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A hire car can offer excellent value for money with the freedom to see everything your destination has to offer.
Many people are put off hiring a car because they have heard scare stories of scams and rip-offs, but hiring a car for your holiday does not need to be a hassle. If you follow a few simple steps you can get the most from your car hire and avoid your holiday turning into a nightmare.
1. Consider your vehicle requirements. The smallest available car may be cheap but may not suit your purposes. Consider the number of people and luggage to be carried, there is nothing worse after a tiring flight than getting to your car then realising you cannot get your suitcases into your hire car. Comfort and safety are important considerations. You and your passengers may be grateful for having an air-conditioned car in a hot country.
2. Check what the car hire rate includes before you book. Some prices may seem unbelievably cheap but there may be hidden extras, this is often the case when booking through an airline.
3. Take out proper insurance cover. In Europe, car hire companies normally offer Third Party Liability (TPL) cover and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). Theft Protection (TP) may be an optional extra. It is worth making sure you are covered or you could be liable for the full value of the vehicle if it is stolen. Theft Protection is mandatory in Italy for example. In most countries, a daily Excess Reduction (EXR) cover can be taken out to reduce the CDW and TP excess. In the USA, you are strongly advised to top up the state minimum third party cover to $1m with Supplementary Liability Insurance (SLI). Some state minimum levels are as low as only $10,000.
4. Pre-book in the UK. If you are going abroad, a pre-booked programme at a guaranteed rate is likely to be cheaper and will help you with budgeting. You will also be guaranteed vehicle availability.
5. Rent from an operator you trust. It is advisable to rent from a reputable international car hire company, especially abroad. They will generally offer the latest model cars, operate the widest network of locations, prepare vehicles to the highest standards and offer emergency roadside assistance. Also, if you do have a complaint, you can write to their head office in the UK.
6. Always check for bodywork damage. Before you drive off, make sure that any damage, even a small dent or scratch, is noted on the pre-hire inspection form. Otherwise, you may be charged for damage, which was not your fault. At the same time, make sure you have as much fuel as indicated on the paperwork.
7. Check the tyres. It is very important to check that tyres are in good condition, have sufficient tread depth and appear properly inflated. Some customers un-wittingly breach the standard terms and conditions and drive their hire car off-road. This can result in a cut or bulge in the sidewall of the tyre for which they may be liable. Always check the condition of the spare tyre and ensure that you have a jack and wheel brace.
8. Familiarise yourself with the car controls. Make sure you are familiar with all controls and that the lights, wipers and horn work properly. Ask a member of staff if you are unsure and request a copy of the handbook. Before you drive off, check fluid and oil levels and carry out a static brake check.
9. Ensure peace of mind with roadside assistance service in the event of an accident or breakdown. Check you have the necessary cover and a contact telephone number.
10. Check the fuel type and return with a full tank. Make sure you know what type of fuel the vehicle uses as you will be liable for the costs involved if you fill up with the wrong type. Return the car with a full tank of fuel, or topped up to the same level as supplied, to avoid paying a refuelling service charge or a premium price per litre for the fuel you have used.
Last of all make sure you make it less obvious you are a tourist in a hire car, remember when you park that you must ensure no valuables
Many of us like to arrange holiday car hire when we go abroad. Hiring a car gives you the ultimate freedom and flexibility when you are on holiday and enables you to do what you want, when you want and at your own pace without having to stick to rigid excursion departure and pick up times and can also save you money on paying for expensive taxis.
But when booking your car hire, have you ever considered what would happen if you were to breakdown while driving a hire car abroad? Many people will be surprised to learn that if you breakdown in a hire car abroad, you could face fines of more than £400 through little fault of your own.
In a recent survey of Mediterranean car hire companies, 75% of cars didn’t carry enough emergency equipment such as warning triangles, reflective jackets and first aid kits to meet legal requirements. In addition to this, over 30% of companies didn’t provide a telephone number to call in the event of a breakdown, and manuals explaining car basics such as jacking positions were unavailable in over 50% of cars.
The fines imposed for not having the legally required equipment in your hire car can be steep. Some examples of these fines include £408 for failing to use a reflective jacket or warning triangle in Portugal and £303 for the same offence in Italy.
Police have the power to issue these fines on the spot or take a much higher fee as a deposit to cover the maximum fine until the matter is taken to court.
While car hire firms should supply the right equipment in the first instance, it is your responsibility to ensure it is there before driving your hire car away. Make sure to check your hire car thoroughly to ensure it has a breakdown triangle, reflective jacket and first aid kit as well as making sure you are supplied with a number to call in the event your hire car breaks down.
As well as this, as always when hiring a car abroad, don’t forget to take both parts of your driving licence and be aware of the laws of the road before setting off.
Classic Car Hire is for that special occasion such as a wedding or a celebration of all kinds. Classic cars are truly at the top of the market with luxury and sophistication as standard. Classic cars were first manufactured before world war two. Many of the post war models are now collector’s items, not only as show pieces but also investments.
Classic cars became more popular after 1945, in that year the launch of the MG TB which was the classic sports car which everybody wanted. It was in America that this car had its biggest impact. It started a craze for British sports cars this craze lasted for around 35 years.
Classic cars also include the great classic Porsche introduced in 1948 and was still in production until 1965 with many different manufacturers over the years. Classic cars were mainly manufactured in Italy by Enzo Farraiti, they had a V 12 engines with a five speed gearbox, and these cars could reach 120 mph easily, it was the ultimate racing car of the time. Classic cars and sports car took the world by storm with the British Jaguar Mark V11.
One of the cars which could surpass the Jaguar in terms of performance and comfort was the Bentley Continental which costs four times much as the Jaguar.
Classic cars were manufactured by two rival firms, these were Austin Healy and Triumph, these made the smaller and cheaper classic cars.
Classic Cars were very popular in the sixties, the Silver Shadow and the Rolls Royce. In the seventies they introduced the elegant Corniche convertible which was based on the Silver Shadow.
Classic Cars soon followed with Jaguars X J 12 saloon, this car was voted best car in the world by a panel of judges appointed by a car magazine. The only problem with the X J 12 was its thirst for fuel, it became more serious with the worlds first fuel crisis in 1973.
Classic cars continued to improve with Lamborghini bringing out it’s greatest car; the fantastic Countach, an equally stunning car is the Lagonda which is made by Aston Martin, which is one of today’s most attractive classic cars. Lagondas could not be produced in large numbers as they are very expensive to buy and make.
Classic cars are avalible to hire in a variety of models, colours and types.
Classic Cars were also being made in America. Chevrolet introduced a corvette in 1953, Ford then built the Thunderbird, which was more like a convertible than a classic car it could reach 113 mph.
The Ford Mustang made a big impact on the car industry by selling half a million cars in the first 18 months when it was launched in 1964, because of its high performance and low price.
Classic cars were also built by the Japanese who in 1970 launched the Daston 240 Z which sold very well in America, because of their high performance, cheap price and reliability. It is extremely easy to hire a classic car.
Classic Car Hire . One search to compare the best car hire companies online. With so many interesting places to discover a Car Hire Spain is the recommended and most cost effective transport option.
Granita, Gangsters and Gorgonzola, Sicily is famous for many things, but car hire gives you the freedom to find a picture of Sicily that is unique to you alone. Driving through Sicily, you have the independence to explore a range of spectacular sights, from stunning seaside cliffs to fragrant orange groves. Just like countless artists and poets who have fallen in love with Sicily over the years, you too are sure to fall under her magical spell. Touring this beautiful island with a rental car, inspiration comes easy. Taormina is an excellent base from which to begin your Sicilian car hire adventure. The following article should provide you with some helpful tips for travelling around Taormina and beyond.
Taormina Mini Guide:
Taormina is Sicily’s most famous resort town and is situated on the east coast of the island. The resort is popular with both Italian and foreign tourists and offers some of the most stunning scenery in Sicily.
Things To See/Do in Taormina:
While in Taormina, a visit to the stunning Giardini Naxos beach is a must. Taormina has a fascinating history, which is a joy to explore. Renting a car in Taormina means you have the freedom to explore the many famous attractions at a pace that suits you. Places that merit further investigation in Taormina include Duomo Cathedral, also known as the Church of San Nicola. Built around 1400, the church is unusual in appearance, from its wooden Arabic style beams to its cross-shaped structure. The Sicilian Museum of Art and Folk Traditions is also well worth a look. Located in Palazzo Corvaja, the museum features a range of fascinating exhibits, from figurative art to wooden sculptures, ceramics and puppets. The Regional Archaeological Museum in the Badia Vecchia is another popular draw. Here artefacts on show include sculptures, ceramics and an alabaster urn and Byzantine sword found on the sea board close to Isola Bella.
Eating Out in Taormina:
Being an island, you’ll find fish is definitely the dish of the day in Taormina and the all of the other villages that you’ll encounter on your travels around Sicily. Traditional favourites include grilled swordfish, seppia (cuttlefish) and finnochio con sarde (fennel with sardines). Non-seafood lovers needn’t despair, Taormina caters to every possible budget and taste. Other tasty options include delicious chicken alla marsala and the ubiquitous pizza and pasta dishes. If you’re counting the pennies while on vacation in Taormina, you really can’t go wrong with a pizza. Cheap, yet substantial enough to sustain hunger, pizza is always an excellent menu choice.
Day Trips/Events in Taormina:
Let Taormina act as a base from which to explore the beautifully scenic Sicilian countryside. A short 5km drive will take you to the pretty hilltop village of Castelmola, which offers stunning coastal views over the island.
Taormina has a lively events calendar, with the city playing host to a number of vibrant Festivals throughout the year including the summer’s vibrant Taormina Arts Festival, a cultural extravanza that takes place over three months. Other events of note include June’s Taormina Film Festival and September’s Madonna della Rocca procession.
Think you know Milan? Hire a car in Italy’s style capital and think again! Once you’ve rented a car in Milan, you’ll see a whole new side to the city. Not only does car rental in Milan allow you the freedom to shop ’til you drop all over the city, you’ll also have somewhere safe and convenient to store all those fabulous purchases. It’s not just the shopping in Milan that car hire facilitates, renting a car also gives you the freedom to tour the magical countryside of Lombardy.
Milan Mini Guide:
Milan is one of Italy’s most popular city break destinations and it’s easy to see why. The city not only boasts a fascinating historical heritage, it is also renowned as being one of the world’ s top fashion capitals.
Things To See/Do in Milan:
Once you’ve arrived in the city, it’s worth stepping out of your hire car for a while and taking a walking tour. This is one of the best ways to see what Milan has to offer in terms of cultural and historical attractions. Piazzo del Duomo is a great place to start. Here the impressive Duomo cathedral is a must see. Duomo is home to some 3,500 statues and offers a spectacular rooftop view of the Alps. Heading north of the Duomo brings you to the absorbing Pinacoteca Brera, where masterpieces by Titian, Canaletto, and Caravaggio are on public display. Meanwhile, Leonardo da Vinci’s priceless ‘Last Supper’ can be viewed at Santa Maria della Grazie, however demand is such that up to four weeks booking is essential.
It’s impossible to visit Milan without indulging in some retail therapy. No matter what your budget is, shopping in Milan is guaranteed to be a stylish affair. Serious fashionistas will find everything they’re looking for on via Montenapoleone, via della Spiga, via Sant’Andrea and via Manzoni. Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton are to to be found on Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Those on a restricted budget are also well catered for. Milan’s designer outlet stores, D-Magazine and Salvagente ensure that thrifty followers of fashion pay less for up to the minute threads through special offers and generous discount prices.
Eating Out in Milan:
Counting the pennies? Don’t worry, it’s easy to eat out on a thrifty budget in Milan. Cheap happy-hour deals are popular at establishments such as Bar Brera, the Dom Café and Le Biciclette on via Conca del Naviglio. Pizza is a great option for those looking to pay less for lunch or dinner. Top pizzerias include Anema e Cozze on Via Palermo, Primafila on via Ugo Foscolo and Pizzeria Dogana on via Dogana.
Traditional pasta is another cheap and cheerful snack at homely restaurants such as Osteria Giulio Pane e Ojo.
Day Trips/Events in Milan:
Milan’s surrounding countryside offers plenty of scope for touring by hire car. Lombardy’s mountain valleys and lakes lend themselves to a range of active outdoor pursuits including sailing, hiking and walking. The scenic Lake Como also makes for an especially pretty drive.
As a design capital, Milan is no stranger to trade fairs and fashion shows. The city’s famous fashion shows take place in February and September for womenswear and late June and mid January for menswear. The Milan Furniture Fair takes place annually in April and exhibitions are open to the public at specially allocated design showrooms.
It’s been many years now since the Channel Tunnel was built, yet the novelty of driving to Europe hasn’t worn off for many of us. But not everyone wants to drive halfway across Britain to keep on driving in a different country, which is where car hire firms come in useful. This is the final part of our guide to some of the more popular driving destinations throughout Europe.
Italy
Italy is an idea place to explore by car. With a range of diverse landscapes, the major towns in the country are all easily accessible by road, and provide the tourist with a smorgasbord of sights guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. The historic capital, Rome, and the watery paradise of Venice are both best explored on foot or public transport (the latter can be pricey), but car hire is essential if you want to enjoy the rest of Italy to the fullest.
Winding country roads and quaint villages transport you to another time, and no visit to Italy would be complete without a trip to Sicily and the snow-capped Mount Etna. Having a car lets you gain access to some of the hidden delights, and an air-conditioned hire car keeps you cool and comfortable during the hot summer days.
Spain
The country well known for sun, sand, sangria and…the other one, Spain has a gorgeous landscape perfect for viewing from a nice air-conditioned car. Car rental bureaux are plentiful in Spain, and because of the popularity of self-drive holidays, prices are competitive. Spanish drivers can be quite aggressive, but if you can avoid driving in the city centres, you shouldn’t have any trouble.
Away from the bustling tourist-filled coastal town and major cities, the smaller fishing villages and local towns nestled in among the hills and valleys provide the holidaymaker with an ideal opportunity to experience the more sedate way of life. Spanish living is traditionally very laid back, but this quality has been lost slightly in the more built-up areas frequented by foreigners.
Whichever country you choose for your self-drive holiday, doing your homework first could save you a lot of money. It’s easier to get cheap car hire if you book online, and only hire the size of car you feel you’ll need. Don’t be tempted to rent a bigger one, as you may end up paying much more in both rental fees and fuel.
Rimini has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy and it’s easy to see why. From its fascinating historical heritage to its stunning scenery, Rimini is a truly beautiful holiday destination. Hiring a car in Rimini Airport makes sense for many reasons. If you’re a sun worshipper, you can take your pick from a range of spectacular beaches. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to enjoy the cultural attractions of the area, you’ll be free to hop from one stunning attraction to the other, camera in tow. With such choice at your feet, you’ll probably be stuck for what to see and what to do first. The following guide has been drawn up to help you along your way.
Rimini Airport Mini Guide:
Federico Fellini International Airport is situated 8km from the city of Rimini in Italy and 16km from the city of San Marino. The airport is an important base for a number of international airlines including budget carriers such as Air Berlin, Ryanair and EasyJet.
Things To See/Do in Rimini:
With a stunning location on the Adriatic Coast, it’s easy to see why Rimini attracts so many summer holidaymakers every year. The beaches are of course its main draw, but beyond the coast there is stunning countryside and the dramatic Apennine Mountains, which are a pleasure to explore with Rimini car hire. In Rimini history is all around and there are countless attractions worth exploring with car hire. Malatesta Temple is a must see. Leon Battista Alberti and Matteo dei Pasti designed the temple as a memorial to the great mediaeval merchant, Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta. In the city it’s possible to immerse yourself in 2500 years of history-from the ancient fossils of the Museo Paleontologico to the celluloid masterpieces of the fantastic Federico Fellini Museum. Travelling around Rimini with a hire car, you’ll discover myriad backdrops worthy of a Fellini movie.
Eating Out in Rimini:
Dining out in Rimini offers the chance to sample some of the tastiest fare that the
Rimini region of Italy has to offer. Given its beautiful coastal location, seafood is definitely on the menu in Rimini. Marinated herring is a favourite, as is simple grilled
fish. If fish isn’t for you, you’ll find plenty more to tantalise your taste buds in Rimini. Being Italy, you’ll find pasta and pizza are menu staples. Restaurants and eateries in Rimini are reasonably priced and portions are generous.
Day Trips/Events in Rimini:
Rimini is the ideal base from which to discover some of Italy’s greatest cities including Florence, Bologna and Venice. Meanwhile, Ravenna, famous for its beautiful frescoes is just a 30km drive away. For an especially scenic trip, be sure to pay a visit to the Republic of San Marino, 25km to the west of Rimini. Other local specialities include Malfattino in brodo soup and stewed beef with fava beans.
In Rimini there’s always something going on to keep visitors and locals entertained. Calendar highlights include February’s Carnevale di Cerreto, July’s International Festival of Animation Cinema and August’s Rossini Opera Festival.
Venice may be a city of canals, but car hire gives you the option of escaping the candy-striped gondolas and watery sights of the city for a while. Renting a car from Venice Marco Polo Airport allows you to freedom to explore a range of fantastic sights of the Veneto region. Back in the city, though there’s plenty to see and do. The following is a guide to Venice and the best ways to spend your time.
Venice Mini Guide:
Venice Marco Polo Airport is situated 12km from the city of Venice by land and 10km by water. The airport offers a number of facilities and services for passengers including bureau de change-for those last minute euro, ATMs, cafés, bars and restaurants. If driving from the airport, follow the Venice Mestre motorway.
Things To See/Do in Venice:
Venice is situated in the northeast of Italy and is the capital of the coastal Veneto region. The city of Venice is built on over one hundred separate islands. With one hundred and fifty canals flowing through the city, connected by over 400 bridges, it’s easy to understand how so many tourists find themselves getting lost at some stage during their visit.
The best way to see the city is by the local water taxis, waterbuses known as ‘vaporetti’ or the traditional Venetian gondola. Walking is another option of course.
San Marco piazza is located in the heart of the city is a good place to start on a walking tour of the city. The square is famous for its Basilica di San Marco which dates back to the 11th century. Those with a head for heights can even climb the basilica’s bell tower to achieve an unforgettable 360-degree view of the city. Not far from here is the impressive Palazzo Ducale, (Doges Palace), which is also worth a look, if even to admire the priceless works of art housed within.
Piazza San Marco offers a gateway to the city’s famous Rialto market district via the Mercerie. It’s here you’ll find all the chic boutiques and luxury stores. Dedicated fashion followers will love calle Larga XXII Marzo, which is located to the west of the piazza. Gucci, Prada, Valentino and Fendi have all set up shop here. Meanwhile, those with an eye for antiques should head to nearby Santo Stefano, where they may be lucky enough to pick up low cost hidden treasure.
Given Venice’s watery location, seafood is by far the most popular dish to be found on local menus. Generally, eating out isn’t cheap, but budget bites are available, if you look past the obvious tourist haunts. Fiore Trattore, located at calle delle Botteghe on San Marco is one such low cost establishment. Thrifty budget conscious travellers are also guaranteed to pay less should they choose local specialities like pizza. Stone baked fungi at Al Nono Risorto at Santa Croce is highly recommended.
Nightlife in Venice is concentrated on the fondamenta Misericordia in Cannaregio. Here popular nightspots to check out include The Iguana and Centrale.
Accommodation in Venice offers plenty of scope for those looking to splash out on luxury. The Hotel Cipriani at Giudecca 10, certainly doesn’t come cheap-room rates start at a hefty 625 per night. Thrifty backpackers will be glad to learn however that low cost lodgings are also available in the city. Venice’s youth hostel, located on Fondamenta Zitelle offers attractive rates starting at 19.50 per bed per night.
When you think of car hire you probably remember the experience of that summer vacation where you spent an hour after getting off the plane trying to find the little mobile van so that you could retrieve the keys to something that resembled a fridge on wheels, before spluttering out of the airport in a foreign country on the wrong side of the road with one eye on the map and the other trying to remember how to change gear with your right hand.
Car Hire is the last place you would think, in this day of global warming and computer technologies, that would be leading the forefront of technologies to reduce green-house gases and such things but in a few cases around the globe it is the Car Hire firms that are taking technology by the scruff of the neck and producing some real results.
The obvious technologies that are being introduced are hybrid fuel cars. Whist these are greener in terms of green house emissions, there are still questions as to how green they really are. The cost of making the hybrid fuel ethanol has already led to corn production impinging on wheat fields leading to a spike in the price of wheat and the many foodstuffs that it goes into, bread, pasta etc. The case that we cannot afford to turn over our arable land in the pursuit of producing enough ethanol from corn to replace gasoline is a strong one. But as an issue putting carbon emission in front of the consumer, it currently is all we have. When we start complaining about the $10 loaf of bread we will know it has gone too far!
The lesser known technologies now being introduced however show forefront thinking. A firm in Boston is now providing a 24/7 car hire system called Zipcar where consumers effectively give up their car for a rental based on hourly use. Once the customer has signed up he can book a car by the hour and using a credit card style key has only to travel a short distance to pick up a car in his immediate location. The car is equipped with GRPS and black-box technologies which not only control the ignition but also allow the car to be tracked via satellite reducing fraud and theft. The company says that for every car that they employ up to 20 cars are taken off the road thus reducing congestion and overall fuel emissions.
In the UK, car hire firms in association with the local police are requiring bio-metric identification in the form of a fingerprint before you can register for your car. Whilst there have been some complaints by customers, the idea that has seriously reduced theft and fraud is the same argument being put forward for full bio-metric ID cards in that the innocent have nothing to fear and it is only those who have something they wish to hide that are being thwarted.
With many of us now thinking about our summer vacations to France, Italy and beyond it is good to know that at least one of the industries involved in getting us to our destination is thinking about our carbon footprint. It may be some time before we can vacation completely conscience free these days, but who would have thought that those companies that put us in those little deathtraps and sent us on our way into the abyss would be the fore-runners of the new technologies.
Renting a car in Milan allows you to see a whole new side to the city. You may just have come to the city to shop your expensive shoes off, but car hire in Milan gives you the option to discover that there’s a whole lot more to the city than designer label lust. Taking to the open road, you’ll uncover a whole host of fascinating sights and hidden gems around every corner. The following is a guide to the what, where, when and how of renting a car in Milan.
Milan Airport Mini Guide:
Malpensa International Airport is situated in Varese, approximately 45km from the city of Milan in Italy. Malpensa International Airport is one of three airports servicing the Milan area. Car rental desks are to be found in the airport, as well as a good selection of shops, bars and restaurants.
Things To See/Do in Milan:
Milan epitomises all that is fashionable, cool and chic about Italian culture. The city stands at the cutting edge of couture and cuisine, a million miles away from tourist tat and quaint, charming villages. As the commercial and financial centre of Italy, visitors can enjoy world-class shopping and attractions. There’s an excellent range of cultural and historical attractions to be found alongside these also. Milan is a sprawling city, that stretches for miles and miles. This is where Milan car hire comes in really useful. If you’re planning on bringing your rental car into the city centre however, you should be aware that a congestion charge applies. The city limits are marked by two iconic sites, the Duomo and Sforeszco Castle. Within the walls of the city, visitors will find the four main squares, Piazza Duomo, Piazza Cairoli, Piazza Cordusio and Piazza san Babila. The main civic centre can be found in the northwest, close to Mussolini’s famous train station which was built in 1931. Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper fresco is a real must-see for anyone interested in art and history.
Eating Out in Milan:
Eating out in Milan needn’t cost the earth. There are plenty of reasonably priced restaurants located all over the city. If you’re penny pinching. Pizza and pasta are always safe bets. It’s worth splashing out on a nice meal on at least one of your nights out in Milan though.
Day Trips/Events in Milan:
A drive out into the countryside offers plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure. Lombardy’s mountain valleys and lakes are the ideal playground for active outdoorsy types who find a superb range of activities on offer including hiking and walking. Lake Como is an excellent destination for those looking for a scenic drive.
Milan plays host to myriad trade shows throughout the calendar year. If you’re following the fashion pack, you’ll find Milan’s glitzy fashion shows take place in February and September for womenswear and June and January for menswear. Sleek design goes on show in April when the Milan Furniture Fair takes place at special design showrooms all over the city.
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