usrentacar.co.uk ® Car Hire USA Blog

Hi all,

I’ve been having a look through the data collected from all our customers who have picked up USA Car Hire from us in 2011 and come up with a few….. ummm… interesting is the wrong word… ummm… random facts perhaps?

What’s in a name?

Now looking at the data, we can see that most lead driver’s are male and although usrentacar.co.uk is a global brand we note that the top 3 first names are

1. Paul
2. David (includes variants)
3. Robert (includes variants)

How?

From our data we can also see that more male’s take advantage of our website than females to make their car hire bookings.

On the other hand more females take advantage of booking via our call centre than males.

What’s in a number?

We attract more 18-24 y/o than we do 44-54 y/o but we attract more 55-64 y/o than we do the youngsters however our biggest age group is the 25-34 y/o market.

1. 25-34
2. 55-64
3. 18-24
4. 44-54

What’s in a vehicle?

I’ve already posted this information previously but the most popular vehicles rented this year were;

1. Intermediate Sports Utility – Ford Escape or similar
2. 7 Seater Minivan – Dodge Caravanor similar
3. Convertible 2dr – Ford Mustang or similar

Where you live?

1. United Kingdom
2. USA
3. Italy

within the UK

1. London
2. Glasgow
3. Edinburgh

Conclusion

So if you’re a male, your name is Paul, you’re aged 25-34, you live in London and you are looking to hire an Intermediate Sports Utility then….. it looks like you’ll be booking with us

Kind regards,

James

Hi all,

Following on from yesterdays most popular vehicles of 2011 I thought I’d divulge the top 10 Car Hire USA pick up locations for 2011.

Now the list will be prodominatley Florida heavy due to the amount of UK visitors the U.S. state receives however its good to see from non-Florida pick ups creep in this year.

Top 10 Car Hire USA Pick up Locations 2011

1. Orlando International Airport (MCO)
2. Sanford International Airport (SFB)
3. Miami International Airport (MIA)
4. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
5. Tampa International Airport (TPA)
6. Las Vegas International Airport (LAS)
7. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
8. Denver International Airport (DEN)
9. Phoenix International Airport (PHX)
10. Fort Myers International Airport (RSW)

Orlando International Airport continues to dominate for us Brits, but when you look past the top 10 some of our customers are looking to hire in some truly niche locations like Wilmington, Delaware and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Where would you most like to collect from?

regards,

James

Hi all,

On Sunday I drove myself and the family up to Birmingham to visit the inlaws (don’t judge me), now the drive is only 3 hours but to my children it seemed like at least 10!

To pass the time we tried a few car games to keep them entertained and they seemed to work. The U.S. is such a huge place driving to theme parks and attractions are usually a minimum of 20 mins and if you’re on a road trip even longer.

Here are a few games you could try in conjunction with your USA car hire.

The Licence Plate Game

There are two ways to play this, the first one is very much suited to the U.S. Basically the idea is to spot a licence plate registered to every state in America, first to do it, or gets the most is the winner.

The second game evolves around making words out of licence plates incorporating the letters on the plate, the longer the word the more points you score.

The A-Z Game

This game requires the players to know their alphabet and is probably only suited to day time play. Players take it in turns to work through the alphabet, A-Z  spotting various things outside of the car – so the first player must find a sign with a word beginning “A” and so forth. A winner is decided when their opposition cannot think of a word.

Yellow Car Game

Now this one is strictly down to parental discretion but one me and my brothers enjoyed playing when we were young, but one my own children are banned from playing due to over eagerness.

However the idea of the game is simple, if you see a yellow car you punch your opponent on the arm stating “yellow car”. An incorrect punch earns the puncher a double punch. Punching hard enough to make some one cry is strictly forbidden.

Ghost

Players take turns at saying letters. If you say a letter which completes a word, or which means the letters can no longer be used as a word, you lose, so that play might proceed thus: “A”… “P”… “P”… “L”… “E”… The player saying “E” will lose here, having completed a word. An alternative might have been “I” which would leave the other players having to work towards “application”. The game is clearly named for its passing similarity to an Ouija board.

Guess the intro

In my day this was harder to play as we only had a cassette sterio, now a day the use of MP3 players makes this game a lot quicker.

This is how it works, the games master (usually the passenger in the front) play’s a few seconds of a given song’s intro, players then “buzz” in and guess the intro. Points are awarded for guessing correctly and subtracted for incorrect guesses.

I hope these games can help you pass the time. Are there any games I’ve missed or you could share?

regards,

James,

Hi all,

Interesting statistics provided by Hitwise displaying the top 50 UK flight searches between May and July 2011.

The report shows market share and previous positions. U.S. hotspot, New York topped the report for the 3rd quarter running.

Below is the top 10 USA locations via search

1. New York (actual position within the top 50 – #1)
2. Orlando (actual position within the top 50 – #6)
3. Las Vegas (actual position within the top 50 – #11)
4. Los Angeles (actual position within the top 50 – #29)
5. Miami (actual position within the top 50 – #43)
6. Chicago (actual position within the top 50 – #49)

I’m surprised that Tampa and San Francisco didn’t feature within the top 50, and with BA offering new routes in to San Diego I’m surprised it didn’t get a mention, perhaps next year when  the service is more recognisable.

Which is your favourite U.S. destination?

regards,

James,

usrentacar.co.uk

Hi all,

They may not be as popular as google, but over at Bing they do like to innovate. I was searching for some detailed airport maps for the USA and came across these excellent images.

Hi all,

Petrol prices in the USA look set to reach a 2011 high this month as refinery issues continue to have an impact on the market. with the Midwest and West Coast being the hardest hit.

At present suppliers are using summer fuel, which is still required to be used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Summer fuel is in high demand but supply is short, which in turn is keeping pricing high.

Fuel prices will continue to rise in the short term until petrol/gas stations are able to decrease prices on the summer fuel in order to make the winter supply, prices then should begin to decrease.

Will you be more likely to pre-pay your fuel via our gold rate in September?

Kind regards,

James

Hi all,

Interesting story on mashable following up on a story we reported on back in October last year regarding Google’s attempt to introduce self driving vehicles.

Well it looks like they are beginning to take the process one stage further by lobbying Nevada state for permission to allow autonomous vehicles on public roads!

Mashable writes

Google has created a line of self-driving hybrids, including six Toyota Priuses and an Audi TT. The vehicles have been tested on more than 140,000 miles of California roads, at least 1,000 of which were driven fully autonomously.

It is believed that Google, who have hired Las Vegas based lobbyist David Goldwater, will try to amend two state laws, firstly regarding texting while in control of  a motor vehicle  and secondly to allow the testing of self driving cars on public roads.

Google will site safety as its main feature for altering legislation.

regards

James

Hi all,

With smart phones on the rise and the popularity of such app’s as theusrentacar.co.uk voucher app I thought it might be handy to list some locations that offer free WiFi connection.

Hotels

Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld/International Center – Orlando, FL
11000 Westwood Blvd, (407) 313-3600 - Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld/International Center is a free wifi hotel / motel / resort located in Orlando FL.

Marriott Cypress Harbour – Orlando, FL
11251 Harbour Villa Rd, (407) 238-1300 - Marriott Cypress Harbour is a free wifi hotel / motel / resort located in Orlando FL.

Residence Inn Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Orlando, FL
11450 Marbella Palm Ct, (407) 465-0075 - Residence Inn Orlando Lake Buena Vista is a free wifi hotel / motel / resort located in Orlando FL.

Residence Inn Orlando East/UCF – Orlando, FL
11651 University Blvd, (407) 513-9000 - Residence Inn Orlando East/UCF is a free wifi hotel / motel / resort located in Orlando FL.

TownePlace Suites Orlando East/UCF – Orlando, FL
11801 High Tech Ave, (407) 243-6100 - Marriott’s mid-priced, extended-stay brand that provides all the conveniences of home in a residential atmosphere. Stay connected to friends, family and the office with free high-speed Internet. Take advantage of lower rates for long stays – exactly what you’ve always wanted from long term stay hotels. Cook dinner just the way you like it in your own full-sized kitchen.

La Quinta Inn & Suites Orlando UCF – Orlando, FL
11805 Research Pkwy, (407) 737-6075 - La Quinta Inn & Suites Orlando UCF is a free wifi hotel / motel / resort located in Orlando FL.

Courtyard Marriott Orlando East/UCF – Orlando, FL
12000 Collegiate Way, (407) 277-7676 - “As one of Marriott’s premier East Orlando locations, Courtyard by Marriott @ UCF surrounds travelers with the conveniences that make business and pleasure travel a breeze. Relax and get ready for the day ahead in one of our 123 spacious guest rooms with FREE high-speed Internet access available. While staying at our hotel, enjoy our reasonably priced all-you-can-eat breakfast, or relax in our …

Comfort Suites UCF/Research Park – Orlando, FL
12101 Challenger Pkwy, (407) 737-7303 - When you’re traveling for business or pleasure Comfort Suites gives you plenty of space to relax and regroup. Free high speed Internet access. Spread out in oversized rooms with separate areas for working, sleeping and relaxing. Free hot breakfast buffet featuring eggs, sausage or bacon, fresh fruit, toast, danish, juice and more.

Holiday Inn Ucf At University of Central Florida – Orlando, FL
12125 High Tech Ave - Located within walking distance of the University of Central Florida, our hotel offers guests convenient access to UCF, businesses and attractions around Orlando.

Floridays Orlando Resort – Orlando, FL
12562 International Dr, (407) 238-7700 - Floridays Orlando Resort is a free wifi hotel / motel / resort located in Orlando FL.

Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Lake Buena Vista – Orlando, FL
13351 State Rd 535, (877) 863-4780 - This resort is located at exit 68 off I-4 and has 507 spacious rooms. KidSuites sleep 2-4 kids. All accommodations include a refrigerator, microwave and coffee/tea maker.
The resort offers family entertainment in the Castle Movie Theatre where family movies are played continuously throughout the day.

Radisson University a First Class Hotel – Orlando, FL
1724 N Alafaya Trl, (407) 658-9008 - Radisson University a First Class Hotel is a free wifi hotel / motel / resort located in Orlando FL.

Courtyard Marriott Orlando Altamonte Springs/Maitland – Orlando, FL
1750 Pembrook Dr, (407) 659-9100 - “Located in the heart of Maitland, the Courtyard by Marriott offers an excellent location convenient to area businesses, Downtown Orlando, and I-4. Our hotel offers transportation to area businesses, restaurant and shops Monday-Friday from 7:00am to 10:00pm. Enjoy our delicious breakfast buffet for only $8.95 in the morning and our room service in the evening provided by Sam Snead’s Tavern.

Holiday Inn Select – Orlando, FL
1853 McCoy Rd, (407) 851-6400 - Holiday Inn Select is a free wifi hotel / motel / resort located in Orlando FL.

Hilton Garden Inn Orlando East/UCF – Orlando, FL
1959 N Alafaya Trl, (407) 992-5000 - Hilton Garden Inn Orlando East/UCF is a free wifi hotel / motel / resort located in Orlando FL.

Best Western Orlando West – Orlando, FL
2014 W Colonial Dr, (407) 841-8600 - Best Western Orlando West is a free wifi hotel / motel / resort located in Orlando FL.

Comfort Suites Downtown – Orlando, FL
2416 N Orange Ave, (407) 228-4007 - When you’re traveling for business or pleasure Comfort Suites gives you plenty of space to relax and regroup. Free high speed Internet access. Spread out in oversized rooms with separate areas for working, sleeping and relaxing. Free hot breakfast buffet featuring eggs, sausage or bacon, fresh fruit, toast, danish, juice and more.

Omni Hotel – Orlando, FL
293 Masters Blvd, (407) 390-6664 - “As a member of our Select Guest program, you will receive free high-speed access throughout the hotel, and wireless Internet access your guest room. If you are not a Select Guest member, sign up is free. if you are not a Select Guest member, you can still stay connected while in your guest room with our Internet access for a nominal $9.95 per day plus tax.”

Homewood Suites Orlando-UCF Area – Orlando, FL
3028 N Alafaya Trl, (407) 282-0067 - For your next extended stay, Homewood Suites by Hilton Hotels. Large and comfortable suites for long term hotel stays and temporary housing needs with kitchen, work area, free internet and more.

Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando-East-Univ – Orlando, FL
3450 Quadrangle Blvd, (407) 282-0029 - If you’re looking for a comfortable Orlando hotel while you’re here on business or that well-deserved vacation, look no further than the Hampton Inn & Suites® Orlando-East/Univ. of Central Fla. Area hotel. We’re conveniently located on the east side of Orlando, two blocks from the University of Central Florida and within walking distance of many great shops and restaurants.

Orlando Marriott Downtown – Orlando, FL
400 W Livingston St, (407) 843-6664 - Orlando Marriott Downtown is a free wifi hotel / motel / resort located in Orlando FL.

JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes – Orlando, FL
4040 Central Florida Pkwy, (407) 206-2300 - JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes is a free wifi hotel / motel / resort located in Orlando FL.

Fast Food

McDonald’s – Orlando, FL
10026 Curry Ford Rd, (407) 382-5720 - McDonald’s restaurants are one of the easiest spots to find free WiFi, with over 11,000 McDonald’s free wifi hotspots. Free means free, you do not need to make a purchase to get connected at participating McDonald’s.

McDonald’s – Orlando, FL
11250 E Colonial Dr, (407) 273-3413 - McDonald’s restaurants are one of the easiest spots to find free WiFi, with over 11,000 McDonald’s free wifi hotspots. Free means free, you do not need to make a purchase to get connected at participating McDonald’s.

McDonald’s – Orlando, FL
11382 US Hwy 441, (407) 240-7594 - McDonald’s restaurants are one of the easiest spots to find free WiFi, with over 11,000 McDonald’s free wifi hotspots. Free means free, you do not need to make a purchase to get connected at participating McDonald’s.

McDonald’s – Orlando, FL
12300 Lake Underhill Rd, (407) 382-4490 - McDonald’s restaurants are one of the easiest spots to find free WiFi, with over 11,000 McDonald’s free wifi hotspots. Free means free, you do not need to make a purchase to get connected at participating McDonald’s.

McDonald’s – Orlando, FL
12305 University Blvd, (407) 658-0579 - McDonald’s restaurants are one of the easiest spots to find free WiFi, with over 11,000 McDonald’s free wifi hotspots. Free means free, you do not need to make a purchase to get connected at participating McDonald’s.

McDonald’s – Orlando, FL
1411 S Hiawassee Rd, (407) 298-9366 - McDonald’s restaurants are one of the easiest spots to find free WiFi, with over 11,000 McDonald’s free wifi hotspots. Free means free, you do not need to make a purchase to get connected at participating McDonald’s.

McDonald’s – Orlando, FL
16920 E Colonial, (407) 568-5085 - McDonald’s restaurants are one of the easiest spots to find free WiFi, with over 11,000 McDonald’s free wifi hotspots. Free means free, you do not need to make a purchase to get connected at participating McDonald’s.

McDonald’s – Orlando, FL
2504 S Orange Ave, (407) 841-9472 - McDonald’s restaurants are one of the easiest spots to find free WiFi, with over 11,000 McDonald’s free wifi hotspots. Free means free, you do not need to make a purchase to get connected at participating McDonald’s.

McDonald’s – Orlando, FL
2944 S Kirkman Rd, (407) 296-6265 - McDonald’s restaurants are one of the easiest spots to find free WiFi, with over 11,000 McDonald’s free wifi hotspots. Free means free, you do not need to make a purchase to get connected at participating McDonald’s.

McDonald’s – Orlando, FL
3005 W Colonial Dr, (407) 294-7120 - McDonald’s restaurants are one of the easiest spots to find free WiFi, with over 11,000 McDonald’s free wifi hotspots. Free means free, you do not need to make a purchase to get connected at participating McDonald’s.

McDonald’s – Orlando, FL
3713 Mc Coy Rd, (407) 859-0431 - McDonald’s restaurants are one of the easiest spots to find free WiFi, with over 11,000 McDonald’s free wifi hotspots. Free means free, you do not need to make a purchase to get connected at participating McDonald’s.

McDonald’s – Orlando, FL
3800 Lb McLeod Rd, (407) 426-9898 - McDonald’s restaurants are one of the easiest spots to find free WiFi, with over 11,000 McDonald’s free wifi hotspots. Free means free, you do not need to make a purchase to get connected at participating McDonald’s.

McDonald’s – Orlando, FL
4004 Lake Underhill Rd, (407) 841-9472 - McDonald’s is the world’s largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants. McDonald’s primarily sells hamburgers (Big Mac), cheeseburgers, chicken products, french fries, breakfast items, milkshakes and some healthier alternatives such as salads and wraps.

McDonald’s – Orlando, FL
401 S Avalon Park Blvd, (407) 382-6133 - McDonald’s restaurants are one of the easiest spots to find free WiFi, with over 11,000 McDonald’s free wifi hotspots. Free means free, you do not need to make a purchase to get connected at participating McDonald’s.

McDonald’s – Orlando, FL
4075 Millenia Blvd, (407) 226-1622 - McDonald’s restaurants are one of the easiest spots to find free WiFi, with over 11,000 McDonald’s free wifi hotspots. Free means free, you do not need to make a purchase to get connected at participating McDonald’s.

Subway – Orlando, FL
4851 New Broad St, (407) 897-8600 - Subway is an American fast food franchise that primarily sells submarine sandwiches (subs), salads, and personal pizzas. The 2009 Zagat Fast-Food Survey rated Subway as the best provider of “Healthy Options” in the Mega Chain category. Subway was also first in the “Best Service” and “Most Popular” categories.

McDonald’s – Orlando, FL
5107 S John Young Pkwy, (407) 851-5699 - McDonald’s restaurants are one of the easiest spots to find free WiFi, with over 11,000 McDonald’s free wifi hotspots. Free means free, you do not need to make a purchase to get connected at participating McDonald’s.

McDonald’s – Orlando, FL
5218 Silver Star Rd, (407) 298-5950 - McDonald’s restaurants are one of the easiest spots to find free WiFi, with over 11,000 McDonald’s free wifi hotspots. Free means free, you do not need to make a purchase to get connected at participating McDonald’s.

McDonald’s – Orlando, FL
5400 Kirkman Rd, (407) 352-1528 - McDonald’s restaurants are one of the easiest spots to find free WiFi, with over 11,000 McDonald’s free wifi hotspots. Free means free, you do not need to make a purchase to get connected at participating McDonald’s.

Disney

Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex offers FREE Wi-Fi. You usually have to pay admission to get into the complex, but the Official All-Star Cafe and some other areas near the main entrance (such as the gift shops) do have coverage and can be accessed without buying admission.

If you can think of any others please feel free to add by commenting below.

regards,

James

Hi all,

Been sent some great information from one of our readers regarding language used in U.S. diners by waitresses and kitchen staff. Although its not strictly Car Hire USA related, I thought it was interesting… I could be wrong

Diner Dictionary

Adam’s Ale - Water.

B & B - Bread and Butter.

Black and White – Chocolate soda and vanilla ice cream.

Boiled Leaves – Tea.

Cremate it – Toast it.

Cow Paste – Butter.

Hen Fruit – Egg.

Hot One – Chilli.

House Boat – Banana Spilt.

Flop Two – Flip two eggs.

Let The Sunshine In – Unbroken egg.

Lighthouse – Bottle of Tomato sauce.

Over Easy/Easy Over – Fried eggs turned.

Pitch Till You Win – All you can eat.

Shivering Eve – Apple juice.

Sun Kiss – Orange juice.

Sweep The Kitchen – Hash browns.

Vermont – Maple syrup.

Wax – America cheese.

Yellow Paint – Mustard.

So if you hear “flop two with lighthouse” don’t fear, you’re not going to have to eat a structure designed to emit light but just eggs with tomato sauce!!!

Have you heard any others we could add to the list?

regards,

James

Hi all,

To celebrate our recent deal to offer our customers Discovery Cove Tickets I thought I’d list some useful information regarding this amazing experience provided by our friends at SeaWorld.

About Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive tropical getaway and the only place to experience the most exciting animal encounters the world has to offer. Swim with dolphins and feel the mysterious, inspiring connection that draws you in and holds you captivated. Don a mask and snorkel in the Tropical Reef, a breathtaking underwater world teeming with thousands of exotic tropical fish and graceful rays. Take time to enjoy the songs and vibrant colors of birds from all over the world in the Explorer’s Aviary.

Discovery Cove Insider Tips

• If you are planning on visiting Discovery Cove during the summer or near a holiday, you should book your reservation at least one month prior to your intended visit to ensure availability as these timeframes tend to book early.
• Discovery Cove provides all guests with swim vests and/or wetsuits, a mask and snorkel, towels and beach chairs. Discovery Cove will also provide guests with a sample of specially formulated sunscreen that is safe for use in the animal habitats.
• Guests should bring their own swimsuits, and, if they choose, water socks or rubber pool shoes, hat, sunglasses and cover-up or dry clothes.
• Discovery Cove guests may not wear jewelry, for the safety of the animals.
• Discovery Cove provides complimentary transportation to and from SeaWorld Orlando on the day of the Discovery Cove visit. We also provide complimentary transportation to Busch Gardens Tampa for guests whose Discovery Cove package includes admission to Busch Gardens.

Water Temperature

The temperature of our pools remains constant throughout the year. The fresh water Serenity Bay and Wind-away River are maintained around 86 F (30 C). The salt water dolphin pools, and Tropical Reef are 77 F (25 C).

Discovery Cove Review

Mr J Williamson, UK.

Discovery cove is such a beautiful, tropcial oasis in the middle of orlando. It is such a relaxing break from the normal theme parks. I know it seems expensive for a day out but when you consider everything thats included its really worth the money. The food provided is very good too, with a wide range of variety. The dolphins are beautiful and sop gentle. The whole experience will forever be etched in my memory. I would highly recommend discovery cove to everyone.

What are your experiences of Discovery Cove?

Remember you can now book your Discovery Cove adventure with usrentacar.co.uk by calling us on 0845 226 8523.

Regards

James