Guide to smooth car hire by O. Wilson

Guide to a Smooth Car Hire by Olivia Wilson

Whether you are holidaying in Britain this year, heading to Europe or further a field, you might decide to rent a car to give you the flexibility of deciding where to visit and going to places tour operators decide not to go or don't stay there for too long.

Many will book car hire in advance, at the same time they book their holiday giving the benefit of the best price as the car hire system works like cheap flights, the price goes up and up the closer it is to the rental period. When booking the car do take the time to ensure you understand the terms attached so there are no surprises when you reach your destination. Be aware of the small print many operators will entice you in with a cheap rate but comes with higher costs attached such as a massive insurance excess (which they will reduce for a further fee), premiums for drivers under 25 and other hidden taxes like airport and pollution taxes. So please be aware of this when booking a car for hire.

Fortunately car hire companies having streamlined the car booking process significantly and it's now a much less painful process. Adding insurance details online, detailing taxes clearly helps to reduce time in the car operator office also, the last thing you want after a long flight is to be stressing out at the car hire place.

However there are a number of ways to reduce the risk of problems occurring when booking a car. Use an established company for your car hire company so you have peace of mind should problems occur you can speak to someone in your own language who can sort things out. Remember that the cheapest rate is not always the best.

Finally when booking your holiday or just car hire shop around first, compare prices and take all the cost into account. Look early enough so you have time to ask questions about the hire agreement. Be ready for extra charges when you pick up the car which the car hire companies do to boost profits but may be worth taking as should you have an accident you could be talking about paying anything from £600 to £900 of the damage. If you are using the car for special circumstances such as going off-road ensure your contract allows you do go off-road.

Olivia has 2 years experience writing articles for about car hire . She also enjoys writing articles on various other subjects.

10 things to keep in mind when hiring a car in Malta

10 Things to Keep in Mind When Hiring a Car in Malta by Edward Penza

One of the most popular summer holiday destinations for tourists is the Mediterranean island of Malta (Europe). Car hire in Malta is affordable and is a much more practical alternative to local public transport. The fact that the island offers a variety of attractions to visit in very close proximity makes that hiring a car pays off, as less of your precious holiday time is wasted on unnecessary trips with public transport.

If you decide to hire a car on your Malta holiday there are a few things you should keep in mind as regards driving in Malta. Although the core information provided in these tips is truthful, they're a little exaggerated and should definitely not be interpreted as discouraging you from hiring a car in Malta. Driving around Malta is fun, but more so if you're informed about what to expect!

Warning - Parts of this article are purely fictional. You can easily figure out which parts I'm referring to though, with a little sense of humour!

1. Where do the Maltese drive?

The usual answer that the Maltese give you when you ask them what side of the road they drive is something along the lines of "On the shady side of the road", or "On the side that doesn't have potholes". The correct answer is really "On the left hand side". Malta is a former British colony (but has been an autonomous republic since 1964) and adopted the left hand drive system and Highway Code used in the United Kingdom.

2. Right of way depends on the size of your vehicle

Although the Maltese do actually have a Highway Code similar to the one used in the UK, the rules tend to be interpreted in a creative way by a lot of Maltese drivers. That's not necessarily unique to Malta, but these creative interpretations of road law are probably more noticeable there. What's most often ignored is who is supposed to be given the right of way in any given situation. In Malta, it's generally the size of your vehicle that determines who has the right of way. If you hire a van or a Jeep you'll get from A to B much faster compared to most road users in their economical tins on wheels. If, however, a yellow monstrosity from the Iron Age (public transport bus) crosses your path you'd better play safe and stop - the bus driver won't. This rule applies to private coaches, lorries and mini-buses (red Ford Transit vans used as private transport).

3. Baking an egg on the dashboard

In times of economic downturn it's tempting to go for the budget option when hiring a car on your holiday, but in the case of Malta there's an important luxury you will not want to pass up on during the summer months: Air conditioning. Summers in Malta are HOT with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius sometimes. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming and baking an egg on the dashboard, but not much fun when you're on the road. A/C? YES PLEASE!

4. The moon's surface is smoother

Maltese roads stretch to all parts of the island and getting to even the remotest of places is pretty easy, with plenty of tarmac having been laid over the years. What you'll find, however, is that the quality of the roads in Malta is well below par compared to European standards. It does get quite bad in some parts, giving you that rollercoaster ride adrenaline rush or making it seem as if you're driving a tumble dryer. Thankfully the roads aren't so bad that driving becomes dangerous.

5. Parking, parking, parking

Malta is a pretty small island, and there are almost as many cars as people on the island, so you can imagine parking is a challenge in the busier areas. Problem areas in summer are Sliema, St. Julian's, St. Paul's Bay, Bugibba and Qawra.

6. Parking skills

Some nearly faint at the idea of having to parallel park a car, and are relieved to find a regular parking bay back home. No such luck in Malta though, where parallel parking is a necessary skill to posses since most parking spaces are pavement side slots which are pretty small compared to abroad. Surprisingly, exchanging paint is not something that happens often in Malta.

7. Learning Maltese - a beginner's course

The Maltese are known to be passionate and expressive in their ways, and that comes forward most easily behind the steering wheel, in situations where they believe they have the right of way (but don't). Maltese isn't an easy language to learn but the best way to start picking up a few words is by hiring a car on your Malta holiday. Don't expect the vocabulary to be the kind to boast about back home, however.

8. Navigation is key

What could be more frustrating than going out for a drive around Malta in your hired car and getting lost? Being Maltese and almost hitting a tourist stopping in the middle of the road who's trying to figure out whether they should take the turn or not. Driving in Malta is much more fun when you know where you're going, both for you as a tourist as well as the Maltese. If you decide not to pre-plan your trips chances are you'll be getting a complimentary intermediate course in Maltese swearing as well. Congratulations.

9. The men (and women) in green

Now as I mentioned before, the Maltese tend to take the rules of the road as guidelines really, but it took a while for the Maltese government to realise that they had a cash cow with udders the size of a horse's... head. The result? Local wardens, sporting their sexy green uniforms (with cap and all mind you), handing out fines left right and centre. The best tip to follow? Make sure you abide by parking rules by parking your hired car within the white lines only (and not the yellow or green ones) and you'll avoid having to deal with citations (and wardens).

10. Avoiding being taken for a ride

Scientists spent years trying to figure out the phenomenon encountered on Maltese public transport buses and a study proved what many had thought for years: Time passes slower when you take the bus in Malta. Now, under normal circumstances it would probably be a plus - longer holidays. However, if you're trying to get from one place of interest to another and you didn't book a holiday that lasts for eternity, you'll find that riding the bus in Malta is a waste of time. It is cheap though. Very cheap.

Malta car hire

Don't be worried too much by this advice - Hiring a car and driving around in Malta is fun and not expensive, especially considering the amount of precious holiday time you save by going around in a hired car. Shop around for good car hire prices and you'll be sure to find a bargain to suit your budget.

For more information on cheap Malta car hire, visit the Malta travel guide GuideToMalta.net. Find out more about Malta, Maltese people, Malta car hire and Malta holidays. The site also offers a selection of articles that give you a great impression of what Malta has to offer.

Car hire in Spain by M. Van Kets

Car Hire in Spain by Michiel Van Kets

Spain is a country that conjures up images of sun, sangria, matadors and tapas. But get to know the locals and explore the country a little further than the sun drenched beaches and you will soon realize that Spain actually has a lot to offer. From shopping in Barcelona and the rolling mountains of the north, solitary castles, the medieval towns of Toledo, fine wine in Madrid, partying in Ibiza and the white villages of Andalucía and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, it is a country that can adapt to fit all kinds of travelers.

The regions of Spain are uniquely diverse from each other and one of the best ways to travel the country and see as much as you can is to hire a car and drive yourself. Avoid taxis, public transport and inflexible timetables. Part of the excitement is to research destinations and plan your own route depending on what sights you want to see, the kinds of landscape you prefer and your time constraints.

There is something totally liberating about planning a driving holiday as there is no need to book any accommodation in advance, unless of course you plan to stay in the very tourist areas, and if you like a place you can stay as long as you like. Plans can change at your whim, so throw away any thoughts of a timetable, just decide which city you will start in and where you want to end up so you can book flights, and off you go.

Spain is one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations and transport links to other European countries are well-established. Flights can be booked very cheaply to most of Spain's cities and hiring a car from the airport is quick and hassle-free. When driving in Spain it is important to always carry your identification with you, for foreigners an international driving license will be required. You will also need to show the agreement from the hire car service and third-party motor insurance is required throughout Europe.

All the major car hire companies are available in Spain, including Avis, Budget, Economy, and Hertz. For Spanish car rental, it is worth checking a few out to see what they can offer on the model of car, prices and services available. Shop around before you go and you are sure to get a good deal that won't cost you the earth. Some companies will allow you to pick up the car in one location and drop it off in another, this is perfect for those who wish to travel around the country and don't want to have to drive the car all the way back to their origination.

Each service offers different benefits. Some car services will pick you up from the airport if there is not an office already on-site, and even come and collect the car when you are ready to return home. Many companies offer a discount if you book and pay in advance, as much as 10% can save you a considerable amount when paying per day.

Nearly all car services can be booked online these days and it is the most convenient and quickest method available. A car with a GPS navigation system is perfect for those travelling long distances and you are very unlikely to get lost with one of these to help you along. DVD Players, air conditioning, child seats and roof racks, whatever your needs they can be accommodated for.

It is wise to pre-book your rental car before you arrive in Spain as this will allow you to find the cheapest deals available. You don't want to be stuck at the airport haggling over the price of car hire or paying over the odds. Always check you understand what the price includes, and your liabilities.

Driving in Spain can be an enjoyable experience, as long as you choose a reputable car hire company you shouldn't have any problems. Invest in some good road maps and have at the very least an idea of where you intend to travel to before you head off on the road.

When it comes to choosing cheap car hire in Spain look online where you will find websites that provide comparisons of car hire prices from dozens of major suppliers. Booking your hire car in advance will mean you are more likely to get the kind of car you want at a discounted price. Prices can't be beaten by booking online.

Michiel Van Kets provides article services for Susan Scott who works for 121 Car Hire Spain, a website where a visitor can compare car hire prices for Spain from all of the top rental car companies with one search, including Budget, Economy and Hertz. Choose from budget, luxury, prestige and even long term rental. For {a href=" http://www.121carhirespain.com/345.html"}cheap car hire Spain please visit the website.

Insurance for rental cars by S. Vella

Insurance for rental cars made simple by Simon Vella

Some drivers, used to the familiarity of their motor insurance package at home, find the somewhat different nature of insurance when it comes to hiring a car a little confusing at first sight. Fortunately, however, it is possible to simply matters by breaking down the constituent parts of typical insurance for rental cars practically anywhere in the world.

Although most rental companies will offer everything that you need in the way of insurance to be able to drive away from the pick-up depot, it is important to remember that the company is interested in keeping its hire rates as competitive as possible. This means that the typical insurance package quoted in the daily rate of hire is going to be the minimum required to give both the rental company and the customer only the basic level of cover. For complete security and peace of mind, therefore, many customers find themselves buying "top up" elements of insurance to increase that basic cover.

Insurance for rental cars comprises three basic elements as a norm. Probably the most familiar for any regular driver will be the need for protection against claims from third parties. Such cover is a minimum requirement for drivers in most parts of the world and the requirement extends of course to drivers of rented vehicles too.

Nevertheless, even cover against third party claims can be limited or "capped" by the insurance provided. Although included in the rental company's basic insurance package, therefore, it is usually worth checking on the level of cover provided and considering whether the limit needs to be raised by purchasing additional protection. A specific insurance policy - usually referred to as Supplemental Liability Insurance (or simply SLI) - is the most common way of obtaining such protection and will typically cover third party claims of up to $1 million.

The second element of the basic package offered by most rental companies is the so-called collision damage waiver (or loss damage waiver as it is also sometimes called). This covers accidental damage to the hired vehicle. In the case of insurance for rental cars, however, it is important to bear in mind that this cover invariably excludes damage to such parts of the vehicle as the windows or glass, wheels or tyres, and roof and undercarriage.

Furthermore, the insurance excess attached to the collision damage waiver can also leave the customer with a potential liability for the first part of any repair bill even to areas covered by the waiver. The typical excess will vary from country to country but is generally measured in a few hundred pounds throughout Europe (£600 is typical for the UK, for example), but rising to as much as £1,500 in Australia. As additional protection against the liability of paying for such an excess or for damage excluded by the loss damage waiver itself, therefore, many customers choose to purchase excess insurance.

Similarly, the third core element of insurance for rental cars covers the risk of theft of the vehicle. Whilst this gives basic protection against the risk of the vehicle being stolen - or damage caused by an attempted theft - there is again the possibility of a significant excess, for which many customers will seek the protection of additional, supplementary insurance.

Simon Vella is Chief Executive of Insurance4Carhire an independent specialist broker dedicated to providing their clients with the best deal on their insurance for rental cars and car hire insurance.

Travel to Greece from Rhino Car Hire by R. Frische

Travel to Some Top Destinations in Greece From Rhino Car Hire by Rob Frische

Known as the birthplace of Western civilisation, today Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

In 2007 alone more than 17 million people visited this country which gave the world Plato, Socrates and the Olympics. Part of the reason for Greece's popularity is the many days of sunshine it has combined with a Mediterranean climate.

This means that if you are planning to go to Greece in the summer you should be sure to book your accommodation and car hire Greece well in advance. The months of September, October, May and June are when the majority of tourists come to Greece and the temperatures are at their most agreeable.

Greece has also seen more and more people arrive at its shores since in joined the European Union in 1981.

Tourists who want to find out more about Greece's role in the foundation of Western culture should visit islands such as Crete, which was home to the Minoan race, while people have inhabited the Cyclades islands for many centuries.

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and it has some charming towns and villages which draw visitors back to them year after year.

If you are young and looking for fun in Crete then you may wish to go to the lively beach resort of Malia. The small town of Paleochora may be more appealing to those who are looking to avoid the crowds. Crete is absolutely full of fascinating archaeological sites and walking around them is a good way of seeing some of the most picturesque parts of the island.

On the mainland cities such as Athens, Thebes and Sparta have an incredibly rich history. Athens is a large city whose skyline is dominated by the amazing Acropolis temple which is dedicated to the Goddess Athena. It looks quite dazzling at night when illuminated.

The airport at Athens is the hub through which all the inter island flights go so if you are travelling to the Greek Islands from abroad you will fly through Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. Car hire Athens airport is a good starting point for seeing this city of 3.7 million people. Next to the car hire offices in the airport you will also find a tourist information centre.

Although Athens is the capital of Greece its largest city is actually Heraklion, while the third city of Greece is Thessaloniki.

Sparta is located in the Peloponnese region of Greece and is too beautiful not to visit.

While the Greek mainland is full of some of the world's most impressive ancient monuments and temples such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon, the Greek islands span many seas and each have something unique to offer every visitor. Greece is famous for its wine and olive oil and these two products have helped to keep many generations of Greek people healthy and vivacious.

Greece is bordered by the Aegean Sea, the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea and is situated at the most southerly point of the Balkan Peninsula.

Rob and George Nassos worked together on behalf of Rhino Car Hire Greece to come up with a travel article about Car Hire Athens and other locations within the Greek mainland and Greek Islands. See http://www.rhinocarhire.com/Car-Hire/Greece-Car-Hire.aspx for further information

Where to find Estate car hire

Where To Find The Best Estate Car Hire by Michael J Lee

If you are intending to take your family on holiday this year, why not consider an estate car hire. There is a wide choice available through our search engine, with prices to suit most people's budget. Estate car hire can be cheaper in the long run than having a transfer from the station or airport to your accommodation and gives you the freedom of being able to travel around and see some of the local sights during your stay. If you prefer to have a holiday which is not just based on the beach or by the pool, then have a browse to see what is currently available.

Estate car hire has the benefit of being not much larger than the usual saloon type of car inside, but gives you a huge amount of space for all the extras, which are part and parcel of a family holiday. Depending on the size of your family, most estate cars will seat up to 5 passengers comfortably, allowing for 3 or 4 cases in the rear, plus they have the added bonus of being able to fit in items such as baby buggies, golf clubs and surf boards. Most estate car hire will come with air conditioning as standard in a hot country but be careful to check out the extras to make sure.

Self-catering holidays especially lend themselves to estate car hire. You can visit the local supermarket and fill up with provisions at the start of your holiday, taking advantage of the local produce. You can also have fun with the family in the towns and villages nearby, where you will often find street markets to browse round and sample some of the fresh fruit and vegetables for which Europe is famous. Estate car hire allows you to mix with the locals at your convenience.

If you are planning to take advantage of playing golf on one of the many exclusive courses, club hire can be very expensive. Why not consider taking your own set of clubs from home and arranging your estate car hire to help transport them? The golf courses are often set in extremely picturesque locations and the glorious sunny weather allows you to play almost every day of the year. It would have to be an extremely large vehicle to comfortably fit golf clubs, cases and all the family, so rather than leave anybody at home, have a search for your estate car hire today.

As estate cars do tend to be extremely popular, we strongly recommend that you reserve your car early, once you have confirmed your flight and accommodation arrangements. Car hire companies tend not to have a vast number of estate cars and therefore they are quickly snapped up. You may find that, leaving the booking of your estate car hire until the last minute, you could find yourself out of luck, so go online today and check out the variety of vehicles available.

Estate Car Hire . One search to compare the best car hire companies online. With so many interesting places to discover a Car Hire Spain is the recommended and most cost effective transport option.

Argus Car Hire . One search to compare the best car hire companies online. With so many interesting places to discover a Car Hire Spain is the recommended and most cost effective transport option.

Car hire in Cyprus

The Argument For Hiring Your Own Vehicle in Cyprus by Jules Alexander

When you are trying to reach a decision over the provider for your cheap car rental Cyprus based firms are able to supply a wealth of useful local information, along with localised information regarding traffic laws and rules of the road.

Cyprus is possibly the singularly most diverse place in the Mediterranean that you can visit, with a flavour that is all its own. The history of the island dates back as far as 10,000 BC, with historic sites dating back across several eras. A quantity of these historical sites are to be found off the usually tourist trail, by taking up an offer of cheap car rental Cyprus will become your own historical amusement park, which you will be free to explore when and how you wish.

Cypriot culture, both Turkish and Greek influenced, is a unique thing. To experience it more fully you would do best to visit one of the small villages that are less likely to see tourist's visitors. By using your rented car to take you into the less tourist occupied areas of the island, you will find a real taste of Cypriot life is available to you; many of the small villages on the island have changed little over the years, even though the tourist trade has boomed around them.

The large tourist areas, such as Ayia Napa with its hedonistic nightlife and beautifully maintained beaches, or Pathos, replete with charming harbour, offering a taste of life in a Mediterranean port town, all display distinctly local flavour. Why should you limit your experience of Cyprus to the single area you chose in the holiday brochure? Forget about using public transport, by deciding on car rental Cyprus is open wide for you, and you are then free to visit all of the large tourist areas at your leisure, and partake of each of their individual delights.

Whatever your taste in holidays, quiet beaches to wile nightlife, a rental car will allow you access to all.There can be no better way of ensuring that your stay on Cyprus is one you will never forget. With the freedom to go where you please, when you please, a hire car will allow you the freedom to enjoy your stay in any way you so desire.

When visiting Cyprus car rental just makes sense, don't limit your options, expand your horizons instead. Arguably there can be no better destination for car rental Cyprus has a wealth of attractions bound to please every visitor, from historical sites of global significance to some of the finest beaches in Europe, you can enjoy it all with the freedom provided by your own rented vehicle.

Cyprus is a truly fascinating place, capable of providing every need a holidaymaker may require, from a simple beach holiday, to a truly crazy dance music extravaganza. No matter what you require from your holiday, everything becomes so much more available with the addition of a rental car. Don't limit your options to your resort and the immediate surroundings, instead why not expand the scope of your holiday by taking up one of the many on-line offers.

Jules Alexander works for Rhino Car Hire and writes articles on Car Hire in Cyprus and Car Car Rental Cyprus Companies.