Page 78 iGap Travel Guide 2022
P. 78
iGap Travel Guide | The Americas
78
PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES
Travelling around the United States
America is a beautiful place, but the sheer size of
the country, coupled with the incredulous amount
of things to see and do will mean that you will need
some method of transportation to get around. The
expensive cost of cross-country flights will soon add
up over multiple journeys, while America’s massive
train network is mainly used for carrying cargo
instead of people. The option that offers the most
freedom to travellers is undoubtedly travelling by
rental car, which will help you to explore the length
and breadth of the country at your own pace. This
practice is much more popular than in other countries
and most rental companies offer a wide range of
vehicles armed with a full tank of gas and relatively
low mileage for customers to choose from.
Before you jump at this opportunity, you’ll firstly need
a basic idea about what rental agencies expect from
their customers. Obviously, you’ll need a valid driver’s
licence in your country of origin and to be fully insured.
Apart from the states of New York and Michigan (who
will only rent to people over 25), the lowest age that
you’ll be able to rent a car is 21. Multiple drivers will
be allowed to take the wheel if you are travelling in a
group, but one of them must have a credit card, as an
insurance policy will always be in place, should you
cause any vehicle damage. Rental agencies will also
expect their vehicles to be brought back to them in the
condition that they were in at the beginning of your
rental and with a full tank of gas.
Younger drivers under 25 need to be warned that
renting a car in the country is not a straightforward
process. Due to concerns about the number of
accidents that American citizens of this age cause,
the majority of rental companies add on extra
charges for younger drivers wanting to take on their
vehicles. These charges can range from $14 to $73
per day! Nevertheless, if you spend a decent amount
of time shopping around for good deal, you will be
able to find an agency that will charge a price closer
to the former figure than the latter. An agency that is
particularly helpful in this regard is usrentacar.co.uk,
a British website that specialises in bringing down
the cost of driving in America for people between
the ages of 21 and 24. This company will allow you to
pre-pay the daily charges of renting a car at a heavily
reduced rate, enabling you to spend your money on
activities to make you stay in the USA as memorable
as possible.
Despite these discounts, it’s completely
understandable if this complicated process sounds
like too much effort for your stay in America. If
you’re seeking an easier option to see all bucket-list
landmarks, the most viable alternative has to be
the many coach services that are based throughout
the country. These buses will take you to the places
that other methods of public transport may not,
giving you more time to relax and appreciate the
gorgeous landscapes that make up much of the
country’s remote areas. The best company for this is
Greyhound, who operate cross-country services to
more than 3,800 locations across the United States
and Canada. These buses will take you through
some of the most stunning parts of America while
operating 24 hours a day, meaning that you’re able
to see more of America in the early hours without
worrying about wasting your days.
Stefano Politi Markovina / Shutterstock.com
78
PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES
Travelling around the United States
America is a beautiful place, but the sheer size of
the country, coupled with the incredulous amount
of things to see and do will mean that you will need
some method of transportation to get around. The
expensive cost of cross-country flights will soon add
up over multiple journeys, while America’s massive
train network is mainly used for carrying cargo
instead of people. The option that offers the most
freedom to travellers is undoubtedly travelling by
rental car, which will help you to explore the length
and breadth of the country at your own pace. This
practice is much more popular than in other countries
and most rental companies offer a wide range of
vehicles armed with a full tank of gas and relatively
low mileage for customers to choose from.
Before you jump at this opportunity, you’ll firstly need
a basic idea about what rental agencies expect from
their customers. Obviously, you’ll need a valid driver’s
licence in your country of origin and to be fully insured.
Apart from the states of New York and Michigan (who
will only rent to people over 25), the lowest age that
you’ll be able to rent a car is 21. Multiple drivers will
be allowed to take the wheel if you are travelling in a
group, but one of them must have a credit card, as an
insurance policy will always be in place, should you
cause any vehicle damage. Rental agencies will also
expect their vehicles to be brought back to them in the
condition that they were in at the beginning of your
rental and with a full tank of gas.
Younger drivers under 25 need to be warned that
renting a car in the country is not a straightforward
process. Due to concerns about the number of
accidents that American citizens of this age cause,
the majority of rental companies add on extra
charges for younger drivers wanting to take on their
vehicles. These charges can range from $14 to $73
per day! Nevertheless, if you spend a decent amount
of time shopping around for good deal, you will be
able to find an agency that will charge a price closer
to the former figure than the latter. An agency that is
particularly helpful in this regard is usrentacar.co.uk,
a British website that specialises in bringing down
the cost of driving in America for people between
the ages of 21 and 24. This company will allow you to
pre-pay the daily charges of renting a car at a heavily
reduced rate, enabling you to spend your money on
activities to make you stay in the USA as memorable
as possible.
Despite these discounts, it’s completely
understandable if this complicated process sounds
like too much effort for your stay in America. If
you’re seeking an easier option to see all bucket-list
landmarks, the most viable alternative has to be
the many coach services that are based throughout
the country. These buses will take you to the places
that other methods of public transport may not,
giving you more time to relax and appreciate the
gorgeous landscapes that make up much of the
country’s remote areas. The best company for this is
Greyhound, who operate cross-country services to
more than 3,800 locations across the United States
and Canada. These buses will take you through
some of the most stunning parts of America while
operating 24 hours a day, meaning that you’re able
to see more of America in the early hours without
worrying about wasting your days.
Stefano Politi Markovina / Shutterstock.com
