Am I a total idiot to not reserve a rental car before we arrive in Italy?

If you don't reserve in advance, you would normally pay around twice as much as a walk-in. Even reserving online a day or two in advance would still give you a decent deal. You may have internet access in your hotel, or there are plenty of internet cafes in larger towns.

Also availability of cars and decent prices depend on seasons and locations. If you are going in peak periods, or around major holidays, you should reserve in good time.

Traveling this way in the summer in Italy will cost you considerably more than reserving things in advance - unless you are extremely flexible about where you stay the only decent places left may be a high price. The same with a car. Walk up rates are usually higher and you risk their having only expensive cars left - or none at all.

Two years ago we did the same sort of thing through Spain and France and were able to find hotel/apartment rentals at a decent cost and some last minute specials. On that trip I knew when/where we needed to have a rental car so i reserved well in advance.
This time I'm not so sure...though it looks like I will need to at least pencil in an itinerary to figure out when and where we will need to pick up a car. Sometimes when a car is reserved online here in the states you can 'modify' the rental online. Seems like I may need to find a rental company that will allow me that option, just in case.

Check with autoeurope

I hope you're fluent in Italian and have money to burn.

My best advice is to reserve ahead of time. That's what I would do and have done.

But----I have a brother who invariably does not reserve cars or hotels and seems to get along fine. He is constantly negotiating with everyone along the way when he travels and sometimes comes up with great deals--these I hear about. But like the horse racing bettors, I never seem to hear about the close outs, waiting, uncertainty and failed negotiations. My sanity would not stand for it but to each their own. Good luck! Paul

okay - okay.

UGH! I think I knew that it was not wise to wait till the last minute to reserve 'stuff', but I really didn't want to have to plan the when & where of each day of this trip.

I like the idea of being a sort of vagabond....But because it is July and I don't have money to burn (and am not fluent in Italian) I will figure our itinerary out asap and get my ducks in a row, so to speak.

Thanks y'all.

why cant u just book a car with where u think u might want it and for how long? it can be cancelled if your plans turn out differently than what u might anticipate now. i gave up completely free wheeling on trips a few years ago when it became too time consuming to search for places to stay and this was in the shoulder seasons, not summer.

Autoeurope never charges a cancellation penalty, and rarely charges any change fee (they don't actually charge a change fee ever, but some times the dates and location you want may only be available at a higher rate, depending on the change you require).

The ultimate "vagabond" trip - - to me - - means taking weeks and weeks (even months) of living the trip in your head... spending endless time, neglecting the stuff you're actually supposed to be doing (like your "day job"), assembling countless scenarios of where you will sleep, eat and sightsee... re-doing it over and over again until finally, you have enough info to book the cornerstones of lodging, intra-Europe transport (and maybe, a small number of restaurants if they are hard to book, or important to you).

Some people "free-wheel" it for 10 or 12 days a year while traveling (maybe abroad, maybe not)...

Some of us addicts here stumble through life for 10 12 months out of the year!

...with an endless series of 2 or 3 decisions mulling over in our minds... about trips yet to be taken (some actually scheduled, others still imaginary).. sometimes about someone else's trip who we "know" only here in cyberspace.

That's my idea of "vagabond" living!

Best wishes,

Rex

I'm with the book ahead crowd but I'm glad I clicked onto this thread just to read Rex.

Thanks Rex, that sums it up for me. I suppose I should feel a little guilty about neglecting my day job once in a while but all that excess planning ahead, is relaxing for me.

It's true that AutoEurope does not charge a cancellation penalty. However, FTR, it's possible to "reserve" a car on AutoEurope, and lock in a particular price, without paying for it in advance. Of course, there are no guarantees, but there's a good chance the car will be available when you get there.

I discussed this with an AutoEurope agent just before my recent trip and he said there's an excellent chance the car will be available. And I was talking about an automatic.

He said the only cars that might not be available are specialty cars like vans. Otherwise, you have a pretty good shot.
So my point is, if you have a general idea of where you'd like to go and when, maybe you can reserve one or two cars, in different names, and different places/dates, and one of them might work out. Just a thought.

<< I'm with the book ahead crowd but I'm glad I clicked onto this thread just to read Rex. >>

Awww... you flatter me.

Has anyone asked yet:

Do you know how to drive a stick shift?

The response on availabity from the AE agent is interesting. I think it may entirely depend upon where in Italy u want to pick up a car. Some of the smaller cities have very limited # of cars on hand and if it's a busy time, they may all be booked. And finding a automatic would make it even more difficult. We like to rent the smallest car possible and a manual. We have often gotten "upgraded" to a larger car because of the lack of availability for the smaller car. Our price for the smaller car is honored.

Hi D,

If you are planning on going where you want, when you wan, without reservations, you will pay for it.

YOu may want to ttry Kemwell. We have used then 3 times and the early you reserve the better the price but they are very easy to work with and refund the days not used . Also read the aection in slowtravel about driving in Italy. It will tell alyou need about buying gas , paying tolls, parking etc.

I will be one to disagree with most posters. I rented a car in Italy a few weeks back, and every time I rented it, I just walked into the National or Europcar agency. The rates I received were just the same as those that I had checked a few days before on the web, while we were in Florence. I am sure that this may change dependent uypon the time of year, but one thing I've learned, is that whatever I learned before, may not be pertinent now.

Beware of Europcar, I have had too many problems with them, none with National or Avis in Italy.

Kemwel and AutoEurope are the same company.

Intex, what kind of car did you rent and for how long and how much did it cost?

Wow. Glad I decided to check back as many more posts have occurred since yesterday!

Yes, thankfully I can drive a stick, so that's not an issue.

I have looked online (AutoEurope) at reserving a car when we leave Florence and returning it outside of Rome and the cost was about $350 for a week.

What i have to figure out now is which location to rent it from near Florence and which location to drop it off at before we get into Rome. There are about a dozen choices and I have no idea what is where!

When I have wanted to change my drop-off location mid-trip it has not been a problem.

If you use Google, you can type in the name of a town plus the words italy and map and you will get a map.

Pick up at the Borgo Ognassanti location in Florence, head south using Siena signs, and return the car in Orvieto and train to Rome. Have fun !

Yes,s drop off in Orvieto and take the train into Rome. No hassle. Glad to hear you can drive a stick shift! Make sure to rent a diesel car to save on fuel and mileage.

I wouldn't pick up a car in Firenze if my next destination was a place I could get to by train and could pick up a car there.

Also, I wouldn't go south following Siena signs if it wasn't where I wanted to go. Do you know yet where you are going after Firenze? If it's Siena, I wouldn't drive there.

Lastly, where you drop off your car depends on where you will be when you no longer need it. Are you planning to go to the Mediterranean on your way to Rome? Or visit Etruscan sights or museums? I wouldn't drive to Orvieto to drop off a car (nice as Orvieto is) if there was a location more convenient to where I actually was.

Bob - you are amazing. I will look at those locations but I think it makes perfect sense. We will drive out of Florence and into S.Gi for our stay of 4 nights. Where we will need our car to get around for sure! Then we will leave SG and make our way to Orvieto, explore a little (maybe stay the night) and then drop the car off and catch the train into Rome. Viola! Thanks a ton. xo

I often mix some reservations with some freewheeling time, however, I agree that no reservations in high season often wastes a lot of time and results in some less than satisfactory accommodation choices. In my opinion it creates unnecessary anxiety on the days that you are moving locations. The ease of access to the internet could mitigate this problem if you want to spend time the night ahead making arrangements. This would give you more flexibility to change where you want to travel to and how long you want to stay in each location, but you give up time that you could be relaxing instead.

I also find that spending time planning and researching in anticipation of a trip is a big part of the enjoyment of travel and so I feel that you are giving up something by not spending that time upfront.

Have you not considered taking the train? It is very inexpensive.

I'm with sweteach don't rent a car at all. Use the trains, take the odd bus, if desperate use a taxi. Maybe even rent a bike but why do you need a car when you are basically going to places heaving with tourists and more to the point you will not have to share the risk of driving with Italians. Don't get me wrong I'm sure many Italians are very fine drivers.

Still my first vision on arriving at Milan Station was a man drving too fast around the roundabout at the front. Once on two wheels, and determined to beat the laws of Physics he accelerated and tried for an even tigher turn. The car could no longer grip on the bone dry, perfect tarmac and turned over. We trotted over to open the now upside down driver's door to be met by imprecations. The guy leapt out and insisted that we helped push the dam thing back on its wheels and then headed off hapily.

Perfect !
You will be following the signs for Siena as you meander out of Florence to the superstrada--not hard if you pay attention. Then exit POGGIBONSI NORD for San Gim. [Gee-mee-YAHNO] Get a good map for Tuscany---the TCI Toscana map is hard to beat.

This may help as well!


DRIVING IN ITALY & SOUTHERN EUROPE

Q. SHOULD WE DRIVE IN ITALY?
A. Of course you should if your driving skill & confidence would allow you to drive a rental car in Vermont, Colorado or California. But, be advised of these tips:
* Avoid driving in the major cities except for picking up or dropping cars
* Have good maps—study them in advance—and have a GOOD NAVIGATOR.
* Stay in the right lane except when passing and use your rear view mirrors

Q. WHAT CAR SHOULD I GET AND WHERE DO I GET IT?
A. It is best to rent your car before you leave for Europe. The best source we have found is www.autoeurope.com [800-223-5555] who is a broker for several car vendors. They will quote you prices to include the variables that are often omitted by others, such as unlimited mileage, mandatory insurance coverage with some deductibles, and VAT taxes. It is wise to compare prices and coverage with their sister company at www.kemwel.com. Autoeurope will match any comparable quote, and are famous for their customer satisfaction if problems do arise with the vendor. The best model will depend on your needs, but for best value we suggest you select a compact car with manual transmission. Automatics are available but will cost you about 30% more and may limit your model options & pick up locations.

Q. ARE ITALIAN DRIVERS AS CRAZY AS I HAVE HEARD?
A. Yes & no! They are certainly aggressive, but they are also more skilled than many USA drivers—both are a function of necessity. Italy is one of the most crowded countries in the world and the drivers have evolved these characteristics
* They are notorious tailgaters. If that bothers you, pull over and let them past.
* On the AUTOSTRADE they will drive fast, but will stay in the right lane except when passing and will use their blinkers when passing—YOU SHOULD TOO !
* They will often pass on 2-lane roads with traffic coming. Frankly, they expect you, and the oncoming car, to adjust to the shoulder and make 3 lanes of traffic.

OTHER ROAD TIPS FOR YOUR DRIVING SANITY:
1. Learn the meaning of the sign “ SENSO UNICO” and take heed [ONE WAY ].
2. Be sure to get your ticket when you enter the AUTOSTADA system & be prepared to pay the toll when you exit it [ rule of thumb—300 km=15 Euro]. You can use your credit card in the VIA lane at the toll both, or buy a debit VIACARD in advance.
3. Do NOT attempt to follow road numbers—that will frustrate you. But, do pay attention to the directional signs that point to your destination [ TO MONTALCINO]. And, be aware if that road leads eventually to a larger city [ ROMA—SIENA ETC.]
4. Unless you have a diesel car, you will want to fill the tank with benzina from the green pump. Most stations will pump gas for you and will take credit cards.

NOTE: As of 2005, an International Drivers Permit[IDP] is required in Italy.
You can obtain them from your local AAA office. You will need a valid US driver’s license, two passport photos, and $15. The photos can be taken at the AAA office.

yestravel, I only repeated what was told to me. The conversation came up b/c I changed my reservation several times and each time I had to get a credit and a new charge on my CC.

The agent was the one who mentioned it up when I commented on what a hassle it was to have all this CC activity. And I was renting an automatic in Foggia - not exactly the center of the universe.

In any event, having at least an unconfirmed reservation for a car at a particular price is better than nothing at all.

It also happened that in the two weeks before I left, the price for my car was $100 more than what I paid.

Aa Bob said above, you have to buy CDW insurance in Italy. Credit card coverage is not accepted.

I would rent a car before you go if at all possible. I have used www.economycarrentals.com several times in Italy and they have easily beaten everyone else's prices. Have never dropped off at a different airport so not sure what drop charge would be.

Sorry, if you already know this, but check with your credit card company about insurance. Italy requires some and it is in the price, but they offer also excess which is expensive and if u take it, your credit card might not cover any damage.

A GPS will also make your life simpler and save your marriage. We have our own portable one and it has truly saved me from getting killed by my wife.

We flew into Milan 4/22 and out 5/2. Had a National car booked through economy car for about $300 less than going direct with National. Just checked and can get an intermediate diesel for $384 from Ecomony, $557 from Autoeurope, and $776 from National for a week. Car types vary slightly but are in same class.

Have a good trip.

And don't forget you need (by law) an International Driver's Permit to drive in Italy - easily obtainable at AAA.

danasgirl,

Driving in the Italian countryside is wonderful! Especially if you can drive a stick. Zoom,zoom!

Just be prepared to get lost a little in Poggibonsi - seems everyone does!

Do try to stay overnight is Orvieto. It's a lovely, very real town.

Buon viaggio

ST Cirq,
I rented a small FIAT, probably the next size above a 550? For a day the rate was 85 euros, including all insurance, unlimited miles, and no other costs.

As for needing an International Drivers license, In 30 years of driving in Europe, I have never needed one, in fact last trip I forgot my license at home, and drove thru Italy without one- not recommended, but no other choice.

Hi, Intex.

To me, 85 euros for a one-day rental isn't cheap, but I guess if you really only want a car for a day, worth it.

As for the IDP, whether or not anyone ever asked you for it is irrelevant. It's the law in Italy and Austria and probably some other countries too. There have been countless threads on this issue here on Fodors. You're just lucky that you haven't been stopped and asked for it, or gotten into an accident. Had you been, you would have had to pay a hefty fine. It's like insurance - no one asks you if you have it until you need to produce it in an emergency. I won't even address driving through Italy with no license at all!

In response to renting a car in Italy. Be very very careful as to how you drive and where you drive. The gift from Italy that keeps on giving are the traffic violations that show up on your credit card and in the mail for up to a year after you come home. There are cameras allll over the place. You will most likely not be stopped by police and will have no idea you have done something wrong. Be sure to ask at the rental car company (we also used AutoEurope/Europecar, and I didn't know they would have these maps) to provide you with maps of the RESTRICTED areas AND times of day that are in many of the towns. The signage will not be noticeable. DO NOT RELAY on a GPS to get you thru towns because GPS's are not capable of telling you about restricted areas and times. Google this subject and you will find tons of visitors that this has happened to. AND IT IS EXPENSIVE. Also google Italian signage for restricted areas so that you may be lucky enough to see one in time and know what it means. This means also watch your speed.
Other than that the country is fabulous and the food and wine....well, you know. I hope to go back someday but I will not rent a car. Someone suggested that it is about the same amount of money to just hire a driver in certain areas and let him deal with it while you enjoy the sights. Also plan on about an extra $1000 for an automatic.
Have a great time. You will love the country just be careful with the driving.

panecott, glad it worked out 4 u.

By comparison on rates, we booked in advance and we used auto europe and paid about 410 euros for 2 weeks in Italy. On top of this there was a road tax of about $2.00 euros per day. We had the small Fiat -- Panda I think.

We have rented cars in Italy twice recently. Once with prearranging the rental car and once getting it when we were already there. It was much easier and I think a bit cheaper reserving before hand in the US. Generally cars rental in Italy seemed more expensive than France and other places in Europe so if you are not starting your trip in Italy, it may be cheaper to rent elsewhere.

Don't take a car at all trains and buses work in all major cities. There are some cities/towns where you are not allowed to bring a car into. Also they also have taxies from all the railway stations. Driving in an unknown country where the signs are not in English can be 'fun' or not. Check 10/21 day rail passes these could cover all of Italy and beyond if required.

Castellina in Chianti is near Poggibonsi and is a cute little village. We stayed in a villa there in 2006. The views in this part of the country are sublime and we were very happy that we were in a car and could stop to take photos or just get out of the car and enjoy the landscape. I hope you have a lovely time in beautiful Italy. cheers, Cathie

Lots of reaction. A few car rental agencies in Italy do require the IDP.

It really is true you don't want to drive in cities. So if you're going to be only in cities don't bother with a car. I had assumed you want to do some wandering around picturesque little hilltowns in Umbria and/or Tuscany. For that, a car is best. As a compromise, you could define your endpoints, reserve a car, and wander in between.

<<A few car rental agencies in Italy do require the IDP. >>

OMG, this is annoying! It is NOT a question of a rental agency requiring it - it is THE LAW!. Rental agencies may or may not KNOW about it, REQUIRE it, MENTION it, or whatever. It's up to YOU to have it. If you don't have it and you get stopped by Italian police, they won't give a rat's behind that a rental agency didn't mention it to you.

We always travel with our IDP (when we know we will be driving abroad) and we plan on getting them next week at our local AAA.

We know enough not to travel into big cities with our rental car. We plan to rent it when we leave Florence and drive through the little hill towns between Florence and Orvieto where we will drop it off and head to Rome.

I've reserved a car with Avis and with AutoEurope. Avis was about $75 more for the same time period but we have a couple of free days we can redeem so that should bring the cost down. I am leaning toward Avis just because we use them a lot here at home (CA.) and have used them abroad (Spain/France) with out any issues.

sign up with AVIS they had the best rates and locations and no deposit fee, make a reservation then if you don't want the car just cancel