TRAVEL

Seven tips to make hiring a car a breeze

If your boss regularly requires a set of hired wheels you may be so used to making the booking you forget to shop around for the best deal or ensure that the car you hire is the most relevant for the experience

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When it comes to comparing costs your first step is to ensure you’re comparing like with like. Check with each enquiry what’s included and ask about items such as airport surcharges, breakdown cover, insurance, collision damage waiver and whether more than one person is covered to drive the car.

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Don’t be caught out with hidden charges. Find out from the boss the kind of mileage they’re expecting to do; some car hire firms offer unlim- ited mileage which is ideal if you’re unsure of the num- ber of miles they’re likely to notch up. If you know the car will not be covering a lot of ground you can save money by opting for restricted mileage.

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If you’re looking to trim costs then give some thought to the type of car you need. If your boss is travelling alone then opt for a smaller car. If

they’re travelling with young children ensure the car you hire is spacious enough to accommodate child seats. If you have several colleagues travelling think about hiring a bigger car to carry all of your colleagues together as opposed to smaller, individual cars. One word of advice though – don’t be tempted to cut costs to the point where the passengers can’t all fit their luggage in the boot!

– but some countries may also require an International Driving Permit which you can organise in advance through the AA or RAC.

of any damage to the car and both parties should retain a copy of this.

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As soon as you know the boss needs a car start your search and make sure you book as far in advance as is possible. Car hire prices are often on a demand and supply basis – so if you’re looking for a car tomorrow and the hire firm only has one car left the price may be hiked up. Book in advance and there should be more choice and better rates.

Bookings are made in 24-hour blocks. If you can pick the car up a bit later it will often allow you a later drop off time – so if the car isn’t needed until

the afternoon, don’t pick it up in the morning. E

Once the boss has picked up the car ensure they have thoroughly inspected it before driving off. They should ask the car hire firm to make notes

Double check when you make the booking what documentation will be required. The minimum is usually a passport and full UK driving licence

GOING PLACES

STAY CONNECTED Rail passengers onboard East Midlands Trains services to London will soon be benefitting from a new on-board wifi service. First class passengers will receive the service for free, while all other travellers will be required to pay a charge to utilise it.

VISA SHAKE UP From next month European travellers visiting the US will be required to pay $14 for an electronic visa – without it they won’t be allowed to enter the country. If your boss regularly visits the US then it might be worth applying for a visa while they’re still free – up to September 7. The visas last for up to two years.

PREMIUM PASSENGERS Although British Airway has reported a fall in traffic for July it did see an increase in the numbers of passengers using its premium service. Measured in passenger kilometres the airline saw economy traffic fall in July by 3.2% compared to the previous July, while premium traffic was up 0.8%.

BUDGET ARRIVAL Thai Airways has teamed up with budget carrier Tiger Airways to launch a low cost airline jointly. Expected to be in service next year, Thai Tiger will offer international and domestic flights out of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport.