How to Rent a Car for Cross Country
A cross country car trip provides a fantastic opportunity for sightseeing and visiting states, cities and small towns you might not have otherwise ever visited. While you can drive your own car, it is advisable to instead rent a car since such a trip involves so many miles as well as vehicle strain. Keep several considerations in mind when renting a car for a cross-country road trip.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine the size of car to rent. This should be based not only on the number of people traveling with you, but also the amount of stuff each of you is bringing along. Consider the number of suitcases, carry-on bags, purses and "extras" such as radios, pillows and blankets. A cross-country trip may require a minivan, full-size van or SUV to accommodate everything you will pack.
-
2
Choose a car rental agency and double-check to that the company has a drop-off location at your destination if this is a one way trip. After doing so much driving, the last thing you want to do is hunt down a location to return the car once you've arrived.
-
-
3
Book your vehicle. You can do this online or via a company agent, either in-person or on the phone. Provide the vehicle type you are interested in and the length of time you need to vehicle (since you are driving cross-country, it is prudent to book more days than you will actually need in case you are waylaid). State that this is a cross-country trip. Some companies have a certain fleet of vehicles reserved for just such trips, and others can provide coupons for use along the way as well a list of designated locations where you can stop if there is a problem during your trip.
-
4
Consider extras such as insurance and gas packages. Since driving cross-country is such a long trip, consider adding extras you might normally skip, such as insurance and prepaid gas packages. Particularly since gas prices range from state to state, and even from city to city, prepaying for gas can save you money. Also, with such a long distance to drive, insurance provides peace of mind in case you have even the smallest fender bender with the car.
-
5
Jot down pertinent phone numbers for the rental car company. For such a long trip, it helps to know whom to call should you break down, have an accident or become a victim of auto theft. While this information is found within your rental literature, in the middle of a mishap or emergency, it can be difficult to locate. Write down numbers on a notepad in your purse or suitcase or program them into your phone.
-
1
