Driving A Rental Car May Save Your Next Vacation

The family vacation is a luxury few enjoy cutting from the budget. It is an annual event that carries the same special vibe that comes with Christmas. The high cost of fueling anything makes air travel an impossible dream for many. Some families decide that even a road trip is too costly. The fuel alone wouldn't be so bad; the tune-up, brake job, new tires, and alignment are what break the bank. The cost of gasoline is just the salt in the wound. An economic rental car may provide the solution.

The Disadvantages of Using the Family Vehicle

Driving down the highway is the easiest work that an automobile does. However, constant use throughout the day wears on a vehicle. Usually, the car goes to work, and sits there until the end of the day; a vacation-vehicle runs most of the day, resting only for brief visits at tourist attractions. Maintenance costs add up due to:

-Cooped up children.

-Food.

-Excessive mileage on the tires.

Cooped Up Children

Children who are forced to remain still all day in a confined space tend to get restless; parents do everything in their power to keep them entertained. The conditions are perfect for kids to argue with each other; spills create stains on the upholstery. When the kids get tired of the video games and movies they brought, they turn their attention to bothering each other. The more they attempt to drive each other insane, the better the chances are that they spill some pink colored drink on the seats.

Food

Older kids do not act as silly as do younger ones. However, on a road trip, people need to eat. The more the family eats in the car, the easier it is to stain the carpet and seat covers. Usually vacationers start with finger-foods, but when travelling great distances, sooner or later, they want something more satisfying. Hamburgers and fries lead to grease stains.

Excessive wear on Tires

Although highway miles are the easiest miles for an engine, tires wear out from carrying vehicles down the road. The life of a tire is measured in miles. Why not leave the family car, and its tread at home?

The Advantages of Using a Rental

The rental car company is responsible for maintenance. Researching fuel mileage and other features, vacationers pick a car they like, and go. What could be simpler? Most companies offer insurance at very reasonable rates. The peace of mind is worth the price.

Returning the automobile is a simple matter. Fill up the fuel tank, go through a car wash, and vacuum the interior. Fueling up is not usually required, but most rental companies charge more for gasoline than do gas stations.

Other Ways to Save

Prepare a cooler with some healthy snacks. Take sandwich fillers. Offering your child a peanut butter sandwich is easier than telling him "no" when he asks for an overpriced snack at every gas station.

Go online to plan hotel stays. Find a place that offers a kitchenette in the room. Go to the local grocery store and stock up on some basics. It is a simple matter to find a hotel that includes breakfast as well. The occasional restaurant meal weighs less on the budget than does having to eat out every time the family gets hungry. An indoor pool at the hotel provides hours of entertainment for the kids, at no extra charge. Do not cancel the family vacation; rent a car to avoid many pre-trip expenses, and plan ahead.

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com

How to Advice .com