Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to use a consolidator, such as Auto Europe (
www.autoeurope.com
)
or Europe by Car
(
www.ebctravel.com
)
,which compares rates at several companies to get youthe best deal.
However,myreadershavereportedproblemswithconsolidators,rangingfrommisinform-
ation to unexpected fees; because you're going through a middleman, it can be more chal-
lenging to resolve disputes that arise with the rental agency.
Regardlessofthecar-rentalcompanyyouchoose,alwaysreadthefineprintcarefully
for add-on charges—such as one-way drop-off fees, airport surcharges, or mandatory in-
surance policies—that aren't included in the “total price.” You may need to query rental
agents pointedly to find out your actual cost.
For the best rental deal, rent by the week with unlimited mileage. To save money on
fuel, ask for a diesel car. I normally rent the smallest, least-expensive model with a stick
shift(generallymuchcheaperthananautomatic).Almostallrentalsaremanualbydefault,
so if you need an automatic, you must request one in advance; be aware that these cars are
usually larger models. Roads and parking spaces are narrow in France, so you'll do your-
self a favor by renting the smallest car that meets your needs.
For a one-week rental, allow roughly $300 per person (based on two people sharing
a car). Allow extra for insurance, fuel, tolls, and parking. For trips of three weeks or more,
look into leasing; you'll save money on insurance and taxes.
You can sometimes get a GPS unit with your rental car or leased vehicle for an addi-
tional fee (around $15/day; be sure it's set to English and has all the maps you need before
you drive off). Or, if you have a portable GPS device at home, consider taking it with you
to Europe (buy and upload European maps before your trip). GPS apps are also available
for smartphones, but downloading maps on one of these apps in Europe could lead to an
Big companies have offices in most cities; ask whether they can pick you up at your
hotel. Small local rental companies can be cheaper but aren't as flexible.
Compare pick-up costs (downtown can be less expensive than the airport) and ex-
plore drop-off options. Always check the hours of the location you choose: Many rental
officesclosefrommiddaySaturdayuntilMondaymorningand,insmallertowns,atlunch-
time.
When selecting a location, don't trust the agency's description of “downtown” or
“city center.” In some cases, a “downtown” branch can be on the outskirts of the city—a
long, costly taxi ride from the center. Before choosing, plug the addresses into a mapping
website. You may find that the “train station” location is handier. But returning a car at
a big-city train station or downtown agency can be tricky; get precise details on the car
drop-off location and hours, and allow ample time to find it.
