car rentals
Apr 20th, 2013, 06:58 AM
#21
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just skimmed the responses above and didn't see this mentioned so I will add this--inspect the car very carefully when you get to it. And do this before you even put the key in the ignition--that way when you check out of the lot, you are not in a rush and can point out everything quickly.
Then before driving off have the lot agent document any scrapes, scratches, dents, etc. on the rental paperwork. Look all over the car, even down low.
Last year I inspected a rental car and found so much to document, they just gave up and gave me another car. Which I also inspected. Take photos with your cell phone if you have one--that way, any damage is documented as having been present BEFORE you took the car. If you Goodgle Christopher Elliott, you can read plenty about car rentals gone bad.
I have gotten some great car rental deals through Priceline, but since you are an inexperienced renter, I wouldn't necessarily advise that. Since you are flying, you might check the rates offered through your airline's website. I always fly Southwest, and they often offer sales and points bonus deals through their website.
In my experience, all the major car rental agencies are about the same. Gail is right--get the size car you will be most comfortable in--I drive a big car at home and don't want a sub-compact on a trip even if it means spending a little more.
Have a great trip!
Then before driving off have the lot agent document any scrapes, scratches, dents, etc. on the rental paperwork. Look all over the car, even down low.
Last year I inspected a rental car and found so much to document, they just gave up and gave me another car. Which I also inspected. Take photos with your cell phone if you have one--that way, any damage is documented as having been present BEFORE you took the car. If you Goodgle Christopher Elliott, you can read plenty about car rentals gone bad.
I have gotten some great car rental deals through Priceline, but since you are an inexperienced renter, I wouldn't necessarily advise that. Since you are flying, you might check the rates offered through your airline's website. I always fly Southwest, and they often offer sales and points bonus deals through their website.
In my experience, all the major car rental agencies are about the same. Gail is right--get the size car you will be most comfortable in--I drive a big car at home and don't want a sub-compact on a trip even if it means spending a little more.
Have a great trip!
Apr 20th, 2013, 05:03 PM
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wonderful information thank you for all of your input. I would never have thought of several of the items that you have shared.
I really do appreciate the help. My hubby and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. We have not been on a trip alone since our honeymoon. So we are flying into Boston and then we are going to drive through the New England states up into Maine and back down to Boston. The only thing I have on my list as a for sure is to take a whale watching boat cruise. Other than that no alarm clock and pie for breakfast if I want. No reservations except our final day before we fly back We will not be on any kind of a schedule stopping and enjoying as we go along based on what we see, input from others if we come across it, word of mouth from people we come across as we travel. Rural roads, small town atmosphere. Pubs, festivals, mom and pop run little shops, antique stores and what ever strikes my fancy! I have a daycare and I have promised my kids I will bring back fun surprises for them. Our own kids are 22, 20 and 18 with our youngest just graduating from high school
It is a long overdue trip for mom and dad!
I really do appreciate the help. My hubby and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. We have not been on a trip alone since our honeymoon. So we are flying into Boston and then we are going to drive through the New England states up into Maine and back down to Boston. The only thing I have on my list as a for sure is to take a whale watching boat cruise. Other than that no alarm clock and pie for breakfast if I want. No reservations except our final day before we fly back We will not be on any kind of a schedule stopping and enjoying as we go along based on what we see, input from others if we come across it, word of mouth from people we come across as we travel. Rural roads, small town atmosphere. Pubs, festivals, mom and pop run little shops, antique stores and what ever strikes my fancy! I have a daycare and I have promised my kids I will bring back fun surprises for them. Our own kids are 22, 20 and 18 with our youngest just graduating from high school
It is a long overdue trip for mom and dad!
Apr 20th, 2013, 06:01 PM
#24
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh, that sounds like a WONDERFUL trip! Good for you both! On behalf of all my fellow Fodorites, have an absolutely terrific time--you certainly deserve it! And, if you are up to it, write a trip report when you return--I'd love to read it and I'm sure others would too.
Apr 26th, 2013, 03:58 PM
#26
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you are interested in deals check out websites like Expedia, Travelocity, Kayak and others that a previous post mentioned. The best car rental companies how ever are Hertz and Dollar. You will also realize that here gasoline is more expensive than in other US States. So consider that for your budget. Fords are very good cars, at least that’s my experience. If you own one way much better so you know how to treat the one you rent. Something important to consider is that when you book flights with your credit card you normally get insured. Well in some cases it happens the same when you rent car when paying with your car.
Apr 26th, 2013, 04:48 PM
#27
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gas might not be as expensive as you think.
A good site for checking gas prices is http://www.gasbuddy.com
I live northeast of Boston, on the North Shore, and right now several stations in my area have regular unleaded for under $3.40 per gallon. The statewide average is $3.46 and the Metro Boston average is $3.49. In New Hampshire the statewide average is $3.40, and in Maine it is $3.50. Connecticut has the highest average price per gallon of all the New England states ($3.68).
Where you plan to go compares quite favorably with the North Dakota average of $3.54 and the Fargo average of $3.41.
Of course, prices can vary greatly even in a single town (that is the case where I live), so it pays to look for the good deals. Also, prices tend to be higher in rural areas, so be prepared for that.
As someone else mentioned, if you plan to spend any time IN Boston you won't need a car for that.
A good site for checking gas prices is http://www.gasbuddy.com
I live northeast of Boston, on the North Shore, and right now several stations in my area have regular unleaded for under $3.40 per gallon. The statewide average is $3.46 and the Metro Boston average is $3.49. In New Hampshire the statewide average is $3.40, and in Maine it is $3.50. Connecticut has the highest average price per gallon of all the New England states ($3.68).
Where you plan to go compares quite favorably with the North Dakota average of $3.54 and the Fargo average of $3.41.
Of course, prices can vary greatly even in a single town (that is the case where I live), so it pays to look for the good deals. Also, prices tend to be higher in rural areas, so be prepared for that.
As someone else mentioned, if you plan to spend any time IN Boston you won't need a car for that.
Apr 26th, 2013, 04:59 PM
#28
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As others have also said, you don't need to rent an EZ-Pass transponder (unless you absolutely loathe the idea of stopping at a toll plaza).
If the car company bills you $3 per day for 9 days, that's $27 before paying ANY tolls. I doubt you will sopend that much in tolls on your entire trip. (The cash toll for driving the entire length of the Maine Turnpike is only $7. The EZ-Pass toll is $6.45, a whopping $0.55 savings.) Also, you won't save any money in New Hampshire with it (out-of-state transponders are billed at the cash rate).
If you DO plan to spend any time in Boston, you probably want to look into hotels ASAP, as you will be here at the end of college graduation season. Harvard graduates May 30, UMass Boston is May 31, and MIT is June 7.
If the car company bills you $3 per day for 9 days, that's $27 before paying ANY tolls. I doubt you will sopend that much in tolls on your entire trip. (The cash toll for driving the entire length of the Maine Turnpike is only $7. The EZ-Pass toll is $6.45, a whopping $0.55 savings.) Also, you won't save any money in New Hampshire with it (out-of-state transponders are billed at the cash rate).
If you DO plan to spend any time in Boston, you probably want to look into hotels ASAP, as you will be here at the end of college graduation season. Harvard graduates May 30, UMass Boston is May 31, and MIT is June 7.
Apr 26th, 2013, 11:24 PM
#29
The best deal I see on a car rental for you, Linda, will require a quick cab ride from the airport to the Boston Aquarium Parking Garage. Probably $25 but the savings looks like about $125 over renting at the airport so net $100 savings.
You can book the car return to the airport dropoff, so the cab cost would only be once on arrival, not at return as well. And the aquarium is close and convenient to get on the freeway, just ask the clerk for directions. It's Alamo/National car rental.
Book from this American Airlines discount offer:
https://www.alamo.com/content/alamo/...can-2011-offer
For pickup location select "Boston Downtown", then unclick the "return to same" button and choose "Boston Logan Airport" as your return spot.
Select your dates and approximate times, and add coupon number AD7428SDR
You can book the car return to the airport dropoff, so the cab cost would only be once on arrival, not at return as well. And the aquarium is close and convenient to get on the freeway, just ask the clerk for directions. It's Alamo/National car rental.
Book from this American Airlines discount offer:
https://www.alamo.com/content/alamo/...can-2011-offer
For pickup location select "Boston Downtown", then unclick the "return to same" button and choose "Boston Logan Airport" as your return spot.
Select your dates and approximate times, and add coupon number AD7428SDR
Apr 26th, 2013, 11:41 PM
#30
And here are some motels to add to your list of possibilities:
http://www.bayside-inn.com/images/sundeck2.jpg
www.bpmotel.com
www.fontenayterrace.com
www.capeporpoisemotel.com
www.hightideinn.com
www.shipahoymotel.com
www.colonialgables.com
http://www.bayside-inn.com/images/sundeck2.jpg
www.bpmotel.com
www.fontenayterrace.com
www.capeporpoisemotel.com
www.hightideinn.com
www.shipahoymotel.com
www.colonialgables.com
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sue
United States
7
Jul 24th, 2002 08:59 AM
