Monday, 20 February 2012

Car Rental Specials Can Make it Worth Your Money to Rent Cars

Car rental specials are offered in order to let the client get the most of his money. They can come in form of discounted trips at certain times and/or to certain places. They may also be packages which rid the client of the trouble of booking in hotels in the place of destination.
Some car rental specials involve having to pay less than the daily rental rate for an extended rental period. You can have discounts for two-day, week-long or monthly rentals. Similarly, car rental companies offer weekend special discounts for vacationers who want to have a brief weekend fling out of town.
Other types of car rental specials may be based on the country it is being offered. Some specials will give the client one free day, others will give the discount in the form of a percentage off or a fixed amount deducted from the original price. In some countries, the client my be given some additional amenity, life a free chauffeur, a free child seat plus GPS monitor or even a free tank of petrol.
You will find many rental car specials variations of the things mentioned above in all the outfits dealing in this line of business. An easy way to ferret out these special offers is to browse through the hundreds of pages on the internet owned by car rental outfits.
But before doing so, you should have a calculator handy in order for you to be able to calculate and compare how much you stand to save from similar rental carl specials coming from different companies. And it is not just the face value of the discount you should take into consideration but the physical distance of your destination from your point of origin.
For this purpose, it will be good to have a map of the area you intend to visit beside you. Another variable which affects the value of the car rental special is the place itself that you want to visit. It is perfectly natural for prices to top vacation spots to be higher than unknown destinations where you cannot expect to find too many tourist attractions.
What you should remember about rental car specials is that they normally have a termination date. Unlike the standard discounts that can be enjoyed for every day of the year, car rental specials may be good for two or three months only. To avail of them, you have to set a date of pick-up earlier than their deadlines.
In this regard, even if you booked your trip far in advance, a week before the trip, you should ask if any new rental specials have been made available, and if so, should your trip fall outside the valid period of the special, you might ask to be rescheduled. All of this will depend on the policies of the company your are renting from.
One thing you need to be when availing of car rental specials, is an expert in current rates and hidden expenses. Otherwise, you should consult with a friend who knows about them before closing your rental deal. Special offers may not be so special if in getting them you need to pay hidden surcharges.

European Car Rental

For most of us, the basis of a car rental in Europe is the journey, not the destination. We spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars so that we can see everything that we want in the minimum amount of time available. This is what a rental car is perfect for, what it is made for, and what you should use it for. Although I am not against taking a train from one place to another (especially after a long drive) I am constantly finding myself looking out the window wondering "Hey what's over there?"
Of course, the destination is a factor when choosing our itinerary. Equally important is the starting point. Not only can the beginning and end of your car rental save you money, but chosen poorly, it can be the beginning and end of your vacation as well.
First and foremost, if at all possible, try and pick up your rental car in town. In some countries, this can be the difference between fifty to five hundred dollars or more. In some places, it's just not worth it as the airport can be 20 kilometers or more from downtown with little to no public transportation. In other places, such as Rome's Fiumicino (or Leonardo da Vinci) airport, there is a train between the airport and main station in town. And in some places the airport is practically in town. The common places where you will find a flat fee for airport pick ups are France, Spain, Portugal, Denmark and the United Kingdom. In Germany, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria it is usually a percentage, anywhere from 10% to 17%. In Holland, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe it can go either way. Please be advised that this is for the major car rental suppliers and does not cover every one. Always make sure to ask if the airport surcharge is included and if it is a percentage or a flat fee, and if it is waived if you pick up in town. Also, it is good to note that if you pick up in town to avoid a fee, you can usually still drop off at an airport without having to pay the surcharge.
Picking up downtown won't always save you from a fee, though it usually reduces it if anything. Railstations sometimes have a surcharge (Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium) and if you pick up at a "Premium Location" such as Russel Square in London or Haddington Way in Dublin, you will have to pay a fee as well. Also, some port offices require payment too, either as stand-alone or for a "meet and greet" situation, where the office is outside walking distance so the agents wait for you at the pier. Once again, make sure you ask if there is a fee if you are picking up at a station of any kind.
Aside from saving money, convenience is always a sticking point when deciding where to pick up your rental car. If you are hesitant to drive in a big city, but you want to save money, then you have a couple of options. For one, you can always pick up outside of a busy area but still "downtown" but this alternative comes with the price of having to get there, which is okay if you already have your hotel nearby. You can also find a rental location that is near a highway on-ramp, which is particularly good if you need the rental car not for the city you'll be in, but for the one you need to get to. A mapping program using the internet is of course invaluable in this search. Get the addresses for your hotel and available pick up locations, and choose the one that is most convenient for you.
Finally, it is important to know what locations are available along the way to your destination. If you need to add an additional driver in the middle of your trip, or you need to swap out your car for any reason, then knowing where you can choose from will help optimize your time and money. There's no point in going back if you can do the same moving forward right? It's a good idea to have the phone numbers to the locations you'll be dealing with, as well as a headquarters number for additional inquiries. Try to use a service that has 24 hour support. The locations may not always be open, but at least you can get through to someone who can let you know your options. Oh, and try not to involve yourself with a rental location that is part of a gas-station, restaurant, barber shop or any other strip mall business that is not car rental. Although many of the major suppliers have locations like this with their name on them, they are licensee, independently owned subsidiaries and you will find the shadiest clerks and the worst service here. This is really just common sense though.

Four Requirements You Should Know Before Renting a Car in Europe

Renting a car during your European holiday is extremely convenient since you will be able to visit more places easier. However, renting automobiles can be a little bit tricky if you are not familiar with the regulations. Learn some requirements below before deciding on renting a car in Europe.
1. Age restrictions
For the most part, the minimum age for renting a vehicle in Europe is 21. However, some countries and car companies may set their minimum age restriction at 25 years of age. Besides minimum age limits, maximum age limits may also be applied in some countries by some rental firms. Generally, in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Cyprus, the maximum age limit for renting a car is 75 years old, while renters between 70-75 years of age are levied a Senior Driver Surcharge having various additional charges.
2. Driver's license
The International Driving Permit or IDP is an official document written in 10 languages that serves as an addition to your local driving license, and is honored in about 150 United Nations member countries. The IDP is not required in most European countries. However, if you are traveling in Italy, Spain or the former Soviet Eastern European countries such as Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Czech Republic, you will need the document. Note that holding an IDP alone won't give you permission to drive a rented car in these countries. You will also need to accompany your IDP with a valid passport and a driver's license from your home country that is valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of the rental.
3. Border crossing
If you are planning to visit different European countries with the rented car, it is wise to study each country's laws and regulations. When you visit any foreign country, you are subject to the country's laws. Never forget to equip yourself and your passenger with complete documents such as passport, visa, vehicle registration, driving permit, travel documents and a cross border fee. Each time you reach a border between two countries, you may be required to stop to have your documents and vehicle checked by Customs Officers. Note that some Eastern European countries may prohibit cross border travel in a rented car.
4. Miscellaneous
- In general, European countries except the United Kingdom and Ireland drive on the right hand side of the road.
- Most European countries forbid the use of mobile phones while driving on the road.
- Car rentals in Europe offer cars with manual as well as automatic transmission. Cars with manual transmission will typically be cheaper than the automatic ones.
- Wearing seat belts is a must while driving.
- European cars measure speed in kilometers per hour. Speed limits are posted in km/hr.
- Distances on maps and in publications are only listed in kilometers.
- Always bring your driver's license and IDP along while driving.

Top Destinations in Italy and Why You Should Visit

Italy is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe and contains the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily and Sardinia. Tourism is very important to the Italian economy and attracts just over 43.7 million tourists each year so it's no wonder that Italy is ranked as the fifth major tourist destination in the world!
The tourism industry in Italy has a lot to be grateful to its predecessors for. The Roman Empire, Middle Ages and Renaissance have all left their mark with the many wonderful cultural artefacts, buildings, paintings and much more.
The Alps are also a huge attraction for many of the northern cities and attract thousands of visitors each year seeking the thrill of winter sports.
For those seeking the sun, the southern coastal cities of Italy with their Mediterranean seas paint a stunning canvas making it a wonderful sun holiday destination. With a diverse range of landscapes and climate there is something for everyone in Italy.
The cities in Italy are very unique in their own way and each offer amazing sights with much to see and do.
Rome is the capital and is the third most visited tourist destination in the European Union. Rome is a wonderful city where its Renaissance and Baroque past is still very evident. Of all the monuments in Rome, the Colosseum thrills the most. The Colosseum is a spectacular piece of architecture that surely cannot be missed. With its incredible history, and its ability to stand tall after hundreds of years, it is reason enough why to visit this incredible monument. Other top sights to see include the Vatican, the Trastevere, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. With so much to see and do in Rome - you'll want to visit it again and again.
The beautiful cities of Venice and Florence are like outdoor museums only waiting to be discovered. The city of Venice stretches across 118 little islands in a shallow lagoon along the Adriatic Sea. Bridges connect all of the islands - over 400 in total! Every form of transport in Venice is by foot or water. The 'Gondola' is a traditional Venetian rowing boat that dates back to centuries and still play a big role in public transport and is something you must experience when in Venice. Popular with couples who wish to discover romantic Venice.
Tourism is the main industry within the centre of Florence and again there is much to see and do here. The Uffizi Gallwery is one of the world's oldest and most famous galleries and the Accademia museums that showcase a very rich and impressive collection of Venetian paintings.
Florence certainly is home to some of the world's most finest art. On every corner, monument, Church or museum you will find a piece of history.
Putting all the history and culture aside there is so much more to do in Italy.

A Guide to European Rental Car Insurance

The time to think about car rental insurance is not after you have had some sort of accident. Too many people make the mistake of waiting until it is too late to find out exactly what their rental insurance encompasses. Generally speaking, insurance rules and laws in Europe follow the same basic guidelines as in the United States, whether you rent or own. There are many different types of insurances available to renters both when setting up the rental and at the time of pick up.
The deductible, or excess amount, is the amount the renter is responsible for in the event of damage to or theft of the rental vehicle. When purchasing the CDW/Theft insurances through rental car agencies, these amounts can sometimes be very high and are usually blocked on the renters credit card to ensure the company can collect in the event of an accident. Most companies offer additional insurnace locally that will lower the amounts.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is the amount due to the rental car company in case of damage to the rental vehicle. Many major credit card companies offer this insurance simply by paying for the rental with that particular credit card. This benefit from the credit card company is not offered when renting in certain Western European countries, usually Italy and Ireland. When deciding whether to pay for the collision insurance through the rental car company or use the insurance offered on your credit card it is important to consider the deductibles.
Theft Insurance determines the amount of money due to the rental car agency in case of theft of the rental vehicle. Usually collision and theft coverage go hand in hand. For example, if your credit card company offers collision coverage, then theft is usually included as well.
Fire Insurance doesn't cover any and all vehicle fire, this is important to know. Generally speaking it refers only to fires that are due to mechanical defects.
Simply put, liability covers anyone or anything outside of your rental vehicle. Liability coverage encompasses damage or injury that occurs due to the driver's negligence. Most car rental suppliers include this automatically since it is mandatory everywhere
The insurances listed above are absolutely necessary and cannot be avoided. There are also many different forms of optional protection available that you may be interested in purchasing at the rental counter. The extra types of insurance include Personal Accident Insurance, Personal Effects Coverage and Loss of Use Coverage. They are not in any way necessary, but some renters prefer the feeling of complete protection.

Advantage Car Rentals - Top Choice For Rental Vehicles

In an industry where product quality and customer service are critical to success, Advantage Car Rentals stands out from the competition. The company headquarters are located in Texas, and Advantage Car Rentals has grown over the past 50 years to service nearly 300 locations worldwide, half of which are in the US. The private rental company works with customers who need vehicles for vacation, business trips, or local travel. Advantage has a strong presence thanks to a network of airline and hotel partnerships, and they are a rental company you can trust.
Marketing and Rewards Program
With more than 15,000 rental vehicles in their fleet, Advantage dominates the renal market in the Southwest. Advantage Car Rentals even has a loyalty program for frequent renters called the Advantage Green Rewards Program. You earn credits with each rental that can be redeemed for free rentals, perks, and privileges, or even travel certificates. If you travel a lot for business and would like to donate your accumulated points to charity, the Green Rewards Program has several charity partnerships. You earn points quickly, because every day you have a rental, 50 reward points are credited to your account. The points never expire, and can be redeemed for valuable discounts as soon as your total reaches 180 points.
Services
In addition to standard car and truck rental services, you get more with Advantage. Car rentals have never been so easy! The Advantage pick up and drop off service allows you greater flexibility in your travel planning - a rental can be returned to any Advantage service station around the country. Book your reservation online, over the phone, or in person. You will find vehicles of all sizes from every major brand, including Honda, Toyota, GM, Mazda, and Ford. Add an insurance plan to your rental for anything that your personal insurance won't cover, and enjoy the luxury of stress-free travel. Other features available with Advantage car rentals include GPS, child seats, and Fast Passes for toll roads.
Discounts Through Advantage Car Rentals
Check online before making your reservation for any promotional discounts that Advantage is offering. There are also lower rates available for seniors, members of the Easy ID auto club, and US military personnel. You will also get your GPS navigation system for free if you make your reservation three or more days in advance. Worried about additional fees upon returning your vehicle? There's no need to worry with Advantage rental cars - they give you a one hour grace period for late returns, and have no hidden fees in their contracts. In fact, for rentals that you will be driving heavily, you can have the distance allowance increased up to 3500 km per day.
Advantage Car Rentals is the company to choose for high quality, reliable rental vehicles at reasonable prices. A representative can work with you to design a rental agreement that is customized to meet your needs, while protecting your personal information and privacy. You won't find this level of customer service or professionalism from any other rental agency.

Why You Should Book a Car Rental With a Driver

Looking for an easier way you can travel around Rome? The best way to do this is through a car rental with a driver who can also serve as your tourist guide. While the transportation services in the Eternal City are efficient and cheap, commuting is actually difficult especially since it is also the largest and most populated city in Italy. With 3.7 million residents, and receiving 7 to 10 million tourists annually, travelling without a car rental in Rome can be hassle.
As a capital of the great Roman Empire, Rome offers tourists a trip to history. It has a huge historic center which has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city is also considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it hosts a number of historical palaces, museums, priceless works of art, temples, gardens and other venues. For many tourists who go to Italy, Rome is a must visit. With a car rental in Rome, you can explore everything in the city, and still have plenty of time for a short visit to the neighboring areas. Most car rental companies in the city offers a large number of fleet with their own drivers so you can be sure that you'll always find a car that suits your needs and your budget.
One of the main advantages of renting a car with its own driver is that you can tour Rome at your own pace. Because you are not part of a tour group, you don't have to rush from one place to another. That means you get to bask in the magnificence that is Rome. You can pray for hours at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, or go and visit the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere to get a better insight on old world architecture. If you're not Catholic, you can choose from a number of Anglican churches, synagogues and mosques. You can visit the Vatican museums and appreciate their large collection of artifacts, or go lounge at the Trevi Fountain, one of the iconic monuments of the city. If you're looking for a little exercise, you may want to have a go on the Spanish steps - a flight of 138 steps which is considered as the biggest in the whole of Europe.
Hoping to go shopping? Make sure you bring your rental car and driver with you so you don't have to lug around a number of paper bags. At Via dei Condotti, you can purchase a variety of clothing and apparel from the top names in fashion - from Zara, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada and many others. After shopping, you can ask your driver to bring you to Via del Corso where you can try the service of some of the city's finest cafes and restaurants.

Take a Touring Vacation With a Car Rental

In Europe, Italy is the most visited country of most tourists. Every year millions of people visit Italy, because of this it is always full of visitors in all seasons. In order to visit Italy, you will not find a cab at the right instant, so you will need to rent a car. Now many car rentals companies in Italy are established which are providing their services in renting a car.
If you are planning to get a rental car, then you should keep some points in your mind before renting a car. There are many car rentals in Italy that are available from which you can hire. You should make a search via the internet and compare the pricing options of different car rentals companies in Italy. Many of these companies offer many deals and discount packages.
Make sure there aren't any hidden charges along with renting fees. Also, you will need to confirm the age limit. Check out whether you are able to rent a car or not. It will be good to choose a car rental company which is nearer to your home or destination.
Therefore, it is necessary to consider some things while hiring a car in Italy. You should drive safely as in the case of an accident you will have to pay all the expenditure belonging to damages as well as you might have to pay for days the car was not operational as it was being repaired. So before renting a car, you should go through the terms and policies of the company you end up choosing.

Car Rental - A Quick Guide to Renting a Car

One of the countries that is most visited by tourists in Europe is Italy. Italy attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. Tourists are always visiting Italy and thus it is hard to get a cab in case you need one. You might not be able to catch a cab in time. Thus, now tourists prefer to rent a car. It is because of this reason that a number of car rentals Italy companies have emerged in Italy, providing you with variety of pricing options and affordable cars on rent.
Before you rent a car from one of these companies you should keep in mind few things.
Firstly, you should search and find a number of companies. This can be conveniently done using the internet. You can not only get list of companies but rental quotes online as well and then compare these quotes.
Secondly, you should also check for extra privileged packages offered as they the rental charges will cost you less.
Thirdly, make sure to check of hidden charges as well. These are not included in the rental car quotes that you originally get.
Fourthly, you should consider the age limit for applicants. Some car companies only accept applications if the applicant is minimum of 25 years of age.
Lastly, the point for pick-up and drop off for rented car should be near to where you are residing as this will not only save you time but also money as well.
These were few things that you need to consider when planning to rent from car rentals Italy. Make sure to weigh down your option before renting.

Italy Driving - What You Should Know

Italy is that perfect holiday destination - it truly has something for everyone! Whether you are interested in the arts and culture, visiting charming villages, splendid city architecture or fascinating archaeological relics, you are totally spoilt for choice.
The best way to get around Italy is the avail of a good value for money Italy car rental. Driving from place to place, or attraction to attractions allows you to adhere to your own schedule, and visit places off the beaten track, not just the popular places. So, Felice da Guida!
Road Rules In Italy
- Drive on the right hand side of the road.
- At roundabouts, yield to traffic that is already in the roundabout.
- The right of way belongs to the person in the roundabout, and make sure to use your directional signals!
- The centre of a three-lane roadway is for passing.
- Give way to traffic on the right when you are at a junction or crossroads. You can only pass on the left.
- To rent a car or drive on the road, you must be at least 18 years of age, with a licence held for at least one year.
- The use of mobile cell phones is only permitted with a relevant bluetooth earpiece.
- Law requires wearing of seatbelts and so is the provision of child provision seats for children under 12.
- The blood alcohol limit for drivers is.08 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
- The Speed Limits for Traffic in Italy are as follows (a) City and Urban areas 50kph (b) Driving on the open road 110kph and Highways (Autostrada) 130kph.
- If stopped by police, be polite and courteous, and have your driver's licence and car documentation at the ready. If you have committed a traffic offence, be prepared to pay an on the spot fine (this can be expensive so don't do the crime!)
- If parking on an urban street, park on the right hand side of the street. In areas called blue zone you must display a parking disc, and these can be obtained in tourist offices or at the offices of Automobile Club d'Italia. One hours parking is the time limit with such discs.
- If you are driving a petrol car, please make sure to order 'benzina' and not 'gasolio'! Petrol stations are open from 7am to 7pm, and you will find 24 hour ones along the Autostrada.
Roads In Italy
Italy is home to a fantastic network of roads and highways, and one of the most extensive in Europe. There is over 6,000km of Autostrada (Highways) and nearly 300,000km of secondary roads. The roads are classified as follows:
- Autostrada - known as Superhighways, and the majority of them charge tolls. They cover the Italian peninsula and enables drivers ease of access around Italy.
- Strade Statali - Known as state roads.
- Strade Provinciali - Provincial Roads
- Strade Comunali - Local Roads
It's a given that roads in Italy are congested, especially in the urban areas, so be prepared for this. You might be better off driving on secondary roads or rural areas if you tend to panic in traffic - its well known that Italian drivers can take large risks but in the main they are masterful on the roads. City Zones are also another thing to contend with - so be confident when city driving!
Ensure to always drive with your headlights on when driving on the Autostrada.
If you are hiring a car make sure to avail of a Sat Nav/GPS System or do some route planning before you head off on a road trip.
You are not permitted to perform a U-Turn on the Autostrada and if you wish to stop you may do so only in permitted emergency parking spots or in parking lanes.

The Benefits of a Florence Car Rental

Not all car rentals are alike nor are all car rental companies. The big rental giants found in the United States often handle the car rental services in Europe as well. However, a regional rental agency found online may have some insight and deals you just won't get any place else. The first step in determining what kind of vehicle you need is to first determine if you need one at all.
Do You Need a Florence Car Rental?
Think long and hard about what your plans will be for your trip to Florence before deciding to automatically rent a car. If you plan to do all of your sight seeing within the city limits a car may be more of a nuisance than a convenience. Parking is limited and streets can be narrow and difficult to navigate. If you have ever even ridden in a taxi in Italy, you will notice that the logo over the horn is worn right off because Italian drivers tend to signal with their horns and voices over any factory installed directional signal! Driving in Italy is not for the timid!
If you think you have what it takes to drive with the big boys, and you know you want to travel freely from city to city and into the countryside then renting a car is a good choice.
What Kind of Car to Rent
Car rentals in Florence will be set up just as the in the U.S. You can choose from economy or luxury cars, standard transmissions or automatic, and choose between a minivan and an SUV. You will find the different sizes and classes of cars have different manufactures than in the U.S. with fewer U.S. models and more Italian, German, and other European makes. There are also models by these manufacturers that are rarely seen in the U.S., and usually the ones one the smaller end of the scale.
When you rent your car, you can choose to rent by the day or week. Reservations should be made ahead of time, although if on a whim you decide to go for a ride in the country, the rental agencies can usually accommodate your request.
Like U.S. rental agencies you can also choose to pick up and drop off your rental car in different locations, including different airports. For example, if you want to fly into Rome, spend a few days touring and then rent a car and drive to Florence you can. Then you can leave the car there and fly on out of Florence without making the trip to return the car in Rome. European car rental agencies work well with their surrounding countries as well, so a car can be rented in Switzerland and returned in Florence, Italy.
A car rental gives you the freedom to travel on your own schedule. Gasoline is a bit more expensive in Europe, but the economy cars are much more efficient than most of the larger American vehicles. The best part about a Florence car rental is that if anything goes wrong, you can get a new car and be on your way without much delay.

Rent a Car - Make it a Leisurely Holiday

What comes to mind when you hear of Italy? Most probably you would imagine basking through the great fountains and parks of Rome, enjoy long hours of lunching on authentic pizza and pasta, and marvel in historical art galleries and museums. You could take actual pleasure in all of these when you visit Italy. And the top choice to jump from one modern city to another rustic town is through driving a car. It's all possible with numerous car rentals Italy websites.
Renting various modes of transportation in Italy is very popular among tourists. These public vehicles are very accessible in every piazza. You could rent a bicycle, a moped which is a lightweight low-powered motorbike with pedals or a classic scooter. But such vehicles nor you could not endure journeying Italy's rugged landscape and marbled city pavements. It would be a lot wiser to inquire from car rentals Italy agencies.
Some agencies have Italy car rental quote system. This system enables you to compare prices of different car rental provider in Italy. They provide free quotation in as fast as two minutes and even give back up notifications through your email address. You could also choose from over fifty pick up and drop off locations in Italy.
Car rentals Italy websites also vary in different categories: discount rentals which give up to 40% discounts for early bookers; cheap rentals that offer as low as $300+ for a whole week rental. Most of these websites even give an overview of Italy and its driving regulations.
When you are hiring a car in Italy, you need to make sure that the agency provides you with Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection as these are compulsory in Italy. Your agency should also warn you that you must have an International Driver's License.
Age also matters when you want to rent a car in Italy. You could not rent a car there when you are below twenty one years old. And some car rates vary depending on your age. All agencies require a Young Driver Surcharge. For example, you want to rent a mini-economy car with two doors, manual stickshift and air conditioning for three days. This would cost you around $220 inclusive of insurance, but you would have to add $14+ per day if you are below twenty five years old.
Most of the car rentals Italy agencies give many freebies. This is most probably because Italy has been one of the top five countries with a large number of visitors' turnout. They throw in map of Italy's top destinations, unlimited mileage and surcharge-free pick ups in some locations like train station and airport.
Italy offers you many sites. You could be amazed with world-renowned paintings, sculptures and al fresco of equally popular art geniuses like Da Vinci and Michaelangelo. You can shop among Milan's boutiques and flea markets. All these and more could be enjoyed when you visit Italy.

Choose Italy Car Rentals Wisely

The next 300 words on Italy car rentals can probably be succinctly summarized in six words or less, as follows: Do not take anything for granted. Your decision for a European car hire when planning your dream vacation in Italy is a perfect way to see Italy. Your itinerary is your own and ultimately flexible. None of this hopping in and out of tour buses, looking as touristy as you possibly can, and watching Vita La Italiana from behind the sun screened windows of your speeding tour coach.
No, not you! You will freely choose your own style from the 1000s of car hires available - selecting as much flair or as much budget can as you desire. Italy car rentals is a highly competitive aspect of the tourist sector, European style of course. Your choice at this stage can be of more importance than you may think at first. After all you do not want to strain your travel and shopping budget just to afford a car hire you really cannot afford. Likewise you do not want to spend your vacation cramped up in a tiny white nondescript mini 4 cylinder car with no radio and air conditioning just to save $100 for an otherwise quite fat budget!!
Be sure to check on local driving customs and learn about the taxes charged on vehicles entering Milan. A good GPS is invaluable as you traverse the rolling hills, grape vineyards and back roads of Tuscany. In Rome you will be better off parking your car and taking local bus transit as drivers in Italy are known to be rather free thinking. Stop signs and stop lights may be a mere suggestion, so keep that in mind. The train system in Italy is quite good and will work for going to the main tourist attractions, but if you want to see the real Italy a car hire is absolutely necessary.
Italy requires that you have an International Drivers Permit when driving anywhere in Italy. These can be obtained from many automobile clubs in your home country. Be sure to have your regular driver's license with you as well because an IDP is not legal in Italy without your official driver's license.
Actually, your more critical choices begin well before you choice of automobile. What vendor will you choose for Italy car rentals? Do they have a a good tourist support capability or is it bare bones the minute you pull out of their parking lot? How many offices do they have and which one makes the most sense for you? Do they speak only Italian or your native tongue, and will you have an agency contact/alternate who does speak your language and can help, at all times, should you need assistance with respect to your vehicle.