Subscribe: RSSEmailTwitterFacebookFriendFeed

Safety Tip For Driving Your Australian Rental Vehicle

December 29, 2009 by Jason Hall  
Filed under Car Rental

Traveling by car is the best way to see those out of the way places, while visiting Queensland, without having to take a tour. Super, diesel and unleaded are available at all stations, however LPG is usually only available at stations located in a populated area. The prices of gas varies from time and place, however it will always cost more on the weekends and bank holidays, so it is best to fill up during the week.

There are many rental companies available and the best thing to remember is that if you want to travel a long distance then you will need a policy with unlimited kilometers. Big firms sometimes offer one-way rentals so that you can pick it up in one town and drop it off when you reach your destination but there are a variety of restrictions on these deals and sometimes there can be a huge drop-off fee so read the small print. 4WD and camper vans are a booming market. Having a 4WD enables you to get right off the beaten track and out to some of the natural wonders that most travelers miss but insurance on these can be high and some insurance on 4wd does not cover damage done when off road (anything not bitumen or dirt road).

Queensland roads consist of a few multi lane highways, major roads with two lanes and dirt roads which are great for seeing the countryside. It is important while driving, especially at dawn and dusk, that you are aware of Kangaroos. They are the most common hazard on Australian roads, no matter what speed you are driving you will make a mess of both your car and the Kangaroo should you hit one.

Most Australians choose not to travel too much at night because of the hazards caused by animals but if you are on a strict schedule, you may find it necessary so if you are traveling in the dark and a large animal appears in front of you, hit the brakes and dip your lights and only swerve if its safe to do so. Numerous travelers have been killed in accidents caused by swerving to miss animal’s. Sometimes it’s safer for you to hit the animal however traumatic this may be.

Along the east coast and in country areas, drunk driving is a major issue. Attempts are being made to address so be prepared to stop for random breath testing station or booze buses somewhere on your travels. If your blood alcohol levels are greater then 0.05% you should also be prepared to pay a large fine and lose of your license. Parking is another costly problem, although it may cost some money to park in the designated areas, it is still less money then being ticketed.

If you are ready to holiday in Australia be sure to use the car hire Surfers Paradise has loved for years. Log onto www.budget.com.au for the best deals available. You can also get a brisbane car rental vacationers have enjoyed while driving from sight to sight.


A Navigation System Can Help Your Travels In An Unfamiliar Land

December 24, 2009 by Jason Hall  
Filed under Car Rental

Renting a vehicle for your travels can be a stressful thing. You want to make sure you drive as safe as you can and that no damage is done to the vehicle you are driving. you can prepare yourself a little by studying the laws and rules for traveling in this unfamiliar land, but there is not much you can do to learn all the roads, turns and routes that will get you from point A to point B

What many do not realize is this is no longer an issue. Just as rental companies offer trailers, roof racks and safety seats for the children, they also offer navigational devices that will assist you on your travels. GPS devices are available to rent now from many of the major rental companies. This can be a big help when you are unfamiliar with the area that you will be traveling in.

A helpful device, a GPS system, can also help you easily locate points of interest as well as locate emergency services when you need them. These items can be very handy when in the possession of a foreign traveler looking to explore uncharted territories.

Now although the availability on these devices is currently limited, this is believed to be an idea that will really take off. Over the next year, these items should become available at a variety of vehicle rental agencies worldwide to aid in directing the tourist to their destinations more quickly and safely than before. And the thought is that more locations will be offering these devices at a reasonable rate because of the need to keep tourists safe.

If you need to you can also bring your own GPS device along with you, just make sure that it is set for the area you will be traveling in. It is a helpful way to get around without worry and can be a useful device especially for those who lack a good sense of direction or map reading skills.

Budget Rent a Car is the best site to rent from if you are searching for a car rental Surfers Paradise. They are the number one rental car company in all of Australia.


The Top 5 Things To Look For In A Vehicle Rental Company

November 1, 2009 by Jason Hall  
Filed under Car Rental

Before agreeing to any rental contract there are a few things that you need to take into consideration. Although it may be tempting to accept the cheapest rate you were quoted, without the proper knowledge this policy may end up costing you more then the most expensive quote that you received.

1. LOOK FOR THE NAME. Many people are misled by unknown companies who offer better rates than the larger company. While these companies may serve a purpose if you need to lease for a day while your regular vehicle is in the shop, for the most part it is not a wise idea to use these companies when you are traveling a long distance or renting in a vacation destination. While out and about, you want a company with a name like Budget or Avis that you know will stand behind you if you have any problems on the road. Emergency road services for a local company may not exist and can leave you paying out all your vacation funds in car repairs.

2. Ask For A Copy Of The Rental Agreement: We are all so busy that wee often do not look at our rental agreements until we go to pick up the vehicle. Even then, we still do not read the agreement carefully as we are in a rush to get our trip started. Since the rental agreement is the most important aspect of your rental, as the company to send you a copy of the rental agreement prior to picking up the car so that you can read through it at your own leisurely pace.

3. Look Into The Company: Although you are renting through a company that has a trusted name, it does not mean that ever rental location they own runs the same. Therefore you should review customer comments and look the location up on the Better Business Bureau to see how there service is and if it is in fact a company that many are happy working with.

4. Ask For Unlimited Mileage: Many companies do not offer unlimited mileage, unless you ask for it. Although it may seem like you will not need the unlimited mileage it is always better to take it, even if it cost a few dollars more. You do not want to discover someplace interesting while on your vacation and realize that it would cost you to much in the extra mileage to travel there. You also do not want to spend your vacation wondering how many miles you have driven and how much further you can go. Taking out the unlimited mileage will give you a piece of mind, and maybe even open up new locations to venture to.

5. ROAD SERVICE. This is a big item that can vary greatly from company to company, so know in advance how it will be handled if your vehicle breaks down while you are on the road. Finding out their policy in advance can save you a lot of trouble when you are on the road.

For the greatest car hire Gold Coast has to offer you should log onto http://www.budget.com.au. They are car hire Surfers Paradise have trusted for years.