Archive for the ‘Travel Tips’ Category

Mansi Gupta asked:


If New Orleans is in travel planner in future and you are looking at viable option of car rental then a surprise free car renal upgrade is coming your way. As in current scenario of fluctuating gas prices demand for small cars have gone up, surprisingly, pressing up supply in car rental industry.

 

This one is tricky, but is the scenario in entire America. Whenever you go for car rental ask for the cheapest car and there are chances that you may be offered bigger car on a same price. In case, you are asked by car renting agency for upgrade in fee keep patient unless the name of the car model is not revealed to you. However, you need to be extra careful when negotiating car rental insurance. In order to avoid any confusion you can check out from credit card Company about insurance coverage they provide and also enquire from your auto insurance company.

 

Also check the gasoline tank, in case it is not filled inform the agency so they may not charge for full tank at time of returning the car. Look out for any dents and damage at the exterior as well as interior of the car and inform the agency any such is found while scrutinizing the car to save you paying from extra when returning the car. Keep receipt for Gasoline.

 

HYBRID CARS

The other alternative to sort out problem of car renting in withered period of increased prices is Hybrid cars that can run on more than one type of fuel. Among all the models for car renting, the most popular one is Toyota Prius in the category of hybrid cars. It is the most commonly found hybrid car for rent.

 

It is a great car to drive as incorporates many features not only unique to hybrids but are also found in the cars commonly. However, Prius is not the only car model that is hybrid there a many more models available in the market to provide you with a different driving experience.

 

The other Toyota hybrids are SUV, the Highlander hybrid, Sedan and Camry hybrid. The Highlander hybrid is a spacious SUV with exceptional features like comfortable, large, interior and optional third row seat. It is placed on the top spot for previous ten years on the quality of fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness as hybrid car. In the form of full size Sedan, the Camry hybrid is better and roomy option to Prius, especially when you are getting away with family.

 

As Toyota is not the only hybrid car maker other popular model of the hybrid car is Honda Civic. Honda civic is good with room and space within the car despite being smaller and excellent in terms of gas mileage. The other popular hybrid is Ford Escape Hybrid. Like Toyota Highlander, the Escape highlander also is operable in electric, hybrid, and full fuel model. The Nissan Altima hybrid is also praised for its performance as a hybrid car. This way you can have an easy and cheaper alternative for car rent in period of hiked gasoline price.

Hybrid Car Rental Los Angeles
Mansi Gupta asked:


Toronto the largest city of Canada is unique in its culture, as approximately half of its population is migrants; however, due to the cosmopolitan culture of the city and standard of living, the city has been selected as an ideal place for living by people from all around the globe and is frequently visited by tourists from everywhere.

Being, economic capital of the Canada and one of the top financial cities of the world, it is full of activities related to finance, business services, telecommunications, aerospace, transportation, media, arts, medical research, education, tourism, and sport industries. Toronto is even considered as one of the most expensive cities of the world. However, being in Canada as one of the most advanced countries of the world, it is obvious that environment consciousness should be on your top agenda and equally implanted on car and its emission systems.

So in order to rent a car, if you are necessarily opting for and it is equally good to be environmental friendly, you can opt for green car that may save you from the charge of polluting your environment. But there are many points of caution while renting a green car in Toronto as labels like “ethical”, “green” or “responsible” can be misleading and there may be many confusing jargons too.

First thing, a customer needs to know about renting a green car is about fuel, as there two types of fuel used in green cars, first the Bio-fuel and the other one is bio-diesel. Bio-fuel is plant based alternative to petrol whereas bio-diesel is diesel mixed with plant oil. So you should have an exact idea about the renting price of each type of car run by eco friendly alterative of petrol.

The hybrid cars have come up as viable solution to the petrol driven cars that combines standard engine with an electric motor. Toyota Prius is one of the most common and popular hybrid cars. Toyota Pirus is not the only green car, however, there now one or two hybrid models provided by every major car manufacturing company. You can search them either by surfing on Internet or can contact a car rental agency directly in Toronto.

Next on your drive to environment consciousness you can follow tips as regulation while driving a car on the streets of Toronto. Keep speed of your vehicle somewhere near to 55 mph instead of 65 as driving on the 55 mph speed would improve its fuel economy thus resulting in lesser emission of carbon – mono oxide and other hazardous gases.

The other tip to reduce pressure on air conditioning and heating is to use them, selectively, as it cut down load on the engine. The decreased use of air conditioner, when, temperature is above 25 degree, it helps in saving fuel up to the extent of 10-15 percent. Park your car as possible in shade to keep cool and decrease need for air conditioning. Constantly keep checking tiers of the car, under-inflated tires add to progressing resistance and diminish fuel economy. It can trim down fuel use by 3-4 percent. Under-inflated tires also show off more rapidly and constantly.



Hybrid Car Rental Los Angeles
chris rowlands asked:


 

Most of you will have, by now, cottoned on to the freedom a hire care can give you whilst on holiday. After the usual rigmarole of keeping everyone together whilst using public transplant and trying to keep the kids happy, having your own transport can be invaluable.

 

So just how easy is it to arrange, how can you save money and what are the pitfalls to be avoided? Follow me to find out:

 

Economy – first and foremost you should consider the type of car you will be hiring. Do you need to drive that flashy cabriolet around for the week with an average fuel consumption of 30mpg, or could a more down to earth family/smaller car with an average fuel consumption closer to 40mpg suffice?

 

If you can hire a diesel or hybrid vehicle you will save much money on fuel if you intend to get out and explore your chosen holiday destination.

 

Navigation – another way to save money on fuel (and time when you get lost) is to hire or take a sat-nav unit with you. This will ensure you have no trouble getting to the places you want and can be invaluable.

 

Insurance – be wary of arranging car hire whilst in resort as the reps will often try and convince you to stump for extra, unnecessary insurance polices. Please do bear in mind that most car hire firms only offer limited coverage in the package so you may feel it worthwhile if you intend to indulge in a little less than sedate driving.

 

Fuel charge – a little trick some car rental firms will employ is to charge you for not having a full tank when you return the vehicle. They will do so unless the needle is clearly on or above the agreed point (you should always put a little extra in to allow for misjudgement, £2-3 at the pump is better than a £30 charge).

 

Hopefully the above tips should save you a little time and money but there is one last piece of wisdom I wish to impart before you go – if you pick up the car and there are any visible marks, dents or other examples of damage, take a picture as proof! This is one thing that could save you an argument and the loss of your deposit should this become an issue.



Hybrid Car Rental Los Angeles
Melissa Evans asked:


Simply put, green travel is travel in which a positive environmental impact is kept to a maximum and a negative environmental impact is kept to a minimum. Keeping your carbon footprint as tiny as possible while traveling will help preserve the entire planet, including that favorite vacation spot you always visit. That being said, traveling green sounds like something any traveler would be interested in, right? Right, but although many travelers may be interested in Green Travel it can seem a little intimidating or complicated and not everyone knows where to start. SO, I put together this Green Travel Plan that makes traveling green easy for anyone, no matter what their shade of green. What’s even better is you don’t have to camp out in the jungle or hike from place to place to make an impact (unless of course, that’s what you’re into). Remember, every little bit counts and following any or all of these steps will add up to a world of change.

A Green Travel Plan for Everyone and Every Trip

Before You Go:

Help be a part of the solution by booking with a green organization like the Green Travel Hub by RezHub.com; they actually donate 20% of the proceeds from every trip to an environmental group so that every trip can make a difference. They donate whether the travel you choose is labeled green or not.

Consider booking with Green Travel Options like green hotels, hybrid rental cars, and carbon offsetting programs. RezHub also offers all these programs.

When renting a car, choose Enterprise. They not only have the largest selection of hybrid and fuel efficient cars available for rent, they also take huge steps for the environment. They’ve pledged to plant 50 million trees over the next 50 years, they donate millions to alternative fuel research, and the list goes on.

Look for hotels with a green certifications or a “Green Score.” In the Green Score program, hotels can earn points and Green Branches for each environmental program they have in place. While some hotels may only have one leaf, keep in mind that even one leaf is a step in the right direction. It’s important to support the green efforts that each hotel takes because it shows management that they are doing the right thing, and it encourages further expansion of green programs. Remember, where one leaf sprouts, another is sure to follow!

Offset your Carbon Footprint. Choosing to go carbon neutral is one of the gateways to responsible travel. It’s easy to do, and it’s inexpensive! We suggest offsetting your carbon footprint with Sustainable Travel International and MyClimate. Their program is the best we’ve seen in that it’s comprehensive and supports both kinds of offsetts. They’ll let you calculate your exact offset, or you can choose a standard donation from $1 all the way up to $500.

While You’re There:

Plan to green-up your stay, and feel good about where you’re going. These are some really simple steps you can take to help green up your stay, even if you didn’t book with a Green Scored Hotel

• Encourage the hotel you chose to go green or thank them for the green programs that they participate in! Speak with the management and let them know that green options are important to you.

• If your hotel has a sheets and towels reuse program, use it. If they don’t, start your own! Let housekeeping know that you don’t need them to replace your sheets and towels every day; this will reduce energy and water usage.

• Turn off the lights, air conditioner or heater, and the electronics in your room while you’re out. • Turn off the water when you brush your teeth, and take shorter showers.

• Bring your own toiletries, or if you use what the hotel provides make sure to take what’s leftover home with you.

Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints…

• When you’re visiting a park or any natural setting, don’t disturb the plants or wildlife. • Never buy anything made from an endangered animal or plant.

• Make sure you save any trash until you find a garbage can, and wherever possible save your recyclables for a recycling drop-off. Check out http://www.earth911.org to find a recycling drop off center in the US.

Go local…

• Whenever you can, shop and buy from the local vendors. This helps support the local economy, and submerges you in the areas culture.

• Try to avoid the large chains that carry goods shipped in from overseas. All that shipping creates tons of CO2 and the large chains can push the locals out of business (if you wanted to shop at Wal-Mart you could’ve stayed home, right?) .

Give back…

• Consider volunteering some time on your trip. Spending even just one day volunteering makes a difference. Contact not-profit organizations in the area and set something up before you go.

• Check out the Volunteer Travel Hub where you can find the perfect place to lend a hand. These bite-sized volunteer vacations (short term) are free and can be included on any trip!

When You Get Home:

Write a letter or send an email to the hotel you stayed in, the airline you flew and the rental car company you chose. Thank them for going green or encourage them to do so.

Send an email to greentravel@rezhub.com or post to RezHub.com’s Green Travel Forums, if you tell them about how you turned your trip green, you might even win a FREE trip!

Keep these tips in mind while you’re at home too, conserving resources almost always saves you green in the long run. And remember, it really is true that every little bit counts. If each of us took just one of these steps, imagine the difference it would make. I’ll end with a quote from Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”



Hybrid Car Rental Los Angeles
Mansi Gupta asked:


San Antonio which is the second largest city in the state of Texas and seventh largest in the United States is gateway to American Southwest and known in the region for strong military presence and its utility for armed forces. Many centers of strategic importance like The Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base, Brooks City- Base and others are situated here.

It is not merely of strategic importance but many natural tourist attractions like River Walk, the Alamo, Tejano Culture, Sea World San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta theme parks are located here and visited annually by enormous 26 million tourists. Even in sports San Antonio Spurs club is one of the best National Basketball Associations. Involved with these wonders San Antonio has a lot to offer to touring visitors.

Among the mode of transports, the car rental in San Antonio has distinct place providing comfort and leisure to touring visitors. To select a car on rent in San Antonio, one can select from a good number of car hire companies in the city. However, it is not that much easier to select a good car from a number of car rental companies providing services in San Antonio. As rates, prices and services for car rental companies, you will found completely different from each other.

Though, your goal, while searching for car Rental Company in San Antonio should be consisted of low price car with standard for service. Not only you needed to pay heed on service of car renting company but also other important issues like rental agreement and rental car insurance. The just talked issues, merely, are a few of important points for car rental; the other important topics which are needed to take care of are discussed with the progression of this article.

First of all, decide about requirement of car rental in San Antonio. If you are traveling alone, no doubt, you will not need that bigger car and a small car would be more than sufficient for your purpose, contrary, with your family, especially, kids and extra luggage you larger vehicle with good number of comfortable seats is inevitable. In case, being an environment conscious person you can avail hybrid cars from the renting agencies in San Antonio.

While duration of the travel and car rental are quite co-coordinated with each other, if you are booking car for a shorter period of time then big car rental companies are good and there you can bargain for comparatively cheaper price for car rental. For a journey for longer period, a local company is more affordable price wise. Though, you need to be so sure of the services whether they are good enough not to trouble you while on the path of Journey. You should be wary about the balance between cost and service.

As technology is always here for rescue this time again, it is internet from where you can seek assistance for searching a car of your opinion from a number of online websites, moreover, from an online site you can have purchase discount on car rental. Rental agreement is another important point that you always need to take care of when renting a car as it explains the services you hire and cost you pay. Terms for some issues like extra charge for last time cancellation of rental or late arrival can be pre assessed from a rental agreement. Thus this way you can book a cheaper and affordable car rental in San Antonio.

Hybrid Car Rental Los Angeles
Mansi Gupta asked:


Pittsburgh is the second largest city of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the United States is also known as "The City of Bridges". Economically, city is known for steel industry from the older days, however, presently, it is thriving on healthcare, education, technology, robotics, fashion and financial services.

There are many places of tourist attractions in Pittsburgh. USA’s National Aviary, the Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens featuring a Victorian-style, The Botanic Garden of Western Pennsylvania and Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden, the Lord Venkateswara temple (one of the largest Hindu Temples in USA) are major center of attractions in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh with a number of palaces to visit is well equipped with car rental facilities. Like any where else in globe, car rental services in Pittsburgh has been influenced by eco consciousness and the rising fuel prices which has given new dimension to the car rental industry world over and Pittsburgh is not an exception to this trend. All the prominent car renting agencies in Pittsburgh now have a considerable number of hybrid cars to be let out on rent. Hybrid cars are great on environment front as they can run on both bio and conventional fuels.

However, there remains some uncertainty with the prices and rates of hybrid cars and there is considerably low numbers of cars therefore held by renting agencies in this category. For example, the sales of Toyota Prius are insignificant part to the total sales of Toyota cars.

The additional cost of hybrid rental cars is the real factor hampering their popularity of being a successful rental car. It charges $5 to $15 extra on a standard rental. Though hybrid car rental is have additional value due to its fuel saving features.

However, the car renting agencies are promoting hybrid cars due to their fuel saving qualities and it is most obvious that sooner or later, the prices of car rental would fall equivalent to standard rental cars. The competition even among car rental companies to prove them worthy of environment consciousness is contributing a lot into induction of hybrid car into the fleet.

It is not only car renting agencies but also you as driver of a rented car can also contribute a lot to the efficiency of hybrid car and cause of environment consciousness. As a driver you can contribute while driving on an average speed from 55mph instead of 65 mph to improve fuel efficiency and drive on constant speed so you can save fuel and keep your environment less polluted.

Quick pickup, zig-zagging amidst vehicles and hard braking waste fuel and wears out brakes and tires, so maintain distance between vehicles for a gradual acceleration. Turn off the Engine of the car when you are idling away more than 30 seconds. Keep the tires well inflated as under inflated tires reduce fuel economy by 3-4 percent. Do not use access of luggage and remove unnecessary luggage otherwise engine would work harder and consume more fuel.

The other useful tip to increase fuel consumption is that you should avoid use of air conditioning below 25 degrees and keep windows of the car shut at very high speed as windows open at highway speeds increases aerodynamic drag on the vehicle and increases fuel consumption.



Hybrid Car Rental Los Angeles
Car Guru asked:


What is Fuel Economy?

According to Wikipedia, fuel economy in cars is the amount of fuel required to move a vehicle over a given distance. It is usually measured by the amount of fuel used per unit distance i.e. the number of litres of fuel used to travel 100 kilometres. The lower the value, the better the fuel economy as it takes less fuel to drive the same distance.



Why is Fuel Economy important?

With petrol prices at an all time high, a few simple steps to improve your fuel economy can save you money, which is always good. Plus, burning fossil fuels adds to pollution and climate change, and adds to our dependence on oil which, as we know, is a non-renewable source of energy.

What can I do to improve Fuel Economy?  

Hybrid cars are considered to be extremely fuel efficient. A hybrid car is powered by petrol and electricity, so doesn’t burn petrol all the time. The Toyota Prius model, for example, is rated as the Top Performer on the Green Vehicle Guide from the Australian government with a fuel consumption of 4.4L per 100km.

 Can I improve Fuel Economy without spending money?

Yes! The good news is there are lots of ways in which you can improve fuel economy without buying a new car or gadgets.

On the Road



Watch Your Speed – Higher speeds use more fuel. Most cars run at a maximum efficiency around 95kmph (60mph). Website www.fueleconomy.gov shows how driving speed affects gas mileage.

Drive smoothly – Avoid stopping and starting your vehicle as it takes more fuel to get a vehicle moving than it does to keep it moving. Aggressive driving like rapid acceleration and braking also wastes fuel as when you do it, you send more fuel to the engine.



Using Cruise Control can help save fuel as you travel at a constant speed



In the Garage



Look after your car – regular maintenance will avoid fuel economy problems like dragging brakes or transmission problems. A well lubricated engine reduces friction and takes less fuel to run. Also, keeping your car clean and waxed improves aerodynamics and fuel economy!



Correct tyre pressure is vital for fuel efficiency.  Properly inflated tyres have less contact with the road, encounter less friction so the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to move the car. 

Check your air filters – dirty air filters restrict air flow to the engine which reduces performance and economy.

Clean out the boot! Added weight reduces fuel economy.



 

Some other tips



Plan your trips so you make one big trip instead of lots of small ones – a warm engine is more efficient than a cool one.

Buy fuel on Tuesdays when it’s cheapest!

Keep an eye on cheap fuel prices in your area. Check out http://motormouth.com.au/pricesearch.aspx?Region=Sydney for Sydney.



Favourite Tip

While researching this piece, I came across one tip that most people would probably be willing to try – work a four day week! By driving to work one day less a week, you can save on fuel costs and help the environment. Now that’s one idea I will be pitching to the boss…



Hybrid Car Rental Los Angeles

Powered by Yahoo! Answers