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Reasons to rent a minivan for your Christmas holidays

What car to rent at Christmas?

If you want to travel in a rental car the next Christmas holidays, do it in the most comfortable way for you and yours. Take advantage of the offers on rental cars at Perfect Car Hire and rent a minivan this Christmas with all the features.

It is not necessary to go far to enjoy the Christmas holidays, escaping close to home to a rural house with friends or going to visit family with a trunk full of gifts is also a great plan. With Perfect Car Hire’s minivans you will be safe, and at the best price!

We inaugurate next December with TOP prices on our website for your long weekend and New Year’s Eve gatadas.

Advantages of renting a minivan for your Christmas holidays

Escape in sight? Do you want to live a different Christmas? Take advantage of your holidays or the bridge and embark on a new adventure on the road. These are the advantages of renting a car on your next vacation and why choose a minivan car at Perfect Car Hire.

Everything ready: renting a family minivan makes your trip more comfortable, since you won’t have to waste time setting up or spend money fixing damage. With a rental minivan you will not have to worry about checking the mechanics of your car, checking deposits or the condition of the wheels. Thanks to the good condition of our rental vehicles, you will know that you have a car in perfect condition and ready to do all the kilometers you want.

Space and safety for the whole family: traveling with space and in a spacious and safe car is the best option for your family vacations. Children will be much more comfortable than in a smaller car, having things at hand to distract themselves so that your trip is more relaxed. In addition, when you rent your minivan you can reserve the option of a child safety seat for babies and booster seats for children. You can also contract the coverage of a second driver to take turns with your partner when driving.

Large capacity trunk: whether you are traveling with children or with friends, a good trunk to store the travel cot, tents, suitcases, coats or Christmas gifts is always a luxury. With a minivan you will not have space problems thanks to the large size of its trunk, and traveling with packages between the passenger footwells can be dangerous as well as very uncomfortable. You can also use the trunk space to increase the number of seats, our minivans are convertible from 5 to 7 seats so that you can travel more people in a single vehicle, yes, with light luggage.

Air conditioning: Could there be anything worse than having your car’s heating break down on cold Christmas mornings and nights? Say goodbye to frozen windows or having to drive with a coat by renting your car this Christmas.

Hire your minivan at Perfect Car Hire at the best price

This year you have the cheapest car rental service at Christmas than ever. With our rent a car offers it will be very easy for you to enjoy Christmas wherever and with whomever you want.

We have a fleet of rental cars, including models such as our Opel Zafira minivan, compact on the outside, minivan on the inside, with the ability to easily convert from one to seven seats.

Enjoy a Christmas route by car discovering all the charm of the snowy inland towns or escaping by car to warm coastal destinations, fleeing the winter cold. Whatever your plan, renting a car at Christmas is the best option to enjoy a perfect trip.

And finally, don’t forget that when you hire a car from Perfect Car Hire, you have roadside assistance insurance in case any problem occurs. Arrive on time at your destination and enjoy yours this Christmas by renting one of our minivans!

Discover the best ‘Apps’ to find speed cameras on the roads.

We find radars on our roads and highways to remind us of the speed limits of each road in order to avoid accidents. That is why you have to respect the traffic regulations and, above all, the speed limits. What happens is that we are not exempt from a fine every time that, by mistake, we exceed the limit by just a few more kilometers per hour.

Now we can avoid scares in our economy by using one of the following speed camera detection applications that we can install on our Smartphone and that will notify us of the hundreds of fixed and mobile speed cameras that are located throughout the road network of our country.

Say goodbye to fines! Below we present the best free speed camera warning applications that you can install on your mobile that, in addition, offer other types of information, such as knowing the maximum speed of the road, traffic incidents, planning the route or locating the cheapest gas stations in area.

  • Waze is the most widely used social traffic and navigation application in the world, with millions of users reporting traffic incidents and speed camera locations in real time. It is the traffic application best valued by drivers and the most complete. In addition, it is completely free.
  • SocialDrive is presented as the alternative to Waze, another free social application in which its thousands of users are informed in real time about speed cameras and other incidents in your area to other drivers.
  • TomTom AmiGo also offers us a simple application to receive alerts from fixed and mobile speed cameras that cross our path. In addition, it also allows us to join its user community to alert other drivers of the new radars. The app is free.
  • Coyote also has a community of millions of users who exchange information in real time to report the situation of speed cameras, accidents and traffic jams. Coyote attempts to verify each alert with its proprietary technology to prevent false or inappropriate alerts. This radar warning device is paid. After the 15-day free trial, it asks us to subscribe to pay €8.99 per month, €49.99 per year, or €89.99 every two years.
  • Radarbot is another application that offers daily updates of fixed and mobile radars thanks to the notices of its user community. Drivers notify each other of incidents. The application is free to download but you will have to pay 5.99 euros to unlock all its functions.

Find a public and cheap parking for your rental car.

One of the most common problems or cons that stop us when it comes to renting a car is where to park it while we are sightseeing, and we all know that there is nothing more exasperating than spending hours and hours going around the streets of the center of a city looking for parking. Sometimes you look for a place on the street, others even in a parking lot with a ‘free’ sign and where you don’t have to pay too much. If you don’t want to waste time and enjoy the experience and comfort of traveling by car, at Perfect Car Hire we recommend the following websites or applications.

Websites or applications to find free parking or public parking.

As we have already mentioned, moving to the center of a big city can be an adventure to park or find a space to leave the vehicle. Thanks to this post, traveling by car will now be easier.

Parkopedia: Parkopedia is a free application and has information on more than 60 million parking spaces in 75 countries around the world stored in its database. In addition to helping with the arduous task of finding a free space, the app provides information on public car parks, rates for private car parks that are within the search radius, or interesting filters such as whether the car park is indoors or outdoors, and if it is accepted. card or not.

E-Park: It is one of the most popular applications to find parking in regulated parking areas, thanks to the large amount of data it stores. In addition to indicating where there is a free space, the App allows you to pay from your mobile, without having to look for a parking meter. It also notifies us when the parking time is going to end so that we can renew it with a single click and forget about the clock and the possible fine.

Easypark: Locates the free spaces that are both on the street and in a car park. In addition, in both cases it allows you to make the payment from your mobile. It stands out because it offers very complete information in real time about the city and, in addition to having a wide presence in Spain, it operates in more than 900 European cities, so it is highly recommended for people who frequently travel abroad.

Parkifast: Very simple and quick to use. With a single click, it locates the free space in the nearest and most recent street and guides you with GPS towards it. It is an application in which all users contribute to optimizing public parking spaces. You do not need to notify when you leave a vacant place. Parkifast is capable of automatically detecting it without you even having to open the app, just having it installed. Also, don’t miss out on the new gas station price comparator, so you can always get gas at the best price!

ElParking: In addition to being an app to find parking with a presence in 100 Spanish cities and municipalities, ElParking offers a series of very interesting services for drivers. For example, users have the option to reserve a seat in advance and enter and exit it as many times as they need during the reservation time. From the mobile it allows you to know where you have parked, extend the time, finish the ticket manually, receive notifications or incorporate all the tickets in an invoice. Individuals can also share their parking space when they are not using it. It’s as simple as placing a device on the garage door so that drivers can open it from their mobile. Additionally, it has a valet parking service at the main airports and a gas station search engine.

What to see in Torrevieja and surroundings?

Torrevieja is a coastal city on the Costa Blanca, where you can breathe fishing and maritime culture. Its salt history is very relevant, since Torrevieja began to be inhabited as a municipality due to those known around the year 1800 as Reales Salinas. 50 kilometers from Alicante, Torrevieja is becoming year after year one of the most popular places for tourists from all over the world.

When the good weather begins in its streets, that cosmopolitan atmosphere comes from all those tourists who, with their different and complicated languages, invade the quiet streets of Torrevieja with strange sounds.

In addition to its fantastic climate, Torrevieja can boast of having some of the best beaches in the province of Alicante. From Perfect Car Hire we want to let you know about other alternatives to spend your free time away from the sun and the beach for a few hours doing something different and enjoying the province at any time of the year.

What are the places that I cannot miss in Torrevieja?

Torre del Moro: A historical piece from the 14th century used in its day to defend the Mediterranean coast from pirate attacks. It is located in Cabo Cervera, one of the highest points in Torrevieja. Precisely one of the most advanced areas for holiday accommodation in Torrevieja, with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.

Torre de La Mata: Like the Torre del Moro, the origin of this tower dates back to the 14th century. In front of the tower there was a jetty into which salt from the La Mata lagoon was loaded. Do not miss its spectacular views.

Parque de las Naciones: One of the most important green spaces in the urban area of ​​Torrevieja. Inside is the Hermitage of San Emigdio, as well as a small lake and the old cisterns of an old estate. Enjoy a pleasant walk that will delight the smallest of travelers.

Coves: It is worth visiting some of the rocky coves of Torrevieja simply for the views and their natural surroundings. One of the best known is Cala Ferrís, located south of the town center and surrounded by numerous palm trees.

Sociedad Cultural Casino de Torrevieja: Be sure to visit this beautiful modernist building from the end of the 19th century. It is worth going in and discovering its interior decorated in Nasrid style and its main hall, while you have a drink surrounded by history.

Paseo de Vista Alegre: The best known walk in Torrevieja. A space where you will find interesting sculptures and monuments dedicated to the Habaneras. It is located next to the Real Club Náutico and the Eras de la Sal. A pleasant walk with the smell of the sea.

Luckily, Torrevieja is within easy reach of amazing destinations to plan a same-day excursion.

Four of the best excursions near Torrevieja.

1. Tabarca Island: This trip can only be done by boat between the months of May to October. The island of Tabarca is well nourished in stories of pirates and settlers. Its colorful surroundings are accompanied by its inseparable walls, churches and even a lighthouse that give even more splendor to this area. It also has a delicious maritime gastronomy. This island full of charms was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1964, walking its streets is a real privilege. Whether you take the boat in Alicante or in Santa Pola, you have numerous car parks where you can park your rented vehicle.

2. Altea: Preferred and chosen place by many artists, so much so that many of them have their galleries and studios here, without a doubt a small paradise for art lovers. Something very characteristic of Altea is its blue tiled roofs that dominate the heights, especially those of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, at the top of a cobbled street that dresses up in verbena in summer. Despite the popularity that it has acquired year after year among tourists, Altea continues to retain that charm of a small Spanish town, so much ours. It is located very close to Benidorm, just 15 km to the north, a visit that you cannot miss in your rental car.

3. Las Fuentes de Algar: This natural area of ​​great ecological wealth has been declared a protected area by the Valencian government. To get there, go to Benidorm and then towards the interior of Callosa d’en Sarria. You will have to walk 1.5 km along a marked route along the Algar riverbed. Being able to admire its waterfalls and take a dip in its naturally formed pools of crystal clear and refreshing water is a divine pleasure. An excursion that you will not forget.

4. The castle of Guadalest: A perfect combination between nature and architecture that shyly appears between the large rocks of its mountains. Guadalest is an excursion that will take you to the Sierra d’Aixorta. It is one of the most visited places in Alicante. The beauty of the environment is mixed with its famous medieval castle San José, which is reached through its cobbled streets, its tower stands out as if it wanted to touch the sky, perched on a large rock. For such a small city, Guadalest is a city rich in museums, including:

Antonio Marco Museum. Bethlehem and Dollhouses.

Museum of microminiatures.

Microgiant Museum.

Ethnological Museum. House Typical house of the eighteenth century.

Medieval Historical Museum. Museum of Instruments of Torture.

Ribera Girona Museum. Magic Garden.

Museum-Collection of Historical Vehicles “Vall de Guadalest”.

We will continue to add more suggestions to this list of excursions, as it is by no means complete. There are more destinations worth discovering, some closer to Torrevieja and others further away, but all with that special charm capable of making you get the most out of your rented car. Enjoy your visit to the fullest!

Essential points to pay attention to in your rental car.

The responsibility and availability that renting a car entails means taking into account a series of aspects for its correct operation and use. At Perfect Car Hire we make sure that our fleet of cars comply with the regulations and are in optimal conditions, however, we give you some recommendations to keep in mind when you start your trip, especially if it lasts more than a week:

Wheels and tires:

Check that the pressures are correct and conform to what is specified by the manufacturer in the driver’s door frame table.

Check that the tires are wearing evenly, and that the tread depth is within safe limits.

Water and anticoagulant:

Always keep the maximum level of water in the different tanks of the car. The most important is the windshield wiper, which will prevent us from losing visibility in the event that the crystals suddenly get dirty.

Use specific liquids made up of detergents or antifreeze.

Driving license:

It will be easier and cheaper to rent a car if you have the maximum number of points on your driving license. In addition, it is mandatory to always carry it with you and be aware of its expiration date.

Oil:

Always keep the level between the two marks on the dipstick, the ideal is not to mix several types of oil. If you don’t know which one to throw, ask the rental company or go to the workshop before any drop in level.

Lights:

Check if all the lights are working properly. Be careful when handling the electrical systems, in case of doubt, go to the workshop.

Security:

Check that you have all the safety elements, marked by the Law, that they are in good condition and in the right place: Vest and approved triangles (CE). Always carry the vest inside the passenger compartment to be able to leave the vehicle with it on. And the triangles in the most accessible part of the trunk, especially that they are not under all the luggage.

Gasoline:

Make sure if your vehicle works with Diesel or Gasoline and try to keep the level always at the maximum, that will improve the weight balance of your vehicle. Keeping track of consumption (liters / Kms) helps to know if the vehicle consumes efficiently.

At Perfect Car Hire we hope that you take these recommendations into account with your vehicles and enjoy safer and more efficient driving.

If you rent any of our vehicles and have any questions about these recommendations, do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to help you.

Tips when renting a car.

When making a tourist trip, you have to plan the route to get to know different places, so renting a car is the ideal solution.

Total autonomy, without public transport and the only way to reach the most remote places.

There are many questions and doubts received, so at Perfect Car Hire we have decided to give you some advice to take into account before renting your car. Here we go!

What car is better to rent for your trip?

The rental car models that they offer you are the usual ones in the country you are going to visit, so you may come across a brand or model that you may not know. But in the end, what you really have to hire is a type of model with a certain size and characteristics.

When looking for the car, the important thing is to have a well defined type of vehicle that you need and the size that offers you enough space for the number of travelers that you are going to travel. And, above all, do not forget the necessary space for luggage. Therefore, it is better to hire a larger vehicle than you might settle for.

Advantages of booking a rental car online

It is essential to hire the rental car online in advance of your trip, even more so in times of high tourist season. In this way you can analyze the great existing offer, choose the type of vehicle you need, find specific offers, and ensure that when you arrive at your destination you have a car already reserved.

If you leave it for last, and try to rent it directly at one of the destination’s rental offices, it will surely cost you more and you will have to settle for the model they have at that time… if there are vehicles available.

Can you drive a rental car in different countries?

When you rent a car for a trip, it is generally not possible to use it to travel to other neighboring countries, except in some cases where it is allowed by insurance agreements with the car rental company. Therefore, if you plan to visit another country with the rental car, you have to make sure in advance that it will be possible.

Of course, you must return the car in the same country where you have hired it, and if they allow you to do it in another country, they will charge you a significant surcharge on the price.

Pay car rental with card

The prices of rental cars vary considerably depending on the country you are going to visit, the type of vehicle you hire and the company where you rent it. Although you have to provide the credit card number online, the payment is not made until you pick up the car.

Of course, keep in mind that you may have some additional charge later on the card if you have to pay the damage excess for an incident or a fine.

In addition, there are rental companies that if you pay online when hiring the car through their website, they offer you a better price with a discount of more or less 10 percent.

Recommended rental car equipment

The equipment of rental cars is usually basic, but there are elements, such as air conditioning, that are important to determine. There are other options, such as GPS, which can be very useful when traveling to other countries. But in this regard, I remind you that if you are going to travel through a country of the European Union, you will have data on your mobile at no additional cost, which will allow you to access Google Maps, an option that I prefer to the GPS that it can incorporate due to its effectiveness in the rental car.

What insurance to contract for the rental car?

Very important is the issue of rental car insurance. Only basic insurance is included in the usual price in the event of collisions and theft. But this insurance does not cover your own damages or other incidents, since they have damage excess that would force you to pay, in your case, really important amounts that can range from 500 to 1,000 euros.

Therefore, and to avoid possible unpleasantness, it is better to extend the insurance benefit by covering said excess.

Essential requirements to rent a car

To rent a car you need to have a Visa-type credit card (NOT a debit card), as that is the means of payment with which all costs will be charged. Both those initially contracted, as well as possible future expenses, such as traffic fines or repair costs for possible damages suffered by the vehicle.

The minimum age to be able to rent a car is usually 21 years old, and if you are between 21 and 24 years old, you may be charged a surcharge.

How to hire a second driver for the rental car?

If during the trip you plan to have a second or third driver, this is an additional service that you must contract in advance. You have to indicate the name and the driving license number, and keep in mind that you will have to pay a small surcharge

When can the rental car reservation be cancelled?

If you are finally not going to travel and you have to cancel the reservation, it is usual that you can do so free of charge up to 48 hours before the scheduled time for collecting the vehicle.

Where to pick up the rental car?

The most common place to pick up the rental car is usually the airport or the train station of the city where you travel, although you can also do it in the offices that are in other places in the center of it.

When you arrive to pick up the car, it is possible that they do not have units of the specific model that you have requested available, so they will give you a model of the same category (or size). It may even happen that they give you a car of a higher category, or with better equipment than the contracted one, but they have to respect the Price.

Gasoline in the rental car

In general, the rental car will be delivered to you with a full tank, and you must return it in the same conditions. Before delivering it, it is totally worth stopping at a gas station to complete the deposit, otherwise, they will charge you an estimated amount of said cost, which is always much higher.

Another option that they will offer you is to pay the amount corresponding to, for example, 85 percent of the cost of refilling the deposit, which will save you the time and worry of refilling the deposit before returning the car and get your paymend-deposit back.

Where and how to deliver the rental car?

If you have to drop off the rented car at the airport, make sure you arrive early enough so as not to miss your flight. Even up to one hour before the recommended time for your arrival, as the delivery procedures may be delayed with the inspection of the vehicle.

Also, the rental car drop-off offices may be located in an adjacent area of the airport, from which you will have to go to the terminal by internal service bus or train, which will require additional time to reach the boarding counter.

If you plan to deliver the car in a different place than where you have picked it up, in many cases you will be charged a surcharge. You must inform yourself about this point in advance, as it can make car rental significantly more expensive.

And so far our post answering the most frequent questions of all car rental companies in general! If you have any other questions, you can find answers at Perfect Car Hire Customer Service HERE.

Leave us a comment so we can help you and… Happy trip!

Perfect Car Hire
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