Search Results for: blog rental car checklist

Saving Money on Rental Cars

If there is a silver lining in the gray cloud of record high gas prices it’s that a slew of rental car companies are offering deep discounts to summer travelers in need of wheels. As the price for a single gallon of unleaded fuel tops the $4 mark many major rental car companies are offering an array of deals to retain customers despite the fact that may automakers have cut back on the number of vehicles allocated to car rental companies, which means that there are fewer fuel-efficient cars for travelers to rent. The new promotions being offered by rental … Continue reading →

Rental Cars—-What I Wish I Knew A Few Weeks Ago

I try very hard to learn from my mistakes. (Ideally, I would prefer to learn from other people’s mistakes, rather than go through the drama myself, but I digress.) A few weeks ago I had to rent a car while my four-wheeled wonder was getting serviced. Without getting into the details of the billing process (the car was supposedly covered by insurance, yada, yada) I ended up getting a crash course in Rental Car Hidden Costs 101. In the coming months many of you may be forced to rent a car at your holiday destination and for you I offer … Continue reading →

Travel Savings—Rental Cars and Destinations

A few months back I wrote a blog about the high price of renting a car. From my computer to the desks of rental car company execs… not really. But, whatever it was that got the big wigs at Hertz to drop their prices I couldn’t be happier. The rental car company has slashed prices to introduce their new “Simply Wheelz” program. The booking requires a computer, as it is an online deal. You can take advantage of rates starting as low as $15 per weekend day (and $94 a week) by simply reserving your vehicle online (the first rentals … Continue reading →

Car Thieves Give Me A Break

I considered titling this blog: “My Spring Break Travel Woes,” but decided to save it for a future posting. We just returned from a spring break that was… well; let’s just say I learned many valuable travel lessons in last two weeks. For example, when borrowing a relative’s vehicle (that doesn’t have keyless entry) it’s a good idea to place the key in your purse or pocket before heading into the mall. Last week in a flurry of activity of getting kids unbuckled, out of the way of oncoming traffic, and into a mall I was unfamiliar with (during an … Continue reading →

What Car Thieves Really Want From Your Vehicle

I’ve written about car theft in previous blogs, but have never touched on the fact that some thieves are just as happy stealing parts of your car as they are driving away with the entire set of wheels. Most of us think that the criminals are after our car stereos and other high tech gear, but according to the American Automobile Association, these days car thieves are after certain parts located underneath your vehicle. Experts from the popular auto club say thieves are after your car’s catalytic converter. You may not know what it looks like, but you would certainly … Continue reading →

A Car (Trip) To Remember

When we travel to Hawaii we typically don’t rent a car (mainly because we are visiting family and they allow us to use their vehicles). But, during our last trip I ended up renting a car for a few days so I could take my daughter on a few overnight trips to the other side of the island. I reserved an “economy” car and received a 2007 Dodge Caliber. Let me begin by saying that I am not in the market for a new car (not to say that I couldn’t use one, it’s just that it is not currently … Continue reading →

Let’s Talk About Making Informed Parental Decisions During Pregnancy

When you are expecting, there are going to be some specific parenting decisions that you will need to make long before the baby arrives. Because you are completely responsible for another person’s well-being, it is very important that you make sure to become as informed as possible on the many issues parenting will present you with. Here’s a break-down of some of the important decisions you will be immediately faced with: Where and How You Will Deliver – There are several places to give birth – at home, a hospital, a birthing center. There are several ways in which to … Continue reading →

The High Price Of Renting A Car

A couple of weeks ago my travel plans included renting a car. Prior to leaving on my trip I spent a couple of days trying to find the best deal possible. I reserved a car for what I thought was a decent price. Unfortunately, when I was told how much I would owe at the end of my rental period (this happened as I was putting my initials on the paperwork) my jaw hit the countertop. The total I was quoted on the phone did not include the taxes and fees, which were a whopping 23% of the bottom line … Continue reading →

The Pet-Friendly Travel Planning Website

The time for summer travel may be over, but we’re still having gorgeous weather in many parts of the country. That means it’s a good time to get in those fall road trips. Think of it: windows down, hair whipping in the wind, your dog’s tongue lolling out the window. You may want to go on a road trip, but you don’t want to leave your beloved pet behind. Never fear: there’s a website for you that’s here to help. It’s called Pet Friendly (gopetfriendly.com). This comprehensive site has everything you need to plan a trip with your pet. If … Continue reading →

Countdown to Spring Break

Winter has been especially brutal for residents living in the Midwest and along the East Coast, which is why I was not surprised to hear that spring break travel is expected to break records this year. People are sick and tired of the cold and snow and can’t wait to escape to sun, sand and surf. If you are looking to getaway to a tropical locale this spring, be sure to formulate a master plan before you head out. While you don’t have to plan out every minute of your vacation, it’s a good idea to devise a loose schedule … Continue reading →