many interesting locales in Hawaii.

[tagskauai car rental, maui car rentals, hawaii car rental, hawaii car rentals, maui car rental[/tags

Keep Austin Weird Texas Travel

2008-09-08T18:28:00.001-07:00

Lets face it, there are a lot of cities in the US, so for Austin to consistently rate as one of the best to live in, it has to have something the others dont.

Austin has always been a popular city being the capital, but people are moving there in bucket loads as more and more reports surface of it being the best city in which to live, work and play.

Technically, Austin is full of students, politicians, lobbyists and business people but Austin also prides itself on its live music and entertainment, which helps to counter balance all the other boring people. They go so far as even calling themselves the live music capital of the world. Those are some pretty big boots dont you think?

With due credit though, Austin has become a fighting ground for the minorities, the quirky and the eccentric. The slogan Keep Austin Weird was even brandished about in the face of commercial businesses moving into the city, diminishing the amount of home grown and pre- loved businesses already established.

And good on them. No one wants to visit a boring city, so the fact that Austin has fought so valiantly for the title of being a weird city is pretty impressive and gets points for all things underdog.

At a glance, Austin is good at music, entertainment, education, politics and e- business. The most notable being music and entertainment because business, education and politics are hardly as fun to do when youre on holiday.

The central leisure/ entertainment district is around 6th Street (right), which includes a vibrant selection of live theater venues, nightclubs, music bars and food outlets. East 6th Street is for the bars and pubs, West 6th Street is for shopping. The Warehouse District is also grouped with 6th Street and is known for live music venues also. For reference, keep an eye out for your favorite artist at The Backyard, which is always showing someone really famous and worth listening to.

The top selection of things to do in Austin include midnight treks to 6th Street for a cocktail or two or seven, shopping at the European-esque grocer Central Market, and visiting the State Capitol of Texas building which was built in 1888 and stands at 311 feet!

Typically weird are the Congress Avenue Bats, the largest colony of bats (below) in Northern America, which fly through sunset skies in season behind the Austin American Statesman building.

For the best view of the city, go to Mount Bonnell which also looks out over Lake Austin and surrounding Hill Country. Beware, there are 99 steps to climb.

No matter what, there's nothing like deciding where you want to go at a moments notice. Cities like Austin are spacious and require time to get from A to B. Do it at your own pace and in your leisure with your own rental car. We have the best prices using the best and most reputable suppliers in the country.

Leah Bradicich has travelled comprehensively through Europe, the UK, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand. She works for Vroom Vroom Vroom, a travel website collating all the deals and specials from the nations largest car rental companies, offering discounts on car rentals. Her pieces focus on the 'best of' parts of each city, offering a fail safe guide to travelling and listing interesting facts that make each city unique.

[tagsCar rental Austin, Car hire texas, Austin cheap car rental, texas cheap car hire, austin travel info[/tags

Ryder Cup Encourages More Visitors to Ireland to Explore Beyond Dublin

2008-09-08T03:28:00.001-07:00

Over the last decade Dublin has carved out a reputation and position as one of Europe's leading city break destination. Ireland has made great efforts to promote itself, and its' capital, as a tourist destination and has made great strides in doing so. But still the majority of visitors to the country fly in and out of Dublin without ever leaving the city boundaries. Whilst Dublin has much to offer in terms of culture and nightlife it seems a shame that much of this rich country remains unexplored by tourists.

Ireland is a small country but retains diverse offerings for the tourism market. With easy access from the UK and mainland Europe thanks to the expansion of airports at Dublin, Cork and Shannon in recent years, Ireland has placed itself firmly on the tourist map. Attracting short break visitors from the UK has proved relatively easy a short hop on a plane or ferry has helped Dublin to carve it's reputation as a city break highlight. But Dublin commands an abnormally high number of tourists and with Ireland looking to attract longer term visitors, perhaps it is time to look beyond the capital to explore Ireland's tourism credentials.

Ireland's effort to promote the rest of the country was helped by the EU in 2005 when Cork was announced as European City of Culture. Irelands' second city has become much more accessible in recent years with a busy international airport taking users direct to the South West of Ireland. Warmed directly by the Gulf Stream, Cork might surprise visitors who are welcomed by palm trees and bamboo adding a flavour that is perhaps more Cannes than craic. Its' history as a seaport is evident in Cork life woth bustling markets and restaurant scene. The city skyline is dominated by St Finn Barre's Cathedral, a spectacular triple spiralled French Gothic structure. Cork is a sizeable, yet compact city that offers a refreshing and altogether different alternative to Dublin.

Kerry is a hill walkers' paradise. With rugged coastline, mountain ranges and national parks, Kerry is perhaps the most suited area to outdoor activities. Golf is popular throughout the country and the fabulous K Club in County Kildare is host to the 2006 Ryder Cup. The North West of Ireland from Sligo up to Donegal offers outdoor activities such as Atlantic surfing, mountaineering and, of course, more golf.

Ireland is compact and, although internal flights are infrequent, travelling by road can offer a rewarding experience. Most cities and towns have readily available car hire in Ireland. The coastal routes in particular are a spectacular driving experience and you'll be certain that you're out of Dublin.

About the author:

Michael Hanna is a keen writer, and internet marketer living in Scotland.

Contact details:
E-mail: samqam@googlemail.com
Phone: 0131 561 2251
Michael's Website: Belfast Taxi

[tagsCar hire Ireland, ryder cup car hire, car rental Ireland, car rental ireland[/tags

10 Rules to Follow When Renting a Car Online

2008-09-07T12:28:00.001-07:00

The world has really gone cyber one can fly, find a date, buy a house, make arrangements to move and rent car online, great conveniences at the click of a button. As a consumer you must find out all the pros and cons of renting a car and carry out comparison shopping.

1.Visit company websites to determine what is on offer. Look for competitive rates and great facilities.

2.Try and locate a rental company close to where you intend to use the car it will save you money.

3.Before you proceed list your needs: what kind of car, how many people will travel, how many days you need the car and so on.

4.Use a reputed agency and call on their toll free number. Be sure to read all the terms and conditions carefully. Make sure you use a safe payment gateway and that you receive a confirmation e-mail. Some well known companies are Hertz (https://www.hertz.com), Dollar, Alamo, and Avis (http://www.avis.com). Or, try travel sites many have great offers for clients who book hotels, air tickets, as well as cars.

5.Ask for packages and find out when rates are cheaper.

6.Be sure to ask for an agreement.

7.Ask about the age of the car, its condition, and how many miles it has been driven. If you expect to drive in bad weather be sure to check about tires, snow chains, and other equipment.

8.To rent a car online keep handy your drivers license, passport, photo-ID, and proof of address. Ask about travel insurance and whether the car has a current insurance.

9.Check the charges carefully and whether any additional payment will be charged for drop off and pick up.

10.Check whether your drivers licence is valid for the state/ country you wish to drive in or whether you need to obtain a new license.

It is a competitive world and online there are companys like Fox Rent a Car http://www.foxrentacar.com that offer discounts, reward points, coupons, hotel discounts and more. Check as many sites as you can to get a great deal. Popular companies are: Yahoo travels, priceline.com, and Travelocity. Be a discerning consumer and hire a great car at a great price. Many car rental companies offer special rates if you are a member of one of their affiliate clubs or professional organizations.

Before you drive away in the rental car find out as much as possible about traffic rules, laws where you intend to drive, and safety norms. If your family is with you then choose a safe and comfortable car that will accommodate luggage, boisterous kids, and pets. If you intend to drive alone then you could opt for a compact car. Gauge your needs before you make a choice and carry your drivers license and insurance papers with you at all times. As a precaution inform a friend, family member, or the office of your travel plans. Cary a mobile phone for emergencies or arrange to call in at specific times. Enjoy your rent-a-car experience.

Andrew Bermam is a freelance writer for http://www.1866Cars.com, the premier website to find help on Cars including topics on car rental, national car rental, thrifty car rental, online car rental, pickup trucks rental, cargo van rental and more. He also freelances for the premier Car Insurance Quotes site http://www.1888Carinsurance.com

[tagscar rental, national car rental, thrifty car rental, online car rental, pickup trucks rental, cargo[/tags

Car Rental Companies to be Hit Hard by New Tax Plans

2008-09-06T21:28:00.001-07:00

Rental car companies are now being targeted by state and local governments as a new way to help fund civic projects such as stadiums, art centers, and convention centers. Las Vegas, Dallas, Arkansas and Wisconsin have already put plans in to place to tax car renters to pay for these new projects.

Here are some examples of different taxes and where the new money is going to. Revere, Mass is charging an extra $10 per transaction for fire and police stations. Kansas City is charging customers $4 a day to help renovate their down town area. Dallas renters are charged an extra 5 percent to help pay for the new Dallas Mavericks Stadium, the American Airlines Center. Arkansas is using part of the 10 percent renters tax to go toward increasing teacher salaries.

Overall the new tax plans appear to be a gigantic help in funding state and local projects. While the prices of renting a car may be on the rise in the .u.s, out of town business travelers and the companies footing the bill for their travel plans will be the ones paying. This tax plan will continue to provide money for state and local projects to ease in the financial burden.

Article from http://www.rentalcow.com.

[tagsCar Rental[/tags

Hamburg's Magical Mile Hamburg is more than just a World Cup Venue

2008-09-06T06:28:00.001-07:00

Now that the World Cup has ended and all the football fans are gradually trickling away from their temporary surrogate homes across Germany, the country can begin to get back to normality, and the usual business of tourism can take hold once again.

Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany with a population of about 1.7 million people, and given its industrial past, is a lively and surprisingly green harbour city. Much of the city is occupied by parks, protected countryside, lakes or tree-lined canals, giving this huge city a refreshing rural feel. The western part of Hamburg is particularly well renowned for its many beautiful parks, beautiful promenades along the river Elbe, and the surrounding fashionable suburbs.

With many operators offering flights to Hamburg taking just two hours from most of the UK airports, it is easy to travel to this exciting city. Once there traveling around is also simple. The Airport is only 5 miles to the north of the city, with taxi and bus services in to town readily available, or car rental through Avis, Budget, easyCar, Europcar, Hertz, National and Six, at the airport. You can even rent a limousine if you really want to.

The centre of the city is filled with an abundance of new and old arcades linked together creating a great shopping experience especially for those looking for the latest in designer wear, with some of the best shops located in Rathaus Square, along with the impressively grand city hall which stands supported by dozens of pillars. For music lovers there is always the acclaimed State Opera or the river-side Hafentheater, which is home to contemporary musicals. For dance music fans there are many clubs around the city, and it remains host to the 5 day Full Moon Fever Festival in July.

If a bit of quiet peaceful scenery is needed, then there is always the option of a trip to the farming areas of Altes Land, where unspoilt countryside and quaintly decorated farmers houses can be found.

As well as culture, Hamburg is a city for fun high on the list of most visitors things to do is to make time to enjoy some of the fantastic beer halls. It is also worthwhile finding Hamburgs 300 year old Altona fish market located south of the Reeperbahn every Sunday morning, which now sells fruit, sausages and livestock and clothes, along with the odd fish or two. A trip along the many canals and waterways is also worth a go, as it is not called the Venice of the North for nothing.

For those whose idea of a great holiday is lively nightlife, then there is always the historic and infamous, Reeperbahn, where the Beatle used to regularly play. This area runs 600m along the entire length of the red-light district of St. Pauli between Millerntor and Nobistor. While still being fairly racey at night, things have changed in recent years, so that today the previous forms of entertainment have been replaced by copious trendy bars, clubs, restaurants, theatres and even the odd museum. Although the atmosphere has now become safe and fairly unthreatening, with the police station located in the centre of the area, a broad minded attitude may still be required for some areas.

Culture, history, shopping, nightlife, parks, scenery, whatever you want Hamburg can provide it. Hamburg is a great city for any tourist to visit all year round.

Submitted by: Michael Hanna

About Michael Michael is a keen writer, and internet marketer living in Scotland:

Contact details: E-mail: samqam@googlemail.com Phone: 0131 561 2251 Taxi Belfast Airport

[tagsFlights to hamburg, flights, flights to germany, car rental, car rental hamburg, travel hamburg, fly[/tags

Reservations and Low Expectations

2008-09-05T15:28:00.001-07:00

John Procaccino, a Seattle actor and radio talk show host was telling of his recent trip to New York. He is six foot three plus. When he's irritated he says he's six foot four.

John carefully made reservations requesting a King Size Bed to accommodate his height. He didn't name the classic hotel, but it's on Park Avenue. The day before arrival he even called to double-check that he had what he wanted. The clerk announced he was confirming the request in the computer as they spoke.

John arrived at the hotel only to be told that he had a room with a twin bed. I'm six foot four, John used as part of his argument. It didn't help. His confirming the day before didn't help, either. The clerk advised him to curl up in the twin bed. He did.

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld in an episode from his television show illustrates the same problem. Jerry goes to a car rental agency and is told they don't have a car for him.

Jerry: I don't understand. Do you have my reservation?
Rental Car Agent: We have your reservation, we just ran out of cars.
Jerry: But the reservation keeps the car here. That's why you have the reservation.
Rental Car Agent: I think I know why we have reservations.
Jerry: I don't think you do. You see, you know how to *take* the reservation, you just don't know how to *hold* the reservation. And that's really the most important part of the reservation: the holding. Anybody can just take them.
-- script from Seinfeld

Of course the problem is that hotels and rental agencies are dealing with current customers. That is their priority. Customers change their minds. They stay an extra day or two in their hotel room. They don't return their rental car on time, or they extend their reservations. Customers that are about to become current customers get leftovers.

Complaints to customer service representatives will produce nothing except apologies and maybe a hank you for being so understanding reward. A customer service rep cannot wave a magic wand and produce a king-size bed or a four-door sedan.

I'm sure everyone has similar stories. I remember another comedian being asked about what he looked for in a woman. He replied, Low expectations. I think this is perhaps a policy we need to adapt when traveling: Low Expectations. I don't see hotels or car rental agencies changing their policies. I think this is something we just have to live with.

In traveling we need to accept several possibilities:

Things will go wrong.

We will miss connections.

Our plans will go awry.

We won't always get what we want.

If we all adapt a policy of lowered expectations we can probably survive trips better anyway. Ummm, it sounds a lot like life.

Author Don Doman: Don is a published author of books for small business, corporate video producer, and owner of Ideas and Training (http://www.ideasandtraining.com), which provides business training products. Don also owns Human Resources Radio (http://www.humanresourcesradio.com), which provides business training programs and previews 24-hours a day.

[tagscustomer service, customer care, travel, hotel reservations, car rental reservations, communications[/tags

An Independent Look at Rental Car Insurance

2008-09-05T00:28:00.001-07:00

When you step up to the Rental Car Counter the Rental Agent is going to ask you if you want to purchase insurance for the rental vehicle. If you say no they will ask you to initial next to each coverage that you decline. The decisions that you make in these few moments could have a dramatic impact on your financial situation. Deciding if you need to purchase the auto insurance offered at the Rental Car counter before you arrive can keep you from incurring a serious financial loss or wasting your money on insurance that you already have or do not need. One of the questions that we are asked most as auto insurance agents is Do I need to purchase the auto insurance offered at the rental car counter when I rent a car? The answer to this question is maybe. You may be able to provide coverage for the rental car using insurance policies you already own or you may decide you need to purchase additional protection. In this article we are going to give you the information that you need to make these crucial decisions.

When You Rent A Car There Are Several Ways To Secure Coverage For It Without Having To Purchase Coverage At The Rental Car Counter.

Transfer Coverage From Your Existing Auto Insurance Policy - If you are going to be renting a car and you have an existing auto insurance policy you should take your insurance I.D. card with you when you rent the car. The car rental company may require it and it can save you a lot of time and aggravation if you are pulled over by the police in your rental vehicle. The coverage and deductibles on your own auto insurance policy will automatically transfer to cars that you rent as long as you are not using the rental car for business purposes or renting in another country. You should check the declarations page of your personal auto insurance policy to find out if you currently carry Property Damage Liability, Comprehensive and Collision coverage. Make note of your Property Damage Liability limit and your Comprehensive and Collision Deductible. If you are renting a car in another country you should definitely consider purchasing coverage at the rental counter as most personal auto insurance policies only cover their owners in the country where the policy was written.

Damages to your rental car will be covered by the Property Damage Liability portion of your personal auto insurance policy if you are renting the car for pleasure use. However, if you were involved in an accident that is covered by your auto insurance policy and your car is in the shop being repaired. Damages to the replacement car that you rent will be covered by the Comprehensive and Collision coverage portion of your personal auto insurance policy. That means that you will have to pay the deductible for these coverages if you damage the rental car.

Use Coverage Provided By Your Credit Card - Most major credit cards advertise rental car insurance as one of the benefits of owning their card. The truth is that the coverage that these cards provide usually only pays after your personal auto insurance policy limits have been exhausted and only if you used their card to pay for the entire price of the rental. The level of protection with credit cards seems to change on a daily basis so we recommend calling your credit card company to determine your exact level of protection for rental cars. When you talk to the credit card representative ask them for information about Liability, Comprehensive and Collision coverage for rental cars. It is best to get this in writing as it is not unheard of to get several different answers from the same credit card company. You should also ask if there are any exclusions. Many credit cards exclude coverage for luxury or exotic car rentals.

Purchase A Non-owned Auto Insurance Policy - If you rent cars frequently but you do not have your own auto insurance policy you can save yourself a lot of money by purchasing a Non-Owned Auto Liability policy. This policy provides you with the same type of protection as the Excess Liability coverage offered at the rental car counter. These types of policies usually cost around $300 a year and will cover you when you are driving any private passenger automobile. This policy only provides protection for Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability. It will not pay for damages to your rental car so you will still need to purchase the Collision Damage Waiver or use one of the coverage methods we discussed earlier.

If you are unable to secure coverage by using any of the methods listed in the previous chapter you should seriously consider purchasing coverage at the Rental Car Counter. It can be hard to get an honest advice about these coverages from the rental car agent because they are paid a commission every time they sell it to you. Don't worry; we have provided you with all of the help you need below.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) This protection is also called the loss damage waiver (LDW) by some rental car companies. It is often referred to as insurance but this is incorrect. It is actually a waiver of responsibility. When you purchase this protection the rental car company waives your responsibility for damages or theft of the rental car. If something were to happen to the car you would simply file a quick claim form when you returned the car and the rental car company would pay to repair or replace it. The price for this protection usually ranges from $15 to $25 depending on where you are renting. Caution: This coverage may become void if you cause an accident while breaking the law. This includes excessive speeding, driving off road or driving while intoxicated so be careful when you are driving a rental car or any car for that matter.

If you carry a minimum limit such as $10,000 for Property Damage Liability coverage you may want to consider purchasing the Collision Damage Waiver because this low limit may not be enough to pay for repairing or replacing the rental car. Remember you could also be held responsible for damages to other peoples car's or property if you are involved in accident and found to be at fault and Rental car companies will charge you for loss of rental income for the car that you damaged. These are all important factors that should be considered when deciding if you should purchase the Collision Damage Waiver.

Another advantage to this coverage is that there is no deductible. This can come in handy if you were involved in an accident that is covered by your auto insurance policy and you are renting a replacement car while your car is in the shop being repaired. You see in this scenario any damages to the rental car would be covered by your Comprehensive or Collision coverage which means that you would have to pay the deductible.

Excess Liability Car rental companies are required by law in most states to provide a minimum amount of liability protection for renters of their vehicles but this is rarely enough to protect your interests if you seriously injure someone in an accident. The liability portion of your personal auto insurance policy will transfer to your rental car so you have adequate limits of bodily injury and property damage liability on your personal auto insurance policy we would not recommend purchasing this coverage. This coverage would only pay after your personal auto insurance policy limits are exhausted. This price for this protection is around $10 to $13 dollars per day for 1 million dollars worth of excess protection.

Personal Accident Insurance - If you or your passengers are injured in an accident or as a pedestrian this coverage will pay for your medical expenses and ambulance fees if needed. If you live in a o fault state, have health insurance or carry medical expenses coverage you probably already have this protection and do not need to buy it from the car rental company. Check your auto insurance and health insurance policy to find out for sure. A claim for this type of loss on your personal auto policy will not cause an increase in price so if it is covered on another policy there is really no benefit to buying it from the car rental company. The price of this protection usually runs from $2 to $5 a day depending on where you rent.

Personal Effects Coverage - This is coverage for theft of you or your passengers personal items such as cameras, camcorders or Laptop computers. This protection may also be provided on your homeowners or renters policy if you have one so you may not need to buy it from the rental car company. However, homeowners or renters deductibles are usually $500 or higher and all of your articles may not be covered. Check the declarations page of your policy for your deductible and the exclusions section to find out if the items you are taking with you are covered.

One of the benefits of purchasing this coverage from the rental car company is that you usually do not have to pay a deductible. You simply file a claim when you return the rental car and you are reimbursed for the theft of your items. You will usually need to prove ownership of the items that you claim were stolen by providing the rental car company with receipts or other proofs of ownership. You should also ask the rental agent if any exclusions apply to this coverage prior to purchasing it. The price for this protection is $2 to $5 dollars a day.

It is better make all of your rental car insurance decisions before you step up to the rental counter. Nobody should be forced to make snap decisions on issues of this much importance and now you don't have to. We hope that you have found the help that you needed in this handbook. I love to get feedback on this article so please send your questions or comments to info@theautoinsurancebuyersguide.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

Dylan J. Guidry and his team of auto insurance specialists are a recognized authority on the subject of automobile insurance. Their website http://www.understandingautomobileinsurance.com provides drivers with an independent source of car insurance information that can be used to lower the cost of their auto insurance.

[tagsrental car insurance, car rental insurance,travel insurance[/tags

History of the Boss 302 and Boss 429 Mustang

2008-09-04T09:28:00.001-07:00

In 1967 the first big-block Mustang was introduced, the S-code 390 which was rated at 320 hp. This Mustang was not able to compete with the hot new SS 396 Camaro , so in 1968 the 428 Cobra Jet engine was introduced, giving the Mustang true muscle car status, but then why stop there? In February 1968 when Bunkie Knudsen arrived in Dearborn he brought with him some strong ideas concerning the Mustang. He believed the popular pony car was a good looking automobile, but that there were a tremendous amount of people out there that wanted a good looking automobile that could perform. He also knew that the Z/28 Camaro, created with SCCA Trans-Am road racing in mind, could handle and stop as well as it could accelerate. Big block pony cars were faster, but left something to be desired going through the curves with all that weight up front.

Bunkie was able to lure several GM Design Engineers over to Ford in 1968. One of them was designer Larry Shinoda, the man who had drawn up the Z/28's sport image in 1967. Shinoda was tasked with besting a performance legend that he had helped to create. Shinoda contributed the new cars stripes, spoilers and window slats, as well as its name. Two Boss Mustangs were born in 1969, both originally developed concurrently by Ford's performance contractor, Kar Kraft Engineering, in Brighton, Michigan.

The Boss 429 was also built in response to Chrysler's 426 Hemi and it's success in Nascar. Ford built a 427 Hemi-headed single overhead cam motor first, but it wasn't considered stock enough for the series so along came the semi-Hemi head 429. Kar Kraft was given the task of wedging a 429 into the Mustang. Quarter-mile times were reported to be in the lower 14s. Although another of the hot rod magazines, Car Craft, slightly modified the stock 429 and got a 1/4 mile in the mid 12s. The street cars came from the factory with a conservative cam and a somewhat small carburetor.

Starting with the 1969 model year the Ford brought the road racing Mustang program in house by creating the Boss 302 with styling by Larry Shinoda, suspension was design by Kar Kraft. Engineer Matt Donner was the man responsible for the excellent Boss 302 chassis, which quickly impressed the critics with the way it hugged the road. The engine was a Ford 5.0L block with the new 351 Cleveland heads. The car was originally to be called the Trans Am, until Ford found out GM had already licensed the name from the SCCA.

The Boss 302 was rated at 290 HP because insurance companies were beginning to penalize the muscle cars by tacking on higher charges to any car rated over 300 HP. Actual horsepower was closer to 350. (These are Gross HP figures, not Net, as used today). Race versions made 450 HP at over 8,000 RPMs.

Boss 302s also ran in Nascar's Grand American (GA) series. The car came with a wide-ratio or close-ratio 4-speed top loader. A 3.50:1 rear gear was standard with 3.91 and 4.30 optional. Front discs are rear drum brakes and 15-inch wheels were standard. Road tests at the time put 1/4-mile performance in the upper 14-second range. However, Super Stock magazine tweaked a '70 Boss 302 and put slicks on to get a time in the mid-13s.

How did the Boss 302 compare to the Chevy Z28? Well it seems that is was very close indeed. Chevrolet's Trans-Am Camaro took home the SCCA racing championship in 1969, while Ford's Boss 302 put the Mustang back on top in 1970. As for street performance, both machines relied on specially built 290 horsepower 302 cubic inch small block V8's. Performance was so close as to be a toss-up in most street or track encounters.

In late 1970 Ford stopped all factory-sponsored racing. So regrettably the fun had to end ... for now.

This article is brought to you by Dallas Dream Cars (http://www.dallasdreamcars.net). Your source for exotic car rentals in the Dallas and Fort Worth area. It is our mission to provide top of the line classic car rentals for a unique and memorable experience that will last a lifetime. Perfect for weddings, birthday's, anniversaries, high school reunions, or any special occasion, our cars will get you there in style. Whether you're re-living the past, or celebrating the future, Dallas Dream Cars enables you to Live the Dream!

[tagsClassic Car Rentals, Boss 429 Mustang, Boss 302 Mustang, Boss Mustang[/tags

Renting a Car Can Prove More Expensive Than Originally Budgeted For

2008-09-03T18:28:00.001-07:00

Most of us need to hire a car at some time or other. Going on holiday, making a business trip or your own vehicle is in for repairs.

We will often book a rental car, more and more people do this on the Internet and arrive at the airport or rental dealer and discover there are extras there that you had not taken into account when you made the booking.

You realise that you need an additional driver so there is often a daily charge for the extra driver/s. You are told that the car comes with a tank full of fuel. You are charged an amount to cover this and when you get into the car discover that there is a sticker saying, return empty. If you do this you could most likely find that had you filled the car up it would have cost less than the amount the rental company charged for the fuel.

What about the insurance?

You are told that the insurance cover will not cover you if the car is broken into, a wing mirror broken. You will be responsible for the Excess. At most European, South African, New Zealand and Australian car rental locations, the customer is responsible for the excess this can be the first 500 and up to 1,600 on the rental vehicle in case of an accident or if the vehicle is stolen. As you are not willing to take on this responsibility you immediately agree to pay additional insurance It can mount up particularly if you regularly hire a car.

You can of course purchase car rental excess insurance. There are policies available on a daily rate, annual and for families covering a fair proportion of the worlds countries. These policies work in a similar way to an annual travel insurance policy. It doesnt matter how many times a year you rent a car, you are still covered.

When you go to collect your rental car remember the following:

Most car rental locations require a credit card
Most car rental locations will not accept debit or switch cards
You must have held a valid driving licence for one year
There is often a minimum and maximum age to hire a car
Always ask what is included in the rates quoted
Never initial or sign an agreement without asking about each item
Do not over insure. If you have travel insurance you do not need personal effects or personal accident insurance
Pre-purchase or Pre-reserve your car rental
Purchase from agents within your own country in case you need refunds or assistance
When you pick-up your vehicle determine where the drop off point is for your return
Ask if the return area has an attendant. If not, who do you return the car to and who will check it over for damage?

When you actually get to the vehicle even if you are tired after your trip remember the following:

If you leave the vehicle without check-in, examine it for damage and photograph it from every angle.
Check the vehicle for damage
Check the spare tyre
If the fuel tank is meant to be full, make sure that it is

Do take great care, as the reasonable car rental rate you originally found could be a lot more than you expected.

Philip Suter is a Director of JML Property Services http://www.jml-property-insurance.co.uk, a UK based company offering Insurance Products on line, property rentals in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, England and an International self catering vacation home advertising service http://www.jmlvillas.com. He is also involved with management training companies operating in the UK and Internationally.

He is a very experienced property consultant with over 30 years work in the Residential letting business and served in the national council of The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA). He is a Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and a Member of The association of Residential Letting Agents.

[tagscar rental,car hire excess insurance, accident damage, broken wing mirror,fuel tank,car hire,insure[/tags

Cheap Car Rental

2008-09-03T03:28:00.001-07:00

Are you looking to rent a car? Do you need a reliable vehicle for either business or pleasure? Have you looked around and still feel that the rates are a bit high. If this is your situation then the information in this article will be very useful to you. In this article we will discuss and answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding cheap car rental.

Where should I look to find cheap car rental there is no specific place to look. All the major companies offer deals at one time or another so there are no hard and fast rules regarding where and when to look. Sometimes smaller companies are worth a look as well. They like to stay competitive with the larger companies to try to get some of their businesses. The best thing to do is continually call around and get quotes from as many places as possible.

What if I dont need unlimited mileage? Then you may be in a position to get a much lower daily rate. Car rental companies factor in wear and tear and insurance when establishing their daily rate. The less your drive the less chance you have of having an accident and putting more stress on the car. Often times this is reflected in the daily rate if you know you are going to be driving less than 50 miles a day you may want to for go the unlimited mileage. However, be careful you dont go over. If you do many times you end up paying sever penalties for going over the set amount of miles. If I have a good driving record, will his help me get a cheap rental? It cant hurt. However, generally insurance rates are set in advance

When looking for cheap car rental, do you homework. Call around to as many places as possible and put them off against each other. With a little determination you can get a good car at a great price and be well on your way to enjoying your vacation and or business trip.

For more articles like this one, visit http://www.allcarrentals.info.

[tagsCar rental,budget car rental, cheap car rental, discount car rental[/tags

Car Hire How To Get The Best Price And Service For Traveling

2008-09-02T12:28:00.001-07:00

With just a little research your travel experience can be much more enjoyable. It really is worth your time to look into information, before you get a car hire or rental.

The best rental tip to get a cost effective car hire or rental for your vacation, is to be sure to book early, before school holidays. If you can avoid Christmas when car availability is very low, you can save considerably. This is the time of year when the prices can be very high. If you book early before most major holidays, you can save money. Take advantage of any special weekend rates that might be available.

Car hire companies such as Avis , Budget , Hertz , and Thrifty are your best bet for good service and price. They all make the list for dedicated service to provide great prices, the greatest range of car hire vehicles and unsurpassed value in the market place. With these top car rental services, you have many more options available to you for your travel needs. Finding a better price from others will be a challenge.

Compare car hire services and companies with online websites. There are several websites that make comparing prices as easy as a few clicks of your computer mouse. Make sure they have a secure server before you give any of your credit card details or any other information out. You will see a padlock in the bottom left of your browser to see if the site is secure. This is called, Secure Socket Layers or (SSL) for short. You dont want to save money and end up having identity theft. What would be the point?

Car Hire - Travel Insurance And Other Important Aspects While Traveling

The most important aspect with a car hire abroad, is to retain travel insurance. Book travel insurance online or call a consultant to get covered before you travel.

Another important aspect is to store travel document details, travel dates and contact details securely. You do not want to wonder what in the world you are doing in the middle of your vacation or traveling experience. If you take time to reserve a hotel at the airport, it can make it easier while traveling abroad.

Always look into getting collision damage waiver. You want to make sure the car hire company provides full coverage on the car you are going to drive. Some car hire companies include this cost in their prices. If you wreck the vehicle, you may be responsible for the entire cost. It is your responsibility to look into all the rental details of insurance before you rent a vehicle.

Simple Internet access can help you get all the resources you need to make your traveling experience safe, and hassle free. Take advantage of websites that offer free tips, quotes and information.

Get free online car hire and rental quotes for traveling abroad. For more information, articles, news, and valuable resources for traveling using a car hire or rental, visit this site: Car Hire

[tagscar hire,car rental,car hire abroad,car hire services,car hire companies,car rentals[/tags

Do You Make These Car Rental Mistakes

2008-09-01T21:28:00.001-07:00

Cheap car rental deals are spread all over the web. But not all are good deals. There's a few thing you must look out for... or your cheap car rental deal might work out a lot more expensive than you planned !

Here's some things you mustn't do :

* Forget to check the car's condition

When you pickup the car, be sure to check it carefully. Some companies will blame pre-existing scratches & dents on you. They know it needs fixing, and wait for a sucker to pay for it. This is less likely with the big, reputable companies, but can be avoided with these tips.

Check it over with the delivery guy, or when you go to pick it up. If you have a digital camera or camcorder, which you probably do if you're going on vacation, then give them a quick run over the car. Then you can prove the exact condition of the car when you first took it.

* Don't use the Internet to check for best deals

Of course you'll check for deals on the Internet ! That's probably where you're reading this article. But there's still people who don't check, and just take the first offline offer they see. Check online, and use one of the search engines that scans lots of different car rental offers.

* Don't check Offline too

Even though the Internet is probably the best place for car rental deals, it's worth checking offline too. I found when searching for Hotel deals, I often get the best deals by calling ahead and negotiating with the receptionist (it's hard to negotiate with a web page). Yet, with Airline tickets the best deals are usually online, and the telephone/walk-in prices are higher and can't be negotiated.

But with car rentals, if you want to cover all your bases, be sure to check online and offline. Your local car rental dealer might have a special offer he's forgotten to update on the web site, or maybe someone's just cancelled a booking and you can take it cheap at short notice.

* Don't carefully check the terms of your car rental deal

Make sure you've got unlimited mileage if you want to drive a long way. Some deals have a mileage allowance, after which you get charged high dollar per extra mile. Unlimited works out best most times.

Check the terms to see if you need to return the car gas tank full or nearly empty. I once made the mistake of returning it full when I didn't need to - the car rental company refused to refund the cost.

* Fail to clean the car if you genuinely do get it dirty

It's okay to return it dusty from driving a couple hundred miles, but if your kid sicks inside, or someone spills coffee, or drops a burger & fries, then clean it up ! If you don't the car rental company will add an extra cleaning charge onto your credit card.

Follow these tips and you'll have a relaxed and stress free car rental experience, all ready to enjoy your vacation or business trip.

About The Author

Neil Stelling B.Sc, MBA - Marketing Manager,

DigiLectual Inc. ==> http://www.cheap--car-rentals.com/

DigiLectual Inc. 2004

[tagsarticle submission, articles, writers, writing, publishing, ezine, email marketing, email newsletter, email[/tags

The Top Ten Autos of 2005

2008-09-01T06:28:00.001-07:00

Each year experts in the automobile industry come up with their lists of the top ten vehicles of the year. Some experts put the vehicles through a series of tests, while others create their lists purely on market and consumer response. Vehicle choice is certainly a personal one, but experts like Cars.com, Consumer Reports magazine, Automobile magazine, and Car and Driver magazine, are certainly worth listening to. What did they have to say this year?

Well, the Cars.com list of most popular vehicles in 2005 was topped by the Honda Civic. Cars.com analyzes the vehicular market to come up with the most popular new car models based on consumer interest (i.e. on the number of email requests for price quotes sent to dealers) and not car tests. Here's their top ten list for 2005:

1. Honda Civic
2. Honda Accord
3. Toyota Corolla
4. Honda Odyssey
5. Toyota Camry
6. Toyota Prius
7. Toyota Sienna
8. Honda CR-V
9. Toyota Highlander 10. Toyota Tacoma

The Consumer Reports magazine list was also topped by a Honda, only this time it was a Honda Accord Hybrid, but the method of choosing the top cars is very different. Consumer Reports magazine took 200 vehicles and put them through 45 tests. At the end they chose the top cars according to nine categories. For example, the Subaru Forester was the best Small SUV, the Lexus RX330 was the best Midsized SUV, the Lexus LS430 was the best luxury sedan, the Subaru Impreza was the most fun to drive, and the Toyota Prius was the best green car.

Meanwhile, Automobile magazine chooses the top vehicles in 13 different performance categories, such as, Coupe, Family Car, Luxury Sedan, Minivan, Pickup, Small car, Sports car, Sport sedan, amongst others. They come up with one ultimate vehicle and this year it was the Chrysler 300C.

According to Car and Driver magazine, the Chevrolet Corvette topped the list as a best performance car and the Ford Mustang was the best muscle car.

Dylan Miles, journalist, and website builder, lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.autocarplanet.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

[tagsCar, car insurance, car rental, new car, used car, auto loan, auto part, car dealer, auto insurance[/tags

Italy's Magical City of Florence the Capital of the Exquisite Tuscan Region

2008-08-31T15:28:00.001-07:00

Italys ideal climate, animated people and passion for cuisine make it a perfect destination for independent travellers seeking much more than a one dimensional package holiday.

Choosing where to start a trip of discovery in Italy is difficult with so many must sees but Florence, as the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of Renaissance is a great option. Florences stunning architecture, rich culture, fascinating history and famous romantic atmosphere make it one of Europes top city break destinations.

Tuscany is said to be the most beautiful region in Italy and the cultural and historical impact of Florence is overwhelming. The city is like a museum in itself and the historical centre is best seen on foot. The centre is very atmospheric and strolling around the city discovering medieval spires, narrow streets, galleries and spectacular architecture is an amazing experience. The famous Michelangelo David, the wonderful Duoma and the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) are must see sights that you will never forget. Be sure to reward yourself with a delicious flavour of gelato or powerful espresso in a street side caf or just rest your weary feet and take the chance to watch the stylish and graceful Italians strut their stuff.

Hiring a car will let you explore the beautiful Tuscan countryside or Italys picturesque coastline. A very pleasant drive takes you to the Chianti region which is found between Florence and Sienna. This is a truly beautiful part of Italy and perfect for a vineyard tour where you can sample the famous local wine.

The Tuscan coastline is another area to discover. The beaches are beautiful with clear water at a perfect temperature for swimming. The Tuscan coastline has great character too with its ports, bays, charming villages and ancient rocks. It is an ideal place to relax and unwind after your city experience. For further information on Florence, Tuscany and Italy see http://www.italiantourism.com

Such a trip is made easy with car hire in Florence being in abundance. You will find that most large car hire companies in Florence.

See Florence and Tuscany as it should be seen. There is so much on offer in this magical region that has to be seen to be truly appreciated.

About the Author:

Michael Hanna is a keen writer, and internet marketer living in Scotland.

Contact details:
E-mail: samqam@googlemail.com
Phone: 0131 561 2251
Michael's Website: Belfast Taxis

[tagsHoliday Florence, travel Florence, car hire Florence, car rental florence[/tags

Contact a Limousine Service to Step Things Up

2008-08-31T00:28:00.001-07:00

Who should I contact to make that perfect night just a little better? We all have those occasions for which we just want the best. I know I look back on my wedding day, prom night, and anniversaries and think about how perfect I wanted those nights to be. There is one great addition to any day or night of celebration is a luxury ride that can only come from a limo. Very few of us would consider buying one, so renting is really the only option. A good limousine service will be able to provide you the luxury transportation that will make your special night perfect.

Your quest for the limousine service that will work best for you should be something you take seriously. Limousine selection and prices can vary greatly, and only be checking out several limousine services in your area can you find the right one for you. Start with your yellow pages either print version or online to find some phone numbers of local limo rental services. The second place to check would be on a search engine online. Many limousine services have websites that will give you a lot of information.

Once you have put together a list of limousine service phone numbers and or websites, it is time to start researching your options. Like most of us, you will probably want to check prices first. Most limousine services will charge you by either the hour, but others may go by the day or the mile. You may even find some that go by a combination of those pricing factors. Find out how each company charges and estimate how your charge will come out based on what you plan on doing.

The second factor that will affect both the price and your selection of a limousine service is what type of limo you rent. Today, there are any number of limos available for rent depending on where you go. You can find SUV limos, traditional town car limos, and even pickup truck limos. Each, as you can imagine, usually carries its own price tag, so once again that is something you will need to take into account when it comes to deciding on a limousine service.

Now that you are aware of the different types of limos available, and that each has its own price, you can begin figuring out what you want to rent. Aside from your budget, you should also consider practicality and fun of what you get. Think about how many people will be riding in the limo, where you will be going, what the weather is like, and who is going to be with you to decide what will work best. If you are in a warm weather climate or month, you might consider asking your limousine service if they offer a car with a convertible top or even one with a hot tub in the back. If you are with a group that enjoys off road vehicles, check to see if you can get an SUV limo. Just do your homework so that you can figure out what will work best for you.

If you are planning a special occasion or celebration, there is no reason not to take it to the next level. You can contact a limousine service to put that added luxury or fun touch on your night. Make sure you do your homework by finding out where the limousine services in your area are, what they charge, and what types of limos they have. Get those steps taken care of and you will be on your way to great night.

If you would like to find more of my personal articles on limousine services please check out my transportation website!

[tagscar rental,limo,limousine,limousine service,limousine services,limo rental,limousine rental,rentals[/tags

France Car Hire

2008-08-30T09:28:00.001-07:00

Here is a quick summary of the different French wine regions you can visit with some idea of what youll be tasting and the airports where you can conveniently pick up a rental car.

Champagne Region

What to taste: bubbly, of course! From the twin champagne-making centres of Reims and Empernay

Which Airport to pick up your Champagne rental car? Paris Charles de Gaulle car hire or Paris Orly Airport car hire.

Alsace Region

What to taste: sweet and scented white wines

Where to get your Alsace car rental? Strasbourg Airport car hire or Mulhouse-Basle car rental both within a reasonable range of this wine region.

Burgundy Region

What to taste: Pinot Noir for the red, Chardonnay for the white and Beaujolais Nouveaux for the fun of it.

Where to get your Burgundy hire car? Lyon Airport car hire (Lyon Satolas Saint Exupery) is the closest.

Loire Valley

What to taste: great white wine from the Chenin Grape and lusty, fruity reds from the Cabernet Franc.

Where to get your Loire Valley hire car: Tours Airport car hire

Bordeaux

What to taste: a huge region with a great variety of wines with great aging potential Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc and dessert wines from the Sauterne grape.

Where to start your Bordeaux car hire tour: Bodeaux Airport car rental.

Rhone

What to taste: red wine from Syrah and white wines from Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier.

Where to get your Rhone region car hire: Avignon Airport car hire,or Nimes Airport car hire.

Provence

What to taste: historians agree that this is where wine production started. Most of the wine produced here is Rose.

Where to get your Provence Region car hire: Avignon Airport car hire

South-West Region

What to taste: a veritable carnival of wines from a number of different grapes, the likes of which are rarely found elsewhere in the world, let alone France.

Where to get your South-West region car hire: Toulouse Airport car hire

Languedoc-Rousillon region

What to taste: mostly reds but some very interesting whites from the biggest continuous wine growing region in the world.

Where to get your Languedoc-Roussillon car hire: Nimes car hire and Perpignan car hire.

So there is plenty of variety to suit anybody's wine tasting needs. Flying to a particular airport and renting a car once you get there is a great way to explore your taste buds. If you are looking for a car hire deal, check out Vroom Vroom Vroom to get the best deal on your airport car hire. Happy hunting!

Peter Thornton is the CEO of Vroom Vroom Vroom which compares global brand car hire prices from Hertz, Avis, Thrifty, Alamo, Sixt and Europcar.

[tagsFrance Wine Tasting Car Hire Rental, car rental France, car hire France, rent a car France[/tags

Luxury Car Rental

2008-08-29T18:28:00.001-07:00

Are you looking for a good rental car? Have you been looking around for the best deal? If you have, rented cars previously then you probably have had plenty of practice shooing around for the best price. Maybe you could get behind the wheel of something very special. Ever consider renting a luxury car? Whether you want to cruise the streets in style on your vacation or you want to project that classy image on your next business trip luxury car rentals could be the answer you need.

There are opportunities available for you to rent a luxury car. Most of the major car rental companies have a wide range of Luxury vehicles. There are also several, private companies that specialize in renting nothing but luxury cars. These places tend to only offer top of the range cars so they wont be cheap.

Renting a luxury car is most likely going to cost you more than renting a standard car. The insurance will also be higher being that these cars are more valuable and more limited in their amount. However, by doing careful shopping and asking for discounts and special offers, it may not cost you your lifes savings.

Imagine the thrill of cruising in an E type Jaguar or a top of the line Mercedes. Renting a luxury car can make this dream come true.

Renting a luxury car can make your vacation or business trip that much more enjoyable by providing you with style and comfort. Do your homework in renting a luxury car and get the best price you can. Once you do the world is your oyster. Imagine the envy of onlookers as you cruise by them in your Porsche or Lamborghini. Look into luxury car rental. Youll love it.

For more information on Car Rentals visit http://www.allcarrentals.info.

[tagsCar rental,budget car rental, cheap car rental, economy car rental, luxury car rental[/tags

SUV vs Minivan Which Vehicle Is Right For You

2008-08-29T03:28:00.001-07:00

There are a variety of vehicles on the general market today and each type has its own beneficial attributes which make it a good purchase for certain individuals. There are two types of vehicles in particular which tend to attract some of the same types of individuals and these are SUVs and minivans. Many of the individuals that are looking into the purchase of one of these two types of vehicles are looking for a high-occupancy vehicle and are trying to determine which vehicle is best for their needs. The following paragraphs will highlight attributes of both and perhaps help individuals to better decide which vehicle is right for them.

Seating Capacity

When individuals are in the market for a high-occupancy vehicle, they look to both the SUV and minivan as potential choices. Because both of these are larger in size with regard to occupancy standards than their normal car counterparts, the size factor attracts individuals to vehicles of these types. Therefore, size is a beneficial aspect of both the SUV and minivan although the overall size and seating capacity varies among makes and models.

Family-Oriented

The term family-oriented has often been associated with the minivan in the past. Recently, this term has also been used when discussing SUVs as they can seat more individuals than regular automobiles just as the minivan can. However, if one is looking to purchase a family vehicle that can fit into other categories besides the family-oriented one, then perhaps looking into the purchase of an SUV is a good idea. Although if one wishes to purchase a minivan due to the fact that it is family oriented, then a minivan might be better suited to that type of individual.

Fuel Issues

Another factor individuals should consider when they are looking into the purchase of either an SUV or a minivan is with regard to fuel mileage. Fuel issues are high on everyones list these days due to the high prices of gas that have been evident lately. For those individuals who view fuel issues as a serious concern, purchasing a minivan may be the best bet. It can be stated that in the contest between SUVs and minivans with regard to fuel mileage, the minivan will win. If individuals wish to get the best fuel mileage out of their vehicle, a minivan is the better choice of the two vehicles.

Safety

Safety issues are extremely important ones with regard to automobile operation. Safety on the road is something which all individuals should consider when purchasing a vehicle. The one safety issue that has been linked with SUVs relates to the incidence of rollover accidents. Since SUVs tend to be higher than most of the other types of vehicles, they tend to be more likely than those other vehicles to roll over when taking sharp turns, changing lanes erratically, etc. On the other hand, minivans tend to have less of an incidence of rollover accidents than SUVs.

As for safety with regard to size, SUVs may lead the pack on being safer in that regard. Because they tend to be larger in size than minivans, their impending structure may be able to handle more in an accident than minivans. It is important to note however that safety standards and statistics vary from vehicle to vehicle.

Storage Capacity

SUVs and minivans are also purchased largely at times due to their storage capabilities. Both of these vehicles have large rear components where large objects and a great deal of small items can be placed for the road trip. It is hard to state which vehicle has the best storage capacity as this attribute varies amongst the different types of SUVs and minivans. Therefore, if one is looking to obtain a vehicle for storage capabilities, they really cannot go wrong with either the SUV or minivan.

Environmental Issues

Environmental issues are widely discussed and quite concerning these days. Some individuals look to issues of this nature when contemplating the purchase of a vehicle. If one is looking for the best vehicle with regard to being environmentally friendly, then the minivan may be the better choice in some instances. Since the minivan uses less fuel than most SUVs, it emits less harmful gases into the atmosphere. Therefore, it can be stated that minivans may be more environmentally sound than many of their SUV competitors.

When looking for a larger vehicle with a high seating capacity, one really cannot go wrong with either the SUV or minivan. What the decision really comes down to is personal preference and identifying specific qualities that one looks for in a vehicle. By contemplating the previously mentioned factors, one may be better able to narrow down their choices and be able to decide whether they want to purchase an SUV or a minivan.

Steven Anderson is the reservations director for Hawaiian Discount Car Rentals. We specialize in rental cars and Maui, Hawaii jeep rentals.

[tagsmaui car rental, maui car rentals, hawaii car rental, hawaii car rentals, kauai car rental[/tags

Renting a Car

2008-08-28T12:28:00.001-07:00

There are many horror stories out there about people who have returned vehicles to a car rental location only to hear later that they are being accused of damage that they are not aware of. While many people think that the car rental company is out to get them when this happens, it is usually an unfortunate clerical error rather then any maliciousness. However, at times, many renters returned vehicles that have been damaged while they were on rent even though they did not know it occurred. So keep in mind that the possibility exists.

Here are some things you can do if you find out that you have been accused of car rental damage.

1.Remain calm. Nothing infuriates car rental counter agents more than an enraged customer who makes all kinds of threat that they cannot follow up on. If you remain calm, it is more likely that the agents will help you.

2.Get your facts straight. Know exactly when you picked up the car and when you returned it. A rental agent could accidentally put in the wrong time and end up assigning damage to you that was really caused by someone who had the car after you. Or they could be doing a damage report on another person's car and miss-type the rental contract number and it gets assigned to you. It's an innocent mistake by simply pressing the wrong number and you'll be surprised how often it happens. To eliminate this as a possibility, asked to see the computer version of your contract. This would probably be a printout of the information input by the counter agent on your contract. This is where you will determine if there are any facts out of line, such as an accidental discrepancy in checkout times, type of car, or contract number.

3.Most car rental contracts have some kind of area on them that indicates damage either with a drawing of the car that gets marked up or an area in which damage is listed. Ask to see a copy of the contract if you do not have yours handy, and ask to see a copy of five or ten contracts before yours and after yours because sometimes damage can be missed if the car was inspected in the dark or in the rain.

Be aware that you may be held responsible for the car until the office gets the keys. So, if you leave the car in your driveway and drop off the keys at the rental office on your way to work, you will still be held responsible if the car is damaged before the rental company can pick it up.

If it is proven that the car rental damage is yours, you will likely be surprised at how expensive it is to repair. Car rental companies do not make money on car repairs but car repairs are very, very expensive and most people are unaware at how pricey it can be. You may however be charged downtime to cover for the amount of time that your car was not rentable.

If the damage was not yours, however, using these ideas should help you solve the issue quickly.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Car rental Resources a website providing information on Car rental

[tagsCar rental[/tags

What are Car Rental Discount Codes

2008-08-27T21:28:00.001-07:00

Car rental discount codes are an easy way to get a discount on renting a car. They replaced older paper coupons that were so popular at their time. Car rental discount codes exist only on the Internet and getting them is fairly simple as long as you check if they are still valid.

How can we find them?

The discount codes are quite easy to find. Typing car rental discount codes phrase in your search engine will result in at least one hundred relevant addresses. Of course if you decide to avoid big discount coupons' portals you will have to spend an hour or two on looking for the car rental discount codes that will be useful for you. Finding them at the portals will take no more than five minutes.

How can we use car rental discount codes?

It's easy - as soon as you find proper car rental discount codes, go to their issuer's page and type them in or, to avoid typing mistakes, cut and paste them in the proper place. As soon as they are confirmed, you will get the car rental discount. Codes are frequently expired, though and you have to make sure if they are still valid. Fortunately simply typing them in will make everything clear - the codes will be accepted or not, and you have to type them before any transaction is done, so there'll be nothing you will have to change in transaction agreement.

What is the main codes' problem?

As I said before, there is a problem that limits car rental discount codes' usefulness. It is the fact that they usually expire after a short time, but they are not removed from the Internet. It results in having hundreds codes available on the Net and knowing that only ten or eleven of them are valid. There is only one way to avoid this problem - it is using some dedicated car rental discount codes' website. There are five or six of them and in each one you can find literally thousands of valid car rental discount codes - the system administrators check the codes at least once a week.

Mike Simms is the founder of Coupons for rental cars a website providing information on Renting a car.

[tagstravel, rental cars[/tags

Israel Driving Guide For Tourists

2008-08-27T06:28:00.001-07:00

Are you planning to visit Jerusalem and seeking a good car rental Israel deal? What about your car hire Israel? Here is a useful Israel Driving Guide to help you drive safely in your car rental Israel all over the Holy Land.

International Drivers License

Do you have an American, Canadian, and U.K. drivers license? If so you do not an international drivers license to drive in Israel. Well, on the other hand, its cheap and makes a nice souvenir of Jerusalem car rental trip. (Be sure to take pictures of your car rental Israel for you scrap book)

Israel Auto Club in Tel Aviv

Israels automobile club is called MEMSI Even people living in Israel many years have no idea what MEMSI stands so dont ask them out of courtesy The MEMSI phone number is 03- 564-1121 and fax number is 03-566-0493. Their main office in Tel Aviv at 20 Rehov Ha-Rakevet. They are open:8:30am to 7pm, until 1pm on Friday; closed Saturday.

Israel Auto Club in Jerusalem

The Jerusalem office of MEMSI is at 31 Ben Yehuda St. (tel. 02-625-9711; fax 02-625-5994); same office hours as Tel Aviv.

Israel Auto Club -

The Haifa office of MEMSI is at 31 Ben Yehuda St. (tel. 02-625-9711; fax 02-625-5994); same office hours as Tel Aviv.

Importing Cars Versus Car Rental in Israel

In theory, you can bring your car to Israel for up to one year if you have a valid license and the car is licensed. The good news is there is no customs or deposit required. The bad news is the paper work, hassle and cost of sending it back home. In short, a car rental Jerusalem, car rental Tel Aviv or car rental Haifa is the way to go - less hassle and cost effective.

Israel Road Conditions

Israel is tough on cars and some older roads are narrow and full of curves. On the other hand, Israel now builds excellent highways and bridges. Jerusalem has lovely roads that are well maintained and other cities are improving road conditions. There are beautiful winding roads on the way down South to Eilat and up north to the Golan Heights.

Drivers Education in Israel

While some consider Israeli drivers overly aggressive on the road, others are polite and careful drivers. In recent years, Israel has initiated on-going driver education for young drivers and veteran drivers that teach defensive driving techniques.

Traffic Tickets in Israel

Watch your speed in Israel, there are street lights that record speeders, photograph your license plate and send you a ticket by mail. There are more speed traps than ever in Israel. Dont ruin your vacation with an expensive ticket and having your drivers license suspended obey the speed and look out for tailgaters. We hope this Israel Driving Guide helps you enjoy your trip. See you in Israel.

Israel Car Rental offers the best rates and personal service for your car rental Jerusalem, car rental Tel Aviv, car rental Haifa and car rental Haifa and throughout the country. For more info, visit Car Rental Israel.

[tagsJerusalem car rental,Tel Aviv car rental, Haifa car rental, Israel car rental[/tags

Airport Car Rental

2008-08-26T15:28:00.001-07:00

Are you renting a car? Have you thought about where youre going to pick up your car.? If youre flying on your holiday or business trip you may want to consider an airport car rental. Airport car rentals offer fast, convenient service, making it possible for you to collect your bags and your transport in the same place. The purpose of this article is to discuss the ins and outs of airport car rentals and to answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding them.

How much choice will I have in doing an airport car rental? That depends on the airport as some are bigger than others. However, most of the major car rental companies are represented at most major US airports.

Do airport car rentals always cost more money? No not always, the best thing you can do to avoid paying premium rates is to book ahead. The more advanced notice you give generally the better rate you get. Also check to see if there are any weekend packages or weekly rates that you can have. Its worth asking because it can save you loads of money.

Why should I consider an airport car rental? Airport car rentals are very convenient. Imagine that you have been flying for hours. Once you have landed you have to navigate your way through an unfamiliar airport to get your baggage. After all of this are you going to be up to navigating a strange cities public transport system. Also, are you going to want to spend time trying to get a taxi let alone paying the huge fairs to get you where you need to go. An airport car rental will make all of these problems go away. You can have your rental car literally minutes and be on your way to relaxing on your holiday.

Consider an airport car rental. The time saved and added convenience could make it worth any added expense.

For more information on Car Rentals visit http://www.allcarrentals.info.

[tagsCar rental,budget car rental, cheap car rental, economy car rental, airport car rental[/tags

What You Should Know About Thrifty Car Rental

2008-08-26T00:28:00.000-07:00

What should you know about Thrifty Car Rental before you use them to get your next rental? I always like to know a little about a company before I use them. When it comes to car rentals, I have always enjoyed Thrifty Car Rental as far as a provider. However, before you use them for your next rental; it might be nice if you knew a little bit about the company and what they do. Knowing more about them might make you just that much more comfortable with using them for your car rental needs.

Thrifty Car Rental bills itself as a value-oriented car rental company that is available both in airports and in local car rental markets. The big difference between Thrifty Car Rental and their major competitors is that Thriftys competitors focus almost exclusively on the airport market. In the U.S., roughly 66% of Thrifty Car Rentals business is in the airport market, 34% is in the local market.

As part of their airport market service, Thrifty Car Rental operates in terminal in every major airport in both Canada and Australia, and in 85 major airport locations in the United States, with the rest of its airport rental centers off of but near the airport grounds. Thrifty Car Rental is also located in-terminal in almost every major city in the Caribbean, and Central and South America where Thrifty has a solid presence. Thrifty Car Rental also has locations throughout the Middle East. Thrifty Truck Rental is an ancillary business and has a large number of locations as well.

Historically, Thrifty Car Rental and other departments have used a strategy to become a major global brand; In 2002, though, the company elected to shift to operating some of their major U.S. markets through the corporation. Now, more than 80% of the retail locations in North America are franchised (and over 90% around the world are), owned by independent businesses that are licensed to use Thriftys name, systems and technologies. Each such location must maintain certain strict standards in facilities and their service. From their corporate headquarters, Thrifty centralizes travel agent commission payments and operates from its headquarters travel agent and consumer inquiry departments, each with toll free numbers.

As you can see, Thrifty Car Rental is a well put together and historically reliable company. If you are anything like me, you probably feel more comfortable with a company once you know a little more about them overall. Thrifty Car Rental has always been a good company for getting you a car at a good price. You can find them in town or at the airport and that makes them convenient as well. So for your next vacation or business trip, go ahead and give Thrifty Car Rental a shot. You will be glad you did.

If you would like to view more of my articles on car rental, please feel free to visit my car rental guide website!

[tagsthrifty car rental,budget car rental,rent a car,car rental,renting cars,car dealers,thrifty,budget[/tags

Top Tips For Saving Money On Car Rental Rates

2008-08-25T09:28:00.000-07:00

Rental cars are leased to users who don't have access to their own automobiles, such as when travelling. They can be hired from rental car centres. Car hire in Britain & USA has become a highly competitive market with the arrival of online booking and bargain air tickets offering a car hire package deal. As a result prices are very keen. The big rental companies are having to look at their online strategies as a result. Another growth area is the decision many people have made to give up their private car and opt for renting when they need one. This has given rise to home deliveries and one way car hire in Britain, proving to be a very popular sector.

Top Tips For Saving Money On Car Rental Rates

Compare car rental rates on the internet and find a bargain Comparison shop on any 'extras' such as damage waiver Check the companies mileage policy to avoid additional charges. Make your reservation as soon as you know what you want. A lot of car rental companies increase their reservation rates as fleets become booked. The best rates are found off season ( more cars available = more supply = lower prices ). Ask if there are any special upgrades available.

Renting a car should be relatively easy. Check the customer service record of the company you are booking with. Ask people who have used them what their experience was like.

Article by Jack Grocott of http://www.car-rental-information-zone.com ( The Car Rental Information Resource )

[tagscar rental, car rent, hire car, booking, advance rental[/tags

Discount Car Rentral

2008-08-24T18:28:00.000-07:00

Do you need to rent a car? Are you going on a vacation or business trip? Are you on a tight budget and need to get the best possible rate? If you answered yes to any of these questions then this article is for you. In this article we will be discussing Discount car rental and things you can do to get the best rate.

Most reputable car rental places try to provide you with the lowest possible price and good service. They want you to be happy and return to them for any future business. However, if your looking for ways to lower the price even further then there are somethings that you can do. You can look into some of the smaller, independent rental companies. Many of them will attract business away from the major carriers by lowering their prices under theirs.

When renting from a smaller company, do your homework. Make sure you are getting what you would if you were renting from one of the major carriers. Most of them are fine but you still need to be careful. Carefully read you rental contract for any hidden extras they may slip in.

Another way to gain discount car rental is to look into travel packages. Sometimes travel agencies will offer car rental as a part of a holiday package. These work out sometimes as low as 10 dollars per day.

Finally, you can look into companies that dont offer extras. Things like unlimited mileage are additions we all pay for but if you know that youre not going to need it you may want to pay per mile. Some companies will rent at a much lower rate if they know your going to drive the car less than 50 miles. This can also reduce the insurance you pay on the car as well.

If youre on a tight budget then look into discount car rental. If youre careful, you can save loads of money and still enjoy a good time.

For more articles like this one, go to http://www.allcarrentals.info.

[tagsCar rental,budget car rental,discount car rental[/tags

Car Rental Rates

2008-08-23T12:30:00.000-07:00

Are you looking to rent a car/ are you going on a holiday of a lifetime or a business trip that you want as few hassles as possible? Are you sure that you have gotten the best rental car rate that you can? Contrary to popular belief, not all car rental companies are the same. Even the major national companies have their own rates and special offers so its worth checking the competition out. The purpose of this article is to answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding rental car and rental car rates.

Dont all of the major companies charge about the same in car rental rates? Not always, even the major carriers get into competition with each other. They are always trying to get each others business. Many will also have their own promotions and special offers so its worth calling around and checking.

Is it cheaper to rent weekly or daily? You will surely get a cheaper rental rate if you rent per week. Even if you only rent the car for 4 or 5 days ask the company if the will charge you via the weekly rate. This could result in substantial savings for you.

Should I only consider the major companies? Not always, smaller companies can quite often offer a better car rental rate. Just make sure that you are dealing with a reputable company. Beware of places that offer extremely low rates. These quite often dont give unlimited mileage and involve hidden costs

The secret to finding the best car rental rate is to do your homework. Dont be afraid to put companies against each other. Quite often they will bid for your business. Keep looking, and do your homework. It could save you loads.

For more information on Car Rentals visit http://www.allcarrentals.info.

[tagsCar rental,budget car rental, cheap car rental, economy car rental, car rental rates[/tags

Planning a Car Rental

2008-08-22T21:29:00.000-07:00

With rising gas prices, driving causes more headaches than it used to. When traveling, though, you may need to rely on a car rental. There are ways to save money if you plan well. Next time you're looking for a quality, affordable car rental, consider the following:

1.A car rental at the airport sometimes costs more than at a nearby agency. Compare prices ahead of time; it may be worth taking a taxi a few miles to pick up the vehicle at a different rental location.

2.Choose a no-frills car rental. Many less-luxurious cars get better mileage.

3.Car rental agencies usually have better deals on compact cars. If you don't need the space, why pay for it? Compact cars also get better mileage.

4.A car rental is usually more costly if you pick up the vehicle at one location and drop it off at another. However, consider the price of returning to the original locale. Is it cheaper to pay for the gas or for the drop-off? This might sway your decision a little.

5.Car rental agencies offer prepaid fill-ups when you return the vehicle. Compare their costs with the gas pump prices and decide ahead of time which is a better deal.

6.A weekly car rental usually costs less than paying for five or six days alone. If you're staying just under a week, you may want to pay this rate and return the car early.

7.Avoid purchasing insurance from the car rental company if possible. Many credit cards cover car rental insurance; in the event of collision or theft you'll be taken care of. Check your credit card agreement ahead of time.

8.Save the extra driver cost by choosing a designated driver. Some car rental agencies charge more to add a driver.

9.Look for car rental coupons in travel magazines or an Entertainment book. Agencies also give discounts to AAA and AARP members. Be sure to inquire about available deals.

Keeping these factors in mind before your car rental, you can save a substantial amount of money. Shop wisely, and know before you go!

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Car Rental Resources a website providing information on Car Rentals

[tagscars[/tags

Rental Car Insurance Do You Need It

2008-08-22T06:29:00.000-07:00

First of all, most U.S. drivers already carry auto insurance which will provide full or partial protection while driving a rental car (within certain dollar limits and coverage only for rentals within the United States and, sometimes, Canada). Some insurance policies only cover cars rented while your own car is being repaired, while most do not cover certain types of vehicles, like luxury cars or vans. Check your own personal policy for these limitations and exclusions.

Even with these limitations, your personal auto insurance will be the primary source of coverage if you have an accident or suffer injury while driving a rental car. Other types of coverage, such as credit card policies and the rental company's optional insurance offered at the time of the booking, will be subrogated. This means it will not apply until you have reached the maximum of your own auto insurance coverage. Also, be aware that your personal auto insurance rates may increase if you file a claim for damaging a rental car.

Some states have legislature in place requiring rental companies to inform you that their insurance coverage may duplicate your personal auto policy, though these laws do not specify how you must be notified. The best way for you to do is to talk directly with your auto insurance agent before you rent a car and ask the following questions.

What geographical area does my policy offer rental coverage in? (Generally speaking, auto policies cover the U.S. and Canada only.)

How much liability coverage do I currently have? (If you own an older car, for example, you may carry only the minimum amount of liability coverage that is required by the laws of your state, a level that may be insufficient to protect you against the risk of completely replacing a brand-new rental vehicle or, potentially even worse, paying an excessive personal injury claim.

How much is my deductible? (Are you willing to pay that amount out of pocket if you have to file a claim for damaging a rental car?)

Does my policy cover only the value of the vehicle(s) listed on my policy? (If so, you should compare that value to the replacement cost of the type of car you will be renting.)

Does my policy cover theft and collision damage? (Most U.S. drivers already carry collision coverage that can replace the protection sold by rental car companies.)

In the end, the decision of whether or not to purchase optional extra insurance from a car rental company is yours, of course. Consider well the value of the insurance against the cost and bear in mind the above information and make the decision with all the facts.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Car Rental

[tagscar rental[/tags

Car Insurance on Rentals

2008-08-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

When it comes to car insurance, there are a couple of traps you can fall into. The contracts are complicated and extremely difficult to understand, and thats if you even have the time to read them. The fact is that most people dont read insurance contracts and there is a significant information shortage when it comes to consumers and the contents of their own insurance contracts.

One of the problems with this information gap is that it can lead to wasted money. Every time you rent a car you are asked what kind of insurance you would like. The options are generally to take none, which costs nothing, or you could cover liability insurance, which should cost about $10 per day. Then you have a variety of options to cover the rental cat itself, prices for which vary from company to company and state to state. The full coverage option, which includes liability, passengers, and the rental car usually, comes to about $25 to $30 a day. Most people genuinely dont know what option they should be taking.

Liability

Liability insurance is the only insurance you are required by law to take out. All the others are optional. Thats the first and most important thing to remember when youre at the rental desk, and the total price for your two-week vacation car is quickly adding up and up. The other thing to know is that in many cases, you will be covered, to some extent by your existing car insurance. You will have to check your insurance policy to make certain, but for the vast majority of drivers, they will have liability insurance by virtue of their own car insurance, and this will carry over to the rental car.

It is however, unlikely that full or comprehensive coverage will carry over from your own car insurance. This is because comprehensive insurance is calculated based on the value of your car. Insurers dont want to be in a position where they set your policy based on your say, $15,000 vehicle, and then have to pay out when you crash a $40,000 rental. So your policy will state that only liability insurance is provided when you rent.

Credit Card Cover

You may still require no insurance from the rental company however. This is because many credit card companies, including both visa and MasterCard, offer this insurance if you pay for the rental with one of their cards. This is a major benefit of using a credit card and should not be wasted. Again you should check with your credit card provider what they cover, but the bottom line is, if your own insurance covers liability, and your credit card covers the rental car, why pay a couple of hundred dollars for extra insurance when youre already covered?

If you are in doubt as to your insurance, it is wise however to take the rental companys policy, especially liability.

Joseph Kenny is the webmaster of the insurance site http://www.insure121.com/ where you will find information, news and links to the leading providers of car insurance in the UK.

[tagscar insurance, rental insurance, car rental, liability, comprehensive, vacation, holiday[/tags

Rental Car Smarts When Size Matters Get the Most for Your Money

2008-08-21T00:29:00.000-07:00

When you're heading across country with a few more than a crowd, it helps to have an auto you don't have to shoehorn your friends into. Or maybe you need to haul more than a toothbrush and a change of underwear. That's when you want a van, SUV or pickup truck instead of a Geo Metro.

Rental cars come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, class and quality. You can get car rentals as sub-compacts, compacts, standard sizes, luxury, trucks and SUV. The variety available makes renting an option for individuals and families of any size.

Minivans, a favorite rental of families with children, generally have enough legroom to seat seven adults and assorted luggage. SUVs generally accommodate five adults and their assorted belongings.

When it comes to car rentals, more and more people are looking for a truck or SUV. Most companies offer their consumers a wide range of vehicles to choose from, but there is often a dramatic difference in the quality of the car rental size classes. And often there are significant differences in cost from one company to the next.

An analysis of rental car prices in the Denver area indicated that from company to company in alike locations prices on a SUV could vary up to 30% a day. These prices were from similar name-branded car rental locations.

So it will save you money to shop around and compare prices.

But don't be fooled by looking at pictures of the vehicles online. While some online sites have pictures of their vehicles, that method of determining overall quality may be misleading. While you can determine the make and model of the car rental, there is, after all, no way to verify that the car pictured is the car you will receive.

Most vehicles are available at all times in the larger cities and airports depending on the time of day. Smaller city locations should be called twenty-four hours to forty-eight hours in advance to secure a rental car, SUV or van.

Most car rental companies these days have more than just cars to rent out. But not all will have trucks, SUVs, vans, recreational vehicles and exotic sports cars.

Choosing the car, truck, minivan or SUV perfectly suited to you, your family or group can require some diligence. When searching to find exactly the make, model and condition for your rental car, comparison shopping can save you a bundle. Checking out the car rental company for quality and maintenance can make your trip run smooth.

It's always best to call the reservation line or the customer service center for information on a specific vehicle.

Karen Kirby has 25 years of experience in the computer industry, an MS in Computer Science, and a BA in Honors English. She has been helping people with Internet marketing since 1995. For more information on SUV and van rental see http://auto-rental.autopilotplus.com/ Be sure to get a free copy of the Internet Marketer's Guide to Free Traffic at http://www.aimbright.com/ebook

[tagscar rentals,rental cars,car hire,cheap car rental,SUV,minivan,lowest price rental car,rental agency[/tags

Experience Zurich A Truly Spectacular City With A Wide Array Of Things To See And Do

2008-08-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

Zurich has a multi faceted appeal with its cultural events, booming nightlife, extravagant shopping and glorious old town streets and sights on the banks of the Limmat River. All this in addition to its close proximity to the magical Swiss Alps make a trip to Zurich unforgettable.

Through the ages Zurich has seen many avant-garde writers and artists both frequent and live here. Zurich is ranked highly on the list of the worlds top art cities alongside New York, Paris, London and Berlin. A typical feature of Zrich is indeed its high density of art galleries which are minutes apart on foot. The Rmistrasse art mile is a must see for visitors to Zurich with gallery after gallery. Museums too are in abundance here with Zrich and the surrounding region is home to the biggest number of museums and exhibitions in the whole of Switzerland.

Art and culture aside, taking a stroll around Zurich's centre is a special experience. Zrichs well-preserved Old Town is on the banks of the Limmat River. It is not only home to countless places of interest but is a simply a beautiful place to visit and gather your thoughts over a lazy beer or coffee.

Having sampled the culture you may be in need of sampling some of the local night sports. Luckily Zurich is home to around 700 bars and clubs, most of which stay open until the early hours. DJs from all over the world play everything from House, Techno and Latin to Acid Jazz. If you prefer things a little more mellow, drop into one of the numerous open-air bars (in summer).

Zurich's proximity to the Swiss Alps makes trips to these glorious mountains very easy. Car hire in Zurich is in abundance with all the main brands having a presence. The Alps however are not the only thing that can lure you away from Zurich. Zurich's surrounding region has so many attractions that if you are not the skiing type you will be spoilt for things to do and see.

The Rhine Falls are a must see as they are the largest falls in Europe and will take you breath away. In this glorious region you can also visit Alpamare, the largest water park in Europe or for something less active the Emma-Kunz-Zentrum in the former Roman Quarry is an oasis of wellness and relaxation. With parks, zoo's and museums there is too much to mention but visiting Zurich's surrounding region must be done and will give any visitor a memorable trip. For further information on Zurich and its surrounding area go to Zuerich.com .

About the author: Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh cricket club.

[tagsTravel Zurich, holiday Zurich, car hire Zurich, car rental zurich[/tags

Road Manner and Road Safety

2008-08-19T20:10:00.001-07:00

Good manners when driving on public roads are an aid to safety and reduce personal stress. Follow these simple hints and observations to make your driving day more pleasurable.

1. In heavy rain do not use your emergency light or High-Beam. If the emergency light, is partly obscured, it could give an other driver a turning signal thus causing an accident. The glare from the High-Beam could blind an oncoming driver. Use your normal dipped headlight, stay to the curb side of the road and double your normal safe stopping distance from the car in front of you until the road is dry.

2. Use of flashing High Beam as a signal to other drivers.There is NO written law about this. It is a practice that varies from country to country. In Europe, if a car flashes you from behind, he is asking you to yield (give over) so that he can pass. It is also used to tell cars in other lanes that you will yield so that they can get into the traffic stream. Example in Thailand the reverse happens. A Thai driver will warn others that he is coming-through so then flash you to ask you to hold back. This is because the Thais do not have Right of Way rules. Further, it is customary in most countries to wave a hand or nod the head by way of thanks for being let-in or let through the traffic. Taking your hand off the wheel, however, or breaking your attention to the traffic is dangerous, so DON'T DO IT unless you have a clear road ahead.

3. Parking your car for a short-stay, with emergency lights blinking, is not respected in Thailand or most other countries. You just cause inconvenience to others and will get a traffic fine.

4. Braking. European drivers are trained to look into their rear mirrors before applying the foot brake. If you keep a safe stopping distance between you and the car in front (double on a wet road) then there should be no problem. If a driver enters your path from a side road or a motorway lane... decrease speed until a new safe stopping distance is achieved. Dont expect him to speed-up. He may have a slower car than yours.

5. Reduce speed in a built-up are and go even slower when passing a school or a childrens play area.

6. The yellow (Amber) traffic light. The green light changes to red after the amber has given warning that the light will change soon. Slow down and prepare to stop on the amber light, you'll just live longer.

7. Keep to the edge of the road. Most oriental people have bad peripheral vision so tend to stay in the middle off the road. When the have to turn a corner they cut across the corner risking a collision with on-coming traffic. When turning corners in Thailand be very careful as the oncoming drivers may not see you.

Driving manners and practices are very important. It is best to let the other car go first and wait. Patience and consideration for others is absolutely essential

Written by www.carrentalbudget.com

[tagsroad safety, car rental, driving[/tags

Possible Car Rentals in Bournemouth

2008-08-19T03:29:00.000-07:00

When you arrive at the Bournemouth airport, usually the first thing you want to find is some information on car rentals. In Bournemouth there are a lot of rent-a-car companies, so finding them is not a problem. Just connect to the Internet and look for them. By the way, keep in mind that the common spelling mistake is forgetting about n in the town's name, so you should check both car rentals in Bournemouth and car rentals in Bouremouth phrases.

How to find all car rentals in Bournemouth and compare prices?

The problem is that there is no universal rent-a-car in Bournemouth website. Most information about the car rentals in Bournemouth is hidden at the British car rental companies' websites, so comparing offers might be time-consuming. Fortunately I have found a place that might be helpful. It is one of the companies' websites, , but in addition to their propositions they offer lots of links to their competitor as they claim to have better prices than any other company. I don't know if their claim is true, but nevertheless they offer an excellent comparison of car rentals in Bournemouth.

Things that must be checked before you rent a car

First you must know exactly what you are going to do with the car. Do you need car rentals only for Bournemouth travels or do you want to go farther, even abroad? There are so many possible factors (mileage, time, your age, traveling abroad, extra insurance etc.) which will affect the final price, that you must know all of them before you start visiting car rentals in Bournemouth. It is important especially if you plan to travel abroad, as the fees varies greatly among the companies and you can pay sometimes even twice as much as you planned to do only because you had a quick trip to Calais for a dinner.

Fortunately when you decide on one of the companies, the rest is easy - the competition is big enough to force their salespersons to be as helpful as it is possible.

Mike Simms is the founder of Coupons for rental cars a website providing information on Renting a car.

[tagstravel, car rental[/tags

The Honeymoon Registry When Having Another Toaster Oven Just Won't Do

2008-08-18T13:27:00.001-07:00

Because of the high costs involved in planning and having a wedding and not to mention a honeymoon, many couples are asking how can we ask for money to go towards our honeymoon without showing a total disregard for wedding etiquette? Additionally, many couples are already living together prior to getting married. For some, it may be a second marriage. As a result, the need for the usual household items as wedding gifts is not a need. The natural solution to the wedding gift giving dilemma is the popular and growing trend toward honeymoon registries.

The traditional way of gift giving has been to rely on the bridal registry. The honeymoon registry communicates to guests and well wishers where the couple would like to go on their honeymoon, the activities and extra amenities they would enjoy that would make their dream honeymoon a reality.

A honeymoon registry is much like a wedding registry. When you join a honeymoon registry, your chosen destination package is broken down into affordable pieces and listed just like a normal gift registry. What's so great and unique about the honeymoon registry is that it enables your wedding guests to purchase portions of your honeymoon. Yes, your guests can contribute toward your honeymoon, but in some cases giving a particular portion of the honeymoon--dinner at a nice restaurant, or a carriage ride, for example--is more meaningful.

There are three basic kinds of honeymoon registries:

*Registries that require you to book your travel through the travel agency offering the registry.

*Registries that allow you to book your travel either through the sponsoring travel agency (or other affiliated travel agencies), through the travel agency of your choice, or on your own. Usually these registries charge an extra fee or higher service charge if you choose not to book travel through the registry's parent travel agency.

*Registries that are not affiliated with any travel agencies, requiring you to make travel arrangements on your own or through a travel agency of your choice.

If a honeymoon registry sounds like the perfect solution for you, here is a quick guide to choosing, creating, and using one. Different registries offer various mixes of features and costs. Think about what is most important to you. Take a virtual tour of several different registries. Start by looking at a few examples of honeymoon registries. Look for professionalism. Does the site provide a thorough explanation of its services, including all fees and service charges? Does it explain who you can contact or what you can do if you run into problems? If the honeymoon registry is run by a travel agency, does the FAQ explain the company's policy for cancelled or delayed travel?

Consider contacting couples who have used the registry. You can find couples by looking up old honeymoon registries and doing a web search for their e-mail addresses. Or look for e-mail addresses associated with wedding home pages hosted by the registry service. Send a friendly e-mail explaining your situation and ask for advice; most couples will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Talk to someone from the registry service, either by phone or e-mail. If the registry service falls short on customer service when you're signing up, don't expect better service if a problem arises.

To create your honeymoon, you must first submit basic personal information such as your names, the date of the wedding, contact information, and so on. Then you create your registry, which is an itemized list of all your honeymoon expenses. Some registries charge a setup fee, which is usually between $100-$150; others charge nothing to the wedding couple, but charge wedding guests a service fee when they buy part of the honeymoon. Most honeymoon registry websites allow you to create your registry right away over the web. Other sites put you in touch with a representative who will assist you in creating your registry.

What can you list on your registry? If you can buy it, you can list it. Typical registries list transportation, lodging, activities, special amenities, and meals. Expensive items are usually broken down so guests can choose to pay only a portion of the item. For example, a honeymoon registry might list ten gifts of $100 each toward your $1,000 airfare expense.

Some honeymoon registries allow you to personalize your registry with a message to your guests and descriptions of the different parts of your honeymoon, perhaps even allowing you to upload pictures.

Once your registry is set up, you need to let your wedding guests know that it exists. Many registries will provide you with printed cards announcing the registry and its web address; you can either mail them with the wedding invitation or separately. Some registries will email your wedding guests if you provide their email addresses.

The more tactful approach is to let your guests know about your registry indirectly. Let your parents, close friends, or wedding party members know that you have a honeymoon registry; they can pass the word along to other guests and well wishers. You can also create a wedding web page with up-to-date information for guests, and include a link to your registry on that page and list the address of your wedding web page in your invitation without directly bringing up the issue of gifts.

Wedding guests can look up your registry by typing in your last name into a search box on the registry website. After reading what you want, they click on the item they want to purchase and pay for the items on the website. Most registries also allow guests to purchase items by phone.

The gift-giver usually receives a certificate that is either sent to the wedding couple or to the purchaser to deliver personally the couple. Some registries charge a fee to mail this certificate. Other registries notify the couple of the gift by e-mail. On any registry, you can track how many gifts you have received simply by logging into the registry.

It's important to note that most registries require guests to pay a service charge for the privilege of contributing to your honeymoon. The service charge is a percentage of the cost of the gift ranging from 3.5% to 15%. So if a guest wants to pay $100 toward your airfare and the honeymoon registry website imposes a 10% service charge, the guest will end up spending $110.

The wedding couple is ultimately responsible for paying for their honeymoon expenses which means any portion of the honeymoon that needs to be paid prior to the wedding will be at the wedding couple's expense. Some or all of those expenses could be purchased by your guests however; some of the honeymoon expenses are not completely covered by the registry. It's wise not to plan an extravagant honeymoon that you cannot pay for yourself.

Whatever money wedding guests contribute toward the honeymoon is placed in a holding account. The registry sends the couple a check (or electronically deposits the funds into their account) on a predetermined date, usually a week before the wedding. Even though the wedding guests paid for certain parts of the honeymoon, the couple can use the money for anything they want.

Janice Willingham is a travel enthusiast that likes exploring innovative ways to travel or in this case sharing information about the honeymoon registry option in wedding gifts. You can enjoy reading tips, articles and other information about travel at http://wealthpath.wordpress.com

[tagshoneymoon, honeymoon registry, wedding, marriage, travel, cruises, car rentals, hotels, registry[/tags

Car Rental Companies - Advantages of Advantage

2008-08-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

Car Rental Companies - Advantages of Advantage

Do you frequently rent cars for business and/or leisure? There are many car rental companies to choose from and a many offer competitive rates and similar services. If you're a frequent renter then it's beneficial to find one that fits your needs and gives its loyal customers extra benefits and perks. Advantage Rent A Car (ARAC) is one leading car rental chain that is not only competitively priced but also has a large amount of repeat customers who are part of their loyalty program, "Easy ID".

There are many larger rental companies that offer similar rates and services. Most agencies offer tempting specials and perks to its members. So why should you consider Advantage Rent A Car?

Company History

Advantage Rent A Car was founded in the early 60s in Texas as 399 Car Rentals. The name changed in 1985 and in 2001 Advantage had spread internationally with office and subsidiaries in 33 countries. The company continues to expand and be an industry leader with its high level of quality and customer service.

Advantages with Advantage

Advantage offers similar rates and discounts as other car rental companies. They offer special rates and discounts to military personnel, senior citizens and auto club members. They have also partnered with airlines, hotel and other travel related businesses. For example, they have recently partnered with Vacation Center by Carlson to offer special rates in conjunction with vacation packages.

Advantage has the benefit of being a large company with several locations worldwide. Small rental companies usually don't have a large vehicle selection and their offices are usually not as convenient. Advantage is able to offer you confirmed bookings and roadside assistance which smaller companies may not be able to do.

Advantage Easy ID

Easy ID is Advantage's loyalty program and in no time you can be earning a free rental and receives perks. After just 12 days of renting a car you earn a free day of rental. In addition, frequent renters will receive other privileges such as easy rental and return. So it pays to use Advantage every time you need a rental car.

Reserving a Car

There are many ways to book a car rental with Advantage. The easiest way is to visit the company's website www.arac.com. You will be able to search available rates and models for the time you wish to rent. You can also browse the company's specials and available discounts. It's also possible to view the various classes of cars and available options.

With Advantage you'll not only get competitive rates but you'll also receive excellent customer service. Being an Easy ID member will give you even better rates and more perks.