It is fairly common for people to say they are going to plan ahead for budget travel, yet they still manage to spend a fortune during their holidays. Travelling smart is not easy; you need legitimate insights and need to know what to do. Don’t worry if you have no one to ask, because you’ll find 4 essential car hire tips for affordable adventures below. They are expert hacks to avoid money traps. We hope you’re ready to hack the system!

Tip 1: Search Early
The sooner you start looking for your ideal holiday car, the cheaper you’ll find it. At first, business owners tend to set a low hire price. Once they see people start making bookings, they gradually raise their prices as demand increases. Thus, you should be one of the first people to make a booking for a specific time period to secure the lowest possible hire rates.

We understand that this is not always possible, but you should check the car hire options available as soon as you decide to go on any trip. Chances are you’ll find unmissable offers then.

Tip 2: Compare Online
No matter when you start searching for the best car hire deal, you should visit comparison websites to check the price range for the type of vehicle you’re interested in. For example, on holidaycars.com, you’ll find budget-friendly car hire offers in UK airports for a wide range of vehicles, along with important information about both the car and the hire agreement. This makes it extremely easy to spot the perfect option for you.

Besides the daily car hire price, you should carefully read through the terms and potential fees before making your decision.

Tip 3: Avoid Add-Ons
When discussing essential car hire tips, it’s taken for granted that you understand the jargon. What are add-ons? They are anything extra that is not included in the car hire price but is added because you requested it. For instance, GPS devices, child seats, or additional drivers are considered add-ons and incur charges.

By simply not asking for such extras, you save money. It goes without saying that you won’t pay anything if you bring your own child seat or use your phone’s map app, for example.

Tip 4: Inspect the Car
One of the essential car hire tips that you mustn’t forget is this: thoroughly inspect both the exterior and interior of the car for scratches and marks before driving it for the first time.

If you find any damage, take photos and report it to the car hire company. Since the business has the right to charge you for damages caused during your hire period, this evidence protects you from being held responsible for pre-existing damage.