Going away on holiday can be a stressful experience but canny travellers do all they can in advance to ensure that things run as smoothly as possible, especially when travelling to a final destination that is some distance from the arrival airport.
Because many package tour operators now charge for coach transfers on a per person basis it can be costly getting to your hotel accommodation, especially for the average family of four. Additionally, you will inevitably have to wait some time for the last person travelling on the same coach as you to emerge from the airport, adding to the frustration and stress levels.
An alternative is to take a taxi. However, paid transfers or a return taxi journey could easily end up costing as much or even more than hiring a car for the duration of your holiday. Even if it costs slightly more the freedom to explore that comes with a hire car may be worth paying the extra, plus you don't have to hang around waiting at the airport. As soon as you lift your luggage off the carousel you can head straight for the car hire desk, get the keys to your car and drive to your hotel.
Browse the web and see how the cost of hiring a car stacks up against the transfers or taxis options. If you find that car hire is the most economical option then avoid the temptation to stroll to your destination airport car rental counter on arrival expecting to pick up a car on spec. You could end up disappointed, especially at peak times when demand for cars is high and you may find that there are no vehicles available that day. Alternatively, cars may be available but in such short supply that the price is severely inflated, or available only in a category that does not match the size of your travelling party.
Booking ahead and ensuring that a vehicle will be waiting for you is definitely the best option. As well as getting the correct-sized vehicle by booking car hire in advance you will also be assured of the price that you will pay; providing you stick to the terms of the rental. You may also find that there is the chance of a substantial discount for pre-paying for your hire car at the time of booking.
Be prepared this summer and get your car hire sorted before you travel. That way you can leave the frustrations of waiting for fellow coach passengers or queuing for taxis to everyone else!