Home
Planning
Finding Deals
Preparing to Travel
Set Your Budget
Packing Tips
Safety
Day of Departure
Remember Your Trip
Family Vacation
Travel Packages
 

Essentials of Car Travel

Car travel may include rental cars or the family automobile.



Rental Cars

Search for cheap rental car rates through the internet, a travel agent or directly from the rental car company itself (phone the 1-800 number). Check all of these options and compare prices for the best deal.

The cost of the rental car is more than just that of the vehicle itself. You must also factor in the cost of gasoline and insurance. Furthermore, depending upon your destination you may also require an International Driver’s License.



Tips for Obtaining Cheap Rental Car Rates

1) If you will be renting a car for less than seven days, compare the weekly rate to the total cost at the daily rate. If the former is cheaper then rent at the weekly rate. There is no penalty for returning the car early.

2) Reserve your car more than a week in advance for the best deals.

3) Membership has its privileges – there are sometimes discounts with membership in certain organizations like the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). It doesn’t hurt to ask.

4) Get great advice and tips on getting the best price on your next car rental at Best Car Rental Tips. Check out information on car rental policies, one-way car rentals, car rental insurance and more.


The Family Car

If you will use the family car for a road trip, have a reliable mechanic check it for road-worthiness. The cost of traveling with your own car is determined by the mechanic’s fee and the amount of gasoline that you require.



Tips for Minimizing Gasoline Consumption

1) Slowly step on the accelerator when the traffic light turns green.

2) Don’t exceed the speed limit.

3) Don’t carry excess weight in the car. Find lodging and then unload your car at the earliest opportunity.

4) Keep your car aerodynamic. Don't use a roof rack.

5) Increase your gas mileage by driving in the wake of other vehicles to decrease wind resistance. Only do this when your gas tank is close to empty and you are a short distance from a town.



Other Automobile Considerations

Locate the cheapest gas prices near you with www.fuelgaugereport.com

Locate gas stations in the United States and Canada that sell gasohol with http://e85vehicles.com

Find out where speed traps have been set using www.speedtrap.org


Set Your Automobile Travel Budget

Record your car travel expenses for use in the travel budget preparation. Estimate your gasoline expenses and any rental car insurance you might require. You may also require an international driver's license.




Chapter 4 of Turn Your Dream Vacation Into Reality: A Game Plan for Seeing the World the Way You Want to See It outlines automobile transportation in far greater detail.

Bookmark and Share


Return from Essentials of Car Travel to Locating a Travel Deal


footer for car travel page