Road trip season is here! And for many of us, that means hopping into a rental car and hitting the open road. It can be an exciting experience, but renting a car can also be scary when you’re on a budget. The extra demand means that the supply of rental cars might be lower. Unsurprisingly, car rental prices are high, and that’s if you can find a ride in the first place. The good news is you don’t really need to spend your entire budget on rental cars. These tricks will help you find a cheap rental car for your next road trip.
Skip the Airport
If you’re flying into a new city, you might think renting your car at the airport is convenient. But if you do that, you’ll pay an extra fee on top of your total rental amount. These fees are typically several dollars a day, and sometimes they add up to a lot, depending on the length of your trip. If you rent in town instead, you won’t have to pay those fees.
Shop Around Online
If you’re looking to book a rental car, shop online. Not only do you have more travel options, but you also can compare prices charged by different companies and agencies for the best deal. If you decide to book, keep in mind that some sites require a deposit or payment in advance, even if it’s non-refundable. So be wary of any irrelevant free offers or bargains that seem too good to be true.
Turn to Discount Brands
Rental car companies are still tweaking their business models to compete with the growing number of discount brands. But one thing is clear — Discount brands are here to stay. Many of them offer lower rates than big-name rental companies, which means you could save money on your next trip by choosing the right one. The key is knowing what each type of rental company does differently. Since these services haven’t been around for long, there’s much to consider if you’re price-obsessed.
Opt for Economy Cars
Economy cars are the cheapest, so they’re most likely to be booked. This means that there’s a good chance it won’t be available, and you may get an upgrade. Just make sure you book something that is big enough for your group; else, you’ll be stuck cramming everyone into one small space. Not exactly a cozy vacation!
