When
you rent a car these days, you can buy the entire tank at a supposed
bargain rate and try to return the car with an empty tank (good
luck!), or pay exorbitant prices for gas/petrol not in the
tank when you return. Of course, filling the car yourself just
before returning it is the best option, but because you're usually
in an unfamiliar locale and often under time pressure (e.g., to
catch a plane), this is easier said than done. And if you're headed
to a business function, you risk arriving smelling like gasoline. Of
course, this is exactly the dilemma the car rental agency wants,
because it generates profits for them when the car is returned less
than full. Here are some tips for keeping your fuel costs
down while traveling: (Most
rental companies offer you three choices)
Refill the tank
just before returning the car: (best), Rental
car companies charge top dollar if they have to refill the gas tank
themselves. This hit will be even worse as gas prices climb. Leave
time before you return your rental car to fill the tank.
Buy an entire
tankful and return the car unfilled: When you pay for a tankfull
of gas, there is no refund for gas left behind when you return the
car. It is almost impossible to return a car absolutely empty, and
it is a big hassle and worry about running out of gas if you try.
That is, you enjoy the convenience of not having to fill the tank
only when you come back with lots of gas to spare. So the effective
price per gallon you used is much higher than the price they quote.
Normally they sell you the tankful up front for the same price or a
few cents less per gallon than the nearby gas station does.
Don't pay for gas
first and return the car unfilled anyway: When you don't buy the
tankful and the
car unfilled anyway, they charge you to refill the tank at a price
much higher (typically double)
Keep in mind that on
most cars, the gas gauge reads above the "F" mark when the
tank is filled. If, when you take out the rental car, the gas gauge
moves as you drive, or is not above the "F" after driving
a block or through a few parking lot aisles, you cannot be sure it
is full.
Use public transportation.
In addition to saving money, using public transportation puts you in
touch with the real people and rhythms of a place. A visit to New
York City will prove that even the New York subway can be a cultural
experience -- see the city from outside the tourist perspective. If
you absolutely must drive, another effective option is to drive part
way, perhaps to a train station, then stow the car and take public
transportation.
Visit transit- and walking-friendly destinations.
Choose destinations that might not require extensive car travel -
cities with good transit systems, or a culture of walking
everywhere. For example - New York not Los Angeles; Orlando not,
well, Los Angeles. Walk right up to your destination instead of
circling the block for hours in search of
parking.
Rent a bicycle.
Renting a bicycle might be among the most fun and immersive ways to
see the sights. Especially in bike-friendly countries like much of
Europe, you'll look like one of the locals, and maybe even be
treated as such. In the right town, there's almost no place you
can't go; pull up to any site and park a few feet away.
You'll be surprised at how well riding a bicycle keeps those travel
pounds off your frame, as well. Remember to request a lock and a
helmet when you rent.
Rent a moped.
Faster and less taxing than a bike, and they get astoundingly good
gas mileage, and are almost de riguer in many countries.
Stay in town.
Finding lodging right in the heart of a city or resort area might
cost you some peace and quiet, but could pay off in money saved, not
to mention the intimacy with the daily life of a place. Many in-city
hotels also offer complimentary shuttle service to local
attractions, a convenience for which both you and your wallet will
be thankful. |
