Opting for a road trip with an infant might be more serene than flying, offering the advantage of setting your own pace and avoiding the stress of adhering to external timetables. Nonetheless, journeying as a new parent with an infant adds a new layer of complexity to your travels.
Thoughtful preparation is essential to align your driving schedule with your baby's sleeping routine and to pack all necessary items for your baby's safety and comfort, such as securing a car seat rental. Following these suggestions can help ensure your family's smooth and enjoyable road trip.
Take into Account the Pick-up Location
After a lengthy flight, the last task parents look forward to is dragging bulky suitcases and managing overexcited kids across several shuttle transfers to a distant car rental agency.
Begin your travel smoothly by opting for a car hire service at or close to the airport. Although the fees may be slightly more, the benefit of preventing early outbursts is invaluable.
Bring Your Own Child Car Seats
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that children aged 12 and below might require a car seat or booster seat if the seat belt isn't a proper fit, whether they're at home or traveling.
To avoid additional charges, potential unavailability, and safety issues associated with using a car seat provided by a rental company, you should bring your own travel car seat. It's impossible to guarantee the safety of car seats rental companies offer for your kids.
When flying, you might also have the option to check the car seat at the gate without any extra cost. If you struggle with fitting a car seat, check out tips for correctly installing a car seat.
Be Cautious of Concealed Charges
Most car rental firms impose an additional fee for refueling. Especially if the car is returned with less fuel than it had initially. It's wise to note the fuel level when you collect the car and ensure it matches when you return it.
Many rental companies offer a pre-purchase fuel option for those who prefer not to manage fuel levels, allowing you to buy a full tank at the start. You can return the vehicle with any amount of gas without penalties.
Contact the rental company if your rental period is initially for seven days but you need to return the car after only three. Regrettably, you might find that your daily rate increases because typically, the longer the rental period, the lower the daily rate. The company usually won't apply additional charges if you return the car just a few hours sooner than planned.
Reserve Well Ahead of Time
Like booking flights and accommodations, organizing your travel plans early often leads to better deals on car rentals, particularly when reservations are made directly through the rental company's website.
However, travelers making plans at the last minute still have opportunities to save money. They can find promotional codes on the car rental companies' websites or explore other platforms for additional savings.
Limit the Number of Drivers
Whether planning a family holiday or a trip with friends, limiting the number of people driving is wise. Adding extra drivers means paying a daily charge for each one, regardless of whether they drive. However, rental agencies might not apply this fee for business rentals or if the additional driver is your spouse or domestic partner. Still, policies differ across companies, so it's important to verify their specific rules.
Endnote
Knowing the potential challenges in advance can make car rentals with children much less stressful, confusing, or costly. By planning and preparing for the logistical aspects beforehand, you can quickly move on to enjoying the fun parts of your vacation.