- 1). Calculate the budget that will be available for car rental during the trip to Phoenix, Arizona. Decide specific car rental needs such as size of vehicle and length of rental time to determine the type of vehicle needed. This will designate for the traveler the cost parameter information which a telephone car rental agent or internet travel search site will ask for in order to provide a trip quote.
- 2). Visit individual car rental company websites once rental needs are calculated to get a feel for the average industry rental cost of a suitable vehicle as well as to distinguish which companies offer rental service in the Phoenix area. If no Internet access is available, then take advantage of the automated telephone rental reservation quote systems that major car rental companies offer customers. These can often be reached without long distance charge through a toll free 800 reservation phone line listed in local telephone yellow pages.
- 3). Search online discount travel agency websites such as Expedia, Priceline and Travelocity (See Resources) for online car rental specials and deals offered exclusively for purchase through their website for the Phoenix area. Extra savings and discounts are often available when purchasing in conjunction with a hotel stay or airfare through these competitive websites. Results are available in side by side comparison charts so that the traveler can see benefits and amenities offered by each rental company on that particular online discount travel agency website.
- 4). Call the Phoenix area hotel or resort reservation department where you will be staying to see if the individual property offers any partner car rental company discounts while staying with them as a guest. If none are available through the particular lodging, then check with the company or convention service connected to the trip if on business or with the benefits department of the credit card the lodging was purchased with for the trip if for pleasure. Discounts on car rentals are available periodically through travel partners of these connected companies or services.
- 5). Consider booking within the seven days just prior to the intended trip to take advantage of last minute or weekend deals that companies offer when fleet reservations show less than 50 percent reserved to be rented. When traveling for vacation to Phoenix especially during non peak seasons these last minute deals can be substantial. Check with the visitors bureau about when it is considered peak and non peak travel times (See Resource 4).
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