If you’re going on holiday or travelling abroad, renting a vehicle is a great way to get around. With many car hire firms facilitating airport pick-ups and drop-offs, you can have your hire car waiting for you when you land, and simply drop the keys off when you’re returning home.
Of course, everyone wants to enjoy a hassle-free holiday, and planning your vehicle rental can ensure that there aren’t any unexpected issues to contend with. To plan the ultimate stress-free vehicle hire abroad, check out these top six tips now…
- Pre-book your vehicle hire
Vehicle hire is extremely popular with tourists, particularly in popular holiday destinations and in peak travelling times. Booking your vehicle hire early will ensure you secure access to the type of vehicle you need, and you could also make significant savings.
Booking a vehicle well in advance is one of the best ways to reduce your costs, so as soon as you’ve booked your holiday, start looking at vehicle rental deals.
- Check the collection options
If you plan on using your hire vehicle to get from the airport to your accommodation, do double-check how and where you should collect it from. If your car hire company has a dedicated collection point or desk at airports, you’ll also need to confirm its opening hours.
Remember – your flight could be unavoidably delayed, so do check what the protocol is if you arrive after the collection desk has closed. No-one wants to be stranded at an airport on the first night of their holiday, so be sure to have a back-up plan or choose a car hire firm which offers 24-hour collections.
- Hire a minibus
When you’re travelling with four or more people, hiring a minibus can be a more cost-effective way of arranging your transport. Bus hire is typically very economical, and it can be more budget-friendly than hiring two or three vehicles to ferry your party around. Furthermore, when you hire a minibus, you can save on fuel costs and ensure all members of your party are able to travel together. This helps to minimise the risk of anyone getting lost or left behind when you’re travelling in unfamiliar areas, so it’s certainly a good way of ensuring your holiday is hassle-free!
- Check insurance requirements
You may be familiar with how vehicle insurance works in the UK, but it’s important to understand the insurance arrangements at your destination too. If you’re hiring a car in the USA or Canada, for example, it’s generally advisable to opt for extra coverage, as the maximum payout amounts on standard insurance policies are relatively low.
- Bring the right documents
You may need to bring specific documents with you to collect your vehicle, so check this beforehand and ensure you have everything you need. Putting the appropriate documents in your hand luggage prevents you from having to unpack your luggage in the middle of the airport too!
- Check the vehicle
You may be eager to get on the road and start enjoying your holiday, but take the time to check the vehicle over before you take possession of it. You could be charged for any scratches or dents, so it’s vital to ensure the car or bus isn’t already damaged.
All done!
