Page 35 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

TR A VEL INFORM A TION  33

and country roads, provide ads may appear in magazines DIRECTORY
the country’s most scenic or newspapers.
routes (see pp50–51). Flexiblity is essential for a Car Rental Agencies
Road names vary from state driveaway deal since the destin- Alamo
to state. In the northeast, for ation is beyond your control. Tel (800) 354-2322.
example, highways are called You have to choose an efficient ∑ alamo.com
“routes” while in Texas, roads are route and average about 400
labeled “FM,” farm to market or miles (644 km) a day. However, Avis
Tel (800) 331-1212.
“RM,” ranch to market. since you have to pay only for ∑ avis.com
the gas, the price is quite good.
To use a driveaway car, you must Budget
Tips for Renting a Car Tel (800) 527-0700.
have a clean driving record, and
Most rental cars are relatively most companies require a ∑ budget.com
new and low on mileage, and minimum deposit to cover the Hertz
rates can vary according to insurance deductible. Tel (800) 654-3131.
demand. The smallest car, with- One of the biggest drive away ∑ hertz.com
out insurance, will be in the companies, Auto Driveaway, has
range of $250–300, a week. offices all over the US. Other firms Driveaways
The best rates are generally are listed in phone books under Auto Driveaway
offered for cars rented for full- “Auto mobile Transporters.” Tel (800) 346-2277.
week time periods, and for ∑ autodriveaway.com
returning cars to the same RV Rentals
location they were rented from. RV Rentals
A more economical option is Recreational vehicles (RVs) or Cruise America
the fly-drive (see p31). mobile homes, are great for Tel (800) 671-8042.
Small economy or sub- families or groups, as they are ∑ cruiseamerica.com
compact cars have the lowest equipped with beds, kitchens,
rates. Many companies also and bathroom facilities. Costs Recreational Vehicle
offer upgrades to larger or more run between $900–1,400 for Association of America
luxurious vehicles for very modest seven nights plus a per-mile ∑ gorving.com
rates. Most rental cars have auto- charge, but lodging is free Road Conditions
matic transmissions, power and you have some flexibility, Information
steering, and air-conditioning, despite the vehicles’ slow,
but you should confirm this in stocky designs. Although American Automobile
advance. Also, check for any rental RVs are usually older, Association (AAA)
pre-existing damage to the car conditions are similar to those Tel (800) 222-4357.
∑ aaa.com
and note this on your contract. for cars.
To rent a car, you must be at It is illegal in most places
least 25 years old, have a valid to pull over to the side of the
driving license, a clean driving road and camp. Many chain Gas Stations
record, and a major credit card. retail outlets, notably WalMart, Except in the most remote areas,
The car company will “authorize” allow one night’s free stay in gas stations are easy to find and
an amount ranging between their parking lots, with conveniently located. Many
$250–1,000, to assure payment approval of the manager or stations require advance
and return of the vehicle. front desk. Even with an RV, payment, either by cash or credit/
Depending on your existing car it costs about $20 a night to debit card. Most gas stations
insurance policy, you may want to park in a campground also have attached convenience
accept the “damage waiver” and (see p26–7). For more details stores, where you can buy food,
liability insurance that the rental contact Recreational Vehicle beverages, and newspapers.
company will offer you, and this Asso ciation of America or
will add $20–30 per day to the Cruise America.
rental cost. Installing GPS or Rest Areas
satellite radio will cost an Conveniently located immed-
additional $10–15 per day. Insurance iately adjacent to Inter states
It is extremely important that and major highways, rest areas
you have adequate insurance are easily accessible and
Driveaways if you plan on driving around provide rest rooms, telephones,
An inexpensive option for a long- in the US. Rental agencies picnic tables, dog-walking
distance road trip is a driveaway generally include insurance in areas, and sometimes free
car. Driveaways let you take a the cost, but if you bring a car coffee. Some even allow
private car to a predetermined into the country, you must overnight stays, but be wary
place in a speci fied amount of make absolutely sure that you of strangers. It is a good idea
time. Most driveaways are offered are adequately covered by car to make stops to take a rest
to private members, but some and life insurance. when driving long distances.

032-033_EW_USA.indd 33 11/2/16 2:43 PM