Rental vehicles are a popular transportation choice for those who want to visit new places, especially for tours and company outings. However, it can cost you a lot if you don’t have a clear idea of what you need along with the vehicle and the driver. Sometimes, you might pay for a feature that you won’t use, and that will be a waste of money. Here are some common add-ons that you should be aware of to avoid miscalculating for your trip budget:
Accessories
These are the seemingly handy little features, such as GPS and an in-vehicle entertainment system. They may not seem like a lot when you look at them individually. However, once you add them all up, you’ll notice that they will leave a noticeable dent on your funds. Some of them are even marketed as necessities for a van for rent in Manila, but you’ll have to be clear and firm on what you actually need and what you don’t. That way, you won’t waste your money, and you can use it for purchasing souvenirs from your trip.
Vehicle Insurance
We can all agree that insurance is important when making arrangements such as vehicle rentals. However, some companies include this with their packages, and some of them don’t. If you’re looking at those that do, try to check its coverage and how much it will cost. If the price increase seems to be a bit much for you, then you may want to go for another option. Also, this can become even more optional if you all have personal insurance already as that can cover for you.
Additional Kilometers
Rentals are always charged based on the distance traveled, so it only follows that if you’re going far, then you’re going to pay much more for it. Depending on the kind of journey that you’ll be going on, you may need to make some side trips on the way. For this reason, it’s best to ask if the rental company will allow such and how much they’ll charge for it. That way, you can avoid experiencing bill shock the moment you turn the car or van in.
Toll Fees and Driver Provisions
If you’re going to the provinces, which would most likely be the case, there are toll fees that have to be paid. Also, if you’re going for a whole-day or multi-day trip, you’d also have to take into account the driver’s meals and accommodation. When you inquire about vehicle rentals, ask which of the above they will shoulder and which of them you will have to pay yourself. That will give you a better idea of how much you’ll actually spend for the trip.
Being aware of what you’re paying for will be beneficial for planning your travel budget. Choose the features that you need the most and ditch the ones that are unimportant. When you plan properly, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll still have a lot of money in your pocket before, during, and after your trip.
