What could be better than getting lost on the shores of the Atlantic coast of Florida? We will answer you – better is to explore its most significant sights by car! Yes, the Sunshine State seems to be specially designed for cruising on four wheels. Whether it’s taking the kids to the Orlando theme parks, hitting the beaches of Miami, or exploring the wildlife in the Everglades, you can’t do without a car at hand. Moreover, today you can rent it, which greatly facilitates the search for transport options at the desired point.
A large selection of offers – from economy vehicles to premium and convertible models – makes it possible to find the perfect option for your next Florida road journey. However, still too high post-Covid prices can take a toll on your travel budget.
So, what to do in this case? Hopefully, you are not thinking of canceling your trip, because we know how to lower the total rate. Below, check out the simple do’s and don’ts that will get you the perfect deal at an affordable price!
Don’t pick up a car on the spot
We mean that booking in advance is the best solution in terms of price and available model range. Companies prefer to formulate their lineup according to demand, and knowing future customer preferences contributes to this as much as possible. Moreover, companies encourage early reservations with lower prices. Therefore, you can take advantage of it.
The best time to find and book a cheap vehicle is 2-5 weeks before the expected dates of your road trip. In addition, you get a wider choice of models in this case. Remember that such vehicle types as minivans and SUVs require earlier reservations due to their enormous popularity.
Don’t book directly on the official website
You can collect a car rental in the USA from any of over 78 companies. However, you’re not going to visit everyone’s website to check prices and study their Terms and Conditions, right? Today, Enterprise Rent-a-Car and other international and local agencies provide rental cars through Rental24h.com. This service finds deals from all suppliers at once and allows you to compare them by price, rating, optional extras, and other important parameters. As a result, you quickly identify the best deal and guarantee a successful and cost-effective ride!
Think strategically when choosing a location
Imagine that you are looking for cheap car rentals in Orlando. If your goal is to catch the best deal, you should check options at all nearby pick-up points – both airport-based and downtown. Keep in mind that a wider vehicle assortment is usually available at the airport, while city locations feature cheaper rates. However, this is not always the case and we recommend that you check the current rates yourself.
Also, if you haven’t decided where to start your trip in Florida, but are focusing on budget car rental prices, consider the cheapest locations. Among them are Orlando (from $7/day), Miami (from $9/day), Fort Lauderdale (from $13/day), and Fort Myers (from $15/day). Naturally, don’t forget to compare prices at airports and downtown.
Start your haul on the right day
If you try to directly compare rates on weekdays versus weekends, you will see a difference that can sometimes reach 30%. Why is this happening? It’s all because of demand, which causes prices to go up or down. So, try searching for cars based on different dates, and it might help you save a few bucks for your personal travel needs.
Consider seasonal price fluctuations
The best time to cruise in Florida and enjoy comfortable weather is spring and summer. Unfortunately, crowds of tourists flock to the Sunshine State at this time, thus increasing the demand for all travel services. Therefore, you will pay much more than average for a car in the high season. If you’re hunting for car rental discounts, avoid peak times, and plan your Florida driving experience for off-season periods such as fall or winter. Again, prices may go up during the holidays, so take that into account as well.
Find a car with the right parameters
Different travel needs require different approaches to organizing a trip. When it comes to choosing a vehicle type, think about the number of passengers and luggage it must carry. For solo travelers and couples, a mini or economy car will be a perfect option. At the same time, a 7-seater minivan fits well into a family trip, and an SUV gives you confidence when driving on country roads. So, consider your travel goals, budget, and required capacity to find the perfect vehicle at a reasonable price!
Consider higher rates for underage and one-way rentals
Today, you can easily find a car rental in Orlando Airport for under 25 drivers, with many other Florida locations offering this option. However, this will result in an extra $10-35 per day that you must pay as a young driver’s fee. The same applies to one-way deals, that is, trips with different pick-up and drop-off locations. Therefore, if it doesn’t conflict with your travel plans, try to avoid under 25 and one-way options to enjoy much cheaper offers.
Your ideal Florida car rental experience is much closer than you think. Use our simple tips to find the top-class deal for your upcoming journey. Also, enjoy more cost-effective long-term options, and don’t forget to explore promotions for even greater benefits!