Rental Tips

By Carolina A. Miranda Monday, May. 23, 2005

Headed for the States and thinking of renting a car? May is one of the best months for deals, report the experts at hotwire.com, a discount travel site. That's when the big agencies expand their fleets for summer and have cars to spare. If you're traveling later, you can still save money with these tips:

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1. Check the Neighborhood
Airport rentals can be pricier, so opt for a neighborhood location. Avis and Hertz have added more off-airport sites in the past year.

2. Smaller Can Be Cheaper
Renting from a small, local company can save up to 15% on your bill, but car selection may be limited. Find reputable agencies at orbitz.com and travelocity.com.

3. Go Green
Travelers can save at the pump by renting a hybrid like the Toyota Prius, offered by Hertz in most major markets and evrental.com in the Southwest.

4. Compare and Contrast
If you're not traveling until peak season, save money by comparing rates on discount travel sites such as Hotwire. And don't forget to check the rental-agency sites too.

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