How To Plan A Car Hire USA Road Trip

Hi all,

Ever fancied doing a road trip in the U.S.? Yeah me too… here is usrentacar.co.uk ’s guide to planning the perfect car hire USA road trip.roadtrip

  1. Plan ahead. This is a road trip, and will involve some cost. However, you can make it as cheap or as expensive as you like, depending on accommodations, food, etc. Research the locations you are going to ahead of time you will be glad you did.
  2. Hire an appropriate vehicle you’re going to be spending a lot of time in this vehicle so make sure you pick something comfy and that can carry all your luggage.
  3. One Way Rental Costs remember to budget for the additional cost of picking up a vehicle in one location and dropping at another, Orlando to San Francisco for instance could add another $500 to your hire costs.
  4. Make a list of about 10-15 places you want to visit. It’s easier if you make the list so that you stop in places that connect. You will also get a keen feeling if you are being over ambitious or not, the USA is a big place and travelling does take up time.
  5. Decide exactly where you’re going to be and also how long you’re going to stay there. (i.e. Orlando, Florida 3days)
  6. Make sure you and your travel companions can all get time off – it sometimes helps to book a few extra days off at the end to recover, travelling is tiring.
  7. Go online to usrentacar and take advantage of our trip planning section 
  8. Accommodation shop around for hotel details and use sites like bargain villas for great rates on privately owned holiday homes.
  9. Hire A Sat Nav although part of the fun of a road trip is getting lost, America is a big place and having a Sat Nav is a nice safety blanket.
  10. Maps if you’re going to use maps, print a few copies off.

I’m sure I’ve probably forgotten something, if I have, please feel free to comment below.

For those of you starting a road trip, have fun and enjoy the experience.

Kind regards,

James

 car hire USA

Which Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV’s) Are Our Customers Collecting?

Hi all,

A couple of weeks ago I blogged about what vehicles were being collected by our customers, this blog proved to be very successful and led to a couple of requests. 

Today’s blog will fulfil one of those requests by showing what SUV’s (sport utility vehicles) our customers are collecting at the moment. Remember we are never able to guarantee make or model of our vehicles.

Mr C Mullarkey picked up a standard size sports utility vehicle with our supplier Budget Rent A Car from Miami Airport and got this

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep Grand Cherokee

 

Mr W Viant collected a 7 seater sports utility vehicle with our supplier Budget Rent A Car from Manhatten East 43rd Street and got this.

Ford Explorer 2010

Ford Explorer 2010

Mr L Neighbour picked up a 7 seater sports utility vehicle with our supplier Alamo Rent A Car from Orlando International Airport and got this.

Ford Expedition 2010

Ford Expedition 2010

Mr J Flanagan picked up an intermediate sports utility vehicle with our supplier Dollar Rent A Car from Phoenix International Airport and got this.

Ford Escape

Ford Escape

Mrs C Higgins picked up a standard sports utility vehicle with our supplier Budget Rent A Car from Sanford International Airport and got this.

Ford Edge

Ford Edge

Mr M Speak picked up a soft top sports utility vehicle with our supplier Alamo Rent A Car from Miami South Beach and got this.

Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler

Mr D Hannah picked up an  8 Seater sports utility vehicle with our supplier Budget Rent A Car from Orlando International Airport and got this.

Chevrolet Tahoe

Chevrolet Tahoe

Mr M Ali picked up a 7 seater sports utility vehicle with our supplier Alamo Rent A Car from Sanford Airport and got this.

Jeep Commander

Jeep Commander

Mr B Amor picked up an Intermediate sports utility vehicle with our supplier Alamo Rent A Car from Orlando International Airport and got this.

Jeep Liberty

Jeep Liberty

Mr P Brewin picked up an Intermediate sports utility vehicle with our supplier Alamo Rent A Car from Sanford International Airport and got this.

Jeep Patriot

Jeep Patriot

I hope you find this blog helpful.

Is there a category of vehicles you’d like me to look in to?

Have you hired recently and got something similar?

Regards,

James,

usrentacar.co.uk

 car hire USA

Online Promo Code – USR5 Valid Until 31/08/10

Hi all,

New Promotional Code For August

All new Florida bookings made in August 2010 for collection fromusrentacar today until the 31/03/2011 can take advantage of our new promo code

USR5 

the above promo code entitles the user to receive an additional £5 off your rental.

Please note the promo code is only available online and not via our call centre, it also cannot be added once a booking is made.

(please note: promo code added at the basket stage online)

Regards,

James,

U.S. Rent A Car.co.uk

 Florida car hire

One Way Rentals With U.S. Rent A Car.co.uk

owrHi all,

I thought for todays topic I would quickly cover One Way Rentals (OWR). A OWR is when you collect from one location but drop off in a different location. For example collect at Los Angeles Airport, California but return to Las Vegas Airport, Nevada.

Most OWR do incur an additional charge, based on mileage and sometimes car group. A typical scale of cost would be

Approximate Charges*

Distance Cost*
0 – 200 miles $50.00
201 – 500 miles $100.00
501 – 1000 miles $300.00
Over 1000 miles $500.00

 

Some of our suppliers also offer addtionalfree of charge special offer one way rentals, please see below for details.

 

Alamo Rent-A-Car

Free one way rentals within Florida.

Free one way rentals within California.

Free one way rentals between California and Nevada.

Budget Rent A Car

Free one way rentals within Florida.

Free one way rentals within California.

Free one way rentals within Texas.

Free one way rentals within Ohio.

Free one way rentals within North Carolina.

Free one way rentals within Virginia.

Dollar Car Rental

Free one way rentals within Florida.

Free one way rentals within California.

Free one way rentals between California and Nevada.

Free one way rentals between California and Arizona.

One way rentals are always on a request basis, which means our supplier has to agree to the one way. With some suppliers this can take up to 72 hours as both rental offices have to seperately agree.

Some popular one way rentals include.

Orlando to Miami

Los Angeles to Las Vegas

San Fransico to Las Vegas

New York to Orlando

New York to San Diego

Have you ever completed a one way rental?

What was your experience?

What vehicle did you hire and would you recommend it?

Regards,

James,

U.S. Rent A Car.co.uk

  

 car hire USA

USA Road Signs

U.S. road signs can be confusing below are a list of the most common sign’s you’ll come across while driving in the USA.

Interstate Route Marker

Interstate Route Marker

US Highway Marker

US Highway Marker

Give Way Sign

Give Way Sign

Cross Roads ahead

Cross Roads ahead

Hopsital

Hopsital

No Right Turns

No Right Turns

Right Turns Only

Right Turns Only

Left Turns Only

Left Turns Only

One Way Traffic

One Way Traffic

Road Narrows Ahead

Road Narrows Ahead

Pedestrian Crossing Ahead

Pedestrian Crossing Ahead

Are there any sign posts you’ve come across that you think may help others?

Search for Cheap Car Hire USA

Top 5 Car Hire Questions

Hi,

Below are the top 10 questions we are asked regarding Car Hire in the USA.question-mark

1)

Q: What do your rates include?

A: www.usrentacar.co.uk/whatsincluded.aspx

2)

Q: What documentation do I need to collect my hire car?

A: Upon collection of your vehicle the lead driver must produce our car rental Evoucher (proof of payment), a valid credit card in the lead driver’s name (for security deposit) and their full driving licence. You may also be asked to present your passport. Please note all additional drivers must also produce their driving licence.

Car rental voucher:
This is accepted by our car rental partner as proof of prepayment.<br><br>

A valid credit card:
This must have sufficient funds available to cover any required deposit.

Driving licence:
If you have a new style licence, then it is imperative both the credit card and paper parts are taken.

If any of the above are not produced the supplier may refuse the rental.

3)

Q: What is the difference between Fully Inclusive and Gold?

A: www.usrentacar.co.uk/whatsincluded.aspx

4)

Q: Can I do a One Way Rental and how much do they cost?

A: One way rentals are permitted on all vehicles the Economy 2 door and 4 Door will be more expensive than other vehicles. The costs for one way rentals vary but are always paid for locally, directly to the supplier. Please find below an approximate guide price.

Distance Cost

0 – 200 miles $50.00

201 – 500 miles $100.00

501 – 1000 miles $300.00

Over 1000 miles $500.00

Always look in our special offers section to see what deals we have on for one way rentals.

You can email or call in and we can check a more specific price with the suppliers themselve.

5)

Q: Can you I hire a Ford Mustang?

A: http://www.usrentacar.co.uk/ford_mustang_hire.aspx

These are just a small taster of the questions we get asked, for more answers please either call our reservation department on 0845 226 8523 or use our FAQ section

Regards,

James,

www.usrentacar.co.uk

 car hire USA

Our Survival Guide To Florida Car Hire

Hi all,

With peak season in full swing I thought I’d take this chance to blog about some hints and tips that can help you with your Florida Car Hire.

1) Fully Read Your Rental Agreement – I know you’re tired after a long trip and I know you just want to get to your villa/hotel/apartment, but I cannot stress enough how important it is to fully read and understand your rental agreement. The rental agreement is the legally binding contract between yourself and the car hire supplier (not usrentacar), any locally paid for extras will appear on this, once signed you are agreeing to these terms.

2) Pre-Book Your Car Hire – Purchasing your car hire upon arrival can double or even triple the prices we would charge you. Always pre-book your car hire.

3) Hire A Sat Nav – For some, you are in a new country, your driving on the wrong side of the road and you’ve just come off a long flight. Hiring a Sat Nav either through us (posted to you in the UK) or for collection at the car hire pick up location, will not only give you piece of mind but could save your marriage ;-)

4) Choice Products – Something to bear in mind is that Alamo Rent A Car and Dollar Rent A Car both operate a choice product, where you can select the vehicle you want, from the category of car you have pre-booked. This is an excellent way of assuring all your luggage fits.

5) Details – Please make sure you have packed your full driving license, your Car Hire voucher (collected here) and your credit card (alamo will now accept a Visa Debit Card) without these your supplier has ever right to refuse your hire and you will not receive a refund.

I hope these tips help, have I left anything off?

If so we’d love you to leave a comment below.

regards,

James,

U.S. Rent A Car.co.uk

Over 50 theme parks and attractions ideas in Florida

Adventure Landing – Jacksonville
Take the plunge into an exciting water park or play arcade games and ride go-karts.

 

Arabian Nights – Orlando
Sixty prized horses from around the world are joined by expert riders to entertain guests at this local dinner show attraction.

 

Atlantic Antique Mall & U. S. Military Museum Exhibit – Delray Beach
Delray Beach shops feature unique concept in antique marketing, plus one of the largest private collections of U.S. Military memorabilia.

 

Bok Sanctuary: Gardens, Belltower and Estate – Lake Wales
The historic Bok Tower is set amid beautiful gardens on Central Florida’s highest point in Lake Wales, Florida. The carillon tower is among the finest belltowers in the world and can be heard daily throughout the sanctuary.

 

Buccaneer Bay – Weeki Wachee
Take a refreshing dip in the cool crystal-clear waters of Weeki Wachee Spring or challenge the exciting flumes and waterslides.

 

Butterfly World – Fort Lauderdale
Stroll through a tropical rain forest while exotic butterflies fly overhead and all around you feeding on the blossoms near the path.

 

Caribbean GardensNaples
Wildlife zoo set amist tropical gardens featuring big cats, primate expedition cruises, safari canyon and an alligator bay.

 

Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba – Downtown Disney – Orlando
The Circus of the Sun brings shares its ‘Party’, La Nouba with Central Florida’s visitors.

 

Cypress Gardens Adventure ParkWinter Haven
Stroll through the gardens ablaze year round and enjoy action-packed ski shows or serene lake cruises and now there’s plenty of thrill rides too!

 

Daytona Lagoon
Daytona Lagoon is an adventure park in Daytona Beach, Florida that provides water play, go karts, laser tag, an arcade and much more!

 

DAYTONA 500 Experience
One-of-a-kind interactive motor sports attraction which offers plenty of hands-on experiences. It the official attraction of NASCAR and is a high-energy experience designed to appeal to all ages.

 

Dinosaur World
A review of the roadside attraction, Dinosaur World in Plant City, featuring life-size dinosaur replicas in a natural setting along with a museum and hands-on experiences.

 

Dinosaur World Photo Tour
The roadside attraction, Dinosaur World in Plant City, features life-size dinosaur replicas in a natural setting along with a museum and hands-on experiences.

 

Discovery Cove – Orlando
A day of adventure brings a lifetime of memories as you swim with the dolphins, snorkel through coral reefs, and glide among stingrays.

 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Orlando
Explore the unpredictable world of animals on safari, in a prehistoric world, and at stage shows as only Disney can do them!

 

Disney’s Magic KingdomOrlando
The Magic Kingdom, Disney World’s first theme park transports imaginations into worlds of fantasy, adventure and wonder.

 

Disney-MGM Studios – Orlando
It’s on with the show at Disney-MGM Studios where guests can enter the world of the glitz, glamour and excitement of show business.

 

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede – Orlando
Come hungry and ready for plenty of foot-stompin’ fun when you take in Dolly’s version of dinner theatre. There’s 32 horses and dozens of cast members to entertain while you eat a meal as big as the show!

 

Edison-Ford Winter Estates – Fort Myers
Experience the “time of their lives” in sunny Fort Myers. Tours include the winter homes of both Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, an artifact museum, and Edison’s laboratory.

 

Epcot – Orlando
An amazing array of attractions and live performances to put you in touch with the future and allow you to travel the world!

 

Fantasy of Flight – Lakeland
Fantasy of Flight is not just an aviation museum, it’s a hands-on experience with adventure biplane and balloon flights available for an additional charge.

 

Flamingo GardensDavie
An eco-experience showcasing lush gardens, a free-flight aviary, alligator lagoon and flamingo island.

 

Florida’s Gulfarium – Fort Walton Beach
Second oldest marine show aquarium in the world, featuring live performances with dolphins, sea lions, and a scuba diver.

 

Gatorland – Kissimmee
Fifty years of “great tales” has made this attraction the alligator capital of the world!

 

Green Meadows Farm – Kissimmee
An ideal country setting for the entire family to enjoy that includes live animals to touch and see along with pony rides, hayride and more!

 

Hemingway Home & Museum – Key West
This Spanish Colonial style house belonging to Ernest Hemingway boasts the first swimming pool built in Key West and is listed as a registered National Historic Landmark that is open daily for tours.

 

Holy Land Experience – Orlando
This Orlando theme park is a living Biblical history museum recreating in authentic detail the city of Jerusalem and its religious importance. It is a total sensory experience that is educational, historical, theatrical, inspirational, and evangelistic, blending sights, sounds, and tastes that transport guests 7,000 miles away and 3,000 years back in time. A wholesome Christian family experience.

 

Kennedy Space Center
Freelance travel writer Tony Conboy III says the sights and sounds are not much different, but a trip to Kennedy Space Center takes on new meaning since the Columbia tragedy. He offers an in-depth look at the complex, including how the Columbia crew is being remembered and what has been recently been added to give visitors a unique experience.

 

Lion Country Safari – Loxahatchee
World famous as “America’s first drive-through ‘cageless’ zoo”!

 

 

Lowry Park Zoo – Tampa
Take a walk on the wild side and explore Tampa’s best kept secret.

 

Miami Seaquarium – Miami
Get splashed by a killer whale and up close and personal with the manatees at South Florida’s premier family attraction!

 

Monkey Jungle – Miami
This primate “biopark” allows you to get an up-close view of natural habits via screen-protected path reviewed by About Miami Guide, Renee Chapple.

 

Parrot Jungle IslandMiami
One of Miami’s oldest and greatest attractions Parrot Jungle Island where the jungle comes alive!

 

Rapids Water ParkWest Palm Beach
Getting wet is half the fun. The other half is the splishing and splashing entry to this website giving you a preview of the fun you can experience in person.

 

Ringling Museums – Sarasota
The Ringling Museum of Art house John Ringling’s extensive art collection. His mansion, Ca da zan, has recently had its 32 rooms and 15 baths restored. The Museum of the Circus houses artifacts from the “Greatest Show on Earth.”

 

Sarasota Jungle GardensSarasota
A tropical adventure with lush gardens, tropical birds, and Florida’s wildest of wildlife – alligators!

 

Scott’s Corn Maze – Mt. Dora
Corn Maze at Scott’s Farm in Mt. Dora is open October 1 through November 30 each year. Tuesday through Friday are reserved for large groups of 20 or more. In addition to the corn maze, you can pack a lunch and enjoy picnic area, hayrides and farm tours.

 

SeaWorld Orlando – Orlando
The world’s premier marine adventure park with world-class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters.

 

Shell Factory – Fort Myers
This North Fort Myers landmark has the world’s largest collection of rare sea shells, sponges, coral, fossils and sea life specimens. Truly a unique Florida shopping experience with gifts from every exotic shore as well as wildlife exhibits, aquariums and alligators. Spend an hour or a day.

 

Shipwreck IslandPanama City Beach
Get “double parked” as you splash all day at the many water attractions and scream all night at the wildest amusement park.

 

Silver Springs – Ocala
Home of the world-famous glass-bottomed boats! This is where the first six “Tarzan” movies and more than 100 episodes of “Sea Hunt” were filmed.

 

Spook Hill – Lake Wales
The Legand of Spook Hill generated thousands of tourists to come to see this optical illusion that causes vehicles to seemingly coast uphill.

 

Sunken GardensSt. Petersburg
At this St. Petersburg landmark you’ll enjoy the lush tropical gardens along with tropical bird shows.

 

The Florida Aquarium – Tampa
Encounter the wonders of Florida sea life while visiting the Tampa Bay area.

 

Titanic The Expereince – Orlando
The World’s first permanent Titanic exhibit is located in Orlando. Recreations of actual rooms from the ship allow you to climb the staircase, stroll among costumed passengers, and view priceless artifacts and treasures.

 

Universal Studios Orlando
Universal Studios theme park was once only a one-day destination for visitors to Orlando. Now, Universal Orlando is a destination resort in its own right with two theme parks, an entertainment district and three luxury on-site hotels.

 

Wannado City – Sunrise/Fort Lauderdale
Wannado City at Sawgrass Mills in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a trend-setting new children’s attraction. It’s America’s first indoor role-playing theme park for kids offers entertaining lessons in real-life responsibility.

 

Water Mania – Kissimmee
Have a splashing good time on a variety of rides, slides and flumes.

 

Weeki Wachee Springs
Weeki Wachee Springs is the home to the famous underwater mermaid shows.

 

Wet’n Wild Orlando – Orlando
How do you keep tiny tots and testy teenagers happy on a hot day? Take them to Wet ‘n Wild Orlando! You’ll see why it is consistently voted one of America’s number one water parks!

 

Wild Waters – Silver Springs – Ocala
Soak up the sun or relax in the shade of the giant oaks. Of course there is plenty of wild, wooly and wonderful water play available.

 

World Golf Hall of Fame – St. Augustine
Through a combination of both traditional and interactive exhibit areas, the World Golf Hall of Fame educates and entertains while paying homage to the game’s greatest players and contributors. If you love golf, it’s worth the visit!

To book these and many more search Compare Attraction Tickets

Height Restrictions At Walt Disney World Florida

Wondering if you’re tall enough to ride Space Mountain?

Below are the height restrictions on rides at Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks.

Magic Kingdom  

Big Thunder Railroad 40″ minimum

Space Mountain 44″ minimum

Splash Mountain 40″ minimum

Stitch’s Great Escape 35″ minimum

Tomorrowland Speedway  52″ minimum to drive

The Barnstormer 35″ minimum

   

MGM Studios   

Rock N Roller Coaster   48″ minimum 

Star Tours  40″ minimum

Tower of Terror 40″ minimum

 

Epcot   

Body Wars 40″ minimum

Mission: SPACE 44″ minimum

Soarin’   40″ minimum

Test Track 40″ minimum

  

Animal Kingdom  

Dinosaur  40″ minimum

Kali River Rapids 38″ minimum

Primeval Whirl  48″ minimum

Expedition Everest 44″ minimum

   

Blizzard Beach  

Chair Lift  32″ minimum

Cross Country Creek adult supervision required

Downhill Double Dipper 48″ minimum  

Slush Gusher  48″ minimum  

Summit Plummet  48″ minimum  

Tike’s Peak  48″ maximum 

    

Typhoon Lagoon  

Castaway Creek  adult supervision required

Crush ‘n’ Gusher  48″ minimum

Humunga Kowabunga  48″ minimum

Ketchakiddee Creek 48″ maximum

Shark Reef  adult supervision required

Storm Slides  60″ minimum

7 Ways To Drive Green

Below are U.S. Rent A Cars top 7 ways to drive more Eco friendly. If you have any other suggestions please feel free to comment below.

1) Drive smoothly Try to avoid harsh acceleration and braking – pulling away too fast can use up 60% more fuel.

2) Don’t Rev Avoid revving the engine unnecessarily – this wastes fuel and increases harmful emissions.

3) Concentrate Look ahead and anticipate the road conditions and other people’s actions – this reduces the need for hard braking and acceleration.

4) Avoid short journeys. Short journeys on a cold engine use up to twice as much fuel as a warmed up engine – producing more pollution.

5) Plan your journeys. Plan your journeys to avoid peak periods, road works and getting lost – you will have a more relaxing journey and will waste less fuel.

6) Limit your speed. Optimise your fuel consumption, reduce your emissions and avoid speeding fines by observing the speed limit.

7) Change gear efficiently. Change gear at 1500 to 2500 rpm can save up to 15% on fuel – and reduce emissions by the same amount.


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