pam

Our travel agent is quoteing approx US$650 for a rental car for two weeks out of Anchorage in June. Is this a reasonable rate or should we wait until we get there to pick one up at local prices? If the Aussie dollar goes down any further we will be hitch hiking !!

rqf

All the major auto rental firms have offices in Alaska and you might check their websites for a fix on prices. I have an old edition of The Milepost (an excellent book for people who want to tour by car). See a listing for Allstar Rent a Car. Address is 940 W. International Airport Rd., Anchorage, AK 99518. There is an 800 number 722-6484.
Doubt if it works for calls from Australia. Also a listing for an outfit called Affordable Car Rental - 4707 Spernard Rd. Anchorage, AK.

Have you considered a motor home rental. It could be cost effective - cook your own meals, no hotel costs. Dozens of companies renting motor homes.

Check a local bookstore to see if The Milepost is available. It could help in planning the trip and will be invaluable when you are on the road.

I will call the 800 number later today to check prices and will get back to you.

wanda

We were in Alaska last year in Aug. and Sept. and had reservations. Be sure and check for insurance, our insurance did not cover in alaska and the extra coverage cost as much as the car.

Duff

We just booked a car rental w/ National Car Rental for 1 week: May 2-9,2001 for full sized car: $150.00! That's w/ unlimited mileage too! I LOVE National (and NO I don't work for them!)I have only 1 arm and they gladly put "spin knob" on my vehicle...no hassle, no charge! We travel quite often in the US and if I plan on renting a car I ALWAYS book ahead!

Alan Cleveland

$650.00 for two weeks is not unreasonable at all. I have worked in and around the car rental industry since 1984 and know the Alaska Economy quite well.

Duff, the rates you got were exceptional from National, but it is good to see you mentioned tht it was in May. Traditionally, you can find such deals up to about June 10.

There are certain considerations for getting the best rates. For instance, if you are not planning on traveling over 150 miles per day, you can often get the price down by as much as $10.00 per day.

Then, the size of the vehicle also must be considered. I'm guessing Pam has reserved a mid size car through her travel agent at about $54.00 per day....most agencies give one day per week free.

All Star has not been in business in Anchorage for several years, but, there are over 20 rental agencies representing the good, the bad, and the ugly in that town. I prefer to work with the locals who are more inclined to wheel and deal. Also, get a Visitor's Guide from the Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Most of the agencies have 10% coupons in there.

A good start would be www.ancr.com or www.usaveak.com.... and, have your travel agent make the booking so he/she gets their commission.

vicki

Make sure you reserve a car in advance. I do business in Anchorage and have twice been without a car because I didn't reserve in advance - this is during the summer months.

Enjoy - I was in Anchorage last June and it was spectacular! I drove to the airport at 2 a.m. to leave and didn't need the lights on my car.