How to Find a Cheap Car Rental in Europe

For experienced and first-time travelers alike, booking a vehicle online can be one of the most convenient and cost-effective options for seeing Europe by car. Though generally a function of travel agencies in the past, website databases and search engines now offer consistent savings of up to $80 to $120 per excursion, depending on the location and length of your rental.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Computer Internet Access
Computer
Internet Access

Step 1

Compile a list of the nearest cities and airports in the area you intend to pick up your vehicle. Look for locations where chain-rental companies are likely to have stores: Although most small towns have smaller, independent rental companies, these can be less reliable and more costly.

Step 2

Research online rates at Web sites such as CarRentals.com or CarHire300.com, where rates are posted at considerable discounts from those available at on-sight locations. Enter the destinations near your travel area, being certain to try city and airport locations alike.

Step 3

Compare the best prices for economy and compact cars on these Web sites. Gather information on each rental location and business (Hertz, Avis, Budget and Alamo, for example), and contact each one directly to inquire about prices.

Step 4

Contact a travel agency in your area before leaving the country to find any country-specific deals they offer. Research other Web sites and sources for the cheapest rentals available.

Step 5

Plan your trip so you can return your vehicle at the rental site--a tip that will easily save you $100 or more. Also, in most cases, you must to return a vehicle before driving to another country.

Step 6

Book your car in advance. Use CarRentals.com if you feel uncomfortable with providing credit-card information in advance, or if you might need to reschedule. Make sure that all of your questions about pick-up time and vehicle return are answered, as well as gas prices and other peripheral costs.

Resources

Renting a Car in Europe: See More, Do More.

Article Written By Brian Connolly

Based in the Appalachian Mountains, Brian Connolly is a certified nutritionist and has been writing professionally since 2000. He is a licensed yoga and martial arts instructor whose work regularly appears in “Metabolism,” “Verve” and publications throughout the East Coast. Connolly holds a Master of Arts in liberal arts from the University of North Carolina at Asheville.

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