Travelling on a budget is challenging, but not impossible. However, if you need to make a limited amount of money stretch as much as possible, getting cheap rental car deals will require some smart shopping. Use the following tips to help you.
Set A Budget
If your budget is tight, then it means that every dollar will be accounted for. That means that when you look at cheap rental cars, you should have a set amount of money that you can spend on the vehicle. Before you start looking for a rental car, make sure that you know precisely how much you can afford, so that you don’t overspend.
Look At Different Rental Companies
Car rental companies set their rates, so if you shop around and get as many quotations as possible, you might find a few options within your price range. Many rental companies also have cheap car rentals for people working with limited budgets. These vehicles won’t be the fanciest or most modern, but they’ll get you where you need to go. Just make sure that you look around first before settling on a price you can afford.
Ask About Membership Discounts
Some rental car companies offer discounts to long-time customers. If you’ve rented cars from the same company before, try asking if they have discounted rates or vehicles available. Because they know you and you have a successful professional relationship with them, you might get lucky.
Employee Discounts
If you’re travelling for work, your company might provide a rental car. If not, they’ll cover the expenses. If they’re paying for the rental, you’ll want to keep costs as low as possible, so reach out to the same rental companies your employer has used before, and enquire about employee or return-customer discounts.
Ask About Current Promotions
Many rental companies offer promotions throughout the year, especially if they’re trying to beat their competition. The December period might be one of those times, as more people will be hiring cars for their vacations. Ask about promotions or deals that are on offer during that period – you might make an unexpected saving.
Travelling on a budget isn’t easy, but you can still get a rental vehicle for a bargain. You need to be smart about budgeting, and where you get a cheap rental car deal. Use these tips as a guideline, and you might find a rental car that fits your budget and gets you where you need to go.