The Road Home: Thanksgiving Rental Tips For An Easy Holiday Trip
Wednesday 15th November 2023
Welcome to Easirent’s guide to an Easy Thanksgiving Trip! As we gear up for the season of giving thanks and creating cherished memories, we understand that your journey to reunite with loved ones should be as smooth as possible. Whether you’re traveling near or far, the right rental can be the key to a stress-free Thanksgiving celebration. In this blog, we’ll share valuable insights and tips tailored for your Thanksgiving road trip, ensuring you navigate the holiday season with comfort and ease. Trust Easirent Car Rental to be your travel companion on the road to a joyful and effortless holiday reunion.
- Book Early
- Size Matters
- Deals and Discounts
- Travel Safe
- Navigating Traffic
- Parking Planning
- Fueling Up
- Understanding Rental Policies
- Emergency Preparedness
Book Early
Navigating the availability rollercoaster during peak Thanksgiving travel times can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. With everyone and their grandma hitting the road to share turkey and pie, rental cars become the hottest commodity in town. Imagine a game of musical chairs where the chairs are cars, and everyone’s scrambling for a spot. The high demand means limited options, and you might find yourself eyeballing a minivan when you had your heart set on a sleek sedan. Prices can skyrocket too, doing that holiday budget no favors. Worst-case scenario? Picture this: you stroll up to the rental counter only to hear those dreaded words – “Sorry, we’re all booked.” To dodge these availability curveballs, your best bet is to plan ahead, book early, and avoid the Thanksgiving rental scramble. It’s like securing your golden ticket to hassle-free holiday wheels.
Size Matters
When embarking on your Thanksgiving journey, the importance of selecting the appropriate vehicle size cannot be overstated. Matching the vehicle to the number of passengers and luggage is a pivotal consideration for a seamless travel experience. A solo traveler may find a compact car ideal, offering efficiency without excess space. But for families or larger groups, opting for a spacious SUV or even a minivan is imperative to accommodate both passengers and luggage comfortably. Striking the right balance ensures that everyone enjoys a comfortable ride without compromising on storage capacity. Careful consideration of the intended passengers and the luggage load is akin to assembling the pieces of a logistical puzzle, resulting in an optimized and stress-free Thanksgiving road trip. So, before hitting the road, assess your passenger and cargo needs, allowing for a tailored and enjoyable travel experience. And don’t forget to leave room for things you’ll be bringing home with you!
Deals and Discounts
Securing holiday discounts on car rentals can be a game-changer for savvy travelers. First and foremost, early birds catch the best deals. Planning your holiday journey well in advance increases the likelihood of accessing exclusive discounts, as rental companies often introduce competitive rates for early bookings. Additionally, keeping a keen eye on promotions and special offers during the holiday season can lead to significant savings. Subscribing to newsletters or loyalty programs of reputable car rental agencies might unlock exclusive discounts or promo codes that aren’t widely advertised. Flexibility with your travel dates can also pay off, as adjusting your pickup and drop-off times might reveal hidden discounts. Lastly, exploring bundled packages that combine car rentals with flights or accommodations can be a strategic approach to unlock additional savings. By combining these tips, you’ll be well on your way to navigating the holiday season with a pocketful of discounts on your rental car.
Travel Safe
Here are our tips for driving in different weather conditions, especially if you’re traveling to areas with unpredictable Thanksgiving weather. First and foremost, check the weather forecast for your route and destination, keeping an eye on potential storms, snow, or rain. If you anticipate encountering winter weather, equip your rental car with essentials like snow chains, an ice scraper, and windshield washer fluid suitable for freezing temperatures. Adjust your driving speed to match road conditions, allowing for increased braking distances on wet or slippery surfaces. Keep a safe following distance and be cautious on bridges and overpasses, which tend to freeze first. If your route includes mountainous terrain, be prepared for elevation changes and potential shifts in weather. Stay informed about road closures or advisories and, when in doubt, prioritize safety over speed. A well-prepared and cautious approach to driving in unpredictable weather will contribute to a smooth and secure Thanksgiving journey.
Navigating Traffic
Successfully navigating Thanksgiving traffic is a strategic dance, and a well-thought-out game plan can save you both time and sanity. Begin by strategically planning your departure and arrival times, aiming to avoid the notorious peak travel periods. Early mornings or late evenings often offer a smoother ride with fewer fellow road warriors. Leverage the power of navigation apps and tools to your advantage—these digital companions can guide you around traffic bottlenecks and offer real-time updates on the best routes. Opt for alternative roads or scenic byways to escape the beaten path and potentially discover shortcuts that mainstream routes may overlook. Embracing a flexible mindset and staying adaptable to changing traffic conditions will enable you to outsmart the holiday congestion and make your Thanksgiving journey as smooth as a freshly paved road.
Parking Planning
Parking planning is a crucial aspect of a stress-free Thanksgiving journey, ensuring that you don’t find yourself in a holiday traffic nightmare with nowhere to park. Begin by identifying parking options at your destination and understanding any associated costs or restrictions. This preemptive research can save you from the unwelcome surprise of exorbitant parking fees or limited spaces. In bustling urban or suburban areas, where finding a parking spot can feel like a Thanksgiving miracle, consider booking parking in advance or exploring nearby garages or lots. Keep an eye out for street parking regulations to avoid the unwelcome gift of a parking ticket on Thanksgiving – because let’s face it, no one wants that extra serving of stress during the holiday feast. Planning ahead for parking ensures that your celebration begins with a hassle-free arrival, leaving more room for gratitude and turkey-induced joy.
Fueling Up
As you embark on your holiday adventure, a full tank ensures uninterrupted travel, allowing you to focus on the festivities rather than anxiously eyeing the fuel gauge. Plan your pit stops strategically, especially in remote or unfamiliar areas, to avoid the stress of searching for gas stations at the eleventh hour. Additionally, with fluctuating fuel prices during holiday seasons, topping up the tank in advance can shield you from potential cost hikes. Embrace the principle that a well-fueled vehicle is a reliable companion on the road, propelling you toward Thanksgiving celebrations with peace of mind and a tank full of readiness. At Easirent, all cars need to be returned with the same gas tank level they are picked up with so to avoid costly refueling charges, make sure you follow our “Same-to-Same” basis.
Understanding Rental Policies
Before you book, make sure to familiarize yourself with our car rental company policies on mileage, fuel, and additional fees. Plus, here our some tips for inspecting your rental vehicle and documenting any existing damage before departure.
- Mileage Policy
Local Renters are subject to a mileage cap of 150 miles per day for all locations. More mileages are available for purchase.
$10 a day extra 50 miles a day
$15 a day extra 100 miles a day
$25 a day unlimited miles
Please be advised overage miles for the rental period will be charged at .49 per mile. - Fuel Policy
All cars must be returned with the same gas tank level that it was received at pick up on “Same-to-Same basis”. If vehicle is returned with less fuel, the refueling charges will be payable at return or deducted from the deposit. For your convenience, the fuel tank can be purchased at the start of the rental at national pump prices. No mark-up on upfront fuel is levied.* If the rental is taken on full, the car must be returned with a full tank of fuel from a garage no more than 5 miles away from the car rental branch. Proof of this (receipt/credit card receipt) is required when the car is returned. If the car is returned without proof of a local fill-up, the refueling charge will apply. The refueling charge is $7.99 USD per Gallon, plus a refueling admin fee of $9.50 USD. All prices are plus tax. * No refund for any unused fuel at the end of the rental. - Additional Fees
Late Returns : The rate will increase by USD/25.00 per day each day the vehicle is kept beyond of the standard grace period or the return date of rental.
CDW : Collision Damage Waiver can be purchased at the rental counter for $19.00 to $29.00 per day, depending on the rental duration. All renters wishing to use their own insurance must provide proof of coverage on pick-up.
Early Pickup : Additional charges may apply if your pick-up happens before of the standard grace period.
Smoking Fee : We provide and implement a no smoking policy for all vehicles in the fleet. If the vehicle is returned smelling of smoke from any source, you will be charged a smoke cleaning fee of up to $250 to remove the smoke odor.
Cleaning Fee : If the vehicle requires more than the usual standard cleaning on its return to restore it to its pre-rental condition, allowing for fair wear and tear, a cleaning fee will apply.
Pets : You are permitted to have pets in your hire vehicle provided they are within a carrier at all times. If the vehicle requires cleaning of pet hair or odor then you will be billed for a cleaning fee at the branches discretion. - Damage
Before hitting the open road, it’s essential to conduct a thorough inspection to avoid any bumps in the journey – both literal and figurative. Take a stroll around the rental car, scrutinizing for any existing damages, no matter how minor. Document these imperfections meticulously, whether it’s a tiny scratch or a barely noticeable dent, using your smartphone or the provided rental paperwork. Pay close attention to the condition of the tires, mirrors, and lights. If you spot anything amiss, alert the rental company immediately, ensuring that the issues are noted and acknowledged before you drive away. - Insurance
Optional coverage is not required to rent a vehicle; however, proof of a current automobile comprehensive, collision and liability insurance policy in the renter’s name covering injury to third persons or property is required. Optional coverage is available at the rental counter. A standard $250 deposit is required in a major credit card for any Domestic Renter.
Emergency Preparedness
Prioritize your safety by assembling a comprehensive emergency kit, your road trip’s unsung hero. Include essentials like a spare tire, ensuring it’s properly inflated, along with the tools needed for a quick change. First aid supplies are a must – think bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications. Don’t forget a flashlight with extra batteries, essential for those unexpected nighttime situations. And just in case technology fails, have a paper map handy. Equally crucial is a list of emergency contacts, ensuring quick access to help if needed. This proactive approach not only ensures preparedness for unforeseen circumstances but also provides peace of mind, allowing you to savor the Thanksgiving journey knowing you’re equipped to handle whatever the road may throw your way.
It also helps to know our car rental roadside assistance services and how to access them if needed. Whether it’s an accident involving a third party or you have simply broken down at the roadside – contacting us immediately is always priority.
