We’re off to Las Vegas. As mentioned numerous times, we drive to Las Vegas so we can fly non-stop on Virgin Atlantic to London. Renting a car to drop off in another city can be expensive (because of drop off charges), so it is important to shop around. The rule is to looking for a reservation early and keep checking back for cheaper alternatives. If the rental firms have excess cars on site because of other drop offs, then you can realize a significant savings. So it is very important to keep checking back as the date approaches. I have never had much luck with travel sites like Priceline, Expedia, or Kayak, so I prefer to either deal directly with car rental firms or book through AAA or Costco. Prices vary significantly. Very significantly
For the drive to Vegas, we pick up the car on day one (late afternoon), drive to Vegas on day two, and drop the car off on day three (late afternoon) at McCarron Airport in Vegas. That means it is a two day rental (two 24 hour periods) from the rental company’s perspective. The usual cost for a two-day rental from Scottsdale to Las Vegas is around $175. Shopping around early, the cheapest rate I found was through Costco for a Budget Car Rental car from Northsight Blvd in Scottsdale — $113 all inclusive including a navigation system. Good deal. I booked it, and I have found nothing cheaper since then. The next best rate was $269 from Hertz. No brainer.
In booking the return trip from Las Vegas to Scottsdale, the experience was quite different. For this trip we pick up the car mid afternoon, stay overnight in Henderson, and return the car the next day mid afternoon. So it’s a one day rental. The best rate I found early on was $149 all inclusive without navigation system from Hertz through AAA. I booked that. The rates are more since I am picking the car up at an airport which adds all sorts of fees and taxes. Going off airport would save money but is a hassle when you have all your luggage. To show how continual checking helps, a couple of weeks ago I found an SUV with a navigation system from Avis through Costco Travel for $53 all inclusive with the drop off again on Northsight Blvd in Scottsdale. I immediately booked that and cancelled the AAA Hertz reservation. All is good.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but we don’t stay in Vegas. The strip is a traffic nightmare, and we have no desire to be in a big resort with a casino close to all the fabulous Las Vegas dining options. Plenty of fine dining to come across the pond. So we stay in Henderson at a Marriott Springhill Suites for free (using Marriott points). We have dinner at my favorite Italian chain – Carrabba’s, a short drive from the hotel.
We fly out tomorrow afternoon. Next post will be from Windsor, UK, probably on Saturday night (GMT)
Joe, you have some great tips for traveling. And you are tenacious. You would be one fine travel agent! But maybe not. You would be too expensive, checking back for the best rates by the day!
I know your trip will be totally fantastic with you at the helm. Sadly ours is coming to a end. If tomorrow is Friday, it must be time for Brophy’s!
J
Bon voyage, you two! Stay safe — keep an eye out for those pesky terrorists! Can’t wait to hear your fun stories when you return!!!
Kris
Interesting info about the car rental. I have never used Costco for any travel services but I will be looking it at now.
Enjoy your trip. Say hello to Elaine and tell her I am glad you always have a great travel plan.
Fred