One of the most important things to do is to check the contents of your rental package, including your insurance, roadside assistance, baby seats, GPS, free miles and much more. These are not always included as standard, so it is wise to check exactly what is included before you rent a vehicle from any car hire agency.
Once you have been provided with this information from the company, make sure that it is all written down clearly in a contract so you are sure of what you are getting before you part with your money. Verify these details well before you set off on your vacation so that you are completely sure of what to expect.
The next thing to do when holidaying abroad and using a car hire company is to ensure that you are aware of the driving laws in that particular country. Many countries will drive on different sides of the road, have varied signage, have different kinds of driving culture and so on. These will all affect your experiences on the road on your vacation.
A good car hire company will inform you of all of this, ranging from what to expect from other drivers on the road to how to read signs well so that you do not get lost or take a wrong turn. Information from an insider in the country can be extremely helpful, so make sure to check with natives as well as other people who have already holidayed in that particular country.
It is also a wise idea to check how you are collecting your vehicle before you embark on your plane, train or ferry. Many companies offer airport car hire, where you can simply arrive at the airport and someone will be waiting to hand over the keys to your car. This is a very simple and convenient option that many people choose.
However, do not assume that all companies offer this. It is essential to check and double check the arrangements for picking up your vehicle, whether you have opted for airport car hire pick-up or instead have chosen to collect the vehicle from the agency itself. Having all details in order will ensure that everything goes without a hitch when you disembark from your plane in the country.
Finally, check that you have chosen a vehicle that is perfectly suited to your needs. You may be travelling with a large family, and therefore will need plenty of seats plus ample room for luggage; others may be travelling with an elderly person and therefore need a vehicle that is easy to get in and out of.
Make a thorough list of your requirements beforehand and make sure that your car hire agency is aware of them.
It is not unheard of for agencies to ‘swap’ your car with another in the same category at the last minute due to demands of other customers or other issues. However, if you have some very specific requirements, you should absolutely ensure that they are respected as part of your contract.
These four pieces of advice can ensure that you vacation abroad goes without a hitch, regardless of where you are travelling to and who with. Make sure that your package includes everything you need, that your airport car hire pick-up is in place, that you have booked the right vehicle for you and that you are aware of driving customs, and you can look forward to a great trip in your rental vehicle.
