Car Hire in New Zealand

I had just got back from my own holiday to Bali when I arrived at work and they announced I was off to New Zealand with three of my colleagues. What a way to come back from one holiday and find out your going on another!

The trip started with a slight hiccup. Our flight was delayed, which is the last thing you need when you’re at the airport after a busy morning at work, which also meant we would be late in picking up our rental car. We then had to call work and asked them to call New Zealand to make sure the depot knew we would be late. One of the benefits of working for a car rental wholesaler!

About an hour later, we finally left and we were up in the air. It was a smooth flight and we arrived in Christchurch about 11pm. After collecting our bags, we went straight to the Hertz desk to be met by a friendly employee who was more than helpful.

After the formalities of signing the rental agreement and getting the keys, we were then given a local map of the south island and a city map of Christchurch. The employee even highlighted how we were to get to our hotel in the centre of Christchurch.

The car was in the car park, so away we went to find the car. We thought she said it was behind the police station and we were looking for quite a while, until it dawned on me that she had actually said pay station; we had misunderstood her kiwi accent!

We eventually got to the hire car and it was a premium wagon with automatic transmission and it was nearly brand new, similar to a Ford Territory wagon. It came with heating, air-conditioning, radio, electric windows and heaps of room enough to relax while being one of the passengers in the car.

We decided to use our Seymor GPS which we nicknamed “Moaning Myrtle”. We waited for the satellites to load on the Seymor GPS and then we were off to our hotel in Christchurch. It was cold and dark but we trusted our Seymor GPS and arrived stress free to the Rydges Hotel.

For the next week the Seymor GPS and rental car were our life savers. It got us to all the destinations and sightseeing attractions and even got us from Christchurch to Queenstown in one piece.

I would recommend hiring a car and taking the trusty Seymor GPS with you next time you go on a driving holiday.

DriveAway Holidays offer GPS rental and car hire in New Zealand.
article source : www.articlesbase.com

Where to Find the Best Car Hire Tips

There are many tips to consider when you arrange your car hire. Whether you are arranging car hire in your own country or abroad many of these car hire tips are still relevant.

Car Hire Tip 1) It is very important to shop around for the best car hire deal and the internet offers the perfect opportunity to research the best car hire deal at your finger tips.

Car Hire Tip 2) Many car hire companies will offer very attractive rates to upgrade your car hire locally at the pick up point. Some companies' will even a complimentary upgrade if the model you have selected is in strong demand. It is always worth asking at the rental counter if there is any possibility of an upgrade at the collection point.

Car Hire Tip 3) It is always prudent to pay for your car hire online including all extras. Some car hire companies ask for a deposit with balance payable upon collection of the car at your destination. However you will probably have to pay the balance on a credit card in the local currency, which is then subject to the penal currency conversions rates charged by the credit card company which can have a real impact on the amount you actually end up paying for your car hire. The tip here is to try to pay in full at the time of the car hire reservation and in the currency of your credit card.

Car Hire Tip 4) You should always check the terms and conditions of your rental contract prior to confirming the reservation, especially the amount of the insurance excess. As it may appear that you have got the best car hire quote but the insurance policy may be subject to a prohibitly high insurance excess which could prove to be very costly in the event of an accident even a minor prang.

Many car hire companies also offer an option to purchase additional insurance to reduce the amount of excess you are responsible for. Some companies will even provide a Nil insurance excess for a small additional insurance premium.

Please also check the position regarding breakdown cover and what you are liable.

Car Hire Tip 5) Always book your car hire as early as you are able, as it is very unusual to find late availability reservation offers. Book your car hire early, especially if you have a specific vehicle or type of car hire in mind. For example minibuses, people carriers, 4x4, automatic vehicles and the like are in much demand. Car Hire Tip 6) Automatic car hire or manual transmission? If you have a preference please ensure that you make this request when you make your car hire reservation. This tip is crucial if you only drive automatic transmission cars.

Car Hire Tip 7) Many car hire companies request for the rental car to be returned at the end of the rental period with a full tank of petrol. It is a good idea to fill the car with petrol or diesel close to the return location, as if the car hire company has to fill the car when you return the vehicle, they usually charge a much higher rate per litre than you would be charged at a petrol station.

Some car hire companies ask you to return the car empty and charge you for a full tank of petrol. This can work out to be an expensive option, unless you are going to be completing a lot of miles and are in a position to return the car with a fairly empty petrol tank. Which can in itself be dangerous as you would not wish to run out of petrol whilst driving.

Car Hire Tip 8) Please always remember to take your passport, driving licence and credit card with you when you collect the rental car. You will need to have the driving licences of all named drivers and these drivers will need to be included on the rental contract.

Car Hire Tip 9) Always plan you route and journey from your pick up point. The car hire company will be able to provide maps and directions to your destination when you collect the vehicle. However it would be prudent to work out your route in advance. Please bear in mind that if your route involves motorways or toll roads, you will need to have sufficient local currency to cover these toll charges.

You could also consider a hiring or taking a Satellite Navigation system. You will then need to have the full postal address or Post or Zip code of your final destination.

Car Hire Tip 10) Please remember to pre book any extras when you make your reservation, especially childrens equipment such as baby seats and booster seats. Baby seats are in great demand during school holiday periods and remember to be specific should you require a forward facing or rear facing baby seat. Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles

Where To Find The Best Low Cost Car Hire

Car hire does not have to be expensive as you can quite easily find low cost car hire. Low cost car hire can be researched on the internet on your computer at home or work. You can even go to the local library and research low cost car hire. This is probably the most up to date, modern and easy way in life today to find your low cost car hire.
Remember when looking for low car hire on the internet you will need to select your vehicle and put in some additional information such as the dates you would like to pick the car and a preferred destination in Spain. You will need to make some comparisons with lots of other low cost car hire companies who are advertising their low cost cars that are available in Spain. When you have found a company which offers low cost car hire that looks attractive and is highly competitive do not forget to put it in your favourites on your computer. This is for reference purposes as you may wish to go back to it again at a later stage to either confirm the booking or to book low cost car hire again at another time.
Low cost car hire is subject to availability and as such availability and prices will be changing constantly so it is very important that you can find this information again easily on your computer. It may take some time initially to research to find the best deal but it will be worth it when you are satisfied that you have found the lowest cost car hire in Spain around.
Ask family and friends if they can recommend a particular company which they made have used to obtain low cost car hire as personal recommendations are always good to have. They will be able to confirm that the company are efficient and professional and that there prices are low cost.
Low cost car hire does not mean you have to compromise on the type of vehicle. Many companies can offer many models at low cost simply because they have a large fleet of them and they can afford to be very competitive. Do not be suspicious if the price seems to be too good to be true for low cost car hire.
Low cost car hire does not mean cheap and nasty. You may be lucky and find that a certain vehicle is on offer at a special discounted price just at the moment when you make your request for a quotation.
Many low cost car hire companies will offer to upgrade your booking after you have initially booked. Customer satisfaction is of paramount importance to all low cost car hire companies and if a vehicle is sitting idle they will gladly offer this to you at your original low cost price.
So remember that the most important point to remember is to shop around on the internet under the heading low cost car hire in Spain or if you are heading to a specific destination then just type in low cost car hire in Madrid for example and you will find some great deals at great low cost car hire prices. Article source : www.articlesbase.com

Where to Find the One Way Car Hire

One way car rental is available through out the world. It is a relatively recent development within the industry, previously to hire a car and drop it off in an alternative location came with an expensive premium. If you are on holiday you can hire a one way hire car for no extra cost. If you are travelling with a lot of luggage one way car hire can be a very easy and convenient way of reaching your destination, especially if you are staying for a long time.
Many people enjoy building their own holiday today rather than relaying on a package deal. It is often a lot cheaper to find the exact accommodation you want and then book your flights and car hire separately. Quite often you can make very big savings through one airport and leaving the country from another. Hiring a one way car to make this journey is convenient easy and cost effective. When hiring a car you will save money by not having to use an airport taxi transfer or taxis during your stay. You can also explore the region at your own pace and visit some of the more obscure destinations and secluded areas where other tourists will find it hard to reach.
Why not take a mini road trip adventure and plan a route to explore during your stay. A good example for doing this type of trip comes when people are trying to visit Barcelona. Often fights are costly and unavailable direct to Barcelona many people are fly into Gerona or Zaragoza both are over 100 kilometers away; this is the perfect opportunity to hire a car and explore the surrounding area.
Between Gerona and Barcelona you can visit the many beautiful beach towns and villages which are dotted along the twisting coastal road there are fabulous views and you will see some of Spain missed by most travelers and do it all at your own pace.
Sometimes if the car hire company used is relatively small a premium is added to the price of the rental because they must pick up the car from where you have left it. Larger companies just specify that you drop it back to their local branch near to where you are leaving the vehicle this eliminates having to pay any extra costs. Make sure you shop carefully when you book your one way car hire.
We have spent a lot of time researching on the internet for the very best car hire prices. We believe to keep ahead of the competition and the best method of getting the cheapest prices is to use a comparison search engine. Car hire prices fluctuate regularly, by using a comparison engine you will be able to compare prices form over 25 companies at the same time bringing you the very best deals for that particular time. It also saves you trawling through many companies entering your details every time. Simply enter your requirements once and the search engine will do the hard work.
Especially when booking a one way hire car it is best to enquire and book as far in advance of your trip as possible. This will mean you receive the very best prices and ensure that there will be a vehicle available for you. Once you have obtained several quotes you should then have a look at the finer details of the package. Often prices look very similar but finer points of the hire package will be different; look out for companies offering comprehensive insurance without an excess' or reduced rates on particular vehicles.
Don't be forced to fly to and from the same airport and pay for expensive flights hiring a one way car can show you a part of Spain you would have otherwise been missing. Explore where ever you want to go it will bring your holiday a new sense of freedom and leave you with some life long memories of a great trip abroad. Article source : www.articlesbase.com

3 Things to Know About Car Hire in Cyprus

The third largest Mediterranean island, ‘Cyprus’ is one of the best tourist attractions which gets over 2.4 million tourists per year. When it comes to a holiday trip to the Cyprus, the car hire is indispensable. Though it may seem easy to book a car hire in Cyprus, there are several things to be noted to save your money and precious time. Just keep reading on the article to see the 3 most important things to know about the car hire in Cyprus.
1. Book a Car hire Online to save your time and money
There is a misconception among people booking a car hire in advance is a complete waste of time. The true fact is that if you miss to book car hire prior to your holiday trip, you will end up in waiting in long queues for hours to get a car hire in Cyprus. Moreover, the car hire service providers in Cyprus will take advantage of the demand and will collect more cash from you. Hence to avoid all these hassles, it’s wise to book a car hire before starting the trip. With the introduction of the Internet, booking car hires in Cyprus is just a breeze. There are many car hire directories where you can find thousands of car hire service providers in the Cyprus. The added advantage of using these car hire directories is that you can compare many car hires that are available in Cyprus and pick the right one of your choice. You will be able to compare the types of cars offered, mileage of the cars available, pick up and delivery points, driver age and so on. 
2. Plan the trip to avoid hassles 
Any holiday trip will be tiresome without proper planning. A trip can become more tiresome if you fail to plan the car hire. Without proper car hire planning, you will end up stranded in the airports of Cyprus. Though care hire facilities are available in the popular airports of Cyprus, due to the huge tourist population you cannot get a car hire in time. With car hire facilities available at Larnaca Airport, Paphos Airport and the Ercan Airport (North Cyprus), you can easily plan the trip to Cyprus. Make sure that you book the Car hire in Cyprus with a renowned company. This will prevent you from paying the extra hidden costs.  
3. Watch out the time
Most of the car hire service providers of Cyprus rent the cars on the daily basis. You will have to return the car on the date and time specified by the car hire service provider. You will be charged for an additional day even if you are few minutes late than the actual scheduled time of return. So it is very important to keep an eye on time and return the car before the scheduled return time. 
Bottom line
With the introduction of the Car hire directories, things have changed a lot these days. Now anyone can book a car hire in Cyprus with just a few mouse clicks, relaxing in their home. By following the above mentioned tips for car hire in Cyprus, anyone can enjoy a pleasant vacation in the unique Mediterranean island. Article source : www.articlesbase.com

Where to Find the Best Convertible Car Hire

Imagine renting a convertible car hire and driving through the beautiful twisting scenery of the Pyrenees or cruising along the fashionable boulevards of Paris in a convertible car hire with the roof down. This used to be an unimaginable prospect but not any more when you rent a luxury convertible car hire during your holiday for a fraction of what a convertible car would cost to buy.
A car with a folding, removable or collapsible roof is called a convertible. More associated with celebrity life style, the movies and warmer climates these cars are now within reach of holiday makers! You too could be driving a convertible car hire car in the heat of the day making the most memorable holiday you have ever experienced. You could be behind the car of your driving dreams for just a little more than a standard hire car, imagine driving a Mini Cooper, BMW 330ci, BMW Z4, Audi, Quattro, or even a 1957 Porsche Speedster Replica with the roof down the wind in your hair and an open twisting coastal road ahead of you.
Convertible car hire of the seventies and eighties were draughty, leaky and suffered from bad scuttle shake but today a convertible car hire gives you the best of both worlds at the touch of a switch the roof can be raised in a dance of unbelievable engineering and no effort at all. convertible car hire were often only found on top of the range sports cars which came at premium prices today many mid priced cars benefit from convertible car hire which means you won't have to take out a second mortgage to rent one.
If you intend to book a convertible car hire I would suggest that you enquire and book as far in advance as possible. As fleets of hire cars generally include less convertible car hire you need to book in advance to ensure there is one left for you. It will also undoubtedly save you money; you'll also benefit when you arrive in the airport as you won't have to fill out lengthy paper work or risk the fact they may not have any convertible car hire left.
Generally speaking drivers must be over the age of 25 to have a convertible car hire and have held a full driving license for 3 years. Ensure you are full covered when you book your car. The best way to find an affordable and comprehensive convertible car hire car is to use an internet comparison search engine.
Our search engine will bring you the cheapest and best results from over many of the most competitive car hire companies; you only have to enter your details and requirements once then the search engine does the hard work bring back the results instantly. Look out for any offers which include a zero excess for any accidental damage. This is well worth looking into, as safe as the roads are today you can never be 100% sure of not damaging your convertible car hire. Europe in summer is the ideal location for hiring a convertible car hire.
With hot summers, temperate winters, very little rain and long hours of sunlight it is simply made for cruising around with your roof down. Once you have rented a car make sure you take full advantage of it. It will mean that you avoid having to pay for airport taxi transfers and you will also avoid having to use taxis during your stay.
Travel to your accommodation at your own pace and make sure you use your car to explore the region you visit. There is always plenty going on in local towns and villages visit the fiestas and interesting architecture from the past. convertible car hire is an ideal choice for your hire car.
Driving in a convertible car hire is a great experience it will instantly put a smile on your face. Tourists and travelers alike I urge you to consider renting a convertible car hire whilst on holiday and have a mini road trip adventure of your own. Article source : www.articlesbase.com

Information on the History of Paphos and Car Hire in Paphos

The capital of Cyprus used to be in Paphos until the enlargement of other cities on the Island. Paphos has continued to have its share of the developments in Cyprus, and thus an International Airport was erected to turn the small region into a tourism hub. 
Paphos has a population of less than 100,000; but its collection of Antiquities as well as historical places has caused it to become a bustling region in Cyprus.
Paphos is divided into two main regions, the residential district of Ktima and the Kato region which consist of the seaside and the medieval ports. The Kato Paphos region is where the hotels and most of the other tourist destinations are situated. 
The best time to travel to Paphos is the summer time; as this ensures that you take the advantage of the weather and the beaches. The hottest month in Paphos is August when the temperature can be more than 35 degrees, and the humidity is very low along with the water relatively warm all throughout the day. 
The winter months are usually rainy. December and January are the coldest winter months in Paphos. The summer time is the busiest season in Paphos, because of the relatively high inflow of tourists from all over the world. The spring and early fall seasons are also some of the best times to visit Paphos. 
The Paphos international airport is the main route if you wish to get to the region. Cyprus airways and Air Holland are some of the few airlines that fly the route. Travelers coming from major European countries will have to have a stop over before boarding a flight to Paphos international Airport. 
Travelling to Paphos by boat is not allowed, as there are no legal ports in the region to transport international travelers. Travelling by bus can only start after reaching the airport, while renting a car is the most viable option from the Airport. There are several hotels and accommodation options available in Paphos. 
Booking a car rental Paphos service is very easy. You can make reservations with a trusted rental company, which would be on a stand-by at the airport for your arrival. Cars should be rented at no extra costs, and the rental company should contain fleet of cars that you can choose from to satisfy your needs. 
Most of these are visible right from departure from the Paphos international airport. While driving through the seaside, one can also see a collection of different hotels of low/medium class as well as more classy ones.
One should know that car rental Paphos services are not standardized; hence prices may vary from a company to another. You will need to find out the average costs of the entire car rentals company available and with this you will know the actual amount of money that you will pay. Car rental Paphos services include your direct transportation from the airport to some tourist attraction sites. 
The rental company can supply you with information on where exactly you are going to and how you can enjoy the best of your stay within such sites. You can feel free to ask questions about the city of Paphos from owners of the car rental company. They should be willing to give you rules and guidelines that tourists. Article source : www.articlesbase.com