Travel News

Travel Tip: Alternatives to Rental Cars

Locations in this article:  Paris, France

Is there an alternative to rental cars?  There sure is.  And it’s something called car sharing, but you’ve got to weigh the pros and cons before you go.

Here’s the way it works.  You reserve a vehicle by the hour, up to a few days.  Gas an insurance are usually included.  Keep in mind, companies like Zip Car and Connect by Hertz require a yearly membership, plus the hourly rate.

In Paris, there’s a new program called Buzz Car that has no membership fee.  Battery powered, electric cars are available, from half an hour to a week.

Something called Mobility is a similar concept with stations in Switzerland and is linked to car sharing programs in Austria and Germany.

Now here’s one important thing.  The car has to be returned to its original spot.  If you only need to get from point A to point B and back again, that’s a pretty good deal.

And if you’re just seeing the sites in big cities, public transportation and taxis are often more efficient.

For more information on great ways to plan your travels, visit out travel planning section.

To read more of Peter’s Travel Tips, go to the Travel Tips Section.