Archive | car rental RSS feed for this section
17. Dec, 2009

Car Hire USA Airports to Centralise Facilities

car hire orlando usa

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.

car hire orlando usa

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?

Now if only the rental car companies would update their computers to give correct driving directions to and from the new facility….

As an Atlantan, I rented a car from National to pick up at the Atlanta airport, drive to a meeting in extreme south Georgia, and drop off at 5 AM the next morning at the Tallahassee airport for a flight to St. Louis and then back to Atlanta. National’s computer reservation system directed me to drive to their new airport rental facility, where no private vehicles may park. I parked in the street, went inside, was directed to park in the airport terminal decks and take a shuttle bus back (train was not yet running). All that threw me an hour off schedule so I arrived late at my lunch meeting almost to the Florida border.

All the rental car companies need to update their directions to customers, whether arriving at this facility by air or by car.

I think the consolidated facilities are great because they reduce the number of shuttle busses and should reduce rental car company costs. Unfortunately, they rarely reduce the costs paid by consumers. Additionally, they add to the industry’s deceptive pricing practices because they quote a low rate, then later add in “consolidated facility” and shuttle charges” (which were covered under under their quoted price when they provided the service).

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

19. Aug, 2009

Cherbourg France – Cross Channel Ferrry Trip

cherbourg france

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

16. Jul, 2009

Car Hire Voucher Codes – Discount Car Rental

easycar car hire voucher code

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

03. Jun, 2009

Outdoor activity holidays in Turkey

turkey holiday banner

Turkey Holiday Ideas

If you are looking for a holiday that is both relaxing and exciting then a holiday in Turkey can offer all this. Turkey offers a wide array of culture, history, art, and sports in a unique combination of old and new; of relaxation and excitement. As one of the top ten tourist destinations in the world, with a wide coastline and changing landscape, Turkey has a range of outdoor activities allowing visitors unique ways to experience the country.

The areas of Kas, Bodrum, Saro and Kemer allow divers to take on underwater experiences in the warm summer months. Within the four seas Turkey offers (Black sea, Mediterranean, Aegean and Marmara), divers can explore underwater caverns, archaeological ruins and sunken ships. The many rivers throughout the country offer plenty of thrilling white- water rafting and canoeing opportunities. Experiencing the Coruh, Rize Firtina and Dalaman rivers and the Koprucay- Coprulu Canyon are safe yet exciting rafting routs in Turkey.

The Turkish mountain ranges offer plenty of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors year round. While the country is known for its warm climate and sunny Mediterranean resorts, winter sports such as skiing, and climbing are prevalent throughout the mountain regions. Mountain Climbing activities in Turkey are everywhere. Areas such as the Agri- Mount Ararat, Mt. Taurus, Mt. Argeus, Kayseri- Erciyes and the Rize Kacker mountain range offer some mythological and biblical settings for fantastically challenging and beautiful climbs and hikes.

Mountain biking is another great activity that the mountains offer plenty of. Mapped routes are safe and maintained by authorities. The Cappadocia Mountain Biking Festival is a highly recommended activity for the mountain biking enthusiasts. It will take riders through various spots and let them enjoy the picturesque scenery in the company of mountain bikers from across the globe.

Turkey has over 40,000 caves and caverns to explore, from the caverns of Antalya to the caves of Zongulduk. There is a wide range of opportunity for explorers to venture out and find magnificent geological formations, but cave exploring should only be done with certified instructors and appropriate equipment.

Air sports include parachuting and paragliding, which have really taken off in recent years. Famous paragliding spots are around Mount Baba in Fehiye, and in the Oludenuz region. Another unconventional way of exploring the country is in a hot air balloon. Travelling at heights of up to 1500 ft, this tranquil experience lets you slowly explore the landscape from a birds’ eye view. Recommended areas are the Cappadocian landscapes, where floating through the countryside will feel like a gentle dream.

Holiday Activities in Turkey

Jeep safaris are a real adventure and offer rides through the varied landscapes of forests, mountains and rivers. Discovering hidden beauties and experiencing Turkish life on the ground can also be done on horseback riding tours. Another recommended activity is a horseback riding tour through the Cappadocia region, which actually derives its’ name from the Persian word Katpatuka, meaning “The land of Beautiful Horses”.

In recent years international golf courses have opened throughout the country. Popular golf resorts to visit include the Gloria Golf Resort, Noblis Golf Otel, and Klassis Golf and Country.

Finally, after all of the exerting, exciting activity during your holiday, there are some fantastic ways to relax. Turkey has over 1000 thermal springs, and most of them are in and around the Mamara and Aegean regions. People flock to enjoy the many resorts built around the springs that are said to heal many illnesses.

11. Mar, 2009

Car Hire Switzerland – Drive From Geneva to Martingny

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.

03. Mar, 2009

Visit El Escorial – Hire a Car in Madrid

el escorial

Car Hire Spain – Visit El Escorial from Madrid

Europe Autos has already covered various car hire holidays in Spain – including car hire in Barcelona and to the Terra Miticac theme park in Benidorm.  Here we offer a suggestion for a driving trip from the capital Madrid to El Escorial

Driving from Madrid to visit El Escorial

The Spanish capital, Madrid, is a popular tourist destination and is a great place to visit. There are plenty of attractions in the city, including monuments such as the Palacio Real (Royal Palace of Madrid), museums, art galleries, theatres and sports venues. However, if you hire a car during your holiday, you can visit some of the attractions outside of Madrid, such as the World Heritage Site of San Lorenzo del Escorial, which is also known simply as El Escorial.

Car Hire Madrid

If you want to take a driving holiday in Spain, you can arrange to rent a car online. Online car rental specialists have offices throughout Europe, including offices in Madrid and other cities and offer good deals on car hire at spanish airports.

Getting to El Escorial from Madrid

It’s easy to get from Madrid to El Escorial if you book a rental car and it will only take you about 45 minutes to drive there. Simply leave Madrid on the A-6. Leave the A-6 at exit 47 and then take the third exit at the roundabout to get onto the M-600. This will take you to El Escorial.

Visiting El Escorial Monastery

El Escorial’s main attraction is its monastery (Monasterio de El Escorial), which was constructed for King Philip II of Spain, as he wished to offer thanks to God for his victory over the French at the Battle of St. Quentin (1557). The initial architect of El Escorial monastery was Juan Bautista de Toledo but the project was later taken over by Juan de Herrera. The monastery was finally completed in 1584.

The monastery is huge but not all of it is open to the public, as it is still in use. You can, however, take a self-guided tour or a guided tour in order to see some of the highlights, which include:
•    The Library – Located on the second floor, the monastery’s library contains more than 40,000 books dating from the 5th century to the 18th century. These are, unusually, placed on the shelves with the spines towards the wall, in order to allow the pages of the books to air. There are also glass cases in the room which house some of the library’s most valuable manuscripts. The ceiling of the library is decorated with frescoes by Pellegrino Tibaldi (1527-1596).
•    The Basilica – Constructed in the shape of a Greek Cross, the basilica has 45 chapels. The 30m high altar is flanked by bronze statues of King Philip II of Spain and Emperor Charles V, together with statues of other members of the royal family. There are also paintings by artists such as Navarette, Coello and Urbina, and frescoes by Cambiasso and Giordano.
•    The Royal Pantheon – Located under the Basilica’s Royal Chapel, the Royal Pantheon has been the burial place for almost all of Spain’s monarchs since it was constructed and also contains the remains of Emperor Charles I (who was also King Charles I of Spain).
•    The Museum of Painting – The museum’s collection includes works by Titian, Tintoretto, El Greco, Veronese and Giordano.

You can also visit the monastery’s Museum of Architecture, La Casita del Infante (a villa in the grounds which was constructed between 1771 and 1773) and La Casita del Príncipe (constructed in 1772).