Everyone Pile In For An Outdoor Adventure

That long planned outdoor trip with your rock climbing friends is now in sight. You’re planning on a tour of Scotland, and it’s going to be three weeks of hiking, swatting midges and rock climbing. This means a lot of equipment and tents for the times you don’t have the safety of a Bed and Breakfast! It’s not that appealing to drive lots of single cars up the motorway, but no-one has a vehicle that can accommodate more than a couple of people and all their gear. So, what are the options? Train, coach, and bikes are not that practical – so how about pitching in together and booking a large vehicle or long term car rental?

Benefits of Travelling Together

You get to travel together, so it’s more fun – and all your equipment is together. If you are booking a van or a minibus, it can be brought to a central point so all you need to do is be there, ready to go.  With insurance in place for named drivers, the driving can be shared. So no-one gets tired making it a safer journey.

You’ll save huge amounts on fuel using just one vehicle, which these days, has got to be a bonus. It’s not unknown to have a blow out or a problem with your car, which means everyone gets held up. With a rental vehicle, in the rare event you can request roadside help, in the rare event there is a problem. No-one needs to struggle with an unfamiliar engine! If you get beaten by the weather and want to bail out early, you won’t have to pay any additional fees for coming back sooner than expected.

When And Where To Climb In Scotland

The rock climbing and scrambling season begins in May, which is usually the sunniest and driest months in Scotland. The valley crags are the first to dry out, so Glen Etive and Ardnamurchan are good options to begin with. June is great for the mountain crags of Glen Coe, Ben Nevis and Garbh Bheinn of Ardgour – these are for your hard core climbers. July and August can be a little wetter, so aim for the crags in Glen Nevis or further east to Ardverikie. As the hillsides start to show their early autumn colours, ensure you make good use of the sunny days, and get some hikes in on the long rocky ridges – a great one is found at Aonach Eagach. Early autumn in Scotland is spectacular and you’ll see it at its best.

Get Active!

You’ve got some of the oldest rocks found anywhere in the world in Scotland, so check out Lochaber for ancient stones. And beside the rock climbing, you’ve got abseiling, white water rafting, canoeing, ice climbing, coastal jumping (which is unbelievable cold)  and the fairly newly established Scrambling. Scrambling is a type of mountaineering that doesn’t need rope tackle. You climb up continuously sloping hills, using your hands for gripping. Scrambling allows you to explore some dramatic hillsides, covering broken or very rocky ground – you’ll need a good head for heights, and a strong grip, but you’ll get a lot of freedom that you wouldn’t get if you were roped up.

Get you and your friends up and active for a fantastic holiday on the road to the great outdoors!

Hiring A Car – How To Get It Right

On the surface hiring a car seems like a very good idea, after all who wouldn’t want to escape the busy tourist areas and experience the freedom to explore a country at your own pace. As you’ve probably guessed from my tone it doesn’t always go as smoothly as most would expect and unfortunately many people do experience problems hiring cars whilst abroad.

A report released by the UK European Consumer Centre revealed that car hire companies have experienced an increase in the number of complaints they’ve received during the first half of this year, in fact up a staggering 30% from the same time last year. These range from being charged for fuel that wasn’t used and charges for damage caused by previous drivers, sometimes even damaged that isn’t even there.

Paying Attention Pays Off

The most common complaints from holidaymakers who’ve had bad experiences with hiring a car abroad were the charges added for damage to their vehicle caused by previous drivers simply because the car hire company failed to check the vehicle for any damage before they hired the car out again. This can be avoided quite simply by ensuring you thoroughly inspect your vehicle before taking it out and making sure the car hire company logs any damages you find.

Returning your vehicle on time is also important if you want to avoid any extra charges especially as some companies may charge you a full days hire if you return the car later than specified. Bear in mind that depending on the terms of your car hire you may need to return the car with a full tank of petrol so also be sure to leave enough time to get to a petrol station and fill up with the right fuel type if this is the case.

It’s important to remember that wherever you are in the world, the driving habits of other motorists are likely to vary in ways you may not be familiar with. You can minimise the chances of any accidents by getting to know your vehicle, familiarising yourself with the controls before setting off and also ensuring your aware of any local rules or restrictions.

The main things you’ll want to look out for are any different road signs and markings, parking zones and speed limits which may be in either kilometres or miles per hour. Some countries also have a zero tolerance policy toward alcohol levels in the blood so be sure to find out if this applies to you and plan your journeys accordingly.

Airport To Automobile

Care hire is accessible from many of the major airports around the world. Heathrow International for example offers airport car hire across all 5 terminals from 8 well known companies. This can make for a very convenient experience if you plan to hire a car once you’ve reached your destination, great if you want to avoiding the hassle of trying to find a taxi or having to wait around for the coach to your accommodation.

Guest writer Chris Walker from carhiretoday.co.uk shares his car hire tips and advice for a happy driving  holiday in Europe and Beyond.

Holiday Car Hire

Driving on holiday is a great way to explore the local and surrounding areas of your chosen location.  The freedom and convenience gained from hiring a car on holiday are perceived to be the main benefits of car hire.  However these benefits can be overshadowed by unsurprising charges and so called hidden costs.  The UK European Consumer Centre announced earlier this year the number of complaints relating to car hire has increased.  Therefore here are a few essential tips and words of advice to help you make better informed decisions about hiring a car and avoid any unnecessary disputes.

Know the local driving laws and legislations

If you have booked a car and are expecting to drive abroad you should research the local driving laws and legislations.  Find out if there are any special requirements for children.  Are they required to use child seats, are they allowed sitting in front of the car?  Also check the national and local speed limits, don’t presume they are the same everywhere.   In Italy you will be issued with an on the spot fine up to 200 Euros if you enter their no traffic zones (zona traffico limitatos) without an official permit.

Make sure you understand the fuel policy

Fuel policies differ between suppliers and from country to country.  Some suppliers will charge you a full tank of fuel on arrival and ask you to return your vehicle with an empty tank.  This can seem unfair if you don’t use a full tank of fuel.  Therefore please check the fuel policy with the supplier before you book.

Check your damage reports

Don’t be left paying for damage that was present on the car before you hired it.  Before driving away ensure the supplier is fully aware of every single scratch, dent, chip and mark on the vehicle.  Ask for a copy of the damage report if you are not issued with one.  When you return the vehicle go through the damage report and be careful you aren’t charged for damage that was already there.

Return your car on time

Check the office opening hours to make sure you are able to return the car on time without incurring an additional day’s rental fee.  Though you might have until 10pm to return your car, the office might close at 6pm.  Some suppliers will charge you a full day’s rental if you return the car an hour later than specified.  Therefore if you have to, return your car earlier to avoid unnecessary fees.

Know your mileage policy

Most suppliers will offer unlimited mileage which will allow you to drive all day without worrying how far you are driving.  However some companies will charge you extra money if you exceed their mileage policy.  Always check if you have unlimited mileage.

Bear these few points in mind when you are next thinking about car hire.  Don’t automatically choose the cheapest deal as they might have hidden charges.  Be sure to read all the small print and when you are shopping around check like for like and check what each car hire deal includes and what extras you will be expected to pay for. Know you the local driving laws and don’t return your hire car late.  Most of all though, enjoy your holiday!

The wave of airports in the US building centralised rental car centres continues to grow.  For the past decade airlines across the United States have merged car hire zones into a single facility. Instead of individual car hire USA companies are running seperate buses to and from the airport and each hire company having its own car parking areas. Busing is shared, car rental counters and cars are side-by-side and valuable space around airports is freed up.  Still to take up the schene is the worlds biggest car hire market – Orlando.

Commenters were quick to voice their opinion

This is more efficient; but each car hire company loses its competitive advantage. No more dropping you off at the actual rental car. Why not just have one agency then – or better yet, the airport have its own hire car system?

Cleveland and San Francisco both opened consolidated rental car facilities in 1998 and since then they have opened in many other  major airports in the USA .

More are planned, such as pooled car hire Orlando, rental firms in Miami, San Jose, Memphis and deeper south in New Orleans.

Though emissions from one car are nothing compared with those from even the best airplane, they add up. So instead of renting a car to get around the city you’re visiting, try researching public-transit options. Public transit is often cheaper and faster, offers a great way to sightsee, and is almost always more earth-friendly

Cherbourg

If you’re in search of a tranquil atmosphere for a break from your hectic schedule, Cherbourg is ideal for you.

Catching the cross channel ferry from Portsmouth Port at 8am can get you there before lunchtime and you can travel back in the evening the following day. As a passenger you will pay very little for the ferry trip and you then have the option to hire a car on arrival.  Before you venture further into France you might want to spen a day without a car in Cherbourg.  When you’ve taken a day or two to enjoy what Cherbourg has to offer tourists you can easily arrange to pick up car hire. France is blessed with well maintained open roads and you can reach almost any part from Cherbourg in a day’s driving

Cherbourg ferry port is right on the edge of the town centre, meaning your break can begin as soon as you step off the ferry. Its rich historical background makes this city the perfect place to relax with a loved one, soaking in some cultural heritage.

If gorgeous scenery gets you excited, visiting Cherbourg won’t leave you disappointed. After a light lunch in one of the city’s traditional cafés you could wander hand in hand to the Ravalet Chateau in Tourlaville where the views are staggering. The magnificent landscaped grounds surround a mediaeval manor house built during the 16th century.

Emmanuel Liais Gardens

Or why not take a stroll through one of France’s most beautiful gardens such as Emmanuel Liais Gardens,  definitely worth a visit with over 500 different types of rare plants that Liais himself shipped over to Cherbourg from South America and Asia.

Cherbourg also has a strong religious heritage, making a visit to the beautiful churches a must. The bell tower of Saint-Martin of Octeville and the sculptures of the Trinity Basilica are just two examples of the eye-catching religious buildings that hold fascinating history. The Abbey of the Vow is now listed as a Historical Monument for its stunning architecture and archaeological value.

Cherbourg Museums – Thomas Henry Art Museum

If your heart lies with art, then the Thomas Henry art museum is the next stop. The museum is home to many famous sculptures and paintings ranging from the 15th to the 19th century by foreign masters as well as French classical painters.

After a day of exploring and soaking in the magnificent culture, you could take a stroll down to the marina. Enjoy a romantic French meal in a traditional French restaurant and stay in one of the lovely B&Bs the town has to offer.

The following day you could take a look at one or two of the interesting museums located in Cherbourg; the Liberation museum is fascinating. With the theme “from the darkness to the light” it takes the visitor through the stages of history in the Second World War; from the fall of France to the liberation.

With the ease of the high speed ferry from Portsmouth Port your trip away will be stress free, allowing you to relax and take in the wonders of Cherbourg.

Image – CHHeuvet

Discount Car Hire Voucher Codes

Do you find that you spend hours searching for the best car hire deals online – convinced that somewhere on the web you can get a cheaper deal only to discover that your savings amount to very little.

At Europe & Beyond we offer the latest voucher codes for car hire in Europe and elsewhere around the world.

Latest car hire voucher codes Summer / Autumn 2009

September

September Car hire with 15% off by using this easyCar voucher code SCORCHIO
Expiry Date:01/10/2009

Go to easyCar website

August

By using easyCar discount voucher code HOTTER
Expiry Date:01/09/2009

get up to 10% discount on August Car Rental

expires 01/09/ – This voucher code is designed for easyCar. Simply copy and paste it into the Redeem Promotional Code box during checkout.

Book online to get the best discounts available – and remember this summer 2009 it is

expected that there will be a shortage of hire cars throughout Europe so book early. Car hire Spain, France, Italy and Cyprus are most likely to be affected by the shortage – those leaving their booking arrangements to the last minute may be very disappointed with the lack of choice of cars – if any are available at all.

You may be looking for holiday car hire when you arrive at the airport or to arrange local car rental when you reach your final destination either way you can save money using voucher codes when you book your car online.

This summer in the build up to the busiest time of year car hire companies are offering high value voucher codes that will get you upto 15% discount off the total cost of car rental – for a weeks hire of a family saloon car that can mean a saving of up to £50

Europe Car Hire > France > Driving from Paris to Rouen

Top Attractions to Visit in Rouen

If you’re planning a holiday in Paris, consider renting a car and visit the beautiful city of Rouen, the capital of the Normandy region. Here is a guide to some of the things that you can see and do during your visit to Rouen.

Getting to Rouen from Paris

It will take you about an hour and a half to drive from Paris to Rouen in your hire car. Simply head out of Paris on the A14 partial toll road, following the signs for Rouen. Take the exit for the A13 partial toll road, and follow this road for 88.9km. Take exit 22-Oissel and follow the signs for Rouen-Est in order to get onto the D18e. This will take you into Rouen.

Top Attractions in Rouen

Once you’ve arrived in Rouen, park your car and take some time to explore the old part of the city. You can take a walking tour or, if you’re visiting Rouen during the summer, enjoy a 45 minute guided tour of the medieval section of Rouen on the “Little Train” (Le Petit Train de Rouen), which departs from outside of the Cathedral.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame

The Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame dates back to the 12th Century, although it was constructed over a number of years and features examples of early Gothic, late Gothic and High Gothic architecture. The Cathedral’s crypt dates back further, having been part of the Romanesque cathedral which originally stood on the site, and houses a tomb containing the heart of Richard the Lionheart and the tomb of Duke Rollo, the first Duke of Normandy, as well as the tombs of the cardinals d’Amboise.

photo – saitor

The cathedral’s magnificent 250 ft high steeple was constructed between the 15th and 17th centuries, and is known as the Butter Tower (Tour de Beurre) because it was built thanks to money donated by wealthy Rouen residents in return for being able to continue to eat butter during Lent. The cathedral also has a 500ft high bell tower, known as the Lantern Tower (Tour Lanterne), which contains 56 bells.

Maclou Church and St. Ouen Abbey

Other historic religious buildings in Rouen include the 15th Century St. Maclou Church and St. Ouen Abbey, which dates back to the 14th Century. You can also visit the more contemporary St. Joan of Arc Church, which was constructed near to the spot in the Old Market Square (Place du Vieux Marché) on which St. Joan was burned at the stake.

Rouen’s secular historical attractions include its Great Clock (Gros-Horloge) and the Renaissance-style House of the Exchequer (Bureau des Finances). The city also has a number of museums, including the Rouen Natural History Museum, the Museum of Antiquities, Joan of Arc Tower (where Joan of Arc was tried), the Joan of Arc Wax Museum and the Flaubert Pavilion (part of the building in which Gustave Flaubert, author of “Madame Bovary”, lived).

Rouen also has excellent restaurants, markets, shops and bars, making it a great place to visit for a day or two during your holiday.

Italy Car Hire > Rome to Tivoli

Following the great feed back our feature about driving from Milan to Turin earlier this month we are delighted to focus on another Italian journey in our car hire Italy series.

You can book a car in advance and take advantage of online offers and have your vehicle ready when you arrive in Rome. Car hire collection can be at the airport or from various city centre locations.

To get to Tivoli from Rome by car, head out of Rome on the A24 partial toll road and take the exit signposted for Tivoli in order to get onto the SP51ab/Strada Provinciale Maremmana Inferiore partial toll road. Continue straight on along the SS5. This will take you into Tivoli.

You can stop off along the way to visit the Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa), just outside of the town. The ruined villa and its gardens are so large that it could take you a full day to thoroughly explore them, so it’s best to visit it and then stay in Tivoli for a few days before returning to Rome, so you don’t feel like your visit is rushed.

Villa Adriana was constructed in the 2nd Century A.D. and Emperor Hadrian is recorded as having been personally involved in the design of the building. Work began on the building, which was constructed around an existing villa on the site, soon after Hadrian took office and it was completed within ten years. The villa is said to have been considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Roman Empire and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You can see the remains of Villa Adriana’s many buildings, which included bath complexes, libraries, temples, a Greek Theatre and the Piazza d’Oro (Golden Court), which was used for formal events, before continuing on your journey to Tivoli in your Rome hire car.

Tivoli Attractions – Villa d’Este

One of Tivoli’s most popular attractions is the Villa D’Este which, like Villa Adriana, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The villa was constructed for Cardinal Ippolito d’Este II of Ferrera and was completed in 1550. You can take a tour of the villa to see its frescoed rooms and antique furniture, but Villa D’Este’s main draw is its gardens, which include some beautiful and unusual fountains.

The Organ Fountain, for example, plays music, whilst the Rometta Fountain incorporates miniature versions of some of the most famous of Rome’s landmarks. You can also stroll along the path of the Hundred Fountains or admire the Fountain of the Owl, where singing birds are silenced by the appearance of an owl.

Tivoli Attractions – Parco di Villa Gregoriana

Parco di Villa Gregoriana is the perfect place to go for a walk if you fancy a break from your hire car. The park, which is located in a gorge, dates back to the 19th century and includes a number of caves, such as the Grotto of Neptune, together with the 100ft Grande Cascade waterfall. You can also see one of the town’s landmarks, the Temple of Vesta, which is situated at the top of the gorge.

Italy Car Hire – Other Tivoli Attractions

Other things to see in Tivoli include: Rocca Pia fort, which was built during the 15th century; the Ponte Gregoranio Bridge; the remains of the Roman Ampitheatre of Bleso; and the Temple of Vesta and the Temple of the Sybil.

Car Rental > Italy Car Hire > Hiring a Car in Rome

Europe > Car Hire France > Paris to Reims

Paris is a great destination for a holiday, but if you hire a car while you are in Paris, you can explore more of France. In this article, we look at some of the things that you can see and do in the city of Reims, in the country’s Champagne region.

Hire a car in Paris

Visit Reims – Notre-Dame Cathedral and Champagne Region

It will only take you about an hour and a half to drive to Reims in your Paris rental car, but there is so much to see and do there that it’s worth spending several days there and turning your trip into a two-destination holiday.

To get to Reims from Paris by car, simply head out of Paris on L’Autoroute de L’Est partial toll road and continue straight on along the A4 partial toll road. Leave the A4 at exit 23 and follow the signs into the centre of Reims.

Reims Attractions – Historic Buildings & Monuments

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Reims is full of beautiful historic buildings, with one of its most significant being Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is one of four sites in the city to have UNESCO World Heritage status. It took more than 200 years to complete the Cathedral, which was constructed on the site of the cit

y’s old cathedral, which burned to the ground in 1210.

24 French monarchs have been crowned in Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is adorned with more than 2,300 sculptures, including the famous “Smiling Angel”, which has now become the city’s emblem.

The other UNESCO World Heritage sites in Reims are: the Saint-Remi Abbey Museum; the Romanesque-style Saint-Remi Basilica, which houses Saint-Remi’s tomb; and Tau Palace, the palace of the former Reims’ archbishops.

Reims also has a number of important monuments, including the Porte Mars (a Roman arch dating from the 3rd Century), the Statue of Joan of Arc (which was sculpted by Paul Dubois) and the Fontaine Subé (which is situated in Erlon Square).

Reims Attractions – Other Attractions

Reims’ museums include the Reims-Champagne Automobile Museum, which houses a collection of more than 200 vehicles, together with other items, such as pedal cars, toy cars and signs. You can also visit Le Musée-Hôtel Le Vergeur, where you can see a number of works of art including engravings by Albrecht Dürer, and the Museum of Surrender (Musée de la Reddition) to see the Signing Room where the Third Reich signed the document which ended World War II.

Other attractions in Reims include the Planetarium, the Grand Theatre and the Carnegie Library. There are also a number of parks and gardens in the city, including Le Parc de Champagne, the Pierre Schneiter Horticultural Garden and The Colbert Square which holds an amazing array of flowers and shrubs all year round.

You can also use your hire car in Paris to visit some of the attractions that lie just outside of the city of Reims, such as the Pompelle Fort Museum (Musée du Fort de la Pompelle) or follow the Champagne tourist route to see the region’s famous vineyards and Champagne houses.

Car Hire in France – Hiring a Car in Paris

You can book a hire car in advance and get a good deal online with low-cost, specialist car rental firms. Find airport car hire in locations around the world, including Paris, and you can choose from a range of vehicles.

Car Hire Switzerland

Driving from Geneva to Martigny

In a previous post, we suggested Lausanne as a great place for a day-trip during a Geneva car hire holiday. In this post, we’ll look at another place that you can visit if you hire a car whilst you are staying in Geneva – the town of Martigny, which is situated in Switzerland’s Valais region, and which is often referred to as ‘a gateway to the Alps’.

Getting to Martigny from Geneva

If you hire a car in Geneva, you can drive to Martigny within an hour and a quarter. Simply head out of Geneva on the A1 toll road and follow it for about 49km. Take exit 17 and follow the signs for Lausanne in order to continue on the A1. Take exit 19 and follow the signs for Montreux in order to get onto the A9 toll road. Leave the A9 at exit 21 and follow the signs into Martigny.

Switzerland Car Hire – Martigny Attractions – St. Bernard Dog Museum and Kennels

Martigny’s attractions include The St. Bernard Dog Museum and Kennels (Musée et Chiens du Saint-Bernard) on Rue de Levant. The kennels are located in an enclosure just outside of the building, and you can see a number of dogs there. The museum itself contains exhibits relating to the history of the St. Bernard breed, together with information about the Great St. Bernard Hospice and Pass.

There is also a restaurant and a gift shop at the museum and you can park your Geneva rental car in the museum’s car park.

Switzerland Car Hire – Martigny Attractions – Roman Remains

Martigny is also known for its Roman remains, which include an amphitheatre and the Mithraeum, a temple dedicated to Mithras, a sun-god.  You can also see the remains of the Temenos, a complex which would have included a temple together with accommodation for pilgrims, and the remains of a private house.
Switzerland Car Hire – Martigny Attractions – The Pierre Gianadda Foundation

Another of Martigny’s key attractions is The Pierre Gianadda Foundation (Rue de Forum 59, 1920 Martigny). The building houses Martigny’s Museum of Gallic-Roman Archaeology (Musée Gallo-Romain), where you can see some of the artefacts discovered when the Roman sites in Martigny were excavated together with the remains of a Roman temple.

The Pierre Gianadda Foundation building is also the home of Martigny’s Automobile Museum (Musée de l’Auto), which has a collection of cars dating from the early 20th century, and there are also regular temporary exhibitions of art held there. There is also a Sculpture Park outside of the building, which contains works by a number of famoussculptors, including Henry Moore and Auguste Rodin.

The Pierre Gianadda Foundation has a visitors’ car park, so you can leave your car there while you explore the museums.

Switzerland Car Hire – Other Martigny Attractions

Other attractions in Martigny include: the Manoir de la Ville, an eighteenth century house which is now used as a venue for contemporary art exhibitions; Moulin Semblanet, a 19th century watermill; and Château de la Bâtiaz, a 13th century castle. You can also take a break from your hire car by taking a tour of the town on the “La Baladeur” tourist train or walking along the Vineyard Trail, which leads from Martigny to Château de la Bâtiaz.