In the bustling world of travel, any opportunities of cutting costs will add affordability while giving you some extra spending money to use on the fun stuff. While transportation is a necessity, car rental can get out of hand if you’re not careful. Gear up with these tricks and tips for travel that won’t burn a hole in your wallet or shorten your long awaited trip. Keep reading to discover ways to save and quirky hacks to snag the sweetest deals on wheels!
Think Outside the Airport
While airport services may be convenient, they are also notorious for sky-high prices and hefty fees. Venture off the beaten path and explore rental options in other nearby neighborhoods. You’ll be amazed at the savings you can score by steering clear of overpriced rides, airport surcharges and hidden fees. Plus, you’ll get to soak in local charm and culture along the way!
Negotiate to Make Prices Great
Bring out your inner bargaining skills and haggle your way to a steal of a deal. Don’t be afraid to negotiate with rental agents, especially if you’re booking last minute or during slow seasons. They may put up a hard sell, but they don’t want you to walk away. Throw in a pinch of charm and a dash of confidence then watch as prices magically drop in your favor!
There’s Power in Rewards
While you cruise down the scenic highways and check dream destinations off your list, be sure you join in and keep up with the points you could be collecting. There are many money saving opportunities with reward and loyalty programs offered by car rental companies, hotels and credit cards to unlock exclusive and enormous discounts, upgrades and freebies. Don’t let these jackpots slip by when they could be lighting up your wallet with extra cash, free flying, rental points and future hotel stays!
Sharing is Caring AND Saving
If your travels are somewhat local, before you pay big bucks on a rental car, check with friends and neighbors to see if they have an extra car sitting idle. You could save a bundle and they could make a few bucks while creating a win-win for all. If there are no car sharing acquaintances nearby, check out platforms like Turo or Getaround to snag budget-friendly rentals from local car owners. It’s like borrowing a friend’s ride, except you get to choose from a selection of cool options from sports cars to vintage classics!
Time Your Booking
Timing is everything when it comes to scoring cheaper rentals. It may be booking far in advance that saves big bucks. Or keeping an eye out for flash sales, promotional offers and last-minute deals that pop up suddenly might be the way to go. Always remember, patience is key…sometimes the best deals are worth waiting for, sort of like fine wine and aged cheeses! As the saying goes, “The best things come to those who wait” and that includes saving money!
Capture the Power of Comparison
Forget endless scrolling and price-checking with handy price comparison tools like Kayak, Rentalcars.com, or AutoSlash. These platforms do all the heavy lifting and searching for you as they scour the web for the best deals and discounts for your upcoming travels. It’s like having your very own personal assistant, but clearly more convenient, much easier and absolutely affordable!
Be Flexible
Flexibility is the name of the savings game when it comes to cashing in on cheaper car rentals. Be open to bending on your travel dates, pick-up locations and vehicle preferences to unlock hidden savings and special offers. This is the way to stumble on some pretty sweet deals as you learn to go with the flow and discover better options that come with patience that pays!