Getting on a road trip in Cardiff can be an exciting experience. Though the city is one of the smallest capitals in Europe, it has much to offer to jovial tourists on holidays and active businessmen alike. However, to get the most out of a journey, it is paramount to secure a reliable and cost-efficient car hire deal. Where to look for a good vehicle? Is it possible to find a good automobile without going bankrupt? What to consider when starting a search? This article contains answers to all such questions and even more.
Plan Beforehand
The first recommendation from seasoned travellers is to book a car in advance. Nowadays tourists have access to a huge assortment of vehicles at the distance of a mouse click. By making an online booking, you may get a special bonus for early rental. This policy is popular among many providers. Besides, when looking for transport options online, it is a breeze to find a perfect model for a road trip in Wales both in terms of configuration and price.
For instance, on the Rental24.co.uk website, you can hire a car for virtually any taste. If you still prefer sealing the deal in person, pop in the Hertz Cardiff airport department and select a fitting model. The second variant may work better if you anticipate any last-minute changes or adjustments. But the convenience of online car hire in Cardiff is still a game changer for many globetrotters.
Compare Prices across Agencies
Inexperienced wanderers often make the same mistake – agree on the first solution they come across. Never do that! Take your time to search the offers and compare them. Nowadays, there are even online platforms for examining and juxtaposing identical vehicles from different providers by specific criteria like rental duration, pick-up location, insurance, etc. Using such tools may turn out beneficial in the long run.
Think about Additional Services
Navigating Cardiff in a comfortable automobile is undoubtedly a tempting prospect. But comfort doesn’t necessarily mean spending 4 or even 5-digit sums. Usually, companies charge extra for different cool yet not vital goodies. For example, you are likely to pay additionally for a vehicle with:
- GPS navigator
- Automatic transmission
- Wi-Fi hotspots
- Toll collection devices
- Premium interior options
- Child seats
Moreover, adding another driver will ramp up your overall fee. And there are also different insurance policies that increase the price of a vehicle. Therefore, if you are determined to keep your travelling expenses at the lowest possible minimum, get along without some extras.
Be Flexible with Dates and Times
The cost of an auto frequently fluctuates based on the day of the week and the time of the year. The general practice is the following.
Leasing a car for a moderate sum is rather a dream than a reality during peak travel seasons (from June to August in Cardiff) and weekends. So, to minimize expenditure, avoid these periods. Moreover, some companies please clients with discounts and promotions for midweek bookings. Once again, if you arrive in the city in the middle of the week, you can save a nice amount.
Another thing to keep tabs on is variable pricing that hinges upon pick-up and drop-off times of a day. Generally, rates during peak hours and late-night arrivals are steeper, while early morning and mid-afternoon bookings are favoured for lower prices. Therefore, you need to customize your schedule to benefit from discounts.
Pick a Smaller Vehicle
When embarking on a solo ride or one with a partner, a compact auto may totally fit the bill. Such vehicles appeal to people due to several reasons:
- Cost-effectiveness
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Parking convenience
- Amazing manoeuvrability, especially on crowded Cardiff streets
Of course, for a large family or a group of friends, renting something small is not an option. Still, it is possible to navigate the territory with the nearest and dearest without burning a hole in a pocket. The Herts car hire provider offers several variants for such a situation:
- Minivans (there are models for 7-8 passengers with moderate fuel consumption)
- 12-15 passenger van (tourists can divide the expenses)
- Combos of several midsize cars
