Archive for the ‘Car Hire’ Category

April 1st, 2012  Posted at   Car Hire

Johannesburg airport, recently renamed OR Tambo, is South Africa’s largest international airport and the busiest in Africa with the capacity to handle up to 28 million passengers annually. It has a history that is as interesting as it is long. Originally known as Jan Smuts it was renamed after the end of Apartheid to the neutral Johannesburg International Airport and then more recently to OR Tambo after the struggle hero. The airport is serviced by the new Gautrain as well as three city bus lines so there is adequate public transport, there are however also several opportunities for car hire in Johannesburg airport. Although the public transport from the airport into the city is efficient and on par with major international destinations all over the world, it is still advised that one makes use of the Johannesburg airport car hire facilities available. Johannesburg is a large city with a complex organic growth structure in the outer suburbs, the road network however is second to none and it is well worth exploring the city and outlying areas by car.

The city itself has a rich and interesting history and there are several areas of interest as well as popular tourist attraction, the real gems though lie on the outskirts of the city and in neighboring provinces and for these it is recommended that you make use of hire car. Not only does a hire car offer you the freedom to travel and stay at your own pace it provides you the opportunity to become intimately acquainted with the people and the culture you are visiting. The neighboring province of Limpopo is home to one of South Africa’s greatest tourist attractions, the Kruger National Park. The closest international airport is in Johannesburg and using a hire car is highly recommended, although it is possible to fly there from OR Tambo the drive is both fascinating and pleasant. Many tourists feel that the drive takes you through the countryside that resembles what they imagine Africa to be like. The drive is safe and can be undertaken in a regular family sedan, a 4×4 however is recommended for comfort sake and for improved game viewing when you reach the park. The elevation provided by a 4×4 can increase your chances of seeing game. (more…)

March 3rd, 2012  Posted at   Car Hire

If you are traveling in another country or city and you were not able to book a car for rent, there are many options available to you once you arrive at the airport. Of course, it is still best to plan ahead and book a car in advance, but situations like this cannot be avoided so you should know exactly how to find car rentals at the airport.

Choosing a Car Rental Company
Even if you weren’t able to book a car for rent in advance, there are cars that will be waiting for you at the airport. Most companies have offices at the airport so that it is easier for tourists to rent cars. If you have no idea which company to choose, you can easily compare the services by inquiring and asking the officers-in-charge about the price and promotions that come with the cars for rent. If you have internet access, go ahead and go to relevant forums to get recommendations. At the airport, you may find some people who may be able to tell you which car rental company offers the best deal. You may feel overwhelmed with the number of options, but you need to narrow your search by including only those providers who give the best deals. The rule of thumb is that it is usually more expensive to hire a car at the airport, so you may want to take a cab to the office at the center of the city, and then rent a car from there. If you do not want the hassle of having to find a company in the city, then you may just rent a car directly from the airport.

Knowing the Rules
It is important that you understand the rules of the car rental company before paying for it and taking the car. This is to avoid paying more in the end in case you violate any rules. Make sure that the mileage requirement is sufficient for you. Inquire if the rental company has a specific age requirement and ask the exact date and time when you need to return the car. (more…)

March 3rd, 2012  Posted at   Car Hire

Travelers like you can save a lot more if you choose to drive instead of pay for an airfare when traveling to long distances. When choosing a car hire service, you need to consider the type of vehicle you want to rent, the price, fees and policies. Whether you need a car for out of town business or vacation or you simply need a temporary service after a car problem or accident, it is important to know if the car rental company you are choosing offers a reliable service.

Establishing Your Needs
Because there are usually a lot of car hire companies to choose from, first you need to know your needs. Consider the type of car you want to rent, your budget and most importantly, your age. Many car rental companies do not allow rental to people under 21 years old. As for the type of car, you have to know whether the company has an available SUV in case you are travelling with your family, an economy car if you are on a budget, or a luxury car if you need one.

Evaluating the Fees and Policies
If you do not want to end up paying for more than you expected, you need to ask everything you want to know about the fees and policies of the company. For instance, will they charge you extra if you exceed the allowed number of miles? Do they charge more for younger or older drivers? Do they have insurances available in case the car meets an accident and it is in your possession? Do they need to perform any credit check before you are allowed to rent? Do they allow refund? How much do they charge in case you return the car beyond the specified time? If you have other questions in mind, you need to ask the company before proceeding with the rental. (more…)