The Right Ride Depends on the Trip
Heading on a trip? If you're going abroad, you might think you only have one choice: rely on public transportation. After all, when you're away from home, the roads can be extremely unfamiliar, and it may even be more troublesome to rent a car. But there's a reason why many travelers opt for their own van, anyway: it allows you to see more sights and experience the destination the way a local might. So, should you rent a ride? Let's weigh out the pros and cons.
1. You Can Go Wherever You Want
Obviously, when you have your own rental car to drive around, you have plenty more control over where you go. That means you won't need to plan around train routes and bus stops, which can sometimes take double the time and waste your day.
2. Day Trips Become Much Easier
Want to get out of the city? Well, with a rental car, it's much easier to explore your surroundings, meaning you can visit beaches, hiking areas, small towns, and other attractions that you might not have been able to see otherwise. You can also leave and return on your own schedule.
3. You Don't Have to Carry Your Bags Everywhere
Without needing to rely on trains and crowded buses, you can load all your personal belongings in a rental, too—perfect for when you want to keep smaller items handy throughout the day. Families, especially, will enjoy this perk.
4. You're Not Stuck with Transit Hours
As we've mentioned, having a rental car means you can leave and return on your own time. Public trains and buses, after all, don't always operate when you need them most, so you're left with much more freedom with your own means of transportation.
5. Rural Areas Are Far More Accessible
Even cities with excellent public transportation don't mean those lines extend beyond the city limits. That means if you want to explore more rural or countryside attractions, you're best renting your own car. Just make sure to have a trustworthy map or guide by your side!
6. Families Have Their Own Space
Again, families in particular will probably want a rental car—traveling with children can make crowded trains or repeated transfers pretty frustrating, and they could easily become lost in the sea of people. Plus, if you need to bring any toys or strollers, a car gives you all the space you need.
7. Bad Weather Is Less Disruptive
No one wants to catch the bus when it's pouring out! Thankfully, if you've got a rental, bad weather is much more bearable, and you won't have to walk several blocks to a station. You can also keep extra clothing, umbrellas, and other weather essentials in the vehicle rather than lugging them around all day.
8. Groups Can Split the Cost
Rental rates can seem expensive when you're traveling alone, but it's a good choice when you're with a group—that way, you can share the bill. Plus, the larger your group, the easier it'll be to herd everyone together in a single car rather than making sure you all got on the same train.
9. Road Trips Are Part of the Experience
Road trips are fun, and even more fun when you're in a completely new city far from home. From scenic highways to coastal roads, renting a car means you get to stop at different viewpoints and roadside attractions whenever something catches your attention.
10. Your Itinerary Can Stay Flexible
Whatever you have planned, your itinerary might fall through if you're not prepared for the roads and route and transportation services. If you have your own rental car, though, you'll have much more flexibility to adjust your days, so ruined plans don't spoil the entire trip.
Yet, as nice as it is to have your own vehicle, it's not all rainbows and sunshine. Let's take a look now at why you might want to forgo getting a rental.
1. Parking Can Be a Headache
Having your own car is nice and all, but don't forget that you'll still need to park it somewhere when you want to get out and explore. In dense cities and popular tourist districts, finding an open spot can feel impossible! Plus, your accommodation may charge hefty overnight parking fees, which can really sour the vacation mood.
2. The Final Cost Can Climb Quickly
While rentals may feel cheap when you're in a big group, the cost can be fairly pricey for families or couples. And that's not even counting gas, tolls, parking, and any additional charges you might face. When your destination already has reliable transportation, that money may be better spent elsewhere on the trip.
3. Some Cities Are Easier Without One
In cities that have an elaborate transportation network, getting a rental car can become unnecessary baggage. Sure, you might not have to wait for trains and buses, but heavy traffic can still bog you down. If you simply want to sightsee, it's best to explore without a car.
4. Unfamiliar Roads Can Be Stressful
Driving somewhere new requires far more concentration than you might realize. And not only will you encounter unfamiliar roads, but you'll also come across different signs, confusing roundabouts, and local driving etiquette you're simply not well-versed in. Add navigation instructions and impatient traffic, and your vacation drive may not feel particularly relaxing.
5. Local Driving Rules May Be Very Different
It's not just bizarre rules of the road you might encounter. Depending on what city you're heading to, you may even have to adjust to driving on the opposite side of the road or deal with road signs written in another language. Accidentally violate any of them, and you can say goodbye to a relaxing vacation.
6. Traffic Can Waste Valuable Time
As we've mentioned, having your own car means you won't need to follow bus and train schedules, but sitting in congestion can still be a frustrating reality. Rush hour, construction, and tourist traffic (and other tourists in rentals!) can turn even short distances into long journeys.
7. You Can Actually Enjoy the Journey
Someone always has to concentrate when you're traveling by car, which means whoever is driving won't get to fully admire the scenery around them. If you're here on vacation to sightsee and take in the gorgeous views, it's probably best to experience it all by local transportation.
8. You Won't Have to Worry About Damage
Accidentally ding your rental, and you could be spending the rest of your vacation regretting getting a car. And it's not exactly easy to avoid, not when you're driving on unfamiliar roads or dealing with tighter alleys and parking spots than you're used to. Going car-free, though, means you won't need to have all these worries.
Volodymyr Dobrovolskyy on Unsplash
9. Walkable Destinations Are Better Explored on Foot
Driving is great, but if you're always in the car from attraction to attraction, you might miss all the scenery. Some destinations are best explored on foot, and plus, walking allows you to stop whenever you find something interesting.
10. You Don't Have to Deal with Pickup and Return
Renting a car means both the beginning and end of your trip will be at the rental center. That might not sound too bad, but think about the lines, the wait times. You'll need to buffer in extra time if you need to catch an early flight as well. Skipping the car entirely, though, means you won't have another obligation added to your itinerary.
