As summer quickly approaches, the entire travel industry is ramping up its fares in anticipation. Car rentals are no exception, as the demand quickly overtakes supply. The average price of a car rental increases by as much as 56% from March to July, according to Abrams Travel Data Index.
Tip #1: Avoid Brand Names
Most rental car companies get their inventory from similar sources, and they all need to undergo a professional inspection. So why pay up to twice as much for a well known brand? Booking at rental agencies such as Payless and Fox Rent A Car can save you hundreds of dollars on the same model or style of car.
Tip #2: Look For Online Deals
Search for discounts and coupons on sites like Promotionalcodes.com and CouponWinner.com, or type in the name of a rental company and “coupon code” into Google to see what turns up. Also try frequent flier sites and others - savings can up to more than 50%.
Tip #3: Use Autoslash.com
As experts have known for a while, Autoslash.com is a very valuable tool to keep on top of any rate changes, as well as the most competitive rates in specific cities and airpports.
Tip #4: Don't Rent At The Airport
It's easier said than done at many small cities, but most larger cities offer convenient public transportation and/or a reasonable cab fare into town. Once away from the airport, the rates can be reduced drastically.
Tip #5: Add A Day To Your Rental
It's an odd concept, but adding a day to your rental may lower the average rate drastically. The strategy takes advantage of lower prices aimed at leisure travelers who are more likely to travel on weekends.
Tip #6: Negotiate
This underused tactic can snag you a free upgrade if other travelers are forcing issues with the inventory. There are many reasons that an agent may offer you a different vehicle, but without asking you'll never know.
Tip #7: Prepay For Your Car
Companies love to receive payment as quickly as possible, and will offer discounts if the amount due is paid up front. In a recent search for weekly rentals at Boston Logan International Airport in mid June, for example, Hertz was offering economy cars for $173 a week at the “pay now” rate. The “pay later” rate was about $30 more.
For more general travel info and Jewish travel tips in particular, head over to Kosherica.com.
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