The Ultimate Guide To Cheap Travel
Other Transportation Options: Auto Driveaway, Car Rental, Roadside Assistance, RV Rental, Motorcycle Rental, Bus, Train...
If your trip will be one-way,
auto driveaway may be the answer. Some auto transport
companies use outside drivers to get cars from one point
to another cheaply. The companies screen drivers with
good records over the age of 21.
If chosen, you get a vehicle, a generous miles allowance
and plenty of delivery time, all at no charge to you.
A deposit is required (usually around $300), which is
refunded when you turn in the car. Find out in advance
what your liability would be should you have a fender
bender.
Look in your yellow pages under "drive-away companies".
Also check out the websites below. Be sure to directly
contact the offices nearest you for information on currently
available cars:
For rental cars, the easiest
way to find low rates is to use the Orbot
at Orbitz. Check to see if weekly rates are lower than
renting for a few days. You can also make your reservations
online using their system.
Be forewarned, however, that what seems like a bargain
can end up costing you. It's a good idea to call the
company you're considering and ask them the following
questions, where pertinent:
"If I drive outside of my state or region, do
I still get free unlimited miles?"
"Do you have locations in the states in which
I'll be traveling?"
"Do you provide roadside assistance, if needed?"
(Most auto club memberships provide assistance to members,
even when they're driving a rental vehicle.)
"If the car develops a problem that can't be fixed
quickly, will you provide me with another car?"
"I'll be driving in snow and ice conditions. Are
snow or all-weather tires provided? Are tire chains
provided?"
"Do your cars have cruise control?" (Cruise
control can make a big difference in comfort during
long trips and can lessen your chances of getting a
speeding ticket.)
"Do your cars have a CD or cassette player?"
In our test, Avis,
Budget and Hertz
had the best overall responses.
You'll also want to familiarize yourself with car
rental insurance coverages and waivers. You may
have already paid for this coverage elsewhere, so don't
pay twice if you don't have to.
If you're a fan of environmentally-friendly vehicles,
be sure to see if EV
Rental Cars has a location near you. Their rates
are very competitive.
If you'll be traveling using
your own vehicle, an auto club membership is a must.
These auto clubs offer plenty of perks, including discounts
on car rentals, lodging and cruises. Memberships are
even available with RV towing, if needed.
If you want the utmost in travel
flexibility, RV rentals can be surprisingly cheap, especially
since you won't need a hotel. Cruise
America is the top company in this market.
Motorcycle rentals
aren't always cost effective, but bargains can be found.
This is not a travel option inexperienced riders
should choose. Typically, you'll be asked to provide
your own safety gear. As a side note, fans of energy-efficient
vehicles like Smart Cars can rent one to test drive
at select motorcycle rental locations:
Traveling by bus takes longer than
many methods, but the incredible savings can make the
extra time worth it. Furthermore, stopovers are permitted
for unrestricted fares (let the driver know!). This
is a good choice if you plan to sightsee along the way!
