Like many people, you have basically stayed at home for years waiting for the COVID pandemic to die down, and then you waited a bit more for gas prices to drop, the airlines to start functioning normally again, and the weather to get a bit better. Now, you are poised and ready to set off on your dream trip, only to find out that rental cars are either unavailable or cost a small fortune to obtain. Do not worry, you can still go on your trip. Here are five suggestions for overcoming the challenges of obtaining an affordable rental car.
1. Ridesharing and taxis
One option is to rely on services such as Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxis to get around. In major urban centers, rides are easy to obtain and will generally cost far less than renting a car. As a bonus, you do not have to worry about parking. Parking costs can really add up in some parts of the world. You do need to make sure that rides are available at your destination; rural areas tend to be devoid of both taxis and ride-sharing services. However, most urban centers have an abundance of rides for hire available.
2. Take public transit
The option of using public transit depends on your destination. Many cities have excellent public transportation systems, including subways, trains, trolleys, and buses, which can take you to wherever you want to go. Unfortunately, rural areas and even some major cities in the US have limited public transportation systems. Confirm your destination has a viable public transit system before setting off.
3. Ship your own car
Car shipping is definitely an option. There are many companies that will ship your own personal car to your vacation destination. You can relax on your flight knowing that your car will show up at your hotel the next morning, and after a delicious breakfast, you can set out on your adventures. You will not have to try to figure out the controls in an unfamiliar car, either. Although car shipping used to be significantly more expensive than renting a car at your destination, in today’s world, this is no longer the case.
4. Hourly car, bike, or scooter rental
Many cities offer ride-share services where you can pick up a car, an e-bike, or an e-scooter whenever and wherever you want, take it to where you want to go, and then just leave it while you go on your way. This option can work really well when combined with public transportation. Namely, you take the subway to get close to your destination and then grab an e-bike to cover the remaining distance to the restaurant or museum. You just have to download the app and follow its directions to find, pay for, and drop off your vehicle.
5. Take a planned tour instead
Instead of planning to drive yourself around at your vacation destination, consider booking with a tour service that will provide a bus for group transport. This can be a fun, relaxing way to meet new friends and see new places. One such option could be the bus charter services Singapore offers, which are known for their reliability and comfort.
Do not let the problems with the car rental industry get you down. You can take your dream vacation without draining your savings on a rental car. There are many different options available.
