Friday, December 9, 2011

Tips for Cheap Car Hire

A trip on a rented car can be a necessity in a new city. It can be turned into a money saving venture by following some good tips regarding cheap car hire .

Book in advance
Planning a trip is necessary in order to make the most out of it. It is a common advice given by cheap car hire agencies. Weekends and holidays are busy for car rental agencies. A booking done a few weeks in advance will prevent you from having to hire cars at an expensive rate.

Pick up location
Arriving at an airport and queuing up for a booked car can be an unpleasant experience. Most airlines give a shuttle service to the city center. It is wise to pick up a car from a city location. The rates charged inside the city are lower than at the airport.

Motoring card membership
Prominent motoring organisations have membership cards. It is good to have one of these. They provide many facilities to their members and one of them is a discount on car rentals.

Hidden charges
Cheap car hire agreements are long and tedious. Most people do not even care to read them. It is desirable to go through the entire agreement and ask questions about each and every charge you have doubts about. Some charges can be very unreasonable and if you point it out companies who want to build a long term relationship with a customer might cancel out these charges.

Check your personal insurance
Go through the insurance agreement for your private car and find out if it covers rental cars. If it does you do not need to buy insurance from a cheap car hire agency when you hire a car. This can make a difference of approximately fifteen percent in your regular rental charge. It is also prudent to note whether your personal car insurance covers the value of a bigger rental car. In case it does not then it is better to get some additional insurance.

Inspect the car before taking delivery
Disputes can arise when one returns the car with bumps and scratches that may have already been there. Go over the entire car and have a good look. Point out all scratches and bumps to the dealer and as a safety precaution take pictures for your own record and satisfaction. This will save you a lot of trouble at the time of returning the car.

Fill up the tank
Rental car agencies give the cars to their customers with a full tank. It is wise to fill up the tank before returning the car. This is because car rental agencies charge higher rates for fuel.

Drives in Spain

car hireTwo perfect drives for a tourist who has opted for a Spain car hire those of the Costa de la Luz and the Picos de Europa. These take us through historic cities and their monuments. They also allow us to visit some of the best beaches in the world.

Costa de la Luz
The Andalusian coast which touches the Atlantic is called the Costa de la Luz or the Coast of Light. It begins from Tarifa in the south and goes on to the Portuguese border formed by the Guadiana River. Tarifa marks the place where the Mediterranean Sea merges into the Atlantic Ocean. We can begin in Tarifa with a car hire Spain. The drive begins on the N340. Tarifa is also a center for wind surfing.

Only ten miles out of Tarifa one finds Baelo Claudia with its lovely beach and Roman ruins. The streets are still paved with ancient flagstones. It still has remnants of a Roman amphitheater and some temples. Getting back on to the N340 our destination is Cadiz. It is a great ride with a view of the sand dunes on the lovely beaches. On the popular beaches one can have delightful grilled fish. A car hire Spain can also be done here at Cadiz.

This is a drive with an intense Spanish flavor. Our next stop is the town of Cadiz. It is a historic place which thrived on the trade from the American colonies. It figured prominently in the Spanish Civil War. It is the favorite of tourists from Africa, Europe and America. Cadiz is a great place to explore but there is a dearth of parking spaces. The ancient Cathedral and the museum reveal the treasures of colonial Spain. Cadiz is a popular location for movies on Cuba because some parts of Cadiz look like Havana.

The last stop before reaching the Guadiana River is Huelva made famous by Columbus. The Rabida Monastery is where Christopher Columbus finally convinced the Franciscan brothers to help him find financers for his trip to America. He met the rich sailor brothers Pinzon who introduced him to Ferdinand and Isabella, the King and Queen of Spain. One can return the Spain car rental vehicle here in Huelva.

Picos de Europa
This is an exciting drive through high mountains heading for the Picos de Europa which were named by Spanish sailors. These peaks were the first sign of Europe they saw from the sea and thus the name. The drive is memorable because of the fascinating view of the mountains and the national park of the same name. The drive is made pleasant by the picturesque villages, lakes and rivers which make this road one of the best in Spain.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Car Hire Malaga – The Best Way to Get Around

Situated along the Mediterranean, Malaga is a beautiful city in southern Spanish region. The city and the surrounding towns and areas attract millions of leisure travellers all across the year. The entire area can be seen within a couple of days if you travel by a private conveyance. You can book car hire Malaga to get around and explore all the attractions in the region.

If you are an adventurist and love outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, trekking and fishing, the city and the surrounding areas offer a number of activities to visitors. Besides this, you can also see architectural sites and art museums and indulge in shopping and dining. More laid back than other tourist places in Spain, Malaga offers a relaxing yet enriching environment to travellers.

Sites of Interest

The Roman Theatre

The Roman Theatre of Malaga although dates back to the first century BC but it was rediscovered accidently in 1952. Located in front of the Alcazaba, it is the oldest structure in the city. A trip to Malaga is incomplete without visiting to the Roman Theatre.

Cathedral de Malaga

Located right in the heart of city centre, Cathedral de Malaga is a place which is worth visiting. You can drive down to the city centre and buy a ticket for €5 to enter its premises. Open from Monday to Saturday, the cathedral boasts of its excellent architecture and is one of the major attractions in the city.

The Church of Santiago

The Church of Santiago (Saint James) is one of the major attractions in Malaga. A fine example of Gothic vernacular Mudejar, it incorporates the elements from both Christian and Islamic traditions. It is the hybrid style that evolved after the Reconquista.

Iglesia del Sagrario is also from the same period. Built on the side of the old mosque immediately after the city fell to the Christian troops, it boasts of its richly ornamented portal in the Isabeline-Gothic style which is unique in the city.

Picasso Museum

The Picasso museum houses exclusive paintings and exhibitions. To see the exhibitions, you will have to buy an entry ticket for €8. The museum attracts millions of domestic and international visitors every year.

To explore all these places at your own pace, it is best to take advantage of car hire Spain. A private conveyance offers far more comfort and convenience than public transport when it comes to getting around and exploring places in the city.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Enjoy the Benefits of Luxury Car Hire Services

Who says that you will have to buy your dream luxury car to enjoy driving off in style? Well, nowadays, luxury car hire services are available all across the United Kingdom. You simply need to book the car of your choice and slide in it to drive it away. Of course, the biggest benefit of hiring a luxury car is that it makes you feel happy and fulfils your dream of driving your favourite car.

Luxury cars can be rented from various car hire outlets across the United Kingdom. You can visit the website of your car rental company and see what all options are available. Some companies also offer vintage cars on rent along with the latest models of luxury cars. Depending upon your requirements you can book the car of your choice.

If you plan to rent a luxury car, it is best to make a reservation in advance. The vehicle can be booked online. All you need to do is just fill up a form and choose the car model and confirm your booking by making a payment through credit card.

The best part is that there is no restriction on purpose of booking a luxury car. You can book a vehicle for any purpose including airport transfers, travelling to a client’s location, getting to a wedding venue or for celebrating prom nights or other occasions. Whatever the reason is, you can easily book a luxury car.

You can also book a fleet of luxury cars if you are getting married. For this purpose, special wedding car hire services are also available. Market is flooded with a range of options but you need to choose the one that best suits your requirements and budget. The best bet is your car rental company. When it comes to hire a luxury car, a reputed company offers you excellent core services, first-rate additional benefits and immediate breakdown service if required. You can completely rely on their services.

Even if you want to look classy and opt for vintage cars such as 1962model of Rolls Royce or any other similar vehicle, there are a lot of options available in the market. You only need to decide which model of luxury car you require.


Thursday, November 3, 2011

Explore World Class Theme Parks Conveniently with Orlando Car Hire

Orlando, for most people, conjures up the image of being an excellent family holiday destination because of its world-class theme parks, museums and auditoriums. The most critical point for Orlando’s economy occurred when the region saw the establishment of theme parks. The city now has more entertainment attractions and theme parks than anywhere else in the world. Orlando and the surrounding regions see around 52 million tourists a year. Famous as a winter holiday destination among tourists because of its mild weather, Orlando offers something for everyone. It is a city where you will enjoy outdoor activities, hip hop and rock music, golfing, live performances and colourful festivals. Like most other American cities, Orlando can be best explored by travelling in a private car. You can avail Orlando car hire services to get around and travel to various places of interest.
Orlando is home to several world-class museums. Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of Tiffany art glasses, lamps, jewellery, leaded glass windows, pottery, paintings and chapel interiors designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The museum charges a fee of $3 for adults, $1 for students and offers a free entry to children up to the age of 12. Cornell Fine Arts Museum is another place that you should not miss during your Orlando vacation. Located in Rollins College, the museum features items from Cornell’s renowned permanent collection.
Orlando is most famous because of its innovative theme parks. Walt Disney World, located at about 35 minutes southwest of downtown Orlando remains the most popular theme park. A visit to this place will be a wonderful idea to keep your kids engaged all through the day. They will get a chance to see all Disney characters in reality. Universal Orlando Resort is a close challenger to the Disney World. With two theme parks, the Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, it is an amazing place to be. Tickets can be booked online in advance as you may avail discounts on an advance booking.
There are numerous other wonderful theme parks in the Orlando area. The best way to reach them is to travel by a car. Most visitors prefer to rent a car after their arrival as it is both cheap and convenient. You can also book car hire USA online in advance right from your home.

Explore Spanish Capital with Cheap Car Hire

If sudden work has taken you to the beautiful and vibrant Spanish capital and you get stuck over there for the weekend due to some reason, don’t feel stranded; instead drive away and make the most of your trip to Madrid by exploring various attractions and places of interest. Famous for its interesting architecture, pulsating nightlife, fantastic museums, colourful festivals and great food, it won’t give you a chance to miss home and rush back as soon as possible. Rather you will feel like spending all your life in thriving, vivacious and gracious Madrid. Although the Spanish capital has a well developed public transport system but travelling by your personal conveyance offers maximum comfort and convenience. If you rely on public transport, you may not be able to cover all sites of interest. Because of this, it is good to resort to car hire Spain and drive on your own to explore the charming city of Madrid.
Madrid offers several remarkable attractions to its visitors. You can drive down to the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial which is located about thirty miles northwest of Madrid. The huge rectangular structure made of granite was built by Philip II as a memorial to his father. The monastery/church/palace complex also has a library that houses a priceless collection of over 60,000 ancient books. The place is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm and is definitely worth visiting.
The ancient town of Segovia is another place that you should not miss during your trip to Madrid. Located 54 miles northwest of Madrid, it lies on a slope of the Guadarrama Mountains with the confluence of the Clamores and Eresma Rivers below. Awarded as UNESCO World Heritage site, this is known to be the most beautiful place in Spain. It represents the glorious past of Romans. The town still has 15th century palaces, Romanesque churches and small fountain-splashed plazas. Park your car in the parking facility and explore this destination on foot.
Transportation by a private car in city outskirts can be a pleasant experience. In fact, driving down to the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and the ancient town of Segovia can be very refreshing. Unlike city interiors, you will not find much traffic. Car hires are available at various locations around the city. To avail cheap car hire services, be sure of reserving your vehicle in advance.

Drive to Various London Restaurant Festival Venues with Car Hire London

London Restaurant Festival is a citywide event which is celebrated to acknowledge the pleasure offered by London’s extraordinarily diverse range of restaurants. It is a celebration of great food where you can enjoy special food themed events and relish dishes from some of the city’s best and most exciting restaurants. The festival comprises of two elements: events and festival menus. You can participate in various events hosted by restaurants and also taste a huge selection of main course dishes and side snacks. Restaurants organise and support numerous activities to appeal to their own market. If you happen to be in city during this festivital, make sure to take full advantage of the promotional schemes at various restaurants. You can avail car hire London and drive down towards different restaurants to explore food options.

Starting from October 3, 2011, London Restaurant Festival will continue till October 17. You have full two weeks to enjoy food theme events and drop down at any of the participating venues to relish some of the most delicious cuisines available in London. Over 800 restaurants and eateries will be participating in this mega event. The festival will also see five renowned international chefs reinterpreting Britain’s most popular dishes. The inspired creations and innovative dishes of the renowned chefs including Angela Hartnett, Vivek Singh, Bruno Loubet and Nuno Mendes will challenge the belief that a classic dish cannot be improved. They will completely change the notion of Sunday Lunch.

The ticket for the event costs £75pp which includes a complimentary drink and a three course lunch excluding wine. You can check out Mushroom Tart and Black Forest Gateaux from Angela, scotch egg, fish and chips and Treacle tart from Vivek, prawn cocktail, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding and apple crumble from Nuno, potted shrimp, beef Wellington and trifle from Bruno and oysters, roast pork and queen of puddings at River Restaurant. In this festival, you will enjoy traditions with a twist. Yes, you can get an opportunity to relish traditional cuisines but with an amazing and delicious twist.

Tickets for London Restaurant Festival must be booked in advance. Moreover, you should also make a vehicle reservation well in advance as the city remains crowded during this event. It seems as if the entire city is present in London restaurants. In order to avoid any troubles on your arrival, make sure to book car hire Heathrow and pick your vehicle right from the airport immediately after you reach your terminal.