Santa Claus is dusting off his sleigh and feeding up his reindeer, so if you’re going away for the holidays and planning to book a Christmas car rental, there are some very important factors you need to consider. Car hire at this time of year is a little bit different, so let AirportRentals.com take you through the do’s and don’ts. Not only can we save you money, but also relieve stress, making it easier to pass on goodwill to all men!
BOOK IN ADVANCE
This is perhaps the most important piece of advice regarding your holiday rental. Christmas is up there with Thanksgiving, major festivals and summer events in terms of excessive demand for car rentals. Family and friends are extra busy, so getting a pick-up from the airport is tricky – hence the fact a car hire is so popular, as it allows you to visit different relatives throughout your stay and also escape if you need to! While Airport Rentals is a global network of well-established and local domestic brands, please don’t assume there will be a car available. Perhaps you need a specific vehicle for your trip? Are you travelling with a large group? Is the plan for outdoor activities and a need to carry equipment, such as a picnic table? All of these things have to be taken into consideration, and the longer you leave your booking, the less chance you have of grabbing the perfect rental for you. Also, with such a massive increase in custom, prices will of course rise and you don’t want to be priced out of the market.
One example is getting a car rental in Tasmania. Being a small island, Hobart demand is exceptional at Christmas – also Cape Town in South Africa is another festive rental hot-spot. It’s such an important time of year, with many people relying on things going smoothly – do not leave your car hire too late!
CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST, FIND THE RIGHT VEHICLE
Are you travelling to sunnier climes in your holiday rental? Will the temperatures be warmer than what you’re used to? Well, whether it’s Honolulu or Brisbane, think about which car you want to rent while you travel out of your comfort zone. As a family, you may require an upgrade from an economy vehicle and are prepared to spend a little bit more for a premium/luxury option. Your air conditioning and comfort standards are important, and it’s key to keep the kids happy at Christmas – the less stress, the better. Or perhaps you’re journeying to a winter wonderland, with excessive snow and chillier conditions. In that case, a vehicle with specific tyres equipped for such adventures is essential. In the event of an incident, what equipment does your car rental have in the boot? Remember, you may be carrying extra packages, luggage and presents. Do you have enough room? All of these questions can be answered by your friendly Airport Rentals customer service team – so ask away.
SAFE RATHER THAN SORRY – GET COVERED
There’s no avoiding the fact that travelling at holiday season is more dangerous than other times during the year. And the simple fact is that there are far more vehicles on the road, while alcohol consumption is also in the mix. American statistics show that car accidents cost the US public more than $100 billion each year. If you do want cover, talk to AirportRentals.com about the best deal for you and your friends and family.
STRANGE ROADS AND NEW NEIGHBOURS
Another reason to get yourself cover is you will be travelling on unknown highways in your car rental. Which side of the road are you driving on – China, Australia, New Zealand and UK are on the left, while America is on the right. Unfamiliar streets and corners are exciting, but also need respecting – this especially applies if you are driving to a rural area to spend time with loved ones. And the more rural you go, the more likely you’re going to bump into some wily, and not so wily, wildlife. Be under no illusions… they will run in front of your car. Deer are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful animals on the planet, but their migration and mating season is around October to December. This means that these seemingly harmless creatures get on the move, and insurance claims involving collisions with deer sky-rocket during Christmas. Don’t get caught short!
ON A BUDGET? OFF-AIRPORT BRANDS CAN HELP
One of the major advantages to Airport Rentals is we offer a huge range of car rental companies online. Not only do we work with well-established brands, such as Budget or Hertz, but also more local, domestic companies around the world. These can sometimes be the cheaper option, although they may not have a depot or office at the actual airport terminal. This means you have to collect your vehicle off-airport. Once you arrive, make a phone call to the rental company and they will come and pick you up or arrange a shuttle. If you have time and flexibility and want to save some serious cash, this could be the option for you.
SHOP AROUND AT CHRISTMAS
While getting in quick is perhaps the most important thing when booking a Christmas car rental, also have a look around at special deals. On AirportRentals.com we have a huge selection of bargains, ranging from extra days to additional cover and bonus Frequent Flyer and Airpoints. After all, ‘tis the season to be jolly. Happy travels this Christmas.
