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With spring in full bloom, at least in some parts of the country, the warmer temperature and the festive atmosphere is practically forcing you to make plans to get out of town for a small road trip. Irrespective of whether you prefer to gather a small group of your closest friends and head to the beach for a fun weekend or you are in the mood for some outdoor activities on the mountainside, the truth is that for many this period is the best time of the year for a road trip.
Almost exclusively, people scheduling a trip during spring break would very much rather take the road trip with a car, for both economical and functional reasons. Even if you don’t own your vehicle, you can still plan to take the trip by car by using an auto rental service. If you were planning to explore the island of Mallorca, for example, you could use a site like StressFreeCarRental.com to help you compare your options so that you are able to select the best vehicle for your family, as well as your budget, that will be ready for you to pick up when you get to the airport. However, in order to be certain your trip is going to be as enjoyable and safe as possible, here are some things to avoid when it comes to vehicle rental:
1. Don’t rely exclusively on your smartphone GPS app
In the eventuality that you are traveling to a location that neither you nor your friends have been to before, then you should not put all your faith in the mobile phone’s GPS app. Since there is a good chance for the device to drop service or run out of battery when you need it the most, it would be a good idea to carry some handwritten notes with you too.
2. Don’t hesitate to call road assistance if you’re in trouble
If you were in a hurry to rent a car and be on your way to an entire weekend of fun, then chances are you didn’t do your homework and hired the vehicle from a less than reputable company. In case you took the decision at the last moment, then it would be wise to sign up with a road assistance program that fits your needs and budget.
3. Don’t select a car you aren’t comfortable driving
While it is true that car rentals provide the perfect opportunity to drive a car you always wanted, it is important to take it for a test drive before you sign the contract. If you are accustomed to driving small cars and you opt for a large SUV, there is a chance you won’t feel completely comfortable behind the wheel and therefore, you risk facing an accident.
4. Don’t forget to pack safety equipment
It would be wise to prepare a kit with safety equipment, just in case. Rest assured this gear will not occupy a lot of space especially if you just only pack the necessities like bolts, blankets, road flares, water and a first aid kit.
5. Don’t forget to check out your auto insurance
Before heading to pick up your car, take a look at your auto insurance policy and determine whether your premium provides coverage for rental vehicles. In the event that your policy “has your back”, then you will save some cash by not paying twice for the same coverage.
