If you are planning a vacation and are drawing up a “Travel To Do List” that includes “Renting a Car” as one if its items, there are some basic concerns you need to keep in mind. The first point, of course, is how much you are willing to spend on the car rental. Following that you need to consider what type of driving you will be doing. The last factor you need to consider is that of the size of the vehicle you intend to rent.
Each of these aspects is not quite as simple as you might think. As you plan and anticipate what you will be doing, you may find that your expectations will reshape your choices about the rental vehicle.
Budget Concerns
Be straightforward with yourself about how much you want to spend on your car rental. Be prepared to consider a price range and not just the least amount you want to spend. Remember to account for additional costs in the charges, such as insurance and fuel costs. Your inclination may be to choose the least expensive vehicle in order to minimize your costs, but do not lock yourself into that choice until you have considered all factors of your intended vehicle use.
Type of Driving
One of the primary considerations in choosing your rental car should be the type of driving you plan on doing. If you only need a vehicle for limited urban driving, your only concern may be the number of people you will be transporting. Be sure to choose a vehicle that can carry everyone in your party. Do not underestimate the space needed and do not make plans that will cramp any member of your group.
Additionally, give some thought to the types of terrain you will be crossing. If you have plans for cross-country travel you may find that the smaller vehicles are less desirable. Will your first choice for rental car be up to the driving you intend to do? Will you be driving simply between lodging and destination attractions or will you be adventuring forth in a road-trip? How much storage space will you need in your trunk? Will you be carting your luggage with you at all time?
Reshape your vehicle choices as you go over all the various points of your driving intentions.
Size Matters
Again, although the impulse may be to select the smallest, least expensive vehicle available, consider your physical needs before the final decision. If you are a tall person and plan on doing a lot of driving a smaller car may become uncomfortable fast. Always be conscious of the amount of leg-room you, as the driver, will need. If you select an inexpensive vehicle that has too little leg-room you can quickly find that every driving occasion becomes a painful experience. No one wants to be dealing with knee pain while on vacation.
If you will be traveling with passengers, consider their comfort as well. If a lot of time will be spent in the vehicle, each person will need to have a certain amount of space. Keep in mind that a vacation should be a pleasure, not a pain.
As you evaluate each of these aspects while planning your car rental, you may find yourself adjusting your choices and increasing the budget for the rental. Treat yourself to something special that will serve your needs in comfort, and make the choice one of the pleasures of your vacation.
About the Author: Troy Adams is a restless traveler who loves road trips, visiting historical monuments around the globe and backpacking. If you are looking to rent a car, look to http://discountcar.com.