Cost of hiring a car

Factors To Help You Decide On A Rental Car by bil bily

Along with the increase in the price of gas is the increase in the car rental rate. Because gas is so expensive now, rental rates have soared high as well. There is no doubt that cost is a major deciding factor in car rental but it should not be the only factor.

When deciding which car rental company to go to and which car to rent, you have to consider several factors like the ones that follow:

* Most car rental industry follows a particular rate standard. The tax that car rental companies pay for can be pretty high as well, leaving them with no choice but to increase their car rental rate as well.

* Car rental companies that are established in the industry usually have higher car rental rates compared to new car rental companies. The new companies are still very competitive so they have to lower down their rates to attract more customers. If you want to go to a company that has been in the industry for a long time already, you should expect to pay a higher rental rate.

There are also well established car rental companies that offer low rates especially when they have special promos and discounts. It is a good idea to shop around for good car rental deals first before deciding on one.

* When you rent the car also matters. If you rent a car during peak season - for instance, holiday season - rent of car can be pretty high because the demand for rental car is high as well. It is best to rent a car in advance if you have to travel during peak season. You can get discounts for early booking.

* The cost of the car rental will partly depend on the type and model of the car that you will rent. Sedan cars are usually cheaper than SUVs. When you choose the car to rent, also consider the age of the car. Don't rent a car that is already too old as you may have problem driving it on the road. Also check the condition of the rental car. Make sure that you rent a car that is in excellent road condition.

* Additional features of the rental car will affect its cost. If you are looking for a cheaper car rental rate, you should only get the basic features.

These factors affect the rate of rental car. Don't just base your decision on the cost. You should consider several factors to ensure you get not only the cheapest deal but the best one.

CarHire.ie is an independent car rental company in Ireland. With 19 years of customer satisfaction, this car rental company has earned Ireland's Best Service Excellence Award. Getting around Ireland is made easy with CarHire's competitive offers. See Car Rental Ireland to get a quality car hire service at a competitive price.

Driving to Hannover

A Travel Guide to Hannover Airport From Rhino Car Hire by Robert Frische

Hannover is the ninth largest airport in the whole of Germany and it has the unique Airport code HAJ. Hannover international airport has been operational since the 1950's.

Hannover international airport is also called Langenhagen Airport as it is situated near to a town known as Langenhagen.

Hannover international airport is open 24 hours a day though in actual fact you will not find many flights operating between the hours of 1 am and 4 am.

Hannover international airport is also only a short drive way (11 kilometres) from the town of Hannover which is capital of the German state of Lower Saxony.

The terminals at Hannover international airport have become renowned architecturally in Germany for their excellent modern design. So good was the design that it inspired the plan for an airport in Moscow, Russia.

Hannover international airport has four terminals, terminal A, terminal B, terminal C and terminal D.

Terminal A has a number of domestic and international flights.

For instance you can fly to Copenhagen in Denmark with Scandinavian Airlines system, Amsterdam in Holland with KLM cityhopper and Riga in Latvia with Air Baltic.

In terms of flights within Germany there are routes to major cities such as Berlin and Frankfurt with the German air carrier Lufthansa. While Lufthansa handles a huge number of flights at Hannover international airport, the aviation company TUI fly is also a very well used carrier.

Some of the many airlines to fly from terminal B in Hannover international airport are the Russian carrier Aeroflot, Croatia airlines, Flybe, Hamburg international airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Eurocypria airlines. These companies offer a number of flights throughout exciting European destinations. Flybe in particular has cheap flights to Britain.

From terminal C in Hannover international airport (which was opened in 1998 as the airport tried to accommodate more and more passengers) it is possible to fly to Alicante in Spain, Sharm El Sheik in Egypt, Palma de Mallorca in Mallorca, Fuerteventura and Tenerife south in the Canary Islands and Milan Bergamo in Italy as well as many, many others. When terminal C was added, eight more gates were built at Hannover international airport.

Terminals A to C of Hannover international airport have sizeable runways and can all hold big planes such as a Boeing 747.

The only air traffic to fly from terminal D are Royal Air Force troops going from Britain to Germany and Omni Air International flights.

To start with most flights from Hannover international airport were directed through Frankfurt international airport. This is no longer the case and you can get plenty of direct flights to world wide destinations. Hannover international airport is second only to Frankfurt international airport in terms of air traffic to countries in Eastern Europe.

However, though they were trial runs for flights to Canada and the United States of America, not enough passengers took these up.

Up until 1990 Hannover international airport hosted Germany's largest air show, the Internationale Luft und Raumfahrtausstellung. However an accident with a helicopter in 1988 caused injury to some of the people involved and the show is now in Berlin.

Travelling on from Hannover international airport you can rent one from a large fleet of vehicles. Rhino can provide compact, small and large models, economy, standard, intermediate, large, multi purpose, convertible, luxury, executive and prestige cars for every type of customer and our friendly staff can meet you as soon as you step off the plane.

It is also possible to catch the S Bahn from Hannover international airport.

Robert Frische wrote this article about Hannover international airport as part of a series about Germany for Rhino Car Hire Hannover Airport

Car rentals in Aarhus

Getting Cheap Car Hire In Aarhus Has Never Been Easier! by Nadun Mihiran

Finding a convenient car for renting when you get to an airport is important especially when you arrive in a new place. This can be quite tricky and even difficult when you are looking for a cheap car rental company. Car hire at Aarhus Airport in Denmark can never get better, especially with all the car hire services available to pick and drop you at the airport. You transportation is perfectly sorted out. You will find cheap car hire in Aarhus Airport and the best place to do this is through 121carhireeurope.co.uk. You will have a chance to compare up to 40 car hire services to find the most affordable for you. What's more, it is quite fast and simple to do this as you only need to give a few details.

This car hire Aarhus Airport service website will help you get any type of vehicle you are looking for in the shortest time possible. Whether for single passenger or group just give us your specifications and let us work for you. The deals we have are the best from all the companies that serve the Airport.

We will help you find cheap car hire Aarhus Airport all over Europe. The best thing is that we charge absolutely nothing for all these. It is completely free to find a car for hire on the website which should give you more reason to let us find you the best deal. We have no problem identifying cheap deals hence this is the best place to make your trip to Europe a worthwhile experience by getting a car that is just ideal and affordable.

All you need to do is give your pick up and drop off points including the date and time, you also need to insert your age and email if you want and you are ready to get the best car for hire. Once you click on the search button, you get a list of car suppliers with the pictures of the cars and the prices to compare. The cars' descriptions are given, for instance, convertible, people carrier or the number of doors it has. You can click the 'continue' button to go on and confirm from the supplier if the car is booked, if not reserve it for yourself.

Some of the car hire Aarhus Airport suppliers that you can use include Avis, Budget and Economy among others. Getting in and out of Europe through Aarhus Airport can be much easier but this is only possible if you let us get the right car rental service for you.

With our online site, you can search anytime as you make your travel arrangements. The website is easy and simple to use with everything clear and easy to understand. There is no other better place to get cheap car hire in Aarhus than 121carhireeurope.co.uk. So whether you have small children and would like cars with child seats or other special features, just let us know and you won't be disappointed.

Find out more about Cheap Car Hire Aarhus Airport and Car Hire Aarhus Airport.

How to rent a car

An Explanation Of The Car Hire Process by Thomas Pretty

The process of hiring a car is not always the easiest; there are hundreds of companies on the market all vying for your custom, offering incentives and services. For the consumer however there are a number of different factors that should be involved when making a decision. Hopefully this article will be able to assist customers looking for that perfect car hire experience.

When trying to find a company there are three main options. It is worth remembering at this stage that the earlier the hire car is booked the cheaper the price will be. Another important piece of advice to is to find a range of quotes, deciding which can be considered the best value when prices and services are compared. The first of the three options for customers is to go directly to a large multinational agency, be this on the internet, through the phone book or in person.

The second option is to utilise the services of a car hire broker; this can result in a good price although information on the company being used can be limited. The final option is to wait until you arrive on the day and hire the car then; this is by far the poorest option, from personal experience I know that this can result in a far higher price.

Car hire companies offer a number of extras to the original rental agreement. One of these is additional drivers; it can be beneficial to add another driver if you are travelling a great distance, it will cost extra however. Child seats are available from the majority of car hire companies, in Europe it is now illegal for a child under twelve not to have a special seat. When travelling in snowy areas it can be worth hiring some snow chains, not only will they make travelling safer but in some countries they are mandatory. One of the most important extras for the customer to buy is the excess waiver; fundamentally this will prevent you having to pay an astronomical excess should the vehicle be damaged.

When collecting the hire car it is important to have all of the relevant documentation with you, this includes both parts of you licence, a copy of the rental contract and in most cases a credit card. When actually picking up the vehicle it is vital to check it for damage, report this before you leave to ensure that you are not stung with a repair bill on your return. Similarly when returning the car, check it for damage once again, try to return the vehicle in working hours and naturally check the car carefully to see if you have left anything behind.

By following this advice it should be possible for consumers to hire a car and have an enjoyable trip. With the right approach to finding an effective service and understanding what extras you require a fun, entertaining and relaxing journey should be attainable.

Travel expert Thomas Pretty gives advice to customers on how to make the most of their car hire experience, with a focus on booking and researching the best value deals.

Car rental in Dusseldorf

A Guide to Using the Dusseldorf Airport From Rhino Car Hire by Robert Frische

Dusseldorf is the capital city of the German state of North Rhine Westphalia and Dusseldorf international airport is the third largest airport in the country after Frankfurt international airport and Munich international airport.

Because Dusseldorf international airport (airport code DUS) is located almost 10 kilometres outside of the city of Dusseldorf, you will most likely want to hire a car to complete your journey when leaving the terminal.

Cheap Rhino car hire can be booked in advance and there are great vehicles of all makes and models available through providers such as Hertz, Avis, Holiday Autos, Auto Europe and Sixt. Whether you are going through Dusseldorf international airport on business or for a holiday we have the right vehicle for you.

Last year more than 18 million passengers used Dusseldorf international airport, a large portion of them taking Air Berlin and Lufthansa flights.
The total airport traffic has risen steadily since 2002 when 14.75 million passengers used Dusseldorf international airport. However, the airport is still not at full capacity as the main terminals are capable of holding 22 million passengers every year.

Air Berlin has a whole A-Z of world wide cities which it flies to from Dusseldorf international airport.

These include Alicante, Bangkok - Suvarnabhumi, Copenhagen, Dresden, Faro, Helsinki, Ibiza, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Milan-Malpensa, Nice, Palma de Mallorca, Rome - Fiumicino, Sharm el -Sheikh, Tenerife - North, Venice - Marco Polo, Westerland - Sylt and Zürich among many others.

There are also a large number of Air Berlin flights to seasonal European destinations such as Jersey, Reykjavik - Kevlavik, Rhodes, Kos and Minorca. There are also flights to various inter Atlantic destinations like John F Kennedy New York airport and Los Angeles airport.

With Lufthansa you can fly to the German airports of Berlin-Tegel, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Stuttgart and Munich.

Other flights go to Chicago - O'Hare, London - Heathrow, Moscow -Domodedovo, Newark, Palma de Mallorca, Paris - Charles de Gaulle, and Vienna.

Some of the seasonal destinations are to Miami airport in America and Toronto-Pearson airport in Canada. Towards the end of the year a route from Dusseldorf international airport to Dubai airport with Lufthansa will start up as well.

Other airlines which fly from Dusseldorf international airport are Austrian Airlines, Egypt Air, Croatia Airlines, Lot Polish Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines System and Swiss International Air lines from terminal A.

From terminal B you can get flights with Aegean Airlines, Air Baltic, Air Europa, Air France, Delta Air lines, Czech Airlines KLM and many others.

If you are flying with Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Blue Wings, Flybe, Ghana International Airlines, Jet 2, TUI Fly, Turkish Airlines and many others, you will depart from terminal C.

For the latest information on all the routes and airlines at Dusseldorf international airport as well as current news you can pick up a copy of Das Magazin at news stands there for free.

The other airport in the Dusseldorf area is airport Weeze (airport code NRN) which is located some 80 kilometres away from Dusseldorf and has various low cost flights.

Ryanair has the most international flights from airport Weeze to destinations such as Palma de Mallorca and Alicante in Spain and Bologna in Italy. The German airline Hamburg International flies from Dusseldorf airport Weeze to places in the Middle East such as Sharm El Sheik and Tel Aviv too.

Although Dusseldorf airport Weeze only had one and a half million passengers last year, this was such a massive increase on previous years that it is one of Europe's fastest growing airports.

Editorial Manager Robert Frische wrote this article for Rhino car hire as part of a series about international airports in Germany and includes information on Car Hire Dusseldorf Airport and Car Hire at the Dusseldorf Weeze Airport

Tour of Vigo

Car Hire Vigo Airport by Fiona Hiliard

The era of cheap air travel has placed Vigo firmly on the map as an attractive city break destination. It's about time. Vigo is a marvellous city that is brimming with fantastic attractions. The city has up until now have been largely undiscovered by tourism. Newcomers will be suitably impressed by the city. Hiring a car in Vigo makes sense for many reasons. With a hire car in Vigo, you're free to explore this beautiful city and its environs at a pace that suits you. Wherever you travel, you're sure to be getting a unique travel experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Vigo Airport Mini Guide:

Vigo Peinador International Airport is located 15km from the centre of Vigo and is an important base for a number of international airlines including Spanair, Iberia Airlines, Clickair and Air Europa.

Things To See/Do in Vigo:

Vigo is situated in Northwest Spain and is the largest city in Galicia. The city's main claims to fame are its thriving fishing industry and its football team, Celta de Vigo. Galicia boasts some of the sunniest weather conditions in the region and is the perfect place to find breathtaking scenery, sandy beaches and attraction packed streets.

Vigo dates back to ancient Roman times but the city of Vigo as we know it today, developed as a result of continuous urban planning changes in the 19th and 20th centuries. Vigo is renowned for its wonderful sailing facilities and events such as Atlantic Week, which draw in huge crowds from all around Europe. The locals of Vigo have a proud heritage. Natives of Vigo speak Galician, a language similar to Portuguese that originated centuries ago. The fact that the language has survived through to modern times is a testament to the stoic nature of the locals.

Hiring a car in Vigo makes sense. Being a border city, located close to Portugal, touring opportunities abound in Vigo. The outlying area is home to some of Spain's most breath-taking scenery. Car hire in Vigo takes you to places and attractions that public transport just can't reach. With Vigo car hire you'll discover beautiful landscapes and seascapes that would otherwise remain the preserve of locals and those in the know.

Eating Out in Vigo:

Vigo's cuisine is amongst the most richest and varied in the world. Seafood and fish dishes reign supreme in Vigo, with the city boasting hundreds of specialist restaurants. Oysters and octopus are local favourites-be sure to try them while in town. Whatever you settle for, you'll dine like royalty for a pauper's price in Vigo.

Day Trips/Events in Vigo:

Vigo is the ideal bases from which to explore the beautiful nearby sights of Santiago de Compostela, the scenic O Rosal Valley and Portugal's fortified Minho Valley. Don't take our word for it though, grab a map and go exploring for yourself. In this wonderfully diverse region, you'll always find somewhere to stop and reflect on the beautiful and diverse landscape.

While in town, make an effort to catch fantastic local side Celta de Vigo in action.

Fiona writes for Argus Car Hire and Car Hire Vigo Airport

Touring Belfast

Car Hire Belfast City Airport by Fiona Hiliard

Renting a car in Belfast allows you to explore not just the buzzing city centre, but also the breath-taking scenery of the nearby coastline. The following is a guide to your perfect Belfast getaway.

Belfast Mini Guide:

George Best Belfast City Airport is situated on the A2 Sydenham By Pass linking Belfast and Holywood. The airport offers a range of services and facilities including cafés, bars, tax-free shopping, ATMs and a Bureau de Change-for last minute British sterling exchange.

Things To See/Do Belfast:

Belfast is a very compact city, which offers much scope for walking tours. Many of the streets of Belfast city centre are now pedestrian only. Fascinating places of interest to visit in this once turbulent city include City Hall, where visitors can avail of a free guided tour-including the chance to sit on the mayor's throne. Belfast's architectural highlights include the Grand Opera House, which has been restored to its Victorian glory. Belfast boasts the world's largest dry dock and shipyard, where Harland and Wolff created the world-famous Titanic ship. Suburban Belfast is home to some of the most beautiful and poignant outdoor murals in the world, depicting everthing from political unrest to local sporting heroes like George Best.

Itchy feet? Why not take off on a car hire adventure to explore what the surrounding towns and coastline have to offer. The Antrim coastline can be reached within a half hour's car hire drive of the city. The highlight of this journey is undoubtedly the view of the Giant's Causeway; a mysterious natural structure comprising 38,000 hexagonal rocks jutting out into the sea.

Ulster Folk and Transport Museum is another option. The park offers visitors the opportunity to go back in time to discover the traditions, culture and transport of ye olde Ulster.

Eating Out/Nightlife/Accommodation in Belfast:

Belfast offers a wide variety of places to eat out, suiting all tastes and budgets. Thrifty backpackers will enjoy cheap eats at restaurants and gastro pubs like The John Hewitt, located on Donegal Street, where hungry patrons can soak up the traditional music and welcoming atmosphere as they tuck into their hearty but low cost Irish stew. Those willing to pay a little bit more will enjoy fine fare and 'all you can eat' special offers at Metro Brasserie on Great Victoria Street.

Belfast is a young, lively city, which offers something for everyone in terms of nightlife and entertainment. Shaftesbury Square is the main focus of the city's bars and pubs. Trendy nightclubs in Belfast include The Apartment and The Milk Bar on Tomb Street.

Accommodation in Belfast is reasonably priced and there are some good deals available for short breaks and weekend get-aways. Those travelling on a budget can avail of discount rates during the low season at quality hotels including the central four star Europa Hotel on Great Victoria Street. There are also plenty of budget lodgings located around the outskirts of the city for those who want a cheap sleep, no matter what time of the year.

Fiona writes for Argus Rentals and Car Hire UK

Hiring a car from Jerez

Car Hire From Jerez Airport by Fiona Hiliard

Jerez Airport is located five kilometres to the north of the city of Jerez. The Airport is served by a number of airlines including budget airline Ryanair, Iberia, Air Berlin, Spanair, Air Europa and Air Plus. If driving from the airport to the city, follow the signposts on the AP4 Cadiz toll motorway.

Things To See/Do in Jerez:

The city of Jerez is located in the Andalusia region of Spain. The pretty city offers a range of cultural activities and attractions making it the ideal destination for a city break.

Jerez is famous throughout Andalusia and Spain for being the home of flamenco-style dancing, particularly the exciting bulería, which originated in the Santiago and San Miguel neighbourhoods. Well worth a visit is the Centro Andaluz de Flamenco, which houses a museum, gallery and cinema dedicated to flamenco culture.

Must-do guided tours in Jerez include the González Byass/ Tío Pepe bodega tour. Alternatively you could catch a show by Jerez's famous cartujano horses at Real Escuela Andaluz del Arte Ecuestre.

Looking for adventure? Why not hire a hire car and explore the surrounding countryside of Andalusia? The town of Arcos de la Frontera is worth a car journey. It is famous for its traditional pueblos blancos (white towns), charming whitewashed towns and villages, which are just waiting to be discovered. El Puerto de Santa María is another worthy drive. The town offers top-notch seafood and there's also the option of catching the ferry to Cádiz.

Need a speedy Jerez car hire solution? No problem with Argus Car Hire. Check out our great online Jerez car hire deals now!

Eating Out/Nightlife/Accommodation in Jerez.

Thrifty travellers in search of cheap eats will be glad to learn that budget bites are widely available in the form of Tapas. Local specialities in Jerez include pork shops marinated in oloroso sherry and braised artichoke hearts. Top Tapas bars to look out for include: El Gallo Azul at C/Larga, Bar Juanito at Pescadería Vieja and Cafeteria Arenal at Plaza Arenal.

Jerez has a lively nightlife, comprising authentic Flamenco Tablaos theatres, Tapas bars and nightclubs.

Jerez offers a range of accommodation options, catering to all budgets and requirements. If money is no object, check into the five-star Hotel Villa Jerez, located just outside of Jerez in a converted Andalucian mansion. Room rates here start at a steep €139 per night. Cheap hostels are widely available too for thrifty backpackers. Nuevo Hotel at Cabelleros 23 is one such establishment, with room rates starting at a very reasonable €38 per night. The two-star Hotel Ancla at Plaza del Mamelón is an alternative budget bargain.

Jerez makes a nice, relaxing base location for tourists who want to travel further around Andalusia.

Day trips can often be budget-savers rather than budget-breakers. Depending on where you want to go and how much you want to spend (or not spend), it is possible to make a day trip on a really tight budget - and you may well spend less than if you were lying around by the pool for a day! The following are just three possible day trips that are recommended for people staying in and around Jerez.

Arcos de la Frontera

Possibly one of Spain's most dramatically located and beautiful pueblos blancos (white villages), Arcos de la Frontera is built along the edge of a sheer cliff face overlooking the Guadalete River below. Just a 30km drive from Jerez, Arcos de la Frontera is well worth visiting - bigger than Andalucia's other pueblos blancos, but with the same fairytale charm and tranquil, old-world atmosphere. The winding labyrinthine streets of the old town provide an enchanting contrast to the livelier new town. The town centre is traffic-free (be prepared to park your rental car and walk for about ½ a mile), the houses are sparkling white, the streets are clean, and the views from the cliff top are truly outstanding.

The town itself is the attraction, rather than any particular building or monument - explore the twisting alleys, visit the Moorish Castle, and have a coffee at the Plaza del Cabildo (the town's main square) before a trip to the town's viewpoint to observe the wonderful views towards Morocco. You don't need to spend much on this day trip, with the only real expense being food/drink, which can be bought cheap in some of the town's restaurants and cafés. A delightful and budget-friendly day trip.

Seville

Driving from Jerez to Seville will take between one and two hours, depending on traffic. Seville is a wonderful city. Colourful, vibrant, and filled with every typical Spanish stereotype you can imagine, Seville is a heady mix of fiestas and flamenco, of tapas and toros, of sangria and siestas...

Drive to Seville for a day to explore its many ancient sites, parks, museums, art galleries, activities and attractions. Don't miss the Cathedral de Sevilla/Giralda Tower, the Triana Bridge, or the Alcazar. There is a theme park here called Isla Magica, which provides some high-octane thrills for the daredevils among you.

For food, if you are dining on a budget or looking for cheap eats (or even if you're not, in fact), go for the tapas. Seville is credited as being the city that invented the low cost Spanish snack, and there is phenomenal choice and great value in the many cheap tapas bars throughout Seville.

Tarifa

Over 6 miles of immaculate sandy beach greet you in Tarifa. Lush, unspoilt countryside abounds here. Windsurfing, Kite surfing, regular old surfing. Bird watching, horse riding, rock-climbing and hang-gliding. Oh, and pretty much perpetual good weather. Tarifa is a lovely fishing town on the Costa de la Luz, and is full of attractions, amenities and sights that will keep a tourist interested and entertained for at least one day, if not a whole week...

Windsurfing and Kite surfing are two particularly popular pastimes in Tarifa, as the 'Wind Capital' provides perfect conditions for such sports. If you prefer a more leisurely day trip, don't worry, because Tarifa won't disappoint. Tapered cobblestone streets, elaborate wrought iron rejas and bounties of colourful flowers make the town a gorgeous place to wander around.

Visit the Miramar Gardens for a superb view across to the shores of Morocco, and if you feel particularly adventurous you can take the ferry to Tangier from Tarifa. It is quite cheap, and you will pay less for slower boats, however we recommend splashing out and getting the fast ferry, which is still cheap enough to suit even those on a budget.

Fiona writes for Argus Car Hire Car Hire Spain

Driving at Malaga

Top Four Drives Malaga by Fiona Hilliard

Hot on the heels of the Costa del Sol, Malaga has long been one of Andalusia's most popular holiday destinations. It's not surprising, given the obvious charms of its sunny climate and long sandy beaches. However, there's more to Malaga than first meets the eye. Malaga's hidden gems are just waiting to be discovered. Don't just sit there-grab a map, jump in your hire car and go exploring...

1.Nerja

This pretty Andalusian town is situated on the eastern ridge of the Costa del Sol, just a 50km drive outside of Malaga. The town is famous for its dramatic Maro cliffs, which harbour secluded coves and beautiful beaches like the famous Blue Flag Burriana Beach. The beach lends itself to a range of active holiday water sports including windsurfing, sailing and diving.

Having worked up an appetite, you'll find plenty of waterfront eateries to tempt all palates. Fish is definitely the dish of the day here and it's well worth sampling the low cost 'just netted' local seafood.Following a good feed, a stroll through the old town is advised. Nerja's medieval centre is steeped in history, evidence of which can be seen at the Balcón de Europa, which dates back to 1487. The winding cobbled streets of the old town quarters are the perfect place to invest in local produce like sweet fruity wine, olive oil and honey.

2.Mijas/Pueblos Blancos Tour

The whole region of Andalusia is synonymous with white washed villages and towns known as 'pueblos blancos'. A pretty village worth checking out is Mijas. The town of Mijas is just a 30km drive from Malaga and is one of the most visited of the pueblos blancos. Despite its popularity with tourists, the town retains traditional Andalusian charm and hospitality. Many artists have made their home in Mijas, due to its picture-postcard location and laid back lifestyle. A wander through the sleepy old town offers the chance to browse the galleries and craft shops of local artisans. No doubt on your way you'll pass easy-going villagers indulging in a spot of people watching from the comfort of their front door.

3.Marbella

The beautiful marina and exclusive city of Marbella is just a 30km drive from Malaga Airport. The city of Marbella is a popular sunshine holiday destination with wealthy European tourists. Marbella marina is a playground for the rich and famous and it's here that day-trippers come to eye-up their expensive toys. However, there's more to Marbella than shiny yachts and flashy sailing boats. A little exploration uncovers fascinating cultural attractions and an exciting shopping scene. Perhaps surprisingly, many of the city's most appealing tourist sites offer free admission. A stroll around Parque de la Alameda is a cheap way to while away a few hours. It's possible to see some works by the artist Salvador Dali for free here.

In the old quarters of the town you'll find Villa Romana de Rio Verde & Las Bovedas, an ancient Roman Villa dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries. Interested visitors can avail of free guided tours. Las Murallas del Castillo Moorish castle will also impress those fascinated by the old town's history.

Marbella is a hive of decadence and excess and those on budget will find that shopping here doesn't come cheap.However, those ready and willing to splash the cash will find that Puerto Banus offers a dream shopping experience. Here many exclusive and elegant designers clothing stores have set up shop.

Finally, no journey to Marbella would be complete without a visit to one of the city's fine beaches such as Guadalmina, Linda Vista and San Pedro De Alcantara.

4.Ronda

The pretty and historic Andalusian town of Ronda can be reached within an hour's drive of Malaga. An interesting route worth following is the Sierra Bermeja road, which cuts through the mountains, offering stunning views.

The town of Ronda is famous as being the birthplace of modern bullfighting and to this day showcases the best local talent at the Feria Goyesca in September. Here matadors dressed in their traditional finery battle it out against a bull on foot. The rest of the year you'll find that the bullring is an outdoor museum where visitors are allowed to wander around freely, imagining the gladiator-esque battles between man and bull.

More sedate attractions in Ronda include walking tours of the charming old town. A stroll through Plaza Duquesa de Parcent is one way to absorb the town's architectural highlights. Here you're guaranteed to get a good photo of interesting structures like the belltower of the Iglesia Santa Maria de Mayor and the dramatically arched Ayuntamiento building. From here, it's possible to walk to Ronda's famous Puento Nuevo Bridge, which offers spectacular views of the plunging El Tajo gorge.

Insurance and car rentals

Car Hire Excess Insurance
By Simon Vella Platinum Quality Author

The car rental market practically anywhere in the world is fiercely competitive. This is great news for the consumer, of course, since it helps to drive down the costs of renting a car while at home or abroad. Although the headline rates for the hire of the vehicle can be very attractively priced, however, these present only part of the picture since a hefty lies in the cost of insurance. Just as with other forms of insurance, this will also include the cost of any excess, which must be borne by the hirer unless he or she also buys car hire excess insurance. (The exception is the USA, where no excess is charged).

Whenever you hire a car, you will be responsible for any damage caused to it, either by your own driving, accidents caused by others, or the theft of the vehicle. Just as with your own private motor insurance, you will need to indemnify yourself against the cost of such damage or theft with something akin to comprehensive insurance. Given the new or nearly new condition of the car you will be hiring, the replacement or repair value can be considerable and you will want to ensure that you are not landed with the bill for the loss or damage caused through any mishaps.

Therefore, the quoted rate for most car hire agreements in the UK, Europe and North America generally includes insurance cover offering a so-called Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and against theft of the vehicle. This represents a significant proportion of the overall hire costs since it cover a large part of both the third party risks and any caused by your driving or use of the vehicle. What many people do not perhaps realise, however, is that in those countries where an excess applies to the hire car insurance agreement, it is considerably higher than it might be on your own home motor policy - an excess of £600, for example, is not unusual and can be as high as £1,000. Furthermore, quite a few areas of potential damage are not covered by the Collision Damage Waiver that comes as part of the car hire insurance. Examples will include exclusions of damage to the roof and underside of the vehicle, tyres and windows - all of which will be the responsibility of the hirer.

The rental companies, therefore, will offer as an optional extra to the rental agreement a car hire excess insurance further indemnifying the hirer against his or her financial responsibility for the excess and risks not covered by the Collision Damage Waiver or theft provisions of the principal insurance.

Whilst car hire excess insurance is a practically indispensable option - if potentially crippling additional risks are to be avoided - the problem with purchasing it directly from the car rental company is that it is simply very expensive.

A far more competitive rate, however, can be obtained from one of the companies specialising in standalone car hire excess insurance. Since it is the driver rather than the vehicle which is covered by this insurance, it remains entirely "portable" and can often be arranged on an annual basis, to cover multiple car rentals in the UK, Europe and North America.

Simon Vella is Chief Executive of Insurance4Carhire an independent specialist broker dedicated to providing their clients with the best deal on their car hire excess insurance and car hire insurance. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Vella

hiring a car

Alicante Car Hire by Ashwin.Wadnere

Alicante Car Hire Car Hire at Alicante Airport Famous for its miles of sandy beaches, serene palm tree lined boulevards and amazing shopping malls Alicante, and it's wonderful boulevard with palm trees and shopping streets, is one of the most well-known towns along the Costa Blanca. Alicante just happens to be the starting point for thousands of tourists every summer, while during the winters tourist flock to the coasts at Benders, Calpe and Denia. An excellent weather, beautiful long alley, Alicante invites its visitors to a memorable trip along its coast, the wonderful island of Tabarca or a simple tranquil walk, down the palm tree lined streets. Alicante offers countless sightseeing attractions, from cathedrals to churches and of course a wonderful harbor area. Languages spoken in Alicante are: Spanish and Valencian while English and or German being the two most popular foreign languages in the city. Alicante time difference to GMT + 1 hour Alicante Airport is situated about 11km from the city of Alicante at El Altet. It is a major airport of Costa Blanca. It is easily accessed from the main A7 motorway. A modern and spacious airport handling more than 5 million passengers each year and operating at various floors, each, with all the facilities one would want during transit, Alicante Airport is well equipped to deal with such huge numbers. The signs and access is very appropriately planned, so, reaching the airport is not a big hassle, even for the first timers. Car parking is right outside the arrivals and departures lounges and seeing the steadily increasing influx of tourists each year the authorities have increased the parking area. Car parking could cost you about 1�,�. A ticket on entry to the car park has to be taken and paid at the machine before collecting your car. Directions: You just cannot miss it! Right before the exit door of the arrival lounge you will find the desks of all major car rental companies operating at Alicante airport which can be accessed from within the arrival area or from outside. Atesa, Auriga, Avis, Centauro, Europcar, Europa, Hertz Record, Sol-Mar etc almost all the major car hire companies have a car hire desk at the Airport. Some points you need to keep in mind while booking a car from Alicante Airport: 1. Book your car in advance, through the internet, with a reputed car hire company operating in the region. Also look out for a pad lock symbol at the bottom of the browser, which ensures that the web page is secured. Any reputed car hire website will have a SSL (an internet feature which protects your online transactions from consumer fraud). 2. At the airport make sure that, just in case the company cannot provide you the model/class of vehicle you booked at the airport, you are upgraded to a higher model/class at no extra charges. 3. It’s always wise to make transactions with your credit cards if doing a on the spot car booking, or making some additional payments; it simply reduces the chances of fraud and is cheaper. 4. Booking Cancellations: In case of cancellation of your car booking, you must know that usually there will be no charge if you cancel within 24 hours of the pick up date. Insignificant it may sound at this moment, but you can make your trip to Alicante a memorable one by doing a good homework about the city and its services.

Holiday Spain

Nerja rental holidays - arranging your own holiday by Roy Dion

Thinking of a holiday in Spain, why not try Nerja (East of Malaga) on the Costa del Sol! Read on to see what this charming coastal fishing village and surrounds has to offer. Why not arrange your own holiday, it couldn't be easier! Look for cheap flights and search the Internet for a holiday home that suits you. Unlike package deals where you have no idea where you are going, organising your own holiday puts you back in control. There are plenty of properties to choose from, whether you want a villa with private pool or an apartment near to one of many beautiful beaches and alcoves situated in Nerja. Rentals Nerja is all you have to enter into the search engine to find hundreds of companies dealing in rentals. It's only a 45 min drive to the International Airport; you can either hire a car or book a taxi through your local agent dealing with your holiday home. They can arrange welcome packs if you are arriving late, cots, prams; extra beds etc. are also available. The local supermarkets are very good and do supply lots of English product, so no need to bring your own!

With over 10 years experience of renting and selling apartments and villas in Nerja on the Costa del Sol, I invite you to visit http://www.aplaceinnerja.com for renting your place in Spain. Please visit for more information on {a href=" http://www.aplaceinnerja.com "} Nerja property for rent and arranging your own holiday on the Costa del Sol.

Attractions in and around Nerja Have a look at the historic Moorish town of Frigiliana, a beautiful mountainside village with cobbled streets. Not to mention the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and surrounding mountains. Visit the Garden Bar amidst the flowers and sun-soaked terraces, and enjoy an outdoor Bar-B-Que or bistro menu. Buses and taxi available for the 10 minute drive.

The Nerja Caves with its fantastic prehistoric caves were discovered by children in 1959, features the world's largest stalactite in the Guinness Book of Records. The Annual festival of music and dance are held here every July, with concerts being held in the largest cavern. There is a picnic area in the landscaped garden.

The Balcon De Europa in the centre of Nerja, once a fortress in the 9th century now a beautiful palm-tree bedecked peninsular overlooking the sea with beautiful views and a restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

The Weekly Market usually held on Tuesday in the 'Chaparil' area of town with bargains to be had, look out for terracotta and china, leather, Moorish rugs, and other interesting objects. Haggling is definitely the order of the day.

Puente Del Aguila is a XIXth century aqueduct built to transfer water to Maro's sugar factory, now ruins.

Fun for the kids, why not take them to Velez Malaga Aqua (Water) Park then onto Ten Pin bowling for a super day out.

Centro Historico De Nerja, the old quarter of the village of Nerja, built in 1487, with narrow streets and white facades. Iglesia El Salvador Nerja, an XVIIth century church, in a charming Baroque-Mudejar style.

Visit the Ornithological Park & Botanic Gardens in Almunecar with picturesque gardens and specimens - a good day out for the family.

Nerja is a predominantly Andalucia style town in area of outstanding natural beauty some 35 miles east of Malaga. The town has resisted the sort of high-rise development witnessed on the other side of Malaga, keeping its charm and village atmosphere. Neat clean streets lined with charming white houses whose window boxes display masses of colourful flowers, restaurants, bars and a variety of shops catering to your every need.

The town is easily explored on foot and on a stroll through the narrow winding streets you will discover interesting courtyards, shops and the locals simply sitting in the sun and enjoying the comfortable relaxed atmosphere, which is Nerja.

It was King Alfonso XIII who gazing out over the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Spanish coast from a spit of land jutting out from Nerja, declared it the Balcony of Europe. This landmark has become the magnetic centre of the town and at dusk, it is the scene of a relaxed Paseo as families stroll arm-in-arm along the wide avenue of stubby palms, watching the sea turn a deep mauve.

With over 10 years experience of renting and selling apartments and villas in Nerja on the Costa del Sol, I invite you to visit http://www.aplaceinnerja.com for renting your place in Spain. Please visit for more information on {a href=" http://www.aplaceinnerja.com "} Nerja property for rent and arranging your own holiday on the Costa del Sol.

Murcia Airport

The Airport Of Murcia And How To Get Around by Clinton Maxwell

Murica airport is an air base and civilian airport. The airport is not located in the city of Murica. It is located in San Javier, which is seventeen miles south of the city of Murica. The airport is operated by the Spanish airport authority. The runways are able to handle a variety of planes. The largest planes it can handle are Boeing 757 or 767 airplanes.

The airport has grown in the past ten years from a very small operation to a much larger airport offering international flights. This growth has resulted in more choices in flights and airlines. The airport has gotten much more popular with tourists visiting the southern areas of the Costa Blanca. Many of these flights originate in the United Kingdom.

Flights into Murica Airport

A variety of large and discount airlines fly into this airport from all over the world. Most of the travellers are visiting the southern area of the Costa Blanca, including Torrevieja. As the airport increases in popularity, airlines expand their offerings. This gives travellers more choice in flights and discount fares.

A number of charter airlines use this airport. It's a popular destination for charter groups. These are generally used by larger groups of people travelling together to the Costa Blanca region. A travel agent can help you with information about charter groups and airlines.

This airport is becoming busier recently. As a result more low cost airlines are operating at the airport. The passengers using this airport have increased ten fold since 1995. Currently, approximately 848,000 people fly into Murica each year. This number continues to grow each year.

In response to this increase in traffic, the terminal was expanded in 2004. The terminal now includes car hire companies, five new airport shops and additional luggage carousels. Further expansion is planned in the future. There is some talk about a new airport at some future point as demand continues to increase.

Transportation from Murica Airport

Once you have arrived at the Murica airport, you will need to arrange for transportation to your final destination. There are not bus or train routes at the airport. You will need to arrange for a car hire, airport transfer or take a taxi. It's best to think about the method of transportation you will use before you arrive in Murica. Car hire or airport transfer should be reserved in advance.

You can arrange for a car hire at the airport. Four companies operate at the airport: Centuaro, Europa, Eurocar and Solmar. These are all located in the main terminal building. A car hire is a good choice for convenience and flexibility. Compare prices on the internet to get the best deal. Always reserve your car before you leave home to get the best deal and to ensure availability.

Taxis are located outside the terminal building. They are generally lined up waiting for passengers. You may have to wait a short time for a taxi. Murica isn't a large airport and the wait for a taxi generally isn't very long. Taxis can carry a maximum of four people, so plan accordingly. The cost depends on the destination. The further you are travelling the more expensive the fare.

Airport transfers are the easiest and most cost effective way to travel. Transfers are available to train stations and larger cities. You must book this in advance. Reserve your space directly with the company. This can be done through a travel agent or with the company. An airport transfer company can handle families or groups of up to fifty people. This option is better than a taxi for larger families or groups.

Clinton Maxwell writes articles mainly for http://www.alicante-spain.com , a web page on the topic of Alicante . His writings on Murcia airport are found on his site .

Budget Car Rental

Tips And Ideas On Budget Car Rentals - By: Stefan Seguin

For regular travelers the use of budget car rentals is more of a necessity than a luxury; if you use taxis regularly you will not need reminding how expensive this form of transportation is, so perhaps it is time you tried something else. But with today's competitive market, I wouldn't be surprised that when trying to rent a car you can end up renting a car that sounds like lawnmower instead. Do not forget, the idea is to rent a car inexpensively, not one that is destined to be scrapped the minute you return it. Now that I have you concerned, I am going to give you a few points to look for when arranging a rental car.

I have found that budget car rental using the internet as a resource is a good way to find a low cost car because some sites let you set a limit on what you are prepared to pay. These companies will try and get you the best deal available and often offer other upgrades or incentives to get your custom. Look for package deals, fly-drive-stay, or fly-drive, most of these packages give great discounts for rentals, but don't do it with an airline. If you do not need to organize your car rental with the airline, try a company that is outside the airport you will find they are usually less competitive.

Budget car rental is now a growing area of online car rental so do not let the low prices put you off. You will often find that there are discounts and extras available but only from the company's web site. Besides, apart from upgrades, special offers are nearly always available if you look around. Plus, and this is the good bit; all this can be done from your home.

Another thing to ask is whether your credit card company has negotiated special discounts with the budget car rental company you are going to use. It is quite common these days for a company to have made an arrangement with other companies to give discounts to their employees or members so you may be lucky enough to receive a further discount here.

Another tip is to check you rental car carefully and let the company know of any damage you find before you drive away. In addition to a physical check for collision damage, make sure everything works as it should or you might find yourself paying for something that wasn't your fault.

One other thing to remember is to check your vehicle insurance policy as you will more than likely find that it provides rental car insurance cover so that's another saving. Even though rental car insurance isn't going to cost you a fortune, there is no point in paying it if you are already covered; irrespective of the situation, don't think that it isn't an important aspect either because insurance is still required by law.

It may not seem important but driving without auto insurance can land you in a great deal of trouble.

The Author provides valuable information tips on cars to educate anyone with a curious mind. Be sure to stop by our site and get a free education at http://www.internetmarketingvalues.com/car/

Spanish car rental

Operation Of The Spanish Airport Authority In Madrid by Rob Carlton

Murcia is located approximately forty-five miles south of Alicante in the Costa Blanca region of Spain. It is situated along the beautiful coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. If you plan to travel to this southern region, though, you should know that the city of Murcia does not have an airport. Though called the Murcia Airport, this airport is actually located in San Javier which is approximately seventeen miles south of the Murcia. The airport is both an air base and a civilian airport and is operated by the Spanish Airport Authority headquartered in Madrid. The airport has grown from a small airport to a larger airport offering flights from all over the world. With such growth, there are now more choices in flights and airlines as well as a variety of discount airlines offering lower priced tickets.

This airport has become much more popular as tourists visit the southern area of the Costa Blanca. This area is particularly popular with travelers from the United Kingdom. Fortunately, as the popularity of this airport increases, the airlines expand their choices offered giving travelers more flights, services and cheaper fares from which to choose. Currently, around 848,000 people fly into Murcia annually and it continues to increase. In addition to the discount airlines, some charter airlines also operate out of the airport as this is a popular location for charter groups to the Costa Blanca region.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will need to find transportation to reach your final destination whether in Murcia or a nearby city. You should plan ahead, as there is not bus or train connection at the airport. You can take a taxi or arrange for a car hire or airport transfer, both of which must be reserved in advance. An airport transfer is probably the easiest and most cost-effective transportation to and from the airport. It is a good option for those traveling in large groups since a taxi or car can fit only four individuals at one time and a limited amount of luggage. Transfers are available to the larger surrounding cities as well as train stations. Contact the company directly or a travel agent to make the appropriate reservations and ensure your transportation is available when your flight lands.

If you choose to use a car hire, you can arrange for these services at the airport. It is a good idea, though, to make the reservation before you leave home to ensure a car is available and get the best price. Four car hire companies operate out of the airport: Centuaro, Europa, Solmar and Eurocar. All four companies can be found in the main terminal building, but of course you can contact them ahead of time and make your reservation. If you intend to travel throughout the Costa Blanca area, a car hire company may be the better transportation to choose.

Article Source

Car Rental Complaints

The last thing that we would like to see upon our return from a Europe tour is a credit card overcharge. Christopher Elliot shares his insights as published at the Seattle Times travel section. Read on and learn how to be extra careful about using your credit card to pay for your car rentals.

Double trouble on a Europe car rental

Beware of foreign-language contracts, and put any complaint in writing, when renting a car abroad through companies such as AutoEurope

By Christopher Elliott

Tribune Media Services

Q: I'm having trouble with a double billing on a rental car, and need your help undoing one of the charges. I prepaid $336 for a car in Paris from AutoEurope for my honeymoon. I received a voucher from AutoEurope that said the balance due was $0.

When I picked up my car, I was told they needed to place a hold on my card for about $2,000 in case I returned the car damaged or did not return it at all. I thought this was reasonable and signed the document they gave me, which was in French. When I returned the car, the office was closed, but I left the keys in a drop box.

After I returned to the States, I noticed the car rental company had charged my credit card $368. I immediately disputed the bill because I had already paid for the car and had the voucher to prove it. But after a lot of back and forth, my credit card company didn't side with me. Is there anything I can do to get my money back?

Jason Arakelian, Collegeville, Penn.

Find the whole article here...

car rental

Car Rentals For Alicante, Benidorm And Torrevieja by Clinton Maxwel

The most convenient way to travel throughout the Costa Blanca region is by an Alicante car rental. There are nine car hire companies operating at the Alicante International Airport, including Avis, Hertz, Altesa, Centauro, Aruiga, Europa, Record, Solmar and Euopcar. These car rental companies are conveniently grouped together in the airport and located immediately outside of the arrival area.

It is best to reserve your car before leaving home to not only guarantee the availability of car, but also to get the best deal on the car you want. The Costa Blanca area is the busiest during the summer season when car reservations fill up quickly. Consider reserving a car at the same time you make your hotel and flight reservations. You will likely find a better deal if you reserve a car in advance. If you do not know what size you need, at least reserve an economy size as you can always upgrade to a larger vehicle later.

When searching for a car, compare deals and availability with several car hire companies to get the best rate. You can call the company directly, can call a travel agent or search the internet. Travel agents sometimes offer hotel and flight packages that may include car rental. Of course, compare the cost of the entire package to the price of reserving each part separately. It may or may not be a better deal, but despite how you choose to find your car, there are a few car rental extras that you should consider when comparing rental packages.

First, consider whether or not you want to pick the car up from the airport or in the city. Generally, there is little difference between the cost of renting a car directly from the airport or from a city, such as Benidorm or Torrevieja. However, you should check the cost between the two options. It may be cheaper to rent in town and companies often provide transportation from the airport.

Also, if you need an infant or child seat, be sure to reserve a seat when you originally book your car rental. Child safety seats are the law in Spain and you want to be sure there are appropriate seats available based on your child's size and weight. You will pay an additional fee, but such seats are available as a car rental extra. Of course, you can always bring a car seat from home. Though the added "luggage" may be somewhat of a hassle, you will not have to worry that the seat will not be the appropriate size for your child. The money you save may be worth the added inconvenience.

Finally, with the hot weather during summers in the Alicante area, you will definitely want air conditioning. It may not be available in all vehicles. Be sure to confirm that this extra is included, if you plan on cool and comfortable travels during your stay. It will make a big difference.

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Car Rental News

The LA Times website shares some good news on the car rental business. We have reliable data coming from one of the biggest companies in this industry-Hertz. Hope this piece of info is a sign of better days ahead.

Hertz predicts return to profit as car rental demand steadies
Bloomberg News

Hertz Global Holdings Inc., the second-largest U.S. rental-car company, said it will return to profit in the second quarter as demand for autos has stabilized.

Hertz will report adjusted earnings per share of 9 cents to 10 cents in the three-month period and 12 cents to 15 cents for the full year, the Park Ridge, New Jersey-based company said in a statement today. Revenue will be $1.7 billion to $1.75 billion in the quarter and $6.7 billion to $7 billion for the year, Hertz said.

The company has reported losses for two consecutive quarters as business and consumer customers cut back on travel amid the recession. Hertz forecast earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of $900 million to $935 million this year, and intends to boost annualized cost savings by $70 million, to $570 million.

"Car-rental demand in the U.S. and Europe has stabilized and we are experiencing better than anticipated summer-peak reservation build in both markets," Chief Executive Officer Mark Frissora said in the statement. "We are adding fleet as a result."

Hertz gained 38 cents, or 5.7 percent, to $7.01 yesterday in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. The stock has gained 38 percent this year, giving the company a market value of $2.6 billion.

"Most of what we see of demand is in the leisure market," Frissora said in a CNBC interview today. "That market has really improved a lot."

Source