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Travelling by Car: Advantages and Disadvantages

Traveling by car on either short or long trips has a number of advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we'll take a look at the pros and cons of car travel so you can weigh up your options.

My experiences of travelling by car

While I might be more well known for having cycled long distances such as Alaska to Argentina and England to South Africa , I've also undertaken quite a few travels by car.

And I'm not just talking about weekend trips. In fact, my first big travel adventure involved buying a car in Australia in 1997 and driving around the entire country in 12 months!

This is the car below – Surprisingly I managed to drive it around the entire country without any problems!

Driving around Australia is a good way to travel

Since then, I've also driven around New Zealand, and more recently, when we go Greek island hopping, we also take our car from Athens with us.

For example, during our most recent 4 month trip around the Dodecanese islands of Greece , we've had the car with us. Sure it's added some expense to our ferry crossings, but the flexibility it's given us to explore the Greek islands has been amazing. I totally recommend renting a car in Greece during your vacation so you can see and do more!

This is the car we're using below – perfect for travel on the narrow roads of some of the islands!

Traveling by car in Greece

Pros and Cons of Car Traveling

Of course, there's many advantages and disadvantages to planning your travels with a car. That's why I've put together this guide.

If you're thinking of taking a road trip, or want to embark on an epic cross-continent adventure, these pros and cons of travelling by car will definitely help you make your decision.

Related: How to plan a travel budget

Advantages of Car Traveling

There are many advantages to travelling by car, particularly if you're planning a longer trip . Here are 10 of the main benefits:

1. You can travel at your own pace in a car

When you travel by car, you're the one in charge. You can choose your own route, make spontaneous decisions and change your plans on a whim. This is great if you want the freedom to explore without being tied to a specific itinerary.

One of the best things about road tripping is that you can go at your own pace. If you want to take your time and enjoy the journey, you can do so without having to worry about making it to your destination on time.

There's no need to worry about making connections with flights or buses. If you want to spend a few extra days in one place or move on quickly, it's entirely up to you.

It can also be a great benefit to simply sleep in on days you are tired, knowing you don't need to rush off to take a bus or train.

Related: Why do people travel

2. It's more comfortable than public transport

Let's face it, car transport is a lot more comfortable than taking a bus or a train. When you travel in your own vehicle, you can stretch your legs, take a break when you want to, and you don't have to share your space with anyone else.

Related: 20 Reasons To Travel Around The World

3. You can make spontaneous stops when driving

Have you ever been driving somewhere and seen a sign for something interesting but haven't had the time to stop? With a car, you can just pull over and check it out! This spontaneity is one of the great joys of road tripping.

You can stop where you want when traveling by car

Being on your own schedule means you can stop at small villages and places of interest you ight normally pass by. From personal experience driving around the Greece and the Greek islands, having a car has enabled us to get off the beaten path and explore some of the interesting but lesser known areas.

Take a look at our road trip in Mani, Greece .

4. You can travel with more stuff in a car

When you're travelling by car, you can bring everything you need with you – including your kitchen sink (not recommended by the way)!

This is great news if you're travelling with kids as you can pack all their toys, clothes and other essential items. It also means that you can bring your bike or other sports equipment with you if you want to explore the local area during your stay.

I tend to find that it also makes it very cost effective to stock up on groceries in bigger places and then you don't need to buy so much in small places where goods are more expensive.

5. You can share the driving to reduce fatigue

Travelling by car also means that you can share the driving to avoid getting too tired. This is particularly important on long journeys where driver fatigue can become a real issue.

If you're planning a trip with friends or family, taking turns behind the wheel can make the journey much more enjoyable for everyone.

6. You can listen to music on a road trip

One of the great things about driving is that you can listen to music as loud as you want! This is perfect for long road trips when you need some entertainment to keep you going.

Here's some ideas of songs to listen to on a road trip !

7. You can save money

If you're travelling with a few people, car travel can be much cheaper than flying or taking the train. That's because you can split the cost of petrol and accommodation between everyone in your group.

You can also pack your own road trip snacks to eat along the way in order to save paying for food at roadside diners.

If you're looking at money saving options for your next trip, perhaps consider going by car.

8. You can avoid crowds

If you're looking to avoid crowds, travelling by car is a great option. You can explore less-travelled roads and paths and enjoy a more peaceful journey. Also, no more packed buses and trains!

9. You're not reliant on public transport

When you travel by car, you're not reliant on public transport, which can be unreliable, especially in rural areas. You also don't have to spend so much time waiting in a bus station, or going through pretty stressful times if you miss a vital connection.

The famous JJ Express bus that runs between popular destinations in Myanmar

10. Car travel is an adventure

Last but not least, one of the main advantages of travelling by car, is that it is an adventure in itself! There's something exciting about hitting the open road and seeing where it takes you.

It might test your driving skills, offer incredible opportunities to see things you might not otherwise, and give you a real sense of freedom. If you're looking for an adventure, travelling by car is a great option.

Enjoying travel by car

Disadvantages of Car Traveling

Of course, there are also some disadvantages to consider before hitting the open road. Here are 10 of the top disadvantages to keep in mind:

1. You might encounter car trouble

If you're driving an older car, you might have to deal with flat tyres, breakdowns and other car problems. This can be frustrating, especially if you're in the middle of nowhere.

Being able to fix minor car problems is essential if you're planning to travel by car. It's also a good idea to have breakdown cover in case of emergencies.

Being rescued by a breakdown service in Greece

2. What happens if your car get stolen?

Another disadvantage of car travel is that your car could get stolen. Potential theft is especially a risk if you're travelling to a country where crime rates are high.

If you're worried about this, it's important to take precautions such as parking in well-lit areas and not leaving valuables in your car. It goes without saying that you want good car insurance as well as travel insurance!

3. A higher risk of road accidents

The more you do of anything, the higher the chances of something happening become, and this definitely applies to car accidents.

In fact, studies have shown that the risk of being in a car accident increases with each hour you spend driving. So, if you're planning a long road trip, be sure to take regular breaks and drive safely.

4. Car travel can be tiring

Driving can be tiring, especially if you're behind the wheel for long periods of time. This is why it's important to take regular breaks and share the driving if possible.

One top safety tip is to avoid driving at night if you're feeling tired. This is because your reaction times are slower and it's more difficult to stay awake.

5. You might get lost

If you're not used to reading maps, there's a chance you might get lost when travelling by car. This can be frustrating and waste a lot of time, especially if you have to keep stopping to ask for directions.

Before setting off on your journey, be sure to plan your route and have a good map handy. If you're worried about getting lost, you might want to consider using a GPS system or good old Google maps.

6. You can't always find parking

Depending on where you're travelling, finding parking can be a real challenge – and a costly one at that. In big cities, you might have to pay for parking and in rural areas, you might have to park your car a fair distance from your destination.

When we drive around Greece, we often have to leave our car parked in side streets. This might be a bit nerve-wracking for people not used to doing it!

7. You might have to pay tolls

If you're driving on a motorway or expressway, you might have to pay tolls. This can add up, especially if you're making a long journey. For example, driving from Athens to Thessaloniki can cost around 30 euros in tolls!

Using a toll road when driving in Greece

Of course, there are ways to avoid paying tolls, such as taking back roads or planning your route in advance. But this isn't always possible, or even desirable if you're short on time.

8. Car travel can be expensive

Travelling by car can actually be quite costly, especially if you're making a long journey. For example, you have to pay for petrol, tolls, parking and accommodation.

In 2022 in particular, petrol costs have been very high here in Greece. We've been lucky to get it for less than 2.50 Euros a litre!

The cost of fuel can be a disadvantage to traveling by car

You might also have to pay for car repairs if you encounter any problems on the road. All of these costs can add up, so it's important to factor them into your budget before setting off.

9. Traffic Jams

I'm sure I don't need to tell you that traffic jams are one of the most frustrating things about car travel. They can cause delays, wasted time and even accidents.

Of course, there's not much you can do about this except plan your journey in advance and try to avoid peak times. But even then, there's no guarantee that you'll escape the traffic!

10. Other road users

And finally, one of the most frustrating things about car travel is other road users. This includes aggressive drivers, people who don't know how to park and cyclists who seem to think they own the road! I'm not one of them – I promise!

As you can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider when travelling by car. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether the pros outweigh the cons. If you're planning a road trip, make sure to do your research and plan ahead so that you can have the best possible experience.

Tips for traveling by car

If you've decided that you want to go by vehicle for your next trip, these 10 insightful tips will help you prepare:

1. Get good using Google maps!

2. Don't leave valuables in the vehicle

3. Allow plenty of time for your journey especially in bad weather

4. Double check the condition of the car

5. Check where you find the gas stations with the best petrol prices using an app

6. Share the driving if possible

7. Avoid driving at night if you're tired as this is when many crashes happen

8. Make sure you have your drivers license and insurance details to hand

9. Be prepared for unexpected expenses and hidden costs

10. Have a positive attitude!

Here's some car rental tips you might like to read.

Final Thoughts On The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Vehicles 

Whether you're planning a road trip or travelling by car for another reason, it's important to consider the pros and cons of this mode of transport. On the whole, driving gives you more freedom and flexibility than other forms of travel, but there are some disadvantages to keep in mind.

Personally, I find using a car a great way to travel for longer trip.

What are your thoughts on travelling by car? Have you had any good or bad experiences? Let me know in the comments below!

Car Travel Pros and Cons

Related Posts:

  • How to get from Athens to Kalamata
  • Road Trip Captions
  • Road Trip Quotes

Dave Briggs visiting an island in Greece

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The Best Countries For Car Tourism

From winding coastal roads to serene mountain passes, the world is replete with countries that beckon car enthusiasts to embark on unforgettable journeys. Here, we present a list of the best countries for car tourism, each offering unique and awe-inspiring experiences.

tourism on car

.bwwcfb-y51p0m{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-thickness:1px;}.bwwcfb-y51p0m:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.bwwcfb-y51p0m:hover::after{content:" #";opacity:0.6;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;} What Is Car Tourism?

Car tourism's impact on natural and cultural heritage, infrastructure and tourism space, embracing the adventure, planning your car tourism adventure, the joy of exploring local culture, sustainability in car tourism, capturing memories, united states - the allure of the open road.

  • Iconic Highways and Byways : The United States is famous for its iconic highways, each offering a unique perspective on the country's beauty. The Pacific Coast Highway hugs the rugged coastline of California, treating drivers to breathtaking ocean views and dramatic cliffside panoramas. For a taste of Americana and nostalgia, Route 66 weaves through historic towns, neon-lit diners, and roadside attractions, providing a glimpse into the country's past.
  • National Parks and Natural Wonders : Car tourism in the U.S. goes hand-in-hand with the exploration of its national parks. Yellowstone National Park presents geysers, hot springs, and abundant wildlife, while the Grand Canyon leaves travelers in awe of its vastness and sheer beauty. These natural wonders offer detours that promise not only magnificent vistas but also unforgettable encounters with nature.
  • Cultural Diversity : The U.S. is a melting pot of cultures and landscapes, and car tourism allows travelers to experience this diversity firsthand. The rolling hills of New England burst into a fiery spectacle of colors in the fall, while the Deep South offers soulful blues music and mouthwatering Southern cuisine. The Rocky Mountains provide a backdrop of majestic peaks, and the Great Plains reveals endless stretches of untouched beauty.

Pacific coast highway

Italy - A Journey Through Time And Beauty

  • Enchanting Countryside : Tuscany, with its iconic rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and medieval towns, embodies the romantic image of rural Italy. Driving through this landscape, dotted with vineyards and olive groves, is a sensory delight that transports travelers back in time. The charm of Chianti, the elegance of Siena, and the splendor of San Gimignano are just a few stops that beckon exploration.
  • Coastal Allure: The Amalfi Coast , with its winding roads that cling to the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, offers an unrivaled coastal driving experience. The azure waters contrast with pastel-hued villages nestled on steep hillsides. The journey from Sorrento to Positano is a visual feast that showcases Italy's coastal beauty at its finest.
  • Historic Cities : Italian cities are a treasure trove of cultural heritage, and a car tour provides the freedom to explore them at your own pace. Rome, the eternal city, boasts ancient ruins like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, while Florence stands as a testament to the Renaissance era, with its magnificent art and architecture. Navigating the narrow streets of these cities is an adventure that unravels layers of history and artistry.
  • Culinary and Cultural Discoveries : Italy's gastronomic delights are best savored during a car tourism journey. From savoring authentic pizza in Naples to indulging in gelato in Bologna, each region offers a culinary experience that mirrors its unique culture. The beauty of car tourism is the ability to stop at local markets and family-owned trattorias, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in Italy's culinary traditions.

Tuscany road

Germany - Autobahns And Fairytale Routes

  • Autobahn Experience : The famous autobahns, where some sections have no speed limits, create an exhilarating experience for those who appreciate the power and precision of their vehicles. The freedom to cruise at high speeds through the countryside while being surrounded by Germany's lush scenery is an adrenaline rush unlike any other.
  • Black Forest's Allure: Germany's Black Forest, known for its dense woodlands, charming villages, and rolling hills, is a must-visit for car tourists. Winding roads take you through landscapes that seem plucked from fairytales. This region offers not just captivating drives but also opportunities to hike, savor Black Forest cake, and discover local crafts.
  • Romantic Road's Charms : The Romantic Road, aptly named for its fairytale-like beauty, is a route that winds through medieval towns, castles, and vineyards. Travelers can journey through time as they explore towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Füssen, where cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses transport visitors to a bygone era.
  • Nürburgring's Thrills : For those seeking an adrenaline-pumping experience, the Nürburgring beckons. This legendary racetrack offers driving experiences for enthusiasts, allowing them to tackle one of the world's most challenging tracks. Even if you're not behind the wheel, watching races or exploring the surrounding region is a treat for car aficionados.

Australia - Vast Landscapes And Endless Horizons

  • Great Ocean Road : The Great Ocean Road is a coastal journey that offers breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean and iconic rock formations like the Twelve Apostles. This stretch showcases nature's artistic prowess, where rugged cliffs meet pristine beaches, creating a dramatic backdrop for an unforgettable drive.
  • Red Centre Way: For travelers seeking an immersive experience in Australia's heartland, the Red Centre Way provides an unforgettable journey through the country's rugged interior. From the iconic Uluru ( Ayers Rock ) to the MacDonnell Ranges, this route offers a unique perspective on the continent's geological wonders and Indigenous culture.
  • Wildlife Encounters : Australia's roadways often lead to unexpected wildlife encounters. Kangaroos, emus, and other native animals can often be spotted along the roadside or in national parks. Car tourists can observe these creatures in their natural habitats, creating memorable moments that are unique to Australia.
  • Starry Night Skies: The vastness of Australia's Outback also means that its night skies are a stargazer's dream. Away from urban lights, the clear skies offer dazzling displays of constellations, shooting stars, and the Southern Cross. Camping under the stars is an integral part of the Australian road trip experience.

Ayers rock road

France - Elegance And Rich Heritage

  • French Riviera Glamour: The allure of the French Riviera is magnetic. Driving along the coastline, travelers encounter glittering beaches, charming seaside towns, and luxury yachts. Destinations like Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez epitomize opulence, while the azure waters of the Mediterranean serve as a backdrop for unforgettable drives.
  • Journey through Châteaux : The Loire Valley invites car tourists to explore its stunning châteaux, where opulent palaces and historic estates are surrounded by lush landscapes. As you drive through this UNESCO-listed region, each castle tells a story of France's regal past, allowing travelers to step into a world of elegance and grandeur.
  • Alpine Adventure : The Route des Grandes Alpes is a dream for mountain-loving road trippers. This legendary route crosses the breathtaking Alps, winding through mountain passes, charming villages, and alpine meadows. With stunning vistas at every turn, it offers an adventure that marries adrenaline with serene beauty.
  • Wine and Culinary Delights: French car tourism is incomplete without a journey through the vineyards of Bordeaux or the wine regions of Burgundy and Champagne. Travelers can explore the terroir where world-renowned wines are produced, savoring not only the flavors but also the heritage that has nurtured these vineyards for centuries.

Spain - Diversity And Authenticity

  • Costa del Sol Bliss : The Costa del Sol is synonymous with sunny beaches, turquoise waters, and lively resorts. A leisurely drive along this coastal stretch allows travelers to soak in the Mediterranean charm, stopping to relax on the sands of Marbella, explore the historic streets of Malaga, or indulge in water sports in Nerja.
  • Andalusian Adventure: The rugged terrain of Andalusia is a haven for those seeking a more adventurous road trip. The region's Moorish heritage is evident in its architecture and culture. From exploring the Alhambra in Granada to marveling at the intricate designs of the Alcázar in Seville, each stop is a step into Spain's rich history.
  • Scenic Basque Route : The Basque Country offers a scenic journey through lush landscapes, coastal vistas, and charming towns. The drive takes you from the cosmopolitan city of Bilbao, home to the Guggenheim Museum, to the culinary delights of San Sebastian, where Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional pintxos bars coexist.
  • Culinary and Cultural Encounters : A road trip through Spain is an exploration of its authentic cuisine and diverse culture. Stop by quaint villages to savor tapas or indulge in seafood delights along the coast. The vibrant culture, vibrant festivals, and warm hospitality of the locals enhance the authenticity of the journey.

Japan - Modernity Meets Tradition

  • The Golden Route : The Golden Route embodies Japan's dichotomy between tradition and modernity. This iconic road trip takes travelers from the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo to the cultural heart of Kyoto. En route, travelers pass iconic landmarks such as Mount Fuji, ancient temples, and hot springs. This journey reflects Japan's ability to honor its past while embracing the future.
  • Hokkaido's Natural Beauty: The island of Hokkaido is a treasure trove for nature-loving road trippers. From the lavender fields of Furano to the dramatic landscapes of Daisetsuzan National Park, every turn reveals stunning vistas. The pristine beauty of Hokkaido's wilderness offers an escape from urban life, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in serene natural landscapes.
  • Historic Nakasendo Way : For those seeking a glimpse into Japan's feudal past, the Nakasendo Way is a historic road that connects Tokyo and Kyoto. This ancient route is lined with traditional post towns, where travelers can step back in time and experience the Japan of yesteryears. Exploring these towns provides insight into the customs and culture that shaped the nation.

Daisetsuzan cycle road

Canada - Vast Landscapes, Diverse Adventures

  • Icefields Parkway Magic : The Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies is a testament to the country's awe-inspiring beauty. This highway winds through towering peaks, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and alpine meadows. Each turn presents a postcard-worthy view, with opportunities to stop and explore iconic spots like Lake Louise and the Athabasca Glacier.
  • Cabot Trail Adventure : On the opposite coast, the Cabot Trail offers an immersive journey along the rugged coastline of Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island. The trail's panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, dramatic cliffs, and quaint fishing villages showcase the province's maritime charm.
  • Trans-Canada Odyssey : The Trans-Canada Highway, the world's second-longest national highway, spans the entire country from coast to coast. This epic route connects diverse provinces, landscapes, and cultures, making it an unparalleled road trip adventure. From the bustling cities of the East to the serene beauty of the West, the Trans-Canada Highway is a journey through Canada's soul.

Columbia icefield road

Economic Impact Of Car Tourism - Driving Growth And Prosperity

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Auto-tourism: advantages, disadvantages and where to go

tourism on car

Auto-tourism appeared in the early twentieth century, but it has become popular recently. All because many people began to have their own cars, as well as improved road quality.

In many cases, travel by car is more pleasant and convenient, although it is also not ideal.

Modern cars are so diverse that everyone will find a car to his liking. You can buy a car for travel, a house on wheels or an SUV. The crossover can easily accommodate a family or a group of friends. The only thing you need to choose companions. But there are also those who prefer cars to planes or trains. Why? Let's look at the pros and cons of automobile tourism.

  • Freedom of movement and route. Sometimes you want to stop halfway to admire the beauty or take a cup of coffee at the gas station – the opportunity is definitely there!
  • Masses of impressions and a constant sense of adventure. Especially if you go on a trip with the company.
  • All things at your fingertips. It is always possible to get a thermos cup from the luggage without disturbing the stranger traveling companion.
  • You can take any luggage with you, no one limits you on weight or size, except the size and capacity of the trunk.
  • Your pet is always with you. No need to torture your friend in the luggage compartment or in a cage.
  • However, every aspect of our lives has not only advantages but also disadvantages.

Disadvantages

  • The cost of gasoline and toll roads. Sometimes traveling in your own car can be more expensive than flying or traveling by train.
  • Breakdown of the car. For example, a punctured wheel. The owner of the car and those who travel with him will have to deal with this trouble.
  • Fines for traffic violations and speed limits, which await at every step.
  • Accidents. Unfortunately, they sometimes occur on the roads at the most unforeseen moments.
  • Fatigue. Even the most experienced drivers after a few hours of continuous driving need to rest. It is good if you can swap with someone during the trip, but not always it is possible.
  • Passing the border. Sometimes this moment takes a very long time and is exhausting.

Check your car before you travel Before you travel, you need to take your car in for a checkup. Remember that even if you're an ace at driving, there may be a lot you don't know about how things work in the car. Don't skimp on professional mechanics, have them inspect your car before you travel, and you'll know for sure that it's okay.

Any motorist can get into a bad situation. Skills and the most reliable car do not guarantee that you will not get into an accident. You should always be prepared for trouble. Here is what should be in the car in case of emergency:

  • first aid kit;
  • spare tire;
  • fire extinguisher;
  • technical fluids;
  • emergency stop sign.

Where to start on road trips It is impossible to get lost on the Ring Road (Route 1): the Icelandic ring road is well paved, there are markings everywhere, and signs with the number 1 repeatedly confirm that you are on the right track. The Icelandic "circular" passes through 18 cities and covers the main attractions of the country. It's a great idea for a road trip: you'll see the geyser valleys and see the 60-meter Seljalandsfoss waterfall from all sides. Also on this road, you can see Skaugafoss waterfall, Eyjafjallajökull glacier, Skougar village, Vik – the southernmost town in Iceland with black beaches, and much more.

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Taylor Brouwer

Taylor Brouwer is an experienced remote writer who used to take advantage of his remote job and visit a new place once in three months. In 2020 he spent less time traveling and more time researching how tourism is going to recover from the pandemic.  Currently, Taylor provides “ write my paper for me ” services as a freelance author at Writemypaperbro.com.

  • Taylor Brouwer https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/taylor-brouwer/ Is it safe to travel by plane in terms of the pandemic

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Consider the road trip

Airports are a nightmare. What about driving instead?

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An illustration of a car parked on the edge of a cliff, as a man and a dog sit and look out at a beach in the distance.

The theory of relativity is felt most strongly in a vehicle. A broken AC, busted speakers, or your brother-in-law’s stories from his frat days can make the miles pass so slowly, you wonder if the universe needs a change of battery. Yet, sitting shotgun with the love of your life with a perfect windows-down breeze, it feels like you could drive for days.

There’s only so much you can control inside a car, and how much you prepare will make all the difference in how your ride feels. So if you’re planning a long car trip and the road ahead feels daunting, we’ve gathered some tips from experts to help. I personally became an expert last year, by surviving, nay, thriving, on a 10-day trip moving from one corner of the country to the other.

Here’s how you can put more joy into travel on the open road.

Why the car?

The open road has become the shinier option again as airports around the country descend into madness. The shortage of 32,000 commercial pilots, mechanics, and air traffic controllers is estimated to cause issues for the next 10 years.

Even if you avoid the long security lines and the nearly one out of every four flights that are delayed, you’re packed tight with The Others, unable to move your elbows without having to apologize. Of course a plane is faster than a car, but if you factor in the 90-minute arrival window, drive to the airport, luggage wait time, and driving to your destination, it may be closer in duration than you might initially think.

In your own car, there’s a looser limit on what you can pack, and you can take more than a three-day supply of shampoo. Plus, driving yourself can save you the trouble of needing to book a rental car for your destination.

In a survey by United Tires , almost nine out of 10 people said road trips are “one of the best ways for families to bond.” Or kill each other. Let’s help you make it the first one.

Primp and prep your ride

“Do we need seat cushions?” I texted my best friend.

“No,” she responded so quickly that I was sure she knew my Amazon cart was full of anxiety purchases. She would soon fly to Seattle to drive with me and all my worldly possessions 2,993 miles to Florida, across the street from her house, where I was moving. I was determined to make sure that the 43 hours we would spend in the car together would not be a stress test of our friendship.

I was in disaster-prevention mode. How could we keep the vibe high?

I tried to think of anything that could be mildly annoying. My first thought was the sun. For this, I got two sets of sun shades, and they were the MVP of the trip. The first set expanded on wire rims and stuck to the glass, and were see-through. They gave us shade, but didn’t black out the outside world entirely.

The second set came in the shape of each window of the vehicle, and used magnets to stick to the frame, providing a complete opaque box. This made security easier, with no one being able to see in the car. It also made it into a dressing room when needed.

I purchased seat belt covers , so that in our summer tank tops, we didn’t have rough straps digging into our collarbones. Even to this day, when people get in my car, they feel them and say “Ooh.”

I probably didn’t need the padded steering wheel cover , but you know what, that breathable microfiber was a lifesaver on my sweaty hands driving at noon in the Nebraska sun.

The glove compartment had reading material, wipes, and napkins. I made sure a cooler was accessible, and to keep things exciting, I brought bougie treats to ration out across the journey, from smoked salmon to a ginger dark chocolate bar. We packed reusable plastic plates and bamboo cutlery to reduce waste.

I also organized the hell out of the car. I have one of those deep center consoles, and I put mini Tupperware in there to separate and store coins, cords, and various sauce packets I’ve collected, a habit I became more serious about since I heard about that man trapped in his snowed-in vehicle who survived five days on Taco Bell hot sauce . My best friend mocked this sauce container, until she got a gas station sandwich on the very last day that, lo and behold, lacked both mayo and mustard, two mainstays stocked in the sauce container.

Safety first

If you’re handy, you can check out your car yourself. Look at the brakes, tires, and fluids. But if you’re anything like me, you should get a professional thumbs up.

“If you’re maintaining your car properly, you may not need to take it to a mechanic or a technician to have them take a look at it,” said David Bennett of AAA, an ASE master certified technician with more than 35 years in the industry. Be sure to head to the mechanic shop well in advance of your road trip — don’t take your car in the week of or day before your trip. “If something’s wrong, and they have to order a part, you want to give them time to be able to do that,” Bennett said.

AAA’s emergency kit list includes a flashlight and extra batteries, first-aid supplies, drinking water, non-perishable snacks for both people and pets, car battery booster cables, emergency flares or reflectors, a rain poncho, a basic tool kit, duct tape, gloves, and shop rags or paper towels. May I also recommend peanut M&Ms?

Bennett also suggests bringing a blanket or towel to lie down on in case you need to look under the car, and gloves in case things get messy (or in case the chocolate melts).

Other safety tips include a paper map, because you never know when GPS can fail. And also, please, get a phone holder that actually holds the phone. Not the one you bought off Instagram with a suction cup that couldn’t hold a pouf to a shower tile. Who wants to spend time searching the floor of the passenger side for your iPhone? It’s as annoying as it is unsafe.

Speaking of emergencies, let’s talk music. Download your playlists in advance so you don’t lose your flow. I have a playlist called “ Belting ,” which is my favorite list to sing, and you may create more harmony in the car if you use Spotify’s Blend feature, which creates playlists that pull from each person’s taste.

It’s a great idea to discuss the entertainment ahead of time. If you run out of things to talk about, you might have lined up a podcast you both want to check out. If you’re not lucky enough to be traveling with someone you’re particularly close to, it might be a good idea to fill the air with an audiobook.

“If you’re traveling with a friend, have them bring their favorite album, or their favorite mix or whatever,” said Bennett, “and see if maybe you’ll learn something new.”

Plan for the what-ifs

While you’re out there on the open road, you still have to think about being prepared.

“I would not let your gas tank fall below a quarter of a tank at any point in time,” Bennett said. “Because you never know when you could get stuck. We’ve seen it in wintertime. We’ve seen it in summertime.”

It’s only when people are stuck for hours that they usually remember that gas is their entire power source on the road. You need gas for heating and for cooling, as well as the radio and even to charge your phone.

He also suggested packing a cooler with drinks and food, evoking the 2022 I-95 shutdown in Virginia that had some people locked in their vehicles overnight.

“Plan ahead for the what-ifs,” he said.

Aside from entertainment, it’s good to come with at least a loose route and stopping plan. The king of the road trip apps in my opinion is Roadtrippers , which allows you to create a trip and search along the route for everything from places to camp to restaurants to mechanics. You can add stops to your trip, and get automatic estimated drive time and gas cost. You can add collaborators to share the trip, so that your passenger has a way to find out how much time you have left without interrupting your high notes during “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Roadtrippers has the option to get offline maps, but it’s still a good idea to bring a printed map for any location you’re planning to drive through.

Who are you wearing?

“It’s all about the clothing,” said Brandon Schultz, contributor to Fodor’s Best Road Trips in the USA . “With so much time spent sitting in a small space, you’ve got to be comfortable.”

He suggests loose-fitting clothes, and long sleeves and pants whenever possible to keep you warmer when it’s cold outside, but also keep you comfortable if the air conditioner is on in summer. He also mentioned that the extra padding with layered clothing helps pad your joints when jostling with the car doors, consoles, and each other.

But it’s also important to not overpack.

“I’m a chronic overpacker, so I know it’s not easy, but you will spend a lot of time cooped up in a vehicle, wishing for more space,” said Schultz. “Luggage, entertainment, snacks — it all eats up the little room you already have, so bring less and thank yourself later.”

Consider your personal security

Kay Kingsman, who writes The Awkward Traveller , started road tripping as an Army brat, making drives like Alabama to California with every move.

She loves the freedom of the road, the fact that you can be spontaneous, turning down any side road you want. But, as a Black woman, she also must consider her safety. Many cities have Black Facebook groups that she uses as a resource for road tripping.

“If I’m driving somewhere I’ve never been, I will post in that group asking if there’s any particular spots or towns along the drive that I should avoid stopping through (aka sundown-esque towns ) just for an added bit of reassurance in my drive from people in the area,” she said. It’s a sad reality, but drivers should always consider the safety of their route, surroundings, and destination.

Kingsman keeps a taser and pepper spray in her car just in case. And once, when she was followed for about an hour, even off an exit and into a parking lot, she was glad to have her dashcam.

If she’s traveling alone, she plans ahead so that she won’t have to stop for gas in the dark. With this, she travels by herself quite a bit, recently completing two months driving around 14 states in the southeastern US. “I usually do at least one good road trip a year,” she said, “if not more.”

Lessons from 10 days on the road

It helps to vary the style of travel from day to day. My best friend and I drove two long days, including one of 12 hours on the road, in order to make it for Tedeschi Trucks at Red Rocks. Then we rested for two days. We stayed with friends, and we stayed in a nice hotel. The trip felt like a flight of beer, but for cities. A taste of Park City, a sip of Nashville.

Make time for silliness. We pulled over for the world’s largest Czech egg , and we were not disappointed. Communicate about the goals for reaching the location and how much temporal padding to have; enough so that you can dally, but not so much that you stress out your co-pilots.

And with all the prep, the drive turned from a chore to an adventure, the miles under our tires practically the best part.

Paulette Perhach is a freelance writer and writing coach covering creativity, personal finance, business, life design, and travel.

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Travel By Car: Advantages And Disadvantages

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Feb 25, 2023 | Travel Tips

With so many scenic routes out there, taking a road trip can be one of the best ways to see the world’s beauty.

If you’re planning your next big trip and considering whether to travel by car, you need to know the main advantages and disadvantages of travelling by car .

Travelling by car gives you an immense sense of freedom. It opens up the possibility for many adventures along the way.

When you travel by car, you certainly enjoy the journey much more than alternative modes of transport. 

Even so, whichever way you choose to travel, there will be a downside.

Before you embark on your travel journey, you should weigh the pros and cons of travelling by car first.

advantages and disadvantages of travelling by car

✅ 5 Advantages Of Travelling By Car

Most of the time, travelling by car makes your life a lot easier.

There are several advantages of car transport including the fact that it gives you more flexibility, freedom, and privacy when you set out on your adventure.

1. You Have More Flexibility And Freedom

When you travel by car, you are on your schedule and have complete control over your trip.

You can go at your own pace and stop whenever and wherever you like. 

You don’t have to rely on timetables, worry about missing flights or buses, or deal with delays caused by public transport.

You also have the freedom to change your route if needed to avoid traffic jams.

2. It’s Easy To Transport Your Luggage Around

Another awesome thing about car traveling is that you have no baggage limits or restrictions.

The size of your car is the only limit, but if you’re renting a car for your road trip, you can choose a vehicle that is spacious and roomy. 

Furthermore, once you load up, you can keep your luggage there.

You don’t have to carry it around or wait to receive it when you arrive at the other end, as with air travel.

Make sure to read our post about packing for road trips before you hit the road.

travelling by car

3. You Can See And Explore More Places

You can see so much more of the country you’re in by traveling by road rather than air.

What’s more, when you take a road trip, you can strategically plan your route to incorporate many scenic spots along the way. 

You can also stop off in small villages to get a taste of the local life and experience the country’s culture. 

There are always lots of unexpected delights too. On a road trip, you will often encounter exciting sights you didn’t know existed.

You will also have spontaneous adventures that you would never have imagined. 

4. It Can Be A Fun Bonding Experience

Travel is better with friends, and this is particularly true when you travel by car.

The journey is often the best part of a road trip because you bond with your travel companions. 

You might be traveling with lifelong buddies or friends you have recently made.

Either way, taking a road trip together is a brilliant way to get to know each other on a deeper level and have memorable conversations.

advantages and disadvantages of travelling by cars

5. You Have More Privacy And Comfort

Travelling by car with your friends means you don’t have to sit next to strangers for hours on end.

Depending on how many people are on the trip and how big your car is, you will most likely have more space to stretch out than you would on a plane or coach. 

In general, car travel is one of the most comfortable modes of transport.

You will feel more at ease and can sleep without worrying about someone stealing your belongings.

❌ 5 Disadvantages Of Travelling By Car

Since you are in charge of the transport that gets you from one place to another, there’s always a chance that you could get lost or your car could break down.

Travelling by car might give freedom, flexibility, and privacy, but it can also bring some liabilities to the table. Let’s talk about them.

couple travelling by car

1. It Can Feel Long And Exhausting

Perhaps the biggest drawback of car travel is how tired it can make you feel.

Spending hours in the car each day can zap your energy, even if you’re not the one driving.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. 

Take regular stops to stretch your legs and plan short walks at scenic viewpoints to reinvigorate yourself.

What’s more, to prevent boredom, try to make the time in the car as fun as possible. Put on your favorite playlists and sing along, or play games such as ‘I spy.’

If you’re traveling with your partner, read our list of road trip questions for couples .

2. You Might Experience Car Problems

Many people avoid traveling by car because of the fear of breaking down in the middle of nowhere.

This is an understandable concern if you’re in an unfamiliar country or are driving through long stretches of desert or countryside.

If you’re worried about getting stranded, ensure you have roadside assistance coverage and travel insurance .

Also, keep a stash of water and snacks, and consider packing a roadside emergency kit.

3. You Could Get Lost 

Even with Sat Navs and Google Maps, it’s still possible to get lost on your road trip.

Again, this can be a scary thought if you are in the area or country for the first time and don’t know your way around. 

Reduce the chance of getting lost by taking a Sat Nav or GPS device that doesn’t rely on wifi, and have an old-school paper map with you for backup. 

travel by car

4. Travelling By Car Can Become Costly

If you’re covering a great distance, car travel can become quite costly, and sometimes it can be much cheaper to fly. 

This will depend on the gas prices of where you are and how many travel companions you have to split the costs.

These days, the fuel price is relatively high, and if you’re planning on road-tripping soon – the price of gas could influence the price of your trip.

That said, there are other things to consider when you travel by car.

For example, do you need to pay for tolls on the way? And what about parking?

Some destinations have expensive tolls (looking at you, Italy).

You could save a bit by booking accommodation with free parking or by avoiding tolls on the way.

5. There Is The Risk Of Theft

There is always the risk that your belongings will get stolen while you are away from the vehicle.

While theft can happen anywhere, if you’re travelling by car through a dangerous country, the chances are much higher. 

Even so, practicing caution will reduce the likelihood of this happening.

Never leave your belongings in plain sight, take valuables with you, park under lights at night, and get travel insurance that covers theft.

Final Thoughts On Advantages And Disadvantages Of Car Transport

As you can see, there are many advantages and disadvantages of travelling by car.

If you choose to travel by car on your next trip, prepare well and take precautions to ensure a fun and memorable road trip experience.

Take a look at our road-trip quotes for inspiration.

Exploring your options for an upcoming trip? Read the following guides:

  • Advantages and disadvantages of traveling by train
  • Advantages and disadvantages of staying in a hotel
  • Advantages and disadvantages of traveling by water transport

tourism on car

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tourism on car

Best Road Trip Cars in 2023

Get ready to hit the road for vacations and holidays in a car that's fuel efficient, reliable and comfortable. We found the best road trip cars for any adventure.

2024 Kia Carnival

Kia Motors America |

Looking for Adventure? Head Out on the Highway!

People have a lot of pent-up travel lust after years of pandemic restrictions and uncertainty. Air travel in particular has seen a huge rise this summer, with the busiest day in the industry's history occurring in June. Rather than fight those busy flights, hit the road in a new vehicle that can fit all your luggage and maybe even help you keep your cool.

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No single car is the perfect road trip vehicle for everyone, but great road trip cars have some features in common. We looked for vehicles that have good gas mileage for fewer stops at gas stations, enough USB ports to keep everyone's devices charged up and comfortable seats in all rows. Driver assistance features are important too, as they can help reduce fatigue during long days on the road.

When new information becomes available, we update our reviews, so the information in these slides might not match the reviews exactly.

Let's take a look at the best road trip cars so we can – finally – get out of town.

2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Exterior

Hyundai Motor America |

2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

$31,350 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is among the best in its class. Its long list of features was refreshed for the new model year, and it was a finalist for our Best Hybrid SUV for the Money and Best Hybrid SUV for Families awards. The regular hybrid is the best for road tripping, with up to 38 mpg on the highway. The available plug-in hybrid shines brightest when you can take full advantage of its 33 miles of electric-only power around town.

Inside, there's tons of room for adults in both rows of seating and a huge cargo area. An 8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay , wireless Android Auto , four USB ports and wireless device charging come standard.

More on the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

  • See 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid  »
  • Read the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Full Review  »
  • See Hybrid SUV Rankings  »

2023 Volkswagen Atlas

Volkswagen of America, Inc. |

2023 Volkswagen Atlas

$34,460 | usn overall score: 8.0/10.

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has enough room to bring along everybody and all their gear. It's available with two or three rows of seating, and even the optional third row has enough room for shorter adults or squirmy kids. It has more cargo space behind the third row than most in its class. A 6.5-inch touch screen and smartphone compatibility come standard.

Despite being a 3-row SUV, the Atlas is easy to maneuver, even when you leave the highway for city streets. It can also tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly configured if you plan to bring a small camper or want to tow some toys for your vacation.

More on the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

  • See 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas  »
  • Read the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Full Review  »
  • See Midsize SUV Rankings  »

2023 Lincoln Navigator

Ford Motor Company |

2023 Lincoln Navigator

$77,635 | usn overall score: 8.8/10.

Wherever your road trip takes you, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator will make sure you arrive in comfort and style. It's one of the best luxury large SUVs, with a well-built and high-quality interior. Standard features include a 13.2-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot and five USB ports.

Every seat in all three rows is comfortable, and the available L model adds extra space to an already roomy cargo area. And though it is large, the Navigator turns in decent fuel economy estimates for its class, with up to 23 mpg on the highway. Standard safety features like lane-keep assist can help reduce driver fatigue too.

More on the 2023 Lincoln Navigator

  • See 2023 Lincoln Navigator Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Lincoln Navigator  »
  • Read the 2023 Lincoln Navigator Full Review  »
  • See Luxury Large SUV Rankings  »

2023 Chevrolet Suburban

General Motors |

2023 Chevrolet Suburban

$57,200 | overall score: 8.2/10.

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban is the classic family road trip SUV. It's huge, with more cargo space than almost any SUV out there. It can be configured to seat up to nine people (though it's a tight fit). With seven or eight seats, even the third row provides enough legroom for adults. The interior is sturdy enough for epic journeys, and it comes with an 8-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and six USB ports.

Depending on how you configure it, the Suburban can tow up to 8,300 pounds, enough for the average camper. It also comes with driver-assistance features like lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking.

More on the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban

  • See 2023 Chevrolet Suburban Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban  »
  • Read the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban Full Review  »
  • See Large SUV Rankings  »

2023 Genesis G90

2023 Genesis G90

$88,400 | usn overall score: 9.3/10.

The 2023 Genesis G90 was completely redesigned this year, and it added an optional mild-hybrid powertrain that improves acceleration when passing on the highway. The available air suspension makes long drives a dream, and the long list of standard safety features-including adaptive cruise control-eases the tedium of driving.

The Nappa leather interior wraps the road tripper in luxury, and both rows of seating are comfortable for adults. The trunk is large enough for several suitcases, and it opens automatically as you approach. The G90 also has one of the longest warranties in the business.

More on the 2023 Genesis G90

  • See 2023 Genesis G90 Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Genesis G90  »
  • Read the 2023 Genesis G90 Full Review  »
  • See Luxury Large Car Rankings  »

2023 Toyota rav4 hybrid

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. |

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

$30,725 | usn overall score: 8.2/10.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid takes everything that has made this compact SUV popular over the years, like a comfortable ride and plenty of standard high-tech features, and added a fuel-efficient and quick-accelerating hybrid powertrain. It can get up to 41 mpg on the highway, which helps cut road trip costs. It was also a finalist for our Best Hybrid SUV for the Money award.

The interior is solidly built, and both rows of seating are comfy. There's also great visibility for everyone, so games of "I Spy" may get competitive. An 8-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone compatibility and a Wi-Fi hotspot come standard. Adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition (both standard) help you when driving in unfamiliar locations.

More on the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

  • See 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid  »
  • Read the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Full Review  »

2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. |

2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

$32,950 | usn overall score: 8.3/10.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is a more fuel-efficient version of the popular compact SUV, with up to 43 mpg on the highway. It's been completely redesigned this year, with more standard tech features and an improved infotainment system. A 7-inch touch screen, smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot and four USB ports come standard.

The seats are comfy in both rows, with room for adults to stretch out even on road trips. The rear seats recline, so whoever is off driving duty can take a nap. Standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist help reduce the fatigue that can come with hours of driving.

More on the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

  • See 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid  »
  • Read the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Full Review  »

2023 Kia Carnival Exterior

2024 Kia Carnival

$33,200 | overall score: 8.5/10.

The 2024 Kia Carnival basically begs you to get the show on the road, and it comes standard with several advanced safety features, including driver-attention monitoring.

The interior is upholstered with easy-to-clean materials, and all three rows have enough room for adults, though the third row is short on headroom. It also has lots of cargo space, even with all three rows in use. An 8-inch touch screen, smartphone compatibility and seven USB ports come standard.

More on the 2024 Kia Carnival

  • See 2024 Kia Carnival Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2024 Kia Carnival  »
  • Read the 2024 Kia Carnival Full Review  »
  • See Minivan Rankings  »

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Stellantis |

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

$50,795 | usn overall score: 8.6/10.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacific Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid, so when you reach your destination and charge up, you can drive about 32 miles on electric power alone. Under electric power, this Chrysler gets 82 MPG-equivalent, and gasoline-only driving returns up to 30 mpg on the highway. These are great numbers for a minivan.

There's also a ton of tech included, like a 10.1-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and Amazon Alexa compatibility. All three rows of seating have lots of head- and legroom, and there's plenty of storage space. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking camera system.

More on the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

  • See 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid  »
  • Read the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Full Review  »

2023 Ram 1500

2023 Ram 1500

$31,270 | usn overall score: 9.0/10.

If your road trip plan involves a camper or boat, you'll want to look into the 2023 Ram 1500 . When properly equipped, it can tow up to 12,750 pounds. As with most pickups, you can configure the 1500 in whatever way works for you.

There are a lot of options and body styles to choose from too, but they all have a spacious, high-quality interior. The availability of safety features and infotainment tech depends on the trim you choose and the options you select, so you can custom-build the road-tripping pickup of your dreams – or the one that fits your budget.

More on the 2023 Ram 1500

  • See 2023 Ram 1500 Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Ram 1500  »
  • Read the 2023 Ram 1500 Full Review  »
  • See Full Size Pickup Truck Rankings  »

2023 Honda Civic Hatchback Exterior

2023 Honda Civic

$23,750 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

Your road-trip car is probably also your go-to-work-every-day car. The 2023 Honda Civic ably handles both roles. It's one of the best compact cars in its class, and we named it the Best Compact Car for the Money as well as one of the Best Cars for Teens . All of its scores are high, especially when it comes to safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it the Top Safety Pick+ designation.

It's not just safe, it's also thrifty, with up to 42 mpg on the highway. A 7-inch touch screen and smartphone connectivity come standard. It also comes with adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition, which make driving in unfamiliar areas a bit easier.

More on the 2023 Honda Civic

  • See 2023 Honda Civic Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Honda Civic  »
  • Read the 2023 Honda Civic Full Review  »
  • See Compact Car Rankings  »

2023 Ford Mustang GT

2023 Ford Mustang

$27,770 | usn overall score: 9.2/10.

Sometimes you want to live the American road trip dream in an impractical sports car. But guess what – the 2023 Ford Mustang is a rather practical sports car with one of the highest overall U.S. News scores. There are several available engines, but sticking with the base turbo-four means an estimated 32 mpg on the highway.

Living the American muscle car fantasy on the open road is best for two people, since the Mustang's rear seats are pretty small. Its standard infotainment system has a 4.2-inch display – not a touch screen – and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Standard safety tech includes automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. But maybe most importantly, for purposes of the dream, the Mustang is available as a convertible.

More on the 2023 Ford Mustang

  • See 2023 Ford Mustang Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Ford Mustang  »
  • Read the 2023 Ford Mustang Full Review  »
  • See Sports Car Rankings  »

2023 Kia Carnival Interior

Road Trip Car Characteristics

Passenger space : People turn cranky when they aren't comfortable after hours on the road. There needs to be space for everyone to stretch out.

Cargo space : At the very minimum, you'll be bringing luggage along and maybe also camping gear or tubes for floating the river. Make sure there's space for your gear.

Fuel economy : Stopping for gas on a road trip can get expensive. Fuel efficiency, particularly from hybrid powertrains, can ease the pain of stopping at the pump.

Infotainment : An AM/FM radio is no longer sufficient for most people. An infotainment system that's easy to use while driving and can connect to smartphones is key.

Safety tech : Driving long distances causes fatigue, and fatigue causes accidents. Modern driver-assistance features can help you stay alert and in your lane.

Reliability : No one wants to be the car in the breakdown lane while on their road trip. A good predicted reliability score shows that a particular model has on average been a solid performer over time.

2023 Genesis G90

John M. Vincent | U.S. News & World Report

Road Trip Car FAQs

What is the best car for road trips.

The best car for road trips is the one that fits your budget and your needs, so there's no one vehicle that will work for everybody. That said, the 2023 Honda Civic is a strong pick. It provides comfort, features, safety and reliability, and all for one of the lowest price tags on this list.

What is the best SUV for road trips?

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid combines a long list of standard features with great fuel economy, and it has one of the most spacious interiors in its class.

What is the best luxury car for road trips?

The redesigned 2023 Genesis G90 will take you anywhere in comfort and style. Most of its best features are standard, including leather upholstery.

What is the most comfortable car for long trips?

On a list of very comfortable vehicles, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is probably the most comfortable, especially for back-seat passengers who can take advantage of those reclining seats. If comfort is your priority, take a look at our list of most comfortable cars for more options.

U.S. News Best Price Program Graphic

U.S. News and World Report |

More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report

Plenty of families take road trips, so you might want to check out the winners of our 2023 Best Cars for Families awards too. Maybe you've been left stranded on an unfamiliar road by your former car and are looking for the most reliable cars available. If you know you need to bring along a lot of gear, see our roundup of compact SUVs with the most cargo space .

When you're ready to buy a new car, use our Best Price Program to pre-negotiate a great price with a local dealership. You can arrange for online buying and even vehicle delivery through the program.

U.S. News Best Cars Badge

U.S. News & World Report |

Best Cars for Road Trips

  • 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid - $31,350 | Overall Score: 8.7/10
  • 2023 Volkswagen Atlas - $34,460 | Overall Score: 8.0/10
  • 2023 Lincoln Navigator - $77,635| Overall Score: 8.8/10
  • 2023 Chevrolet Suburban - $57,200 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
  • 2023 Genesis G90 - $88,400 | Overall Score: 9.3/10
  • 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid - $31,225 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
  • 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid - $32,950 | Overall Score: 8.3/10
  • 2024 Kia Carnival - $33,200 | Overall Score: 8.5/10
  • 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid - $50,795 | Overall Score: 8.6/10
  • 2023 Ram 1500 - $31,270 | Overall Score: 9.0/10
  • 2023 Honda Civic - $23,750 | Overall Score: 8.7/10
  • 2023 Ford Mustang - $27,770 | Overall Score: 9.2/10

Browse Cars

tourism on car

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Best car rental sites to book your next road trip

Becky Blaine

When it comes to booking rental cars, there are quite a few websites to choose from. If you're not set on booking directly with one of the big national chains like Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Hertz or Alamo, you could potentially save even more money by using one of the options below.

Whether you have elite status with a car rental company or not, there are different ways to compare rental companies and find the best pricing for your next rental.

We always recommend pricing a rental directly with a national chain website so you have an idea of the going rate before moving on to the aggregator sites that compare multiple offers.

Costco Travel

For Costco members, this is a no-brainer. Costco negotiates rates on everything from vacation packages and cruises to car rentals for its members. The site allows you to compare prices from participating Alamo, Avis, Budget and Enterprise locations and shows a grid of available car types and prices across those companies so you can make the best decision.

For the purposes of pricing, an airport was chosen below, but once you enter your desired city, you can select different locations within that city from a map and compare pricing.

tourism on car

There are a few rules for renting with Costco: The primary renter needs to be a Costco member, but additional drivers do not, and drivers must be 25 years of age or older.

Once you've selected your car and are ready to place a reservation, you'll need to provide your Costco membership number. One of the perks of Costco Travel is that you can make a reservation without worrying about paying until you pick up your rental car.

AutoSlash is a car rental aggregator, meaning it pulls information from many different rental sites to allow you to compare pricing. One of its interesting features is that it allows you to enter any memberships, credit cards or frequent flyer programs you belong to, and it will search for applicable discounts.

TPG's Katie Genter wrote a comprehensive guide to using AutoSlash for rental car shopping.

Once you enter in all relevant information, AutoSlash will email you a link to view your quotes. You can then choose to book now and pay now or pay later.

One of the interesting features that AutoSlash offers is the ability to track rental car prices. Once you've made a reservation with free cancellation, go back to the AutoSlash website and fill out the form to track price drops for your rental . You will need your current reservation information to fill out the form.

You will then be able to check the boxes for any of the rental car companies you'd like to track and also choose only to receive an email alert if the price drops below what you have currently reserved. This could potentially save you money and allow you to rebook at a lower rate.

tourism on car

Often referred to as the "Airbnb of rental car sites," Turo has definitely caught on in cities across the U.S. and even some Canadian provinces and the United Kingdom. In short, Turo is a peer-to-peer car rental site that can also be accessed and managed through an app.

Many TPG staffers have used Turo and share positive experiences in the TPG guide to renting with Turo . Some of the advantages of using this service include the lower fee for drivers under 25 years of age, that delivery service can sometimes be available, and renting from a local could be more convenient than seeking out a rental car location.

Related: Renting a car in Hawaii with Turo

The one downside would be that you usually have to return the car to the same location where you picked it up, so if you're looking for a one-way rental, a traditional rental car site might work better for you in that situation.

A few quick test searches found rental prices equal to or less expensive than traditional rental car companies. The handy map will show you the locations of all the rentals available in your area for the dates that you search.

tourism on car

While Turo doesn't have airline partners like the big car rental companies, there are still opportunities to earn points and miles on your rentals . Since Turo codes in the travel category, be sure to use a credit card that earns you the most points for travel.

Related: Are Turo car rentals covered by credit card insurance?

Maybe you've only searched Expedia for hotels or flights, but it also offers rental cars and the option to book all trip components together if you'd like. When searching for hotels, you can check the box to add a flight and add a car.

Expedia's car rental interface is pretty straightforward and convenient. You can use filters to search for options like refundable rentals and the ability to pay at the counter. It's also a transparent booking site, meaning you will see the company you're renting with before deciding to book.

tourism on car

In 2022, Expedia Group announced a new rewards program called One Key which would unify rewards across its family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com, Orbitz and vacation rental site Vrbo. There's still no official launch date in 2023 for this new program.

If you are a AAA member, check the AAA website for your area to see if there are car rental deals. The AAA site will search multiple car rental sites for you to find the best deals. If you aren't already a AAA member, you can read the TPG guide to AAA membership to learn more about the benefits and determine if it's worth it for you to join.

Some of the exclusive member benefits for car rentals include up to 20% off the base rate in the U.S. and Canada, up to 10% off the base rate on international rentals, free use of one child safety seat, and no charge for up to four additional drivers who are AAA members.

There are additional exclusive benefits through AAA's partnership with Hertz , such as 10% off a tank of gas when purchasing gas at local prices, and you can return the vehicle with any amount of fuel. The young renters fee is also waived for members ages 20-24.

To start the search process, I had to enter my Hertz membership number, and then it asked me to verify my full name and ZIP code to validate that I was a AAA member. The search feature offers pay-now and pay-at-the-counter options as well as AAA member rates and standard rates. You can even filter by car company, and the top of the search screen shows you what discounts are available with each company.

tourism on car

Related: The complete guide to car rental elite status matches

Bottom line

There are many search options available online for finding rental car discounts. Each site has its pros and cons, so we recommend finding a site that works best for you, and that leverages any elite status or membership that you might already have.

And no matter what, make sure you have car insurance coverage through your credit card or insurance agency, or purchase it through the car rental company.

Related reading:

  • The 9 best credit cards with travel insurance
  • 9 rental car rewards programs you need to know about
  • The best premium credit cards: A side-by-side comparison
  • Credit cards that offer elite status for car rentals

Book cover

  • © 2018

Car Tourism

  • Waldemar Cudny 0

Lodz University, Lodz, Poland

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Presents cars and the spaces as tourist assets and as tourist products

Discusses multifunctional spaces including factories, adventure centres, museums, car exhibitions, and race tracks as sources of economic and tourism value

Analyses the role of car tourism with regard to natural heritage, cultural heritage, infrastructure, and tourism space

Part of the book series: Economic Geography (ECOGEO)

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10 Citations

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Table of contents (6 chapters)

Front matter, introduction.

Waldemar Cudny

Theoretical Approach

Car tourism spaces: visitor centres, spaces of car tourism: museums and car exhibitions, car tourism events.

This book examines the role of cars and the space connected with their production and presentation in tourism development. It describes the role played by experiences and experience societies formed in the 20th c. in the development of contemporary tourism, including tourism related to cars. The book explores the influence of experiencing unusual events, such as car races, car fairs, visits to car industry museums or multifunctional spaces connected with producing and exhibiting cars (e.g. Autostadt or Audi Forum) on the development of a new type of tourism, i.e. car tourism. This kind of tourism is novel in two ways: firstly, it is a new phenomenon in science, as so far it has not been thoroughly studied or described, apart from various short articles. Secondly, this type of tourism has developed on a large scale only in recent years, mainly due to the huge investments made by powerful European car manufacturers (e.g. Autostadt, Audi Forums, Porsche Museum, Lamborghini Museum etc.).

The book presents cars and the spaces related to them as tourist assets (sites, events) and as tourist products that satisfy tourists’ needs. Moreover, it connects the issue of car tourism to the marketing strategies of large car manufacturers and discusses the theory of tourism space, highlighting the main tourism spaces in which car tourism develops. It presents multifunctional spaces (factories, adventure centres – Autostadt in Wolfsburg), museums, car exhibitions, and race tracks. In the next chapter, following an introduction to the problem of events, the author describes events related to car tourism, including races, rallies, driving schools and car fairs. The book ends with a summarizing chapter, which includes a model of the function of car tourism as a separate type of tourism, as well as a discussion presenting the main features, advantages and disadvantages of car tourism in the context of the tourism space theory. 

  • Spaces of car tourism
  • Car tourism events
  • Contemporary tourism
  • Tourism Development
  • Car industry

Dr Waldemar Cudny gained his education in Poland, at the Faculty of Geographical Sciences, University of Łódź. He received the PhD degree in Earth Sciences, in the field of socio-economic geography in 2004 and the MA degree in Geography, in the field of spatial economy and spatial urban planning in 1999. Since 2005, he has been employed as an assistant professor at the Institute of Tourism and Economic Development, in the Tomaszów Mazowiecki branch of the University of Łódź. Dr Waldemar Cudny specialises in several main research themes. The first of them is the analysis of the socio-economic and spatial transformations taking place in European cities. The other one are issues related to urban culture, festivals and events. He investigated the role of festivals in the socio – economic development of urban areas and in creation of tourism. In the last years Dr Waldemar Cudny was involved in new research project devoted to the use of cars and spaces connected with cars production, use and presentation in creation of tourism phenomena. For the purposes of this research he cooperated with large car manufacturers (e.g.Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini) as well as with different private and public institutions (e.g. museums, race tracks etc.). By 2016, Dr Cudny has published (individually and as a co-author) the total of over 50 reviewed scientific works in the form of books, articles, and chapters in monographs. The last book, published by Springer Nature in 2016, was devoted to the festivalisation of urban spaces. Dr Cudny is also an experienced academic teacher. In his career so far, he has taught subjects related to urban, cultural geography and tourism. In recent years, he has done research and conducted classes at foreign universities,e.g. the Comenius University in Bratislava (Slovakia), the Catholic University of Eichstätt- Ingolstadt and Justus Liebig-Universität in Giessen (Germany), Umea University (Sweden)and Birmingham University (Great Britain).

Book Title : Car Tourism

Authors : Waldemar Cudny

Series Title : Economic Geography

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62084-8

Publisher : Springer Cham

eBook Packages : Earth and Environmental Science , Earth and Environmental Science (R0)

Copyright Information : Springer International Publishing AG 2018

Hardcover ISBN : 978-3-319-62083-1 Published: 18 July 2017

Softcover ISBN : 978-3-319-87230-8 Published: 26 August 2018

eBook ISBN : 978-3-319-62084-8 Published: 05 July 2017

Series ISSN : 2520-1417

Series E-ISSN : 2520-1425

Edition Number : 1

Number of Pages : XII, 142

Number of Illustrations : 13 b/w illustrations, 65 illustrations in colour

Topics : Economic Geography , Tourism Management , Popular Science in Geography

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Tourism Car Rental Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The report covers Global Tourism Vehicle Rental Market Demand and is Segmented by Vehicle Type (Economy and Luxury/Premium), Booking Mode (Online and Offline), End-User (Self Driven and Rental Agencies), and by Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World). The Report offers market size and forecast for Tourism Vehicle Rental Market in Value (USD billion) for all the above segments.

Tourism Vehicle Rental Market Size

Tourism Vehicle Rental Market Size

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Tourism Vehicle Rental Market Analysis

The Tourism Vehicle Rental Market was valued at USD 61.28 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 97.23 billion by 2027 registering a CAGR of around 8% during the forecast period (2022 - 2027).

The COVID-19 pandemic hindered the growth of the Tourism Rental Market as there were global factory shutdowns, travel bans, and border lockdowns, to combat and contain the outbreak, impacting every industry and economy worldwide. As tourism is a huge market, the demand for vehicle rentals halted with continuous lockdowns across the world.

However, as the unlocking process began restoring economic activities Tourism vehicle rental market is expected to witness nominal growth during the forecast period. People tend to prefer rental vehicles to any other means of transportation to maintain social distancing and hygiene protocols.

Other driving factors of the tourism vehicle rental market are, comfort, quality of life, freedom of moment, affordability, and low cost of traveling. The luxury vehicles segment will grow at the fastest pace during the forecast period owing to increased travel budgets of tourists around the world.

Region-wise, Asia-Pacific is one of the fastest-growing regional markets for tourism vehicle rental within the forecast period due to the growing population coupled with transportation issues in the region. Tourism vehicle rental service is very useful in Asian countries like India, Australia, Cambodia, Japan, China, etc. North America is expected to witness significant growth amid rising road trips by people during forecast period. 

Tourism Vehicle Rental Market Trends

This section covers the major market trends shaping the Tourism Vehicle Rental Market according to our research experts:

Online Booking Expected to Witness Significant Growth during the Forecast Period

Increased concern and awareness about the containment of the virus have primarily led to an increase in vehicle rental options. Additionally, the tourism vehicle rental market also provides the option of increased mobility without the concern of paying the costs associated with vehicle ownership. These services are offered via websites and through other online platforms attributing to the growth of the market.

Increasing penetration of the internet and smartphone among consumers is estimated to shift consumers' inclination toward online booking mode. The growth is attributed to consumers' preference to have detailed access to the offerings of accommodation, amenities, and other benefits. For instance, in 2021 more than 60% of the total vehicle rental booking were made through online means. Additionally, owing to the increased internet usage, this number is expected to cross 70% by 2027.

With the growing trend in technology, renting a vehicle through online booking has become the most preferred choice of customers over the past few years. Moreover, it provides additional facilities to monitor a rental vehicle's operation, performance, and maintenance in real-time. Such features are tremendous assets for drivers and fleet managers, enabling them to better identify risks and implement timely improvements to their rental services.

Value for money, convenience, and search for authentic travel experiences are major factors fueling the growth of online booking. The increasing number of startups and third-party travel booking companies are offering services via application and website only. Hence, consumers are shifting their preferences from offline booking mode to online. These aforementioned factors are boosting the growth of online booking mode.

Tourism vehicle rental market_trend 1

Rising Demand for Tourism Rental Vehicles in North America

The United States is the leader in the tourism vehicle rental market as major car-renting companies have their fleets in almost all the major cities. The size of the fleet for any player depends on the number of tourists preferring to rent a vehicle locally and the volume of foreign passengers visiting a city. Canada has a large domestic and foreign tourism industry.

  • Being the second-largest country in the world, Canada's incredible geographical variety and the presence of around 20 world heritage sites are significant tourist attractions across the country. Much of the country's tourism is centered in regions like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver/Whistler, Niagara Falls, Vancouver Island, Calgary/Canadian Rockies, British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, and the national capital region Ottawa. Therefore, these regions are some major hotspots for tourism vehicle renting.

Europe is also expected to see positive growth during the forecast period. The main driving factors behind corporations expanding their fleets are a good macroeconomic outlook and the government's expansionary policies. Fleet managers are increasingly choosing low-emission vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrids as the government adopts regulations against polluting diesel automobiles. As leasing is a reasonable car finance option because of the significant residual risks involved with such vehicles, it is expected to discourage van rental companies to expand in the region. Considering the update of electric vehicles, OEMs are launching electric vans in the region. For instance,

  • In May 2021, Opel has unveiled its two new vans Movano and Movano-e. The vans are available in two powertrain option such as diesel and electric. The vans are also equipped with High-tech assistance systems for protection of all road users. The vans are available across rest of Europe such as in Poland, Netherlands, Sweden, Greece etc.

Apart from these factors, the increasing demand for rental vehicles is mainly driven by people's interest in road trips and the rising importance of comfort and safety in the wake of the pandemic. The tourism rental market is expected to grow gradually as transport operations returned to their normal functioning with a new normal, i.e., following social security guidelines for safety.

Tourism Vehicle Rental Market_geography

Tourism Vehicle Rental Industry Overview

The tourism vehicle rental market is consolidated and dominated by a few players, such as Enterprise Holdings Inc., Hertz Global Holdings Inc., Avis, Europcar Mobility Group, Sixt SE, and Budget, among others. The companies are expanding their fleet size and launching. For instance,

  • In July 2021, Key'n Go, which is operated by Goldcar, the low-cost brand of Europcar Mobility Group allows customers to benefit, at scale, from a 100% digital, safe and fast solution to book, pick up & return their vehicle in 35 key leisure airports in Southern Europe.
  • In December 2021, Zoom car, an India-based car rental startup, announced that it will soon launch its operations in Vietnam. The company has also roped in Kiet Pham, who previously held senior management positions in Gojek and Oyo, as it is country head. Zoom car added that the foray into Vietnam is in line with the company's mission to democratize car access across the world's most populated and fastest-growing emerging markets.
  • In February 2020, the SIXT Company's 42% stake was acquired by Hyundai Capital Services for around USD 170 Million. Further, in June 2020, SIX, T, a leading German-based international provider of high-end mobility services, hasn't built a new partnership with the car rental, leasing, and limousine subsidiary Alturki Holding Saudi Arabia.
  • Avis Budget Group Inc. added 6,000 Peugeot, Citroën, and DS vehicles to its connected car rental fleet in Europe. These vehicles may operate across the company's Avis and Budget brands in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, along with the Maggiore brand in Italy.

Tourism Vehicle Rental Market Leaders

The Hertz Corporation

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Enterprise Holdings Inc., Hertz Global Holdings Inc., Avis, Europcar Mobility Group, Sixt SE.

Tourism Vehicle Rental Market News

  • In January 2022, ekar, the Middle East's mobility company, launched its operations in Thailand starting with Bangkok and with plans to expand into other countries. ekar is launching its proprietary car subscription service which offers cars from one to nine-month terms for a single monthly subscription cost with no down payments or long-term commitments via the ekar app.
  • In December 2021, Volkswagen announced plans to acquire Europcar in France and launched USD 3.4 billion. The acquisition will be handled by Green Mobility Holding, a dedicated vehicle of which Volkswagen will own two-third.
  • In November 2021, Hertz rentals partnered with Tesla Motors, to supply 100,000 Model 3S by 2022, and news that half of these vehicles are expected to be rented out to Uber drivers.
  • In July 2021, Key'n Go, which is operated by Goldcar, the low-cost brand of Europcar Mobility Group allows customers to benefit, at scale, from a 100% digital, safe and fast solution to book, pick up & return their vehicle in 35 key leisure airports in Southern Europe
  • In February 2021, Theeb Rent a Car, a Saudi-based car rental company extended its car rental fleet in the Kingdom. The company has added more than 1,700 cars from luxury brands such as BMW, Mercedes, and also economic models such as Chevrolet, Kia, Ford, Nissan, Toyota, and Hyundai, including the new 2021 models.

Tourism Vehicle Rental Market Report - Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Study Assumptions

1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET DYNAMICS

4.1 Market Drivers

4.2 Market Restraints

4.3 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis

4.3.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

4.3.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers

4.3.3 Threat of New Entrants

4.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products

4.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size in Value USD billion)

5.1 Vehicle Type

5.1.1 Economy

5.1.2 Luxury/Premium

5.2 Booking Mode

5.2.1 Online

5.2.2 Offline

5.3 End User

5.3.1 Self Driven

5.3.2 Rental Agencies

5.4 Geography

5.4.1 North America

5.4.1.1 United states

5.4.1.2 Canada

5.4.1.3 Rest of North america

5.4.2 Europe

5.4.2.1 Germany

5.4.2.2 United Kingdom

5.4.2.3 France

5.4.2.4 Italy

5.4.2.5 Norway

5.4.2.6 Netherlands

5.4.2.7 Rest of Europe

5.4.3 Asia-Pacific

5.4.3.1 China

5.4.3.2 India

5.4.3.3 Japan

5.4.3.4 South Korea

5.4.3.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific

5.4.4 Rest of the World

5.4.4.1 South America

5.4.4.2 Middle-East and Africa

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

6.1 Vendor Market Share

6.2 Company Profiles*

6.2.1 Auto Europe Deutschland GmbH

6.2.2 Avis Budget Group, Inc.

6.2.3 Seera Group Holdings Co.

6.2.4 Carzonrent India Private Limited

6.2.5 Enterprise Holdings, Inc.

6.2.6 Europcar Mobility Group

6.2.7 The Hertz Corporation

6.2.8 Sixt SE

6.2.9 ZoomCar, Inc.

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

Tourism Vehicle Rental Industry Segmentation

A tourist rental vehicle means a self-propelled vehicle capable of being used for the temporary living, sleeping, or eating accommodation of persons on a rental basis for traveling and tourism purposes. The Tourism Vehicle Rental Market report covers the latest trends, and COVID-19 impact, followed by technological developments. The scope of the report covers segmentation based on Vehicle Type, End User, Booking Type, and Geography.

By Vehicle Type, the market is segmented into Economy and Luxury/Premium. By Booking Mode, the market is segmented as Online and Offline. By End User, the market is segmented into Self Driven and Rental Agencies. 

By Geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the world. For each segment, the market sizing and forecast have been done on the basis of value (USD billion).

Tourism Vehicle Rental Market Research FAQs

What is the current tourism vehicle rental market size.

The Tourism Vehicle Rental Market is projected to register a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period (2024-2029)

Who are the key players in Tourism Vehicle Rental Market?

Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, The Hertz Corporation and Sixt SE are the major companies operating in the Tourism Vehicle Rental Market.

Which is the fastest growing region in Tourism Vehicle Rental Market?

Asia-Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).

Which region has the biggest share in Tourism Vehicle Rental Market?

In 2024, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Tourism Vehicle Rental Market.

What years does this Tourism Vehicle Rental Market cover?

The report covers the Tourism Vehicle Rental Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Tourism Vehicle Rental Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.

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Tourist Car Rental Industry Report

Statistics for the 2024 Tourist Car Rental market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Tourist Car Rental analysis includes a market forecast outlook to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.

Tourist Car Rental Market Report Snapshots

  • Tourist Car Rental Market Size
  • Tourist Car Rental Market Share
  • Tourist Car Rental Market Trends
  • Tourist Car Rental Companies
  • Tourist Car Rental News

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What does "touring" mean on a car.

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There are many designations and classifications for vehicles on the modern market. Some are sports, others are racing, and others are considered touring vehicles. What do all these mean? If you’re looking to purchase a vehicle or seek to understand what sets them apart, you might wonder - what does Touring mean on a car?

If you’re interested in learning more about what touring means, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about what this designation means, the differences between sport and touring cars, what a super touring car is, and more. The better you understand the world of vehicles, the easier to make the ideal selection for your life.

What Does Touring Mean on A Car?

What does Touring mean on a car? According to glendalenissan.com , the designation of touring on a vehicle means the car is a mix of luxury and speed. Rather than being built for one thing or the other, the tourer brings together all the details to make a car that is both eye candy and one of the fastest you will ever touch in your life.

Consider James Bond/spy vehicles when thinking about a touring vehicle. They look gorgeous, but they can also bolt into a high-speed chase at the drop of a hat. Touring is a unique designation many people desire for their next vehicle. 

Of course, it is critical to note that touring vehicles are nowhere near as speeding as cars built to perform on the track. They have stamina and muscle, but they are far from purebred race vehicles.

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What Is Sport Vs. Touring Cars?

Sport and touring vehicles often get lumped into the same group, but they are far from the same thing. Neither of them is complete racing cars, though both take on a sort of inspiration from their speedy inspiration. However, each is modeled after a different base vehicle which contributes to their overall appearance and ability.

A sports vehicle is based on the model of a sports car, meaning its focus is performance. They’re meant to hit the road at top speeds. Although they aren’t designed to go as fast as racing cars, they are meant to offer excellent performance for those who have no need to own a racing vehicle.

On the other hand, the touring car is more of a family sedan style because it keeps luxury in mind along with performance. Though you will get speed out of your touring vehicle, there is also a focus on the gorgeous appearance of the car.

Both sport and touring cars are designed to look good and offer an excellent ride. However, they are not the same by any means.

What Is the Difference Between a Touring and Racing Car?

When considering the question what does Touring mean on a car - it’s helpful to think about the difference between a touring car and a racing car. Both are stylish and perform well - but what are the actual differences between the two?

As mentioned above, a touring car is based on a sedan-style vehicle. It offers a combination of luxury and performance, allowing you to enjoy speed and fancy features all in one shell. However, it’s also critical to note that there are sports touring cars that individuals use to race.

On the other hand, a racing car is focused on speed and performance. It might look stylish, but it favors performance over all additional luxury features placed inside a touring car.

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What Is a Super Touring Car?

A super touring car is a breed of touring race car. It must meet specific requirements which allow the car to fit inside a specific set of standards to race against similar vehicles. It’s a little different from a traditional touring car and a touring race car.

Super touring vehicles are sophisticated and some of the most expensive racing options out there. They are sleek, stylish, and made to move fast.

Is Tour or Sport Mode Better?

When considering the question - what does Touring mean on a car - it’s critical to compare it to sport mode if you’re interested in a new vehicle. Is tour or sport mode better for your next vehicle investment?

According to chevrolet.com , there are significant differences between the two. Sport mode in a car is beneficial if you’re zooming down twists and turns, allowing speedy stability while you are in motion. The response is tight, and the controls are easier to manage. 

On the other hand, sport mode provides better fuel economy and ideal driving experiences. If you want to move fast with rapid turns, try sport mode. If you want a sleek drive, go for the tour option.

How Much Horsepower Does a Touring Car Have?

According to themanual.com , a touring car in the racing environment typically possesses 600 horsepower. They are speedy cars, but they aren’t as fast as other racing options on the market.

This speed is capped and lower than other vehicles to reduce what drivers and their managers must pay to power the vehicle and keep it in the best shape. If you invest in a car and upgrade it to possess a tour feature, you won’t be able to get up to 600 MPH on the road. However, it will provide an excellent drive.

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Unless you’re a mechanic or super-dedicated car enthusiast, you might not know much about the brakes on your car. How long do they typically last?​ How often should you replace your brakes​ ? We’ve got answers

Final Thoughts

Touring might sound like a strange description, but it is a type of car. Touring vehicles combine luxury and performance, offering a hint of the racing car appearance with a luxurious body and anything else you could want in a fancy, fast car. A touring car is the way to go for style.

We hope this information is helpful! The more you know about the difference between touring, sport, and racing cars, the easier it will be to determine the fast car you want in your driveway. They seem very similar, but there are significant differences between these iconic vehicles. A touring car is one of the most popular options for interested customers.

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No, you don’t need four-wheel drive in Hawaii, and other car rental tips

  • Updated: Mar. 14, 2024, 8:05 a.m. |
  • Published: Mar. 14, 2024, 7:31 a.m.

Exploring the Big Island

Driving Chain of Craters Road in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park -- no four-wheel drive required. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com

  • Susan Glaser, cleveland.com

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii – No, you don’t need a four-wheel drive vehicle on the Big Island. I found that out the hard way last month, after I upgraded my rental at the urging of a very persistent customer service representative at Thrifty.

“There are many places on this island that require four-wheel drive,” she told me.

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  • Colleyville car rentals $50+

New York Rental Cars

  • Bronxville car rentals
  • Carteret car rentals
  • Edgewater car rentals
  • Elmont car rentals
  • Little Ferry car rentals $38+
  • North Bergen car rentals $39+
  • Tenafly car rentals $44+
  • Fairview car rentals $44+

San Francisco Rental Cars

  • Sausalito car rentals
  • Burlingame car rentals $24+
  • South San Francisco car rentals $24+
  • Daly City car rentals $24+
  • Emeryville car rentals $32+
  • San Bruno car rentals $35+
  • Colma car rentals $49+

Chicago Rental Cars

  • Rolling Meadows car rentals
  • Harwood Heights car rentals
  • Oak Park car rentals $24+
  • Skokie car rentals $47+
  • Blue Island car rentals $47+
  • Mount Prospect car rentals $48+
  • Berwyn car rentals $48+

Seattle Rental Cars

  • Lake Forest Park car rentals
  • Tukwila car rentals
  • Des Moines car rentals
  • Kenmore car rentals
  • Newcastle car rentals
  • Woodinville car rentals
  • Edmonds car rentals
  • Mercer Island car rentals
  • SeaTac car rentals $19+
  • Bellevue car rentals $26+
  • Federal Way car rentals $29+
  • Kirkland car rentals $30+
  • Kent car rentals $34+
  • Auburn car rentals $35+
  • Burien car rentals $36+
  • Renton car rentals $36+
  • Redmond car rentals $38+
  • Bothell car rentals $39+
  • Shoreline car rentals $53+

Miami Rental Cars

  • South Miami Heights car rentals
  • South Miami car rentals
  • Fisher Island car rentals
  • The Hammocks car rentals
  • Hallandale car rentals $39+
  • Hialeah car rentals $40+
  • Miami Lakes car rentals $47+

Washington, D.C. Rental Cars

  • Kensington car rentals
  • Brookmont car rentals
  • National Harbor car rentals
  • Silver Spring car rentals $26+
  • Alexandria car rentals $27+
  • Hyattsville car rentals $32+
  • Oxon Hill car rentals $48+

Salt Lake City Rental Cars

  • Holladay car rentals
  • North Salt Lake car rentals
  • Taylorsville car rentals
  • West Valley City car rentals $34+
  • South Salt Lake car rentals $40+
  • Murray car rentals $42+
  • Millcreek car rentals $48+

Los Angeles Rental Cars

  • Monterey Park car rentals
  • Monrovia car rentals
  • Lawndale car rentals
  • Sherman Oaks car rentals
  • San Gabriel car rentals
  • Tujunga car rentals
  • Temple City car rentals
  • Hermosa Beach car rentals
  • Beverly Hills car rentals $22+
  • Pasadena car rentals $26+
  • Rosemead car rentals $30+
  • Culver City car rentals $32+
  • Santa Clarita car rentals $34+
  • Alhambra car rentals $38+

Las Vegas Rental Cars

  • Sunrise Manor car rentals
  • Winchester car rentals
  • Summerlin South car rentals
  • Nellis AFB car rentals
  • Spring Valley car rentals
  • Paradise car rentals
  • Whitney car rentals
  • Henderson car rentals $33+
  • North Las Vegas car rentals $34+
  • Enterprise car rentals $34+

Fort Lauderdale Rental Cars

  • Broadview Park car rentals
  • Hollywood Beach Gardens car rentals
  • Coconut Creek car rentals
  • Lauderdale-by-the-Sea car rentals
  • Dania Beach car rentals $8+
  • Davie car rentals $33+
  • Hollywood car rentals $36+
  • Pompano Beach car rentals $44+
  • North Lauderdale car rentals $50+
  • Margate car rentals $53+
  • Lauderdale Lakes car rentals $63+
  • Wilton Manors car rentals $63+
  • Lauderhill car rentals $64+
  • Plantation car rentals $67+

Atlanta Rental Cars

  • Panthersville car rentals
  • Peachtree Corners car rentals
  • Clarkston car rentals
  • Smyrna car rentals $31+
  • Chamblee car rentals $31+
  • Riverdale car rentals $39+
  • Dunwoody car rentals $44+

Tampa Rental Cars

  • Temple Terrace car rentals
  • Greater Northdale car rentals
  • Carrollwood car rentals
  • Seffner car rentals
  • Oldsmar car rentals $42+
  • Pinellas Park car rentals $52+
  • Citrus Park car rentals $70+

Houston Rental Cars

  • West University Place car rentals
  • Humble car rentals $24+
  • Cypress car rentals $30+
  • Cinco Ranch car rentals $35+
  • Bellaire car rentals $36+
  • Jersey Village car rentals $53+
  • Seabrook car rentals $56+

Portland Rental Cars

  • Happy Valley car rentals
  • Metzger car rentals
  • Tigard car rentals $17+
  • Milwaukie car rentals $20+
  • Aloha car rentals $31+
  • Clackamas car rentals $32+
  • Tualatin car rentals $41+

Frequently asked questions

  • How does KAYAK find such low rental car prices? KAYAK compares rental car prices from all major car rental companies such as Thrifty, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, Payless and more to find you the best deal.
  • How do I find the best car rental deals on KAYAK? A simple rental car search at https://www.kayak.com/cars scans for prices on hundreds of travel sites in seconds. We gather car rental deals from across the web and put them in one place. Then on the search results page you can use various filters to compare your options for your preferred rental car type and easily choose the best car rental deal from all of the deals coming straight from the travel sites to your screen, with no extra fee from KAYAK.
  • What is special about comparing rental car deals on KAYAK? Looking for the lowest price? We can make that happen. Our car rental price sort gives you quick access to the cheapest and/or the most expensive deals—it’s your trip, so it’s up to you. Sometimes, the same rental car deal will be available on several provider sites. All of these providers are made visible for you to choose from, but we highlight one main car rental provider based on things like customer popularity or ratings.
  • What kind of cars can I rent on KAYAK? On KAYAK you can find deals on all types of rental cars including small, medium, large, SUV, van, luxury, pickup truck, convertible and commercial vehicles.
  • What do I need to know before booking a car rental? Renting a car can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time or you’re renting in a new country. Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
  • What is the minimum age to rent a car? The minimum legal age to rent a car depends on the country where you’re renting. In the USA and Canada, drivers must typically be at least 21. However, some states and provinces allow drivers as young as 18 years old to rent a car. In Europe and Asia, the minimum age varies between 18 to 21 years old but some agencies might require drivers to be at least 25. Keep in mind that most agencies add daily fees for renters below 25 years old.
  • Can I return a rental car to a different location? You want to pick up a car rental in one city and drop it off in another location? We can arrange that for you. When performing a car rental search on KAYAK, simply select the option "Different drop-off". You'll then be able to enter both your desired pick-up and drop-off locations. Most car rental agencies call this option a "one-way rental" and charge a return fee.
  • Can new drivers rent a car? New driver policies vary for each car rental agency. While some require renters to hold a driver’s license for a minimum of 1 year, others only ask for a valid driver’s license for the duration of the rental period. We recommend new drivers to confirm the requirements directly with the rental agency.
  • Can I rent a car without a credit card? Renting a car without a credit card is less common but not impossible. Many agencies allow debit card car rentals from airport locations as long as you provide proof of return travel. Be aware that the agency might run a credit check on you and will most likely place an authorized hold on your account as a security deposit. If you plan on paying with a debit card, it’s always a good idea to check the conditions with the rental agency before booking.
  • Can I drive cross country in a rental car? In the USA, it's typically not an issue to drive across state lines or to cross the border to Canada. However, you'll most likely pay an extra insurance fee if you want to travel to Mexico. Similar rules apply to Europe, as you'll need to cover a cross-border fee if you want to cross from one country to another. Failing to do so will most likely invalidate your car rental insurance. Crossing borders in Africa and Asia is generally more difficult and additional border documentation is necessary. We recommend always informing the rental agency about your planned itinerary.
  • Is it cheaper to rent a car at the airport or off-site? You will generally find the best deals if you select an off-site airport location. Airport car rental agencies offer a very convenient option for renters who want to pick up a car directly on-site. However, as demand is often higher, prices also tend to get slightly more expensive. Some off-site rental agencies offer shuttle service from the airport.

Home

Rent a Car in Moscow and other Russian Cities

Driving in Russia is very cheap: the petrol costs only about 60 ¢ per liter (€2 per gallon), the infrastructure is relatively good, and there's almost no road toll charges, so it's a great way to explore the country, especially if you're two or more.

In order to rent a car in Russia you just need your driving license (the plastic card one), a credit card, and your passport — no extra paperwork is needed (you don't even need a translation).

The insurance excess and security deposits are usually limited to about €200, and the daily rent is about €20 for a standard car and €30 for an SUV. We've partnered with the two biggest car rental aggregators, so you can use the form below to find the best car rental deals for Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian cities from major local and international providers, such as Hertz, Europcar, Avis and others.

Option #1: RentalCars.Com

Option #2: cartrawler.

Use this aggregator if you're renting a car for a longer period — two weeks and more — or if you're renting a car in Siberia.

Option #3: Car Sharing

Russia car rental faq.

Delimobil car sharing in Moscow

  • Moscow Airport Transfers
  • Arrival and Departure: St. Petersburg Airport, Train Stations, and Bus Stations
  • Arrival and Departure: Moscow Airports, Train Stations, Buses

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Flowing smoothly: Traffic back to normal on I-77 southbound north of Fulton Drive

Traffic along Interstate 77 southbound was backed up Monday morning following an accident near Fulton Drive NW in Canton.

CANTON ‒ Traffic was flowing normally this morning after a disabled car was removed from Interstate 77 south of Fulton Drive NW.

The two left lanes of the highway had been closed following a 6:30 a.m. crash that caused vehicles to back up between Belden Village Street NE and Fulton today.

Canton police and fire departments responded to the incident. Police said it appeared that there was a one-vehicle accident and there were no serious injuries.

An Ohio Department of Transportation camera at Dressler Road showed traffic flowing smoothly in the area by 8:30 a.m.

Boeing whistleblower found dead, years after speaking out about safety concerns

tourism on car

A former Boeing employee who spoke out about safety concerns with the company's aircraft production was found dead in his car over the weekend in Charleston, South Carolina, according to officials and multiple reports.

John Barnett was found dead Saturday with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Charleston County Coroner's Office said. The 62-year-old was a quality manager who worked with Boeing for over 30 years before he retired in 2017, news outlets including the New York Times and BBC reported.

Barnett was in Charleston for legal interviews related to a case against Boeing, per the BBC , which spoke with Barnett's lawyer. He gave a formal deposition last week and was questioned by Boeing's lawyers, and then cross-examined by his lawyer.

When he didn't show up for further questioning on Saturday, authorities searched for him at his hotel. He was then found dead in his truck in the hotel parking lot, the BBC reported.

In a statement to USA TODAY, Boeing said it was “saddened by Mr. Barnett’s passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends."

The Charleston City Police Department is investigating.

Whistleblower raised safety concerns in 2019

Barnett was one of several whistleblowers who raised concerns over quality control and safety at a Boeing production plant in South Carolina in 2019 articles published by the BBC and New York Times.

At that time, Barnett said he had concerns that safety was being compromised when workers were under pressure and rushing to get 787 Dreamliner jets ready.

Some of the concerns he raised include finding clusters of metal shavings left near electrical systems for flight controls which he said could lead to "catastrophic" results, and discovering serious problems with oxygen systems of the 787 Dreamliner.

He said that the issue with oxygen systems could mean 25% of breathing masks won't work in an emergency.

Barnett who began working at the South Carolina plant in 2010 as a quality manager, said he repeatedly raised concerns about his findings to his supervisors but was never listened to and was instead transferred to another plant, the BBC reported.

If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call  988  any time day or night, or chat online.   Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.

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Privately owned vehicle (POV) mileage reimbursement rates

GSA has adjusted all POV mileage reimbursement rates effective January 1, 2024.

* Airplane nautical miles (NMs) should be converted into statute miles (SMs) or regular miles when submitting a voucher using the formula (1 NM equals 1.15077945 SMs).

For calculating the mileage difference between airports, please visit the U.S. Department of Transportation's Inter-Airport Distance website.

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Rates are available between 10/1/2021 and 09/30/2024.

The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date.

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Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries."

Per diem localities with county definitions shall include "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties (unless otherwise listed separately)."

When a military installation or Government - related facility(whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and / or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.

Watch CBS News

How to save money on a rental car this spring break — and traps to avoid

By Megan Cerullo

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

March 7, 2024 / 3:48 PM EST / CBS News

For a number of spring breakers , a rental car is a necessity that can add hundreds of dollars to a vacation after paying for flights, accommodations and excursions.

While rental car prices have dropped from COVID-19 pandemic highs of hundreds of dollars per day in some locales — when supply-chain snarls followed by a sudden rebound in travel led to widespread vehicle shortages  — they can still be expensive. 

The daily rental car price for summer 2024 is averaging at $84, down about 10% from two years ago, according to data from Kayak.com. Currently, car rental prices for Easter weekend are even cheaper, down 19% compared to two years ago. 

Here are ways to save money on a rental car, financial traps to avoid and how to determine if a rental car company is offering a good deal — or trying to take you for a ride.   

Pay with a credit card

As is generally the case when making purchases, it's wise to pay for your rental car with a credit card, as they typically have built-in protections — particularly when it comes to booking a car. For example, some credit cards offer primary and secondary car rental insurance to cardholders, meaning you don't have to purchase insurance as an add-on at the rental counter.

A few credit cards, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture X and United Explorer cards come with what's known as primary rental car insurance. 

It's still important to know exactly what kinds of damage is covered, and when, if you're a vehicle owner, you could have to rely on your own policy. 

"The downsides of secondary insurance is it usually doesn't kick in until you've gone through your primary insurer," Bankrate senior industry analyst Ted Rossman told CBS MoneyWatch.  Additionally, even primary credit card insurance only covers damage to the vehicle that you've rented. 

"It won't cover potential damage to other cars or people, if someone in another car, or a pedestrian is injured," Rossman added.

Do I need to buy insurance?

If you're not a vehicle owner yourself and don't have care insurance, it could provide peace of mind to purchase a policy from the rental company, according to Rossman. 

"Credit card rental insurance can offer useful benefits, but you want to make sure you're filling in gaps perhaps with personal car insurance company," he added. 

Take a short video of the vehicle

As far as damage goes, it's also wise to take a short video of the car's exterior before driving it off the lot, to document any existing scratches or dings, so you're not liable upon returning it. 

"I always take a one-minute video showing the top, bottom, left, right so you have a video in the rental company's garage showing what it was like. Do same thing when you turn it back in," Summer Hull, content director at travel site The Points Guy, told CBS MoneyWatch. "It saved me once," said Hull, referring to a time when she was being pinned for damage on a rental. "I had to lean back on the video. It can really help you down the road," she said.

Shop around, leverage memberships

There is a lot of variation in car rental prices from site to site, and company to company, which means it pays to shop around. Consumers can get some of the best rental car deals through memberships they may already have including Costco, AAA, and AARP cards.

Costco Travel, which is affiliated with the shopping club, typically has lower prices than one will find elsewhere. 

"Only Costco members have access, but I've consistently found that their prices are 15%-20% cheaper," said Scott Keyes of Going.com. 

AAA an AARP offer discounts and promo codes on car rentals too. 

Don't rent at the airport

Stay away from picking up your rental at the airport, where rates are typically higher. 

Most major car rental agencies have rental locations about five miles away from airports where you can find substantially cheaper prices, according to Keyes. "The convenience of renting at the airport often comes at a price," he said.

Don't prepay

It's a good idea to lock in a rental as soon as you know your travel dates, but do not pay in advance: Not only can you be charged for a cancellation, but you can also miss out on better deals. 

"When you don't have to prepay, you have a lot of options to take advantage of price drops in the future," Keyes said. "You never want to prepay, even if you're offered a small discount. You give up ability to take advantage of future discounts. That's the biggest thing folks can do to get the best price on car rentals."

Gas it up on your own

It pays to make time to fill up your rental car's gas tank before returning it to your agency of choice, as opposed to paying a fee for them to do it for you. 

"The price you pay to fill the tank yourself is generally going to be cheaper than the price the rental company charges for the same amount of gas," a Kayak spokesperson told CBS MoneyWatch. 

Hull recommends filling up your car's tank far away from airports, where rates are cheaper. "Stations near airports charge jacked-up rates," she said. 

What's the cheapest rental?

It may sound counterintuitive, but consider upgrading your vehicle for a good deal. It may not be bottom-of-the-barrel cheap, but there's only a few dollars difference between average full-size car rentals and economy rentals, according to Kayak's data. In other words, you can get more bang for your buck by upgrading. 

In some locales, electric vehicle rentals are cheaper than gas car rentals, according to Hull. But note that if you choose an EV, you'll need to make a plan to charge it, which can come at a cost. 

img-6153.jpg

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News Streaming to discuss her reporting.

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