How to Get the Best Deal on a Rental Car​

🗓️ Book Early (But Not Too Early)

• Prices usually go up as the pickup date approaches.
• Sweet spot: 2–3 weeks out for domestic, 4–6 weeks for international.

Look Beyond the Big Brands 

• Local or regional companies often have better rates.
• Just be sure to check reviews for reliability.

Avoid Airport Pickups (if possible) 🛬

• Airport locations charge extra fees. Compare with nearby city locations.

💲Decline Extras You Don’t Need

• GPS, toll packages, insurance — most are optional and overpriced.
• Your credit card or personal car insurance might already cover rental insurance.

Check Membership Discounts

• AAA, AARP, Costco, and some credit cards (like Amex or Chase) offer rental discounts.

⌚ Be Flexible With Pickup/Drop-off Times

• Slightly changing your time (like morning vs. evening) can affect pricing.

What Types of Websites Are Best to Search for Car Rentals?

A key distinction in the world of flight search is between metasearch engines (like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Destination Travel Deals and Kayak) and online travel agencies (OTAs) (such as Expedia, Priceline, and Booking.com). Metasearch engines do not sell airline tickets directly; instead, they display fare comparisons and redirect users to airline websites or OTAs to complete their booking. In contrast, OTAs function as middlemen, allowing users to book flights directly through their platforms. While OTAs sometimes offer exclusive discounts or bundle deals, they may have stricter cancellation policies compared to booking directly with the airline. Understanding these differences helps travelers choose the best platform based on pricing, flexibility, and convenience.

Secret Tips for Finding the Lowest Airfare

Want the best deals on low-cost flights? Here are a few tips to consider:

• Clearing cookies and using incognito mode when searching for flight deals.
• Search for flights on Tuesdays & Wednesdays – what most experts say are the best days to find the lowest prices.
• Remember to consider baggage costs too. Sometimes the lowest flight price in search engines doesn’t result in the lowest price when bag costs are added in.
• Use map-based search tools if you have a flexible destination and are more concerned with a lower cost than the location.
• Have flexible travel dates and investigate other days to travel to find even cheaper flights.