Hit the road: car rentals for your next adventure

Ahhh, the road trip. Few phrases in travel evoke as much emotion as this simple duo. It conjures up visions of the PCH—empty coastal highways winding along rugged cliffs beneath impossibly blue skies. With the top down, engine roaring, and the wind in my hair, it's hard not to smile at the thought—or memory.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to own the convertible, classic car, or RV that dreams are made of. However, renting a vehicle for a road trip makes that dream accessible. It opens up a world of options for what you can drive and, more importantly, where those wheels can take you. Buckle up, because here’s what you need to know for the (road) trip of a lifetime.

Should I use my own car or rent one?

When planning a road trip, choosing the right vehicle is crucial. If you already own a car, using it might seem like the obvious choice. However, that might not always be the best option.

Benefits of renting a car for your road trip

The primary advantage of renting a car is the flexibility it offers to select the ideal vehicle. Whether you opt for something luxurious or decide to rent an RV, the choice is entirely yours.

Renting a car also spares your personal vehicle from accumulating mileage. This can be especially significant if you lease your car and have mileage limits, or if your vehicle is older or less reliable. For longer trips, the mileage and wear on your car could lead to expensive maintenance down the road.

Rental cars frequently come equipped with convenient extras. If your journey involves crossing borders, international insurance is simple to arrange. Additionally, most rentals include roadside assistance, which is vital for any trip, regardless of where you're headed.

Benefits of taking your own car for a road trip

The primary drawback of renting a car is the expense. Facing rental fees that could reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars can be daunting and may influence your choice right away. Specialty vehicles, such as RVs or convertibles, can be especially pricey.

Convenience is another key consideration. Using your own vehicle means no deadlines or hidden charges – something rental companies are notorious for. The comfort of driving your own car can also ease any apprehension you might have about long-distance travel.

Finding the right balance between renting and using your own vehicle can be challenging. My guideline is the thousand-mile threshold. If a journey exceeds that distance, I generally prefer to rent. The longer the rental duration, the lower the daily rate tends to be. Additionally, exceeding 1,000 miles can cause considerable wear and tear on your car, making renting often more cost-effective in the long run.

What are the costs associated with renting a car for a road trip?

The expenses of your road trip will clearly hinge on the vehicle you rent and the duration of the rental. It can also vary based on when and where you choose to rent. If you're weighing the costs of renting a car against public transport or flying to your destination, these are the factors to keep in mind.

The kind of rental car

It's no surprise that the larger, more extravagant, and luxurious your rental car is, the more you'll pay. Unless you're opting for something specialized, aim to find the sweet spot between cost and comfort.

If you're investing in a significant road trip, don't compromise your comfort by cramming into the wrong vehicle just to save a bit of money. Similarly, there's no need to rent an enormous gas-guzzling SUV for a romantic getaway. Selecting a car from the appropriate category can lead to substantial savings.

When to reserve a rental car

Similar to airline tickets, reserving your rental car ahead of time will save you money. Generally, you should begin checking prices at least a month before your travel date and aim to secure your booking two weeks in advance. Utilizing a site like Dinogo will allow you to compare offers across various platforms, which is usually more economical than booking directly.

The location of your rental

The most affordable way to rent a car for a road trip is to book it online in advance. Prices will typically be higher if you reserve at the counter on the same day.

Considering where you rent your car is also crucial. Renting from airports and transport hubs tends to be pricier than renting from locations in the city center or suburbs. If you’re arriving by flight, your options may be limited to the airport. However, if possible, going a bit out of your way to pick up your rental can lead to significant savings.

Returning Your Rental Car

If possible, return your rental car to the same location from which you picked it up. One of the joys of a road trip is having a destination to look forward to – I personally love coast-to-coast journeys. However, leaving your rental car on the opposite side of the country can be a costly headache.

Many rental companies charge hefty fees for this kind of service. On a recent trip from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, I dreaded making the return drive. Yet, the fees to leave the car and fly back home convinced me to hit the road again instead.

Paying for gas in advance

Avoid the rental agency's offer for the prepaid full tank option. Unless you use up every last drop, you'll end up paying for gas you won't need. They might also charge extra for this service. Instead, just return the vehicle with a full tank and refuel as close to the drop-off point as possible. Any GPS or mapping app can help you find a nearby gas station.

What type of vehicle should I choose?

Your choice of rental vehicle should align with your trip's demands. If you're navigating dirt paths and rugged terrain on a cross-country adventure, a small city car won't suffice. Likewise, if you're venturing into remote areas with limited amenities, an RV might be a better fit than a flashy Mustang convertible.

If you're a fan of electric vehicles, be sure to check and plan your charging stations along the way. The farther you venture from urban areas, the rarer the charging points will be.

What type of insurance should I get?

While insurance is crucial for car rentals, navigating the options can be challenging. Rental agreements typically offer various levels of coverage, often with significant price differences. Some policies cover only the rental car, while others protect against injuries or damages to yourself, your passengers, or third parties.

The most prudent choice is to opt for comprehensive insurance to safeguard against all potential issues, though the situation can be more complex than it seems. For detailed information, refer to the Dinogo complete guide to car rental insurance.

If you're using your own vehicle, be sure to confirm with your insurer that your policy provides adequate coverage. Adding another driver or driving abroad may incur additional costs.

What is the mileage limit?

If your journey isn’t brief, ensure that your rental includes unlimited mileage. A relatively recent trend, many car rental agencies are now imposing mileage restrictions to extract additional fees. This can be as low as 100 miles per day, with surcharges for any extra distance that can add up quickly.

Am I allowed to drive across borders in a rental car?

Generally, it’s straightforward to drive across borders in your rental car, but it’s wise to confirm with the rental company beforehand. Some might charge a small daily fee for international travel. Also, remember to verify that your roadside assistance remains valid!

How does Dinogo curate this guide?

During my time in the US, I turned into a bit of a road trip aficionado. From coast to coast, traversing the entire PCH, Route 66, to Burning Man – I’ve tackled it all behind the wheel.

This guide helps you consider key factors before your road trip. It blends practical advice with lessons learned, from international driving to navigating mileage limits. Use it to plan your journey and determine what kind of vehicle you need to rent, or if renting is necessary at all. If you choose to rent, Dinogo will ensure you find the best deal.

Final thoughts

Your road trip revolves around the vehicle you choose, so it’s essential to ensure you’re behind the right wheel. This applies whether you’re embarking on an epic family adventure or enjoying a romantic getaway with your partner.

After selecting your route and vehicle, the Dinogo car rental guide will assist you in securing the best deal. Then it’s simply a matter of buckling up, turning up the music, and hitting the open road. Just remember to bring the snacks!