The invention of the automobile is perhaps the single most important invention of man. You can learn from history that the first car produced by Ford was clanky, noisy and dangerous, but soon when it got better, people began travelling in convenience and style. It’s difficult to imagine how life could have been without cars and vehicles. Now, suppose the automobile has brought humanity unparalleled comfort and speed. In that case, there shouldn’t be any reason why you couldn’t take advantage of this comfort when vacationing in another city or a foreign country.
Perhaps you have struggled with this dilemma – should I or should I not rent a car? Learning about the perks of renting a car for vacation could help you decide.
But first, consider why people, in general, consider owning and driving a car than taking the public commute:
Independence and self-reliance
A car allows you to enjoy convenience and independence. If you haven’t invested in an automobile, you will rely on friends and family driving you around, which can be very limiting. Life without personal transportation can be frustrating. You could not make plans or simply go to a place whenever you should or feel like it.
When owning a car, you are on the go whenever you like, wherever and for how long you want to.
Time
Imagine taking public transport when rushing to work or taking your children to school; there just wouldn’t be enough time to do it. Just thinking about it can stress you out. You would have to constantly watch the time so that you do not miss the bus. And when you do catch the bus, you are not in control of how many stops it makes along the way or how fast it could get to your destination.
If you own a car, things could be a lot easier as you control what time you leave, what route you take and how fast you go.
Transporting a load
Nothing can be more frustrating than carrying heavy bags on foot or on a bus. When coming home from the airport, picking up supplies or after shopping, having a car and taking the bus means a world of difference. Cars come with a trunk that provides sufficient space to transport plenty of shopping and heavy materials easily. Carrying them and taking them home will not be a problem at all.
Driving with friends
A car can accommodate 2 or 3 friends, while larger vehicles have enough room to seat approximately 6 or 8 people. Therefore, traveling with a large group of friends or an extended family will no longer be a problem. Nothing is more fun than going on road trips with friends and family. These are unforgettable moments you will never have if you didn’t have a car.
Safety
There shouldn’t be any debate on this – cars are much safer than public transport. Modern automobiles now come equipped with numerous safety features, including airbags, adaptive cruise control, collision detection, lane departure warnings, tire pressure, safety belts and blind-spot monitoring, and brake assist. Not to mention cars are now run by computers and are intelligent pieces of machinery.
You can think and deduce so many fun, convenient and practical reasons why you should invest in buying your own car. There’s just no substitute. The same is true when on holiday, perhaps even more so.
About Renting a Car for Vacation
More and more travellers around the world prefer getting car rentals when on holiday, particularly in the 21st century. Wherever you go in the world, almost always, you will bump into a car rental company inside any major airport not far from the arrival terminal, just outside the exit door or a short bus ride away. You can also always book a car online so that a vehicle awaits you when you arrive. For example, Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport has several major car rental companies you can choose from, including Budget, Sixt, Hertz and Europcar. You can book directly from their respective websites or at Rentalcars.com.
When you arrive in a foreign country, things are done in different ways from what you are used to. Hiring a car can be confusing, so it is good to book everything online and ask for some tips on how it is actually done. Ask about discounts, hidden fuel charges, full-to-full fuel policy, the best car size, pick-up location and so on. Book your car as far in advance as possible to secure the car you want – at a good price.
At Schiphol Airport, some pick-up counters are located at the airport’s car rental centre. You can also negotiate the pick-up location depending on which car hire company you rent with.
Booking a car with a company based off-site, requiring you to take the shuttle bus, can be cheaper. Just keep in mind that the roads around Schiphol Airport can get very busy during rush hour and confusing if you’re driving here for the first time. The airport is located just off the E19, which will take you to the A10 ring road around the city.
Perks of Renting a Car For a Vacation
Save money
If you haven’t tried renting a car before, it is almost certain that you think it is expensive. Getting the bus, train or taxi has become the preferred choice of many, without even considering how much money can be saved from car rentals. This may be true in most cases, especially during the peak holiday season, but with proper research and preparation, you might be surprised how much money you can save when hiring a car. Discounts are normally offered when booking in advance.
Also, if you have planned to hire a car when on vacation, you can factor in a fixed amount on your budget. Unlike a train or bus, a vehicle for your private and personal use won’t have any unexpected turns or stops that could mean additional costs. And, of course, unlike a cab, a rental car’s rate is fixed and final after negotiations.
A rental car is also much less expensive than taking a plane ride if your destination is not too far away or didn’t need to cross the ocean. When going on a long-drive vacation, renting a car could be a great way to save money on airline tickets. It is also more comfortable. When you rent a car from a reliable car rental company, you can expect better fuel mileage and save money on your holiday.
Freedom to explore
Renting a car on holiday means freedom to explore more areas, even those you may not have originally planned. You can be spontaneous, discover untapped gems, and escape all the usual tourist traps. You can also be free and go on a whim, away from the hustle and bustle of cities and resorts.
It also is best when travelling with buddies who are up for adventure and discovery. When driving around the Netherlands, for instance, the inner city will take you to major destination points only. However, you should know that there are so many Dutch cities, villages, small towns, and islands to discover off the beaten track. The Netherlands has much more to offer than just Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague.
Blend in
These days, as science and technology have taken leaps and bounds, sadly, so have scammers, conmen, and street hustlers. It is so easy to spot first-time tourists, which is why they often get ripped off while on holiday. And even if you don’t get conned, there’s always that feeling of being in danger walking on unfamiliar street corners and people speaking a foreign language.
You get rid of all these holiday stressors when you hire a car. You’ll be driving and cruising along, completely blending in. This can make you feel safer and much more like a local.
Have more control
One of the reasons people go on a holiday is to explore. This, however, does not happen in organised trips. Going on a packaged tour can be expensive and restrictive. You could end up rushing to keep up with the group and eventually not see and experience what you came for in the first place.
When you hire a car, you’re in charge of your holiday schedule and destination. You also won’t worry about catching a train or booking an Uber. In the end, you feel satisfied knowing that you were able to accomplish what you have set out to accomplish.
Be more comfortable
Finally, driving your car is always more comfortable and less stressful than taking public transport, especially if you’re new to the place. When you hire a car, you don’t need to worry about squeezing onto a packed bus, jumping on a train about to leave or being overcharged by the cab driver.
These are the obvious perks of renting a car for a vacation. Just the freedom and comfort are enough to convince you. If you plan well enough, you shouldn’t worry about the budget, and if you know your technology well (GPS, driving guides, etc.), you don’t have to worry about getting lost. In fact, for some travellers, getting lost is part of the adventure.
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