Car Rentals

Wherever your travels may lead you, one of the most flexible, and affordable ways to get around is with the convenience of a rent a car. The major car rental agencies include Budget, Enterprise, Advantage, Thrifty, Payless, Avis, Dollar, Hertz, National, and Europcar. Booking through one of these companies can assure piece of mind from well-earned reputations, and repeat bookings often earn loyalty points good for discounts or points towards free rental cars.

Here is a rundown of what to expect from the popular rental car companies. Budget Car Rental has the largest selection of specialty cars in the industry, with over three thousand locations worldwide. Enterprise Rent A Car is a world-class organization with homegrown roots, repeatedly recognized as highest in customer satisfaction. Advantage Rent A Car is one of America’s fastest growing car rental companies, providing new, low mileage car rentals, and also offering discount rates on one-way rentals throughout their network. Thrifty Car Rental is one of the largest car rental companies currently in operation, and is also one of the most widely recognized brands in the world, with more than 1,028 locations in 68 countries. Payless Car Rental has over 80 locations in the US and over 180 locations worldwide, focusing on providing customers with great deals on all of their rental cars and geared toward the budget traveler. Avis Rent A Car has over 4,400 branch offices worldwide, and is one of the world's top brands for customer loyalty, thanks to their corporate motto "We Try Harder." Dollar Rent A Car operates over 647 locations in 53 countries, aiming to provide a combination of the best customer service at the most competitive prices possible. Hertz Car Rental is the largest general-use car rental company in the world, with 1,900 locations in the United States and 5,100 offices worldwide in 65 countries, offering exclusive options like the environmentally-friendly Green Collection and Neverlost satellite navigation systems. National Car Rental is one of the nation's largest rental car companies serving the most popular domestic and international travel destinations with 3000 locations worldwide. Europcar is an international brand best recognized in European economies, operating in 2,825 locations in 143 different countries.

At most airports and popular travel destinations throughout North America, Europe, and the Caribbean, many or most of rent a car brands will likely be available. For off the beaten path travel, especially in less developed areas like the Middle East or Africa, make sure to check your options before you set out. To ensure the smoothest trip, it is always helpful to familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs of the places you will be visiting. The agent at your car rental agency is often a helpful source for general information. Plan your itinerary ahead of time to prepare for whatever terrain you might encounter (such as steep snowy mountains in Europe, rocky dirt roads in South America, or scorching desert in Australia) and choose the best vehicle model and insurance for your trip. If you are traveling throughout North America or the Caribbean, your current driver’s license should be sufficient, but in other countries a local license (available for purchase at the rental agency) or an International Driver’s License may be required. If you want to take your car across state or national borders, be sure this is permitted by the agency first (taking US car rentals to Mexico for example is not permitted), and check to see if any additional fees or requirements apply.