7 Brilliant Car Hire Moves That Will Save You Money on Your Next Holiday Abroad
Hiring a car while travelling abroad can be the best decision of your trip, but it can also lead to unexpected costs if you don’t plan carefully. While many travellers focus on the basics like choosing a small car or booking early, there are some less obvious, but very effective moves you can make to cut costs and upgrade your travel experience at the same time. Let’s explore 7 strategies you may not have thought of yet, so you can get your car hire abroad cheaper!
1. Rent Where Locals Rent
Avoid tourist hotspots when picking up your car. Locations in city centres, near cruise ports, or attached to tourist hotels often charge tourist-focused rates. Instead, look up where locals rent cars, such as residential neighbourhoods or business areas and compare prices. The difference can be huge, especially in popular European destinations.
2. Pick Up Late, Drop Off Early
Most rental companies charge per 24-hour period, not by the hour, meaning you’re charged by the day, not by the hour. If you pick up the car later in the day and return it earlier, you may be able to fit your rental into fewer chargeable days. Planning around your flight times can help shave off a full day’s fee.
3. Rent from a Lesser Known Airport
Flying into a major airport? Prices at smaller regional airports (even nearby ones) can be significantly cheaper for car hire, and they often have lower taxes. For example, renting in Girona instead of Barcelona, or Bologna instead of Florence, could offer better deals with the same car options. You can find these alternative options on holidaycars.com.
4. Split the Booking Between Two Companies
You don’t need to book one car for your entire trip. In fact, it might be cheaper to book two separate rentals with different companies. For example, one provider may offer better weekend rates while another is cheaper during weekdays. A little switching can lead to big savings.
5. Ask to Swap a Manual for an Automatic (at the Desk)
If you book a manual car to save money, you might be surprised at pickup: some locations run out of manuals and offer a free upgrade to automatic. This isn’t guaranteed, but it happens often in countries where automatics are less common. If you’re comfortable with either, book the cheaper option and kindly ask at the desk if upgrades are available.
6. Use a VPN to Compare Regional Pricing
Yes, car rental prices can sometimes vary depending on your location. Try comparing prices with a VPN set to your destination country. You may see local pricing that’s lower than what’s shown to international users.
7. Don’t Book from the First Page of Results
Many people book one of the first three results they see but you have to scroll down! Companies further down the list may offer the same cars with free extras (like a second driver or unlimited mileage). Take 5 extra minutes to explore beyond the top listings.
Your next international trip doesn’t have to come with car rental stress. These fresh tips can help you get real value out of your rental, no matter where you’re headed.
