Beginning your online search
So you want to travel? It’s no longer cheap these days…booking your flight, hotel and paying for food can be quite expensive. To top it off you will probably want to rent a car. That’s where a little research and the vast information found on the internet can come in handy and if you know where the deals are it can be quite inexpensive.  How? Let’s take a look:

Using a comparison rental site is the easiest way to begin. It will allow you access to ALL the rentals in the area you are looking and list type as well as price. Now you will have a much better idea on how much you are going to pay and for which type of car you want to rent.

Be as frugal as you can
We use coupons for groceries, clothes and other items…why not for car rentals? Hmm, rent one car and get the second FREE? Ok, that is likely not going to happen; however, like most things on the internet you can certainly avoid paying the highest price out there and there are COUPONS for everything! So before you reserve that luxury car to travel in style in – LOOK FOR A COUPON!

You have not because you ask not
Ok, some of you are not going to like this. We don’t usually like to bother the nice sales person and ask for more discounts, specials and deals! They have them and they are not afraid to use them, so ask away! You may turn that mid size car into the Benz of your dreams (ok, not likely but dream away). Upgrades or free nights are the norm. Bottom line – ask because the absolute worst that can happen is they say “no”. Well, guess what? You’ve heard that before and you survived!

Unlimited Mileage is KING!
Now, for the most bang for your buck, you want a car with unlimited mileage. As much as you may want to think you will NOT go over you allotted mileage….I promise you, YOU WILL. Those little extra stops along the way for bathroom breaks and a Snickers bar, will really add up! There is nothing worse than getting a large unexpected bill at the end of your rental time. Good news is that MOST companies no longer charge by the mile.

Don’t get the insurance
Rental companies and their staff will always ask you if you want the rental insurance. They may even make you feel like a complete loser if you don’t get it. But, you are ALREADY covered! Read the fine print of your own car insurance and/or credit cards. Most of them cover rentals even for pleasure and not just for and accident or repairs to your own car. So, a little research in this department can save you at the counter.

There are car rentals companies EVERYWHERE, and they want your business. So make sure you are wise and diligent in planning your next vacation and put more of that money into your fun and not into a car rental.

Oh and another hint: Most companies are in the business to stay in business and they WANT YOURS….tell business A what business B offers you (don’t lie as they will check) and see if they offer you a match. Draw on your inner aggressive (not bully!) self and save some money!