What do you need to know when renting a car?

This is not the first you've been thinging about renting a car but you've always been dubious about actually making the reservation online? You have a mobile work environment, want a car while on vacation, or maybe you want to offer a premium car to your spouse as a gift?

Whichever might be the case, here are some tips how to make the best car reservation and avoid any unpleasant surprises and additional costs.

So, you have been surfing online for a car and found the perfect car hire for your trip but you are not 100 percent sure how the whole system works.  Relax, all information are provided for you.

First, take a look at the terms and conditions of the company where you found your perfect car rental. Be sure to note the payment policies, the cancellation procedure and of course your obligations in the agreement. Also, be sure to take a look at the procedure how to prolong the reservation and any other details regarding the reservation duration.

Make sure you have in possesion all the documentation for the rental, from international driving license if necessary to demanded credit cards.

Furthermore, read the terms and conditions of the specific partner who you will be renting the car with.

Are you of enough age to rent a car? Is there an additional fee for your age group whilst renting a car?

Read closely what sort of insurance is included in the price, and which is not. See how to react in case you encounter problems, defects with the car  or if involved in an accident.

See then if the price includes airport fee, premium location fee, tax and (un)limited mileage

Note what is the excess amount, and what are the costs for the additional insurance to reduce this excess to zero. Also, be sure to have enough balance on your credit card to cover this excess, obligatory in case you don opt for the additional insurance.

Then, read on about the fuel policy. Not every car rental company has the same system. On the contrary it is completely up to each to determine their own  fuel policies so  make sure to be informed about it to avoid any misconceptions.

The next vital information is the costs of one way rentals, deliveries and collections and out of hours fee. Indeed, the majority of the car rental companies will surcharge you for these services.

After reading carefully the terms you still have some unclarities regarding the rental? Do not hesitate and contact the customer service. Send an email or give them a telephone call and they will surely be glad to explain what puzzles you.

Last, but not least, upon renting the car, make sure you have all the documentation, including the printed voucher/ reservation confirmation. In case you encounter any difficulties at the time of the pick up or at any time during the rental, be sure to notify your rental provider.

So here you have it, few basic points one should pay attention to when renting a car. So read carefully, ask questions and be informed in order to make the best car hire. As in every service there are rules and ways of dealing with the matter. So, to be prepared for the car rental and its potential traps make sure you are well informed before.

Malta Car Hire

 Though summer's halfway through there are still many options to organize a perfect  vacation.

We recommend you taking off to Malta! Rent a car there and make this vacation a wonderful  trip all around this mediterranean  island.

A crucial geographical position has provided Malta with an incredible  mixture of different cultural influences, making it an incredibly interesting despite its limited size.

Only three island among 20 of them are settled, Malta, Comino and Gozo. The temperatures are accordingly mild or hot in the summer making Malta perfect vacation venue.

The Island has been settled since 5000 b.c. and since then it had hosted from Fenicians, to Romans, Normans, also we cannot neglect the influence of the English in the last century.

If you arrive to Malta at the international  airport in Luqa, you can easily rent a car there and drive off to your first destination, whichever that may be. Take a rest and prepare yourself for the adventure begins!

Let your exploring begin at Valletta, Malta's capital. With a typical 16th century  architecture, barrocan style and also Modern  architecture, the city has a beautiful charm to it. It was also credited by the Unesco  and is recognised as World Heritage Site.  See the famous St. John's Cathedral, National Museum of Arts, the Magisterial Palace of the Grandmaster, or the Upper Barrakka Gardens  to Fort Saint Elmo, the number of fascinating sites in the capital is limitless. One of the most breath-taking just might be Valletta's Waterfront.

Next drive to another coastal city Paceville. This city is perfect for all of oyu party lovers for it is dense in number of clubs, bars and other venues where good time is guaranteed. After spending a wild night there drive off towards the North the island to visit the Nature and History Park called Il Majjistral.  Park your car and stretch your feet while exploring the beautiful protected coast, discovering historical sites and marvel the archeological achievements still remaining in the area.

Take the rented car and drive of more to the inside of the island and visit the village  Il Rabat. There you can visit the famous Catacombs of St. Paul and St. Agatha where you can also see the famous Agape Table.

Next, take the car to drive off to Kirkop, a tiny village where you can find the Menhir monolith, the Paleo-Christian Catacombs, the medieval Church of the Annuniation and many niches around the village. Another peculiar fact is the so-called FauxFarming, which means that in the summer many people, better said tourists, come to their cheaply bought land, and there  tend to exert agricultural activities.

Continue your adventure to Tas-Silg fortress, built by the British Army  on your way to Xrobb L-Ghagin where you can wonderfully finish off your vacation. This is a nature park like any other. It offers magnificent views,  daily activities and guided walks.

Just before you return to the airport make a last stop with the rented car at Santa Lucija. This is a small village but there you can find an amazing Chinese built garden which will surely amaze you.

Also, recently a hypogeum was disocovered there that might be worth your time and interest.

You have now made a lovely round trip around the island of Malta and the last thing to do is to tidy up the car and return it to the agency.

Malta is surely an island full of  beauty, mistery and ancient spirits that will certainly move you. By renting a car you can make the most of it, especially since the island is poorely connected. But also, it is far more practical to acces all its beauties with a rented car.

Rent a Car- All the must-haves

Is this your first time renting a car and need all the information possible regarding renting? Are you familiar with renting cars but there are still some unclear questions how to have the most optimal carhire?  Follow these basic instructions, keep in mind these information stated below, and all should go smoothly!

You have succesfully booked a car and are ready to leave on your trip? To avoid unpleasant surprises, make sure you have all the necessary documentation with you. 

Firstly, you need a valid identification document, a passport or an ID. Next, doublecheck your drivers' licence, the dates and if it is valid for the country where you will be renting.  If your driving license is written in a different language or with different characters, you must acquire and additional international driving licence. However this doesn't mean the international driving licence is enough, in fact you need both. It is always very important to read the specific Terms and Conditions of the car rental company where you can read all about their specific requirements. 

Next, it is important you have a valid credit card with you. Even though the policies of rent a car companies differ when it comes to the payment, a credit card is always mandatory. It is also advisable to read the terms and conditions of the car rental company, since for renting luxury and special models you need 2 credit cards to be able to rent them .

Another very important document is a printed voucher or confimation paper that you can present to the rental agent.  Be aware that if you do not have this paper with you a rental company might refuse you the car even if you have already payed for the  reservation and have all the other documentation.

Also, on the printed voucher you have all the contact numbers and other information that can come in handy in case of an emergency.

Here is another  tip, be sure to precise your flight number just in case you arrive later than precised. This will enable the rental agent to keep up with the flight information and organize the pick up according to your arrival.

Last but not least, again,  read the terms and conditions. Always do it and in case you do not understand them  contact the car rental company, for they will be happy to explain you.

So, here you have the  5 most importants things in order to have a good rental experience!

This years European basketball Championship is just around the corner!

Taking place in several Slovenian towns , this is a perfect way to combine your love for basketball and travelling. For not only Slovenia is a beautiful country, it is also cheap, safe and extremely diverse. And, of course, this years' host for the best European basketball teams.

The venues for the sport spectacles are the followings: Jesenice near the Austrian border, Koper on the Adriatic seaside, Celje near the Croatian border and in the capital Ljubljana. Stretched on every corner of this minitiaure, chicken-shaped country, the European basketball champioship, happening this fall, is one of the biggest international event this country has ever hosted.

Slovenia is a young country where you can feel the Yugoslavian characteristics mixing with the western influences. It gained its independance in 1991, peaceafully and it made its transition from socialism surprisingly well. Now, a full-member of the EU, it is considered one of the hidden jewels of the European continent.  You will immediately notice the beautiful  nature everywhere;  even its capital is extremely green, it  has a huge foresty park basically in the center,  and many other smaller green surfaces. Not to menion the rest of the country, from Triglavski Narodni Park, to the lovely seaside or beautifull plains of Prekmurje; this country is extremely  picturesque despite its, for some, absurd size.

Slovenian people are kind, friendly and extremely good speakers of english language, which is a great advantage. The streets are safe, the prices are low and there's always something happening, especially in the summer!  

If you're coming to Slovenia with one and only one reason, that being the basketball championship, here's a list of things we recommend you to to spice up your trip.

 If you arrive at the  Ljubljana  Airport you can rent a car directly on the spot and drive off to experience this capitals incredible vibe.  This city's old town is a must see, small but full of cafe's, small shops, a river  running right through it, magical castle on the hill, it will certainly leave a bohemian and romantic impression on you.

Have dinner at a local restaurant to discover Slovenia's delicious cuisine, go for a glass of a good local wine and let yourself be charmed by  the easy-going, relaxing but still frisky city. It is definetely not a city packed with tourists, yet, so take advantage of this and experience it in its most  authentic environment. Rent a car one day and drive up to the mountains, or  to the underground caves; the list goes on and on.

If you decide to spend your vacation at the coastal town of Koper, there too, you  can find a list of things to do. It is the oldest town in Slovenia and the Praetor's Palace is a perfect demonstration of this, for dating from 13th century.  Drive up to Socerb, old castle or to near-by Piran or Portorož. Maybe just find a spot and dip your feet into the Adriatic see. 

In Celje, which used to be a Roman town, you can rent a car and discover the beautiful East of the country. See the beautiful castle, the Celje Museum of Recent History, take the car and drive  to the Šmartno Lake, or maybe to some other near-by city or spend the day at a Spa resort like Rimske Toplice. Visit Laško, a town famous by its beer production.

In jesenice however, there is another world waiting for you. It is a relatively small town but it has a charming feel to it. See  the Upper  Sava Museum, or go to the amazing Zois' Park. Take the car and explore the beauties of this hilly region.  If Slovenia is already famous by its nature, than this is the source of it all! Amazing near-by lakes of Bled and especially Bohinj will make you instantly fall in love with it. 

Your stay in Slovenia might be purely to watch the championship  but do not miss out on this opportunity to get to know this beautiful country, it will not leave you dissapointed. Rent a car and so be able to explore it from one one corner to another. Easily, you will find something to ne amazed by!

PORTUGAL

Summer's come and took you by surprise, for  you still have no plans what so ever where to spend your vacation? We recommend you this beautiful, historically and culturally diverse country by the Atlantic sea. You've guessed it, it's Portugal.

With majority of its population located on the seaside, this country has many things to offer. Rent a car in Portugal and this time  make your vacation relaxation and exploration all in one!

Hilly on the North, low on the South, Portugal, will surely not leave you indifferent. The beauties of the Atlantic Ocean sea have been, with a good reason, attracting many tourists for decades. As another vital part of Portugal,  we must mention the slightly isolated Madeira Island and the Azores, located  further in the Atlantic ocean.

Portugal has been established in the 12th century though populated since prehistoric times. From Pre-Celtes, Visigoths, Moors and Alan settlements,  Portugal is architecturally very diverse, and colourful.  With the vast colonisation expansion,  already in the 15th century it was obviously becoming one of the worlds' most influential countries.  From the mid 20th century its colonised territory gained independance and so reducing the the surface of Portugal drastically.

You might want to begin your trip in in Porto. The near located airport where you can easily rent a car is less crowded than the one in Lisbon, for Portugal can be overwhelmed by tourist in the summer.

Rent a car, find a nice, charming hotel in the city-centre and do not waste a second of your time spent in this amazing city. See the famous Portus Cale, built in the Roman times, the main Avenida dos Aliados and Praca de Liberdade. A must see is a famous tower Torre dos Clerigos with an amazing view on the top if you ever get the time to climb on it. Santa Clara, Misericordia. Ribeira, Museo do Vinho Porto and many other  touristic spots are quite incredible. Do not forget to try the famous wine, see one of many museums, go to the riviera Ribeira, a fishermen's town.

Well rested, continue your travel more towards the center of the state, the city Guarda is the highest city in Portugal! Easily accesible by car, you can explore this ancient military base of Julius Caesar. See the amazing gothic chatredal, the town museum and enjoy the peace of this beautiful city. Most of all, this city is perfect for more adventureous of us, being an excellent starting position to explore the highlands of Portugal named Serra de Estrella.

Continue your way South and make a stop at the National Parc Tajo before you reach the city Evora. Here is where you just might find something more than you'd expect! The incredibly preserved old city centre will surely make some great impressions on you. Spend some days here, with your car you can explore the near by charming and less known towns  like Valverde or  S.Mancos.  Making your way to the South be sure to make a stop at Markadia, where you can put up a nice tent in the Markadia  Camp and enjoy in the beauties of the near-by lake.

Make your next stop Albufeira,  though highly visited by tourist, you will find there all you wish for. This amazing city has an incredible architectural sights, from aqueducts, to old city centre.

The amazing beach, the rich night life, big choice of hotels makes this city perfect for younger as well as older generation. The city will surely leave an impression on you with its african touch, for there have found home  many  North African immigrants whose culture mixed beautifully with the European. With your car rental you can see the whole beauty of the  South of Portugal.

Move up to the capital and finish your trip in one of the most beautiful capitals in the , Lisbon.

Visit the old district in Lisbon named Alfama,  the Moorish fortress Sao Jorge,  the ancient Roman walls,  the Pena palace,  the Tower Belem and many other hot-spots of Lisbona. This city is marked by Romanesque,m Gothic, Manueline and Postmodern constructions.  For art lovers a number of museums can be found in Lisbon like the Fernando Pessoa Museum.  Music lovers should visit a fado concert, a genre typical for Portugal.

Take the car and go visit Estoril, castles of Cintra,  Cabo Da Rocca to move away a bit from the crowded city, only to find it in the night when its most beautiful. Surely you will find a place just for you; bars, clubs, cafes, night walks, all this you must experience if anywhere in Lisbon!

This is our suggestion how to make a Tour de Portugal with your car rental. Portugal is without a doubt a beautiful country, so rent a car and be sure to see exacly what you will attract you most.