Car rentals are a popular transport option for anyone who wants to enjoy traveling with freedom. Unlike public means with rigid schedules, car rentals empower travelers to create and adjust their schedules.
Whether planning a road trip through coastal highways or simply exploring the vibrant cityscapes, renting a car doesn’t limit your possibilities. Enjoying these benefits requires finding the best car rental deal. The tips below can help.
Book in Advance
Reserving early is the easiest way of finding the best deal. For starters, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, unlike making late bookings.
Most companies also offer discounts to customers who reserve their vehicles in advance. Like flight tickets, car rental rates increase with increasing demand. Booking earlier means you’ll enjoy lower rates, saving you a lot of money.
Booking early also comes with flexibility. You can change the dates or cancel your reservations if your travel plans change. Fortunately, most companies offer free cancellation for those who book early.
Consider Different Pick-up and Drop-Off Locations
You should consider different picking and dropping locations to optimize your deal. For this, you can choose different options depending on the nature of your trip. These options include:
- Airport vs off-airport locations: Those traveling by air to their destinations can enjoy the convenience of airport rentals. Visit a car rental Seattle airport website to get the best car rental services near you. Off-airport locations are quite cheap but don’t provide the convenience of airport options.
- One-way option: With this, you pick up the car at one location and drop it at another. Though convenient, you should compare prices to find the best deal. While most companies charge additional fees, a few offer discounts and promotions to attract clients.
- City vs. suburban locations: If your traveling schedule allows, you should consider renting a vehicle outside the city center. Unlike city rentals, suburban locations are much more affordable. However, you should be mindful of your logistics if your travel schedule involves staying in the city.
Generally, you should choose the rental location based on the proximity to your destination. For instance, while airport rentals are convenient for air travelers, some may prefer rental locations close to their hotels to minimize transport expenses.
Look for Discounts
Discounts can also help maximize savings on your next car rental deal. Fortunately, avid travelers can access several discounts to save on car rental costs. Begin by checking if you qualify for membership discounts given through AAA, military, or student discounts.
You should also join loyalty programs offered by rental companies, especially if you travel frequently. Subscribing to these programs allows you to redeem the miles you’ve accumulated over time. Similarly, look for promotional codes and bundle deals from coupon websites.
Endnote
Most people only think of comparison websites when searching for the best car rental deals. While they offer great insights, you should also consider booking early, choosing the right rental location, and using discounts to find great deals.
