|
|
One of the biggest challenge, when traveling anywhere in the world, is to locate a car rental company that will provide reliable car hiring services. The problem is there is just too many of them. This is especially true in countries like Germany, Spain or Canada. When there are too many service providers, you are spoilt for choice. You certainly want to avoid being in a situation where you rent a car for a day, only to find out the next day that you could have gotten the same car for thirty percent less rental fees. You also do not want to be in a position where your car breaks down and the car rental supplier is unable to provide you with adequate support services. These are undesirable situations you want to avoid. And renting from countries in Canada just doesn’t make it easier.
Fortunately, technology comes to the rescue. Many car rental suppliers now belong to a network where their services are listed on Internet websites. These websites are actually advanced web applications, where there is a comprehensive database at the back-end for that contains the most updated information from all the major car rental companies. Such information is provided free of charge, and with a few simple clicks, anyone can access important data such as pricing, availability and so on from some of the largest car retailers in the country. Here is how the simple process usually works.
Simply select a pick-up and a drop-off point. Then choose the day when you need the car, and choose the date when you will return the car. Then click on the web button to submit the data. And that’s it. The website will use the information that you have supplied and retrieve all the information you need. In table form, you will be presented with the brand, model and type of cars available, and the pricing. You will then be able to proceed with the booking if you like. You may also email the car rental companies for more information or to request special services such as baby seats, back up drivers and so on. All in all, it’s a very simple and convenient process to hire a car in Canada. If you place your booking early, you can have a car waiting for you at the airport upon your arrival. And at the end of your trip, you can drop off your car at the airport as well.
There are many benefits of renting a car and it is beyond the scope of this article to cover them here. So the next time you are planning a trip, whether to Canada, Spain, or to anywhere else in the world, remember that car rental in this modern age is highly simplified and made affordable by price comparison websites. With their presence, your car rental search worries are certainly over.
Car manufacturer Porsche SE is a German brand that prides themselves on luxury, quality and performance. Porsche car hire is owned by Germany families, Porsche and Piech families respectively. The Porsche family are a family of industrialists related to Ferdinand Porsche (created the VW beetle and development in German tanks the Tiger) who designed many of the first Porsche cars that were mass produced for the public for the company that he founded in 1940, Porsche.
Porsche car hire currently have a portfolio of high performance and luxury automobiles including the 911, 997, and the Boxster. Also the use specialise in 4 x4, sport and utility vehicles for use in suburban areas.
The 1999 Porsche 911 GT3 was produced and marketed as a high performance road legal car of which was more advanced then the standard 911. Named after the FIA GT, it was the first water cooled version of the Porsche 911. Porsche car hire also have a racing version of the 911 GT3 which has come first in many competitions, included Le Mans and other 24 hour races. Competitions are fierce in the market for super cars and the Porsche 911 GT3 is up against Italian giants Ferrari with their F430 and German luxury car manufacturer BMW with a GTR M3.
Many members of public feel that Porsche are out their price range so this was addressed with the Boxster. This mid engine little roadster was introduced in 1996 and has been quite successful. With a 2.5 litre flat 6 cylinder engine in the beginning, the model has evolved to introduce a 3.2 litre monster for increased performance. Porsche car hire then released a new generation to their popular roadster model with the type 987. These cars were even more powerful then their predecessors with increased engine output. Despite having a few cosmetic changes the Boxster has not strayed from the originals shape and style.
One of the greatest Porsche car hire automobiles ever made is the Porsche Carrera GT. This was a real beast, a mid engine sports car powered with a 5.7 litre V10 engine. From standstill to 60 miles per hour this car can do it in less than 3.5 seconds, with a maximum all out speed of 205 mph. You can get this car from Porsche car hire companies in five colours only, which include variants of Red, Yellow, Black, Silver and Grey. Custom colours were available if you placed an order for the car at a factory.
The Carrera GT has a 6 speed manual gearbox, complemented this with a beech wood gear knob from the Porsche 917 Le Mans racer. The main rival to this car is Ferrari’s Enzo, however with the Enzo priced in at approximately $660000 the Carrera GT has as slight advantage being only $444000.
If you’re after an unforgettable driving experience then Porsche car hire could be for you! With a wide choice of performance super cars such as the Carrera GT and the 911 GT3 you can be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a hire car to show off in, or just to have a weekend away with the open road.
As a gateway into Europe’s most scenic destinations, Friedrichshafen Airport does its job well. As a car-hire pick-up point, Friedrichshafen Airport is an excellent base. From Friedrichshafen it’s possible to enjoy the best of the city as well as the countryside. The following is a guide to how best to spend your time in Friedrichshafen.
Friedrichshafen Mini Guide:
The town of Friedrichshafen is located on the northern shore of the scenic Lake Constance, right next to the Austrian and Swiss borders. It is the capital of the Bodensee district in the federal state of Baden Württenburg. Friedrichshafen has seen a steady growth in tourism over the last few years, a trend that many attribute to the extension of low fares routes to Friedrichshafen Airport.
Things To See/Do in Friedrichshafen:
Friedrichshafen is a compact little town, whose main attractions can be easily explored within a day. Friedrichshafen’s biggest claim to fame is that it was the home of the Zeppelin Airship Company. Visitors are invited to learn more about the airship company at the Zeppelin Museum which is located close to the lakeshore. Zeppelin airships can also be booked for sightseeing tours. Meanwhile, Lake Constance provides plenty of opportunities for watersports and fishing. The Lake is Europe’s third largest and was formed by the Rhine Glacier during the ice age. Car ferries link Friedrichshafen to Romanshorn in Switzerland and Meersburg to Konstanz. While you’re in the city centre, you’ll find historical curiosities worth exploring include the Castle Church, which has two distinctive domed towers. The church was built between 1695 and 1701 and is regarded as one of the most famous constructions from the baroque period. It’s worth following the historical path while you’re in the vicinity, you’ll find plenty of attention grabbers while you’re there. The historical path consists of 50 plates detailing the historical importance of certain structures. The trail winds its way from the train station at the port to the castle church along the shore, past the central train station and continues on for approximately an hour.
Eating Out in Friedrichshafen:
Dining out in Friedrichshafen is a pleasure, whatever your budget or craving. While in town its always worth sampling the traditional fare. In Friedrichshafen hearty fare reigns supreme. Dishes such as ‘Maultaschen’, a type of ravioli stuffed with spinach, herbs and meat and whitefish á la meuniére are definitely worth a try. A glass of the local beer complements any meal perfectly.
Day Trips/Events in Friedrichhafen:
Let Friedrichshafen act as a base from which to explore the surrounding countryside. Friedrichshafen’s location offers plenty of scope for hire car touring. For the ultimate Friedrichshafen car hire experience be sure to include a day trip to the scenic Lake Constance area. Alternatively you could make a short 30km drive to the Austrian town of Bregenz.
A number of festivals and events take place in and around Friedrichshafen throughout the year including May’s annual International Bodensee Festival, a celebration of the local arts scene where concerts, theatrical performances exhibitions are held around the Bodensee Lake.
Stansted airport is currently the fourth busiest in the country, although if the proposed development plans go ahead it is likely that this position will be improved. Any development is likely to include an expansion of accompanying services such as shops, car hire desks, and eateries as these are all an efficient method for Stansted Airport to earn extra revenue.
The expansion of the site however is not without its critics, as Stansted Airport sits in one of the most beautiful rural settings anywhere within the UK, local residents are understandably up in arms over these development plans. Currently the site handles around twenty million passengers annually, making it one of the major airports in Britain, but what is the history of the site, what has been involved in the development Stansted?
Stansted Airport takes its name from the nearby town of Stansted Mountfitchet, a sleepy Essex town that sits on the border with Hertfordshire. The site was earmarked for development at the outset of the Second World War although instead of a major RAF presence, the USAAF were the predominant force in building the site up. The engineers of the USAAF laid the runways and put in place a number of hangars. The purpose of the airfield was to house bombers of the 344th bombardment group.
As the home of the 344th, a squadron that utilised the massive B26 bomber a number of sorties were flown to sites on the continent including France, Germany and the Netherlands. Stansted played a particularly important role during the Normandy landings, bombing bridges and strategic positions behind the German lines to hold up their withdrawal. An action worthy of note was the role played by the 344th in restricting the German retreat through the Falaise Gap, a pivotal moment during the war.
Stansted airport especially benefited from the growth in budget air travel during the eighties and nineties due to the fact that the rates it offered airlines were cheaper than those at Heathrow or Gatwick. It is not however purely budget travel that is catered for at the site, in recent years the prestigious department store Harrods has started operating flights from Stansted; allowing passengers to charter a private jet to almost anywhere in the world.
This service is accompanied by the opportunity to utilise helicopter transfers from London as well as chauffeur driven car hire services. The Harrods operations however are only a small part of the operations of the site, with so many passengers passing through daily, a number of services offering coach travel, rail and car hire provisions have been built up to accommodate the needs of passengers heading out on an onward journey.
The road links that service Stansted Airport are fantastic, in the past few years a major link has been constructed to the M11 Motorway providing fast and efficient travel not only to London but to destinations all around the country. For those utilising car hire services however there is another option before jumping onto the motorway, this is to tour the wondrous countryside that surrounds the site. With a wealth of quant and picturesque villages and towns literally five minutes drive away; those who want to experience the real England will find an attractive travel proposition.
While the arguments over the expansion of the site may be continuing it is likely that Stansted will receive a second runway and will subsequently increase its passenger numbers. This can only be good for the auxiliary services such as car hire desks, restaurants and shops as revenues will subsequently increase. The history of the site is rich, in the coming years it is likely that this development will only continue.
Typically when you rent a car you’re looking for something cheap, that runs and can get you from A to B. We tend to hire cars when on holiday and want to get around without having to cram onto a tour bus and go to where everyone else wants to go. Having your own car on holiday can give you a sense of adventure by being able to make your own rules and go wherever your heart desires.
When on holiday chances are you’ll want to go and see all the tourist locations like museums, landmarks and beaches all of which can normally be achieved by going on organised trips organised by holiday reps or your hotel. By hiring a car you make the rules, no time limits, no schedule to conform to.
Car hire in a foreign country is normally relatively painless, common locations include European countries such as Spanish and Greek islands and American holidays. In most cases a valid UK licence and your passport are sufficient for approval for driving in a foreign country. You just need to familiarise yourself with the local laws and regulations.
In some countries there are additional laws and regulations you must adhere to such as in Germany you are legally obliged to carry a warning triangle and obviously speed limits may vary in different countries. It is advisable to learn the local language if only for reading road signs, many will have the universally recognized pictures so you should be able to get by.
In these countries you tend to find plenty of Car Hire companies, many of them are chain owned such as Avis and Europcar it’d be advisable to go with a reputable company like these as they are more likely to offer extra services and cover in the event of an accident. Smaller local chains may offer Cheap Car Hire and by all means feel free to take advantage of their deals but make sure that the car has passed all necessary safety tests and that the car has been checked since it was last leased out.
Car Rental is a booming business on the Mediterranean islands as it’s a cheap convenient way of seeing all the wonders of each small island, many people will hire a car to try and find the small perfect beach unspoiled by the beach bars and battle formations of deck chairs laid out and patrolled by the deck chair attendants.
Despite the growing number of car owners in the United Kingdom there is always a demand for hire cars. Whether it be from customers in the UK wanting day rental to replace their own damaged car, tourists coming from abroad to visit England, or UK tourists looking for car rental abroad.
One of the fastest growing car hire firms in the UK is Sixt, a company originating in Germany, and now expanding across Europe. Sixt has an emphasis on low prices and high quality service and is rapidly becoming one of the most trusted UK brands.
Through their global network of branches Sixt are able to offer car, van and minibus hire worldwide. With 14 branches in London and over 100 across the rest of the UK it’s easy to see why Sixt UK is so popular. Every one of their vehicles is less than 6 months old and maintained to the highest standards. This means that Sixt customers receive the very best service and lowest prices in the UK.
For British holidaymakers looking to hire a car in popular holiday destinations such as Malaga, Palma, Barcelona, and Alicante it has never been easier. Thanks to the internet tourists can book their holiday car from UK Sixt website without any hassle and at discounted prices.
For UK based rental the process is just as easy customers can book online or go directly to a Sixt branch and they are not limited to just cars. Sixt offer a wide range of vans and minibuses also available for hire at competitive rates on short and long term rental plans.
Despite the increasing amount of car hire brokers and price comparison websites it seems that many customers are happy to deal directly with a car hire company without the hassle of a ‘middle man’.
The ability to offer a complete global service gives Sixt a great advantage and the future certainly looks promising for the German rent-a-car firm in the UK market.
When travelling or at the car hire company’s desk you are bombarded with deals and extras that make things confusing, even to a MENSA member. One thing that should be considered however is the extra insurance cover before you jump in the hire car and head on your onward journey.
This does not even have to be from the car hire firm; there are many companies who will provide policies as external packages. The reason you will want this extra insurance cover is due to the large excess fees that some companies may charge and the high cost of medical care abroad.
Some hire companies are believed to charge as much as a thousand pounds excess in the event of an accident. These fees are prevalent throughout Europe, in countries such as Spain, Portugal, France and Germany.
Unfortunately for most users of car hire firms, they do not realise the protection they may have already. The use of a credit card for payment can often carry its own cover as part of the contractual agreements of using a credit card. Added to the credit card, sometimes a driver’s own insurance policy on their own car can often be carried over when using a hire car.
It is highly advisable when utilising car hire services to check with your credit card and insurers to see if you will be covered by policies already in place. A quick phone call can save you money in the long run as you may find out if your credit card package provides extra services that you may have been unaware of.
Also, even if a former card had cover as part of the package, it is worth checking whether your new card provides the same kinds of services. Anything is preferable to driving your hire car uninsured; in certain countries this offence can carry hefty penalties, added to the cost to the hire company.
That is not to say that you should ignore the car hire firm’s insurance offers completely. There will be some that are well worth the extra money to ensure your own safety and protect you in the event of an accident.
One of these is a collision damage waiver; although technically it cannot be considered an insurance package it does remove the liability of collision damage from the hirer to the hire company. The waiver can also protect the user from fees that can accumulate from the time it takes a car to be repaired and the profits that will be lost during this time. The waivers however are not extensive and can be voided by the car hire company if the user has been found to be driving illegally or on unpaved roads.
Personal accident insurance is also well worth enquiring about when at the car hire desk. In countries where medical care is not free they can save the user from having to pay for ambulance fees and hospital bills. Some policies will even cover the passengers as well as the driver.
Added to this, it may well be worth utilising personal effects coverage in the case of theft of items from the car while on holiday. This can be especially important for passports as these can be extremely expensive to replace if stuck in a foreign country without one. The embassy may be there to help, but it is doubtful they will help for free.
There is little doubt that insurance is important for all types of holiday, not just those involving a hire car. You simply cannot be too careful when travelling abroad as fees and fines can be astronomical for tourists. Most important is ensuring you will be properly cared for in the case of a serious accident as hospital bills will soon mount up, especially when remaining in hospital for any lengthy period of time.
Ensuring you are covered from all angles in terms of liability of the hire car is also extremely important, large fees are often charged if the car becomes damaged or is stolen. If you go by the adage of ‘better to be safe than sorry’ you will not go far wrong.
My father must be the unluckiest man in the world when it comes to airport car hire at Malaga Airport and Madrid Airport. He has rented 3 vehicles from the same company over the past three years and had to exchange them every time (and yes ….. you would think he had learnt his lesson by now). The first time, after he wanted to hire a car at Malaga airport, he plumped for a Ford Fiesta. Just 2km down the road from the car hire garage, the steering wheel nearly came loose in his hand. Shocked and stunned he managed to steer the car back safely and limped into the car hire forecourt at Malaga Airport.
A year later he was navigating his way merrily out of Madrid Barajas Airport in a hire car when the bonnet flew up of its own accord and he screeched to a halt on the wrong side of the road. On his return to the car hire garage at Madrid Barajas Airport he was told it must have been his own fault, and had he opened the bonnet? ´No´ he replied which was met with that all too familiar, but equally infuriating, shrug of the shoulders. A replacement car was found, which was a smaller model with no air-conditioning. Did they reduce the price of the car hire? Not on your life!
Last year dad wanted to hire a car at Barcelona Airport. Not a problem. All went incredibly smoothly (for him) and he filled in all the forms necessary and he jumped (ok well perhaps more limped than jumped) into the driver´s seat and set off. All was well and the new hire car from Barcelona Airport was cheap, cool and comfortable. Enjoying his new-found freedom, in his luxury hire car, dad stopped at a small village on the outskirts of Barcelona. After a leisurely lunch, he strolled back to his hire car to discover the passenger door had a deep dent in the side. The car had been hit while stationary, and the front bumper was also hanging off. In a desperate call to the car hire office at Barcelona Airport, he was told they would replace the car, but he would have to pay for the damage himself. After being assured earlier that fully comprehensive insurance was included in the price of the car hire, he was informed that it was only third party.
Another car hire disaster!
Luckily for my father, he got away with hiring unsafe vehicles from car hire companies, without suffering any accidents or personal injury. But many car accidents on holiday are caused by unsafe car hire vehicles. Car rentals with unsafe tyres, dodgy brakes, no lights, and cracked windscreens have all been the cause of serious and even fatal accidents on the roads in Spain, Portugal, France, Germany and the rest of Europe.
Reliable car hire at the airport is as important as cheap car hire at the airport. There is no substitute for quality and reliability when you hire a car at the airport. Make sure you use a reputable firm such as www.carhire4airports.com for your online airport car hire. We search over 50 car hire companies on your behalf and guarantee you the best, cheapest and most reliable car hire deals at the airport.
With one foot in the Alps and one foot in Germany, Munich’s wonderful location makes it a fantastic place to rent a car. The following is a guide to the best places to visit while on tour in Munich.
Munich Airport Mini Guide:
Munich International Airport is to be found 29km from the centre of the city of Munich. Munich International Airport can be reached by exiting off the A92 between Munich and Deggendorf.
The award-winning airport has a range of facilities including: 24 hour internet access, wireless Internet access, a 24-hour medical emergency centre and bureau de change for last-minute euros. Information desks can be found in the arrival and departure areas of level 4 and in the main hall of level 3.
Things To See/Do in Munich:
It’s easy to see why Munich is such a popular destination for city breaks. Not only does the city boast impressive cultural attractions and a lively nightlife, the surrounding countryside offers an exciting car hire touring experience.
Munich is the capital of the Bavarian region of southwest Germany. Bordered by the Alps, the city has its own unique culture. Marienplatz, the main town square is a great place to start sightseeing. The square is characterised by its four impressive cathedrals. The oldest parish church, Peterskirche (Alter Peter) offers visitors a stunning view over the city from its viewing platform at 300ft.
A short car hire trip outside of the city will take you to other historic attractions including Nymphenburg Palace, The English Garden or the Allianz Arena, which hosted crucial matches in 2006’s FIFA World Cup.
Karlstor, just off the Karlsplatz Square is the gateway to Munich’s fabulous shopping scene. Passing through the historic arch, shoppers enter a wonderland of thrifty high-street fashion stores and elegant boutiques which encompasses Neuhauser Strasse, Kaufinger Strasse and Marienplatz. Here you’ll find all the cheap European chain stores such as Zara, H&M, Mango and C&A, as well as chic department stores such as Karstadt and Galeria Kaufhof. The whole area is pedestrianised, punctuated only by brightly coloured fruit and flower stalls.
Eating Out/Nightlife/Accommodation in Munich:
If beer is Munich’s number one obsession, food comes in at a close second. From cheap quick snacks sold on street kiosks like donuts, hot-dogs, roasted nuts and Turkish kebabs to traditional and international cuisine, the city has it covered. Munich’s traditional fare may not be the most attractive of cuisines, but it’s hearty fuel for a day’s shopping and sightseeing all the same. Local specialities include Haxe, grilled knuckle of pork or veal, Knoedel which is bread or potato dumpling and Weisswurst, a white veal sausage which is boiled and served in its own special earthenware cauldron. Grilled fish with thinly sliced fried potato is another popular low cost dish. In general, prices for eating out are cheap and portion sizes are generous. Munich is famous for its beer and its breweries, so it’s not surprising that a guided tour of the of the city’s breweries tops the to-do list of most visitors to Munich. However, the sheer number of beer gardens and historic beer halls located around the city makes it possible to sample the breweries’ delights in your own time. Beer is big business in Munich. Each year, over six million tourists visit the annual Oktoberfest in September and October.
In terms of accommodation, Munich offers something for everyone. Those on a thrifty budget will find cheap lodgings at hotels such as Hotel Jedermann and Intercity Munchen, close to the main railway station on Bayerstrasse. Meanwhile, those looking to splash out will find themselves in the lap of luxury at establishments like The Mandarin Oriental.
It’s been many years now since the Channel Tunnel was built, yet the novelty of driving to Europe hasn’t worn off for many of us. But not everyone wants to drive halfway across Britain to keep on driving in a different country, which is where car hire firms come in useful. This continues our guide to some of the more popular driving destinations throughout Europe.
France
France is heaven for the gourmet. The abundance of fine wine, diverse foodstuff and a picturesque setting to consume them in, few can resist the appeal of our nearest European neighbour. Car hire is an easy and economical way to get around, and most of the major companies have offices there. The capital, Paris, is best explored on foot or Metro, but the outlying region is great driving country. Be careful not to drink and drive, as touring through the French countryside you will be tempted, indeed encouraged, to stop off at the various vineyards and sample the sparkling brew. But don’t worry, many of these also offer lodgings for when you can’t resist any more.
Most of mainland France is ideal for cruising along and sampling various towns and local delicacies, but if you want something a little more adventurous, take the ferry across to Corsica. This is an island just of the mainland, and provides hair-raising drives along steep mountain sides flanked by sheer drops. Car rental is a must on Corsica as public transport is virtually non-existent.
Germany
Neighbouring Germany is a car enthusiast’s dream. The famous Autobahn has no speed restrictions, and the country boasts some of the safest roads in the world. Although public transport in Germany is good, cheap car hire is popular among tourists as the roads are so pleasant to drive on. A highly developed road network and most places easily accessible by car mean that much of Germany is open to the driver wishing to explore.
Germany seems to have something for everyone to enjoy. The magnificent architecture, the food, the Oktoberfest and the scenery make it a country not to be missed. To take full advantage of Germany, arrange to pick your hire car up in the north and make your way to the south. Most car hire firms will allow you to pick up and drop off in different locations. Winding your way through the German countryside will show you a side of it many non-driving tourists never get to see.
|
|
