Trip To Mauritius - Car Rental in Europe - Things You Should Know

Here are some factors you definitely will want to think about if you plan on renting a car while on a European vacation. Avoid any unexpected charges by being a well informed consumer. Not your costs; the goal should be to expand your list of destinations,  . Renting a car in Europe can be a great way to see more and enhance your vacation.

"One-Way" Car Rentals

And pick up another rental car and be on your way; cross the country border, return to a border town, you can sometimes pick up in a major city, if you need to get to one country from another,  . But it is always best to check with your supplier first, often times there is no one way fee, if the rental takes place within the same country. There will always be a one-way fee; if you plan on picking up in one country and returning in another,  . Many agencies charge what are known as "one-way" fees for picking up in one location and dropping off in another;  . Car rental agencies generally do not work this way; unfortunately for the traveler,  . Round trip airline tickets often are cheaper if you are willing to fly in and out of two different cities.

    Return that car to Zurich;  . Walk to the Swiss side of the airport to pick up another car. French side; return it to the Geneva Airport, after a week or so,  . Pick up your car in Paris;  . Two week rental, flying out of Zurich, example: flying into Paris.

But you will save big in the long run, this may seem like a hassle.

Advise of Travel Plans

Clearing this up in advance can save a potential vacation disaster;  . And boarder guards have the right to deny you access with out the proper paper work; there are often restrictions on travel into certain countries,  . Tell the rental agency in advance where you plan on taking the vehicle.

Explore Insurance Options

Or renting in, be sure to mention all of the countries you plan on traveling to. Call your Gold or Platinum cards as you have the best chance of being covered by higher end cards;  . It's a great way to get something back from your credit card company and will also save you money. You can normally take advantage of this service; if it does,  . The second option is to find out if your credit card has rental insurance on it. It is important to know exactly what you can be held financially responsible for in the event of damage or theft to your rental car;  . Be aware of your deductible amounts; if you do this,  . The first option is to purchase it locally. You generally have two options for insurance in Europe.

Learn to Drive Manual Transmission

It's not going to be covered by insurance; do keep in mind that if you burn out a clutch of a rental car,  . Take those three months to learn how drive manual transmission;  . You can easily find yourself paying $300 USD more per week if you have to drive automatic;  . This is reflected in the cost of your rental car;  . Hardly anyone in Europe drives automatic transmission as it considered a luxury;  . In some cases even more, most people book their vacations 3 months in advance.

Local Fuel Policy

Most times the cost is about the same; hire a personal transfer instead, if you only need a car for a trip from the airport to your hotel and back,  . This could be a costly option; with today's gas prices,  . And you are supposed to return the car as empty as possible, many suppliers have started charging you for an entire tank of gas.

Know the Laws of the Land

And is an inexpensive investment that will keep you on good terms with local law enforcement; an international driver's license is the best way to do this,  . Don't get caught without proper documentation or you may be forced to pay an "on the spot" fine;  . You also need to know your license restrictions. If you are driving in the UK or Ireland be prepared for left side drive;  . Driving laws and speed limits before you get to Europe; familiarize yourself with road signs,  . There are no get out of jail free cards for tourists.

Request Your Extras

Why pay for the cost of a new seat when you could have just brought your own;  ? If you are going to need a booster or a child seat ask in advance how much it will cost you;  . You won't get it unless you book one in advance; odds are however,  . And many companies offer them; this is something that can help you immensely,  . Looking for GPS in a car rental in Europe;  ? Most everything you could think of will need to be requested.

Be Aware of Additional Fees

  They are very close; often times,  . Driving out of an airport is no less difficult than finding your hotel from a downtown office; but nine times out of ten, you may be tired when you arrive,  . The cost of a cab to a downtown office for a family of four with luggage is less than that;  . That's two hundred dollars on a thousand dollar rental;  . Many locations charge airport pick surcharges of anywhere from 10-20%.

Ask Questions when in Doubt,

  Make sure that you understand everything you are being charged for; there can be things that are not always clear when it comes to your rental contract,  . Directions and valuable local experience that they offer, take advantage of the maps. The rental agencies are a resource for you to use!

  Affordable car rental in Europe; you will be glad you did when you experience a hassle free,  . But it's important to cover your bases when overseas, this list may be a little overwhelming at first.