The subject of which rental car companies accept debit cards is no longer as much of a concern.  The problems in the past were simply because debit was a model that was structured after how much money you had in the bank.  This was variable and not set like the balance with a credit card, which is universally accepted by car rental companies.
Renting at a physical car desk will usually call for several checks of identity and credit history to help screen out candidates which are not ideal for their services.

Not all rental companies will accept debit or cash as a payment option.  Those that do will often require additional steps to allow a rental with the company.  Taking in identification and valid information to do a credit check is required.  Foreigners will often be required to supply their passport and other documents.  Along with all of these checks, an additional deposit which could easily reach or pass $500 is required and could be held up to two weeks after the return of the vehicle is made to the location.  This could seem extreme, but it is required to prevent vehicle loss which is usually charged to a credit card on file.

An easy way to avoid this whole ordeal is to rent your car online.  Those who own debit cards that are issued with a major credit card logo such as Visa or MasterCard are always accepted online.  These can be used just like a credit card providing that you have the right amount of money available on your account at the time of the vehicle reservations
are made.  Of course with all online rentals, the proper identification is still required to pick up the vehicle!

As the car rental industry is facing profit margins that are becoming increasingly slim, more and more car rental agencies are resorting to hidden fees to make ends meet.  Some are completely within their control and some aren’t.  Here’s your guide to avoiding the bogus charges.

The first enemy you’ll face are taxes.  Airport taxes, state taxes, federal taxes, travel taxes, taxes on top of taxes, you get the idea.  Traveling in the United States you’re bound to get taxed a minimum of 15% of the total bill.  In Europe?  Look to pay out at least 25% or more.  Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do about them; just expect to pay them and try not to be so angry.

Next up, insurance.  You are guaranteed to ask if you want to purchase insurance; it’s a huge money maker for the car rental agency.  Unfortunately, unless you are insured, even a simple accident and you could be liable for thousands.  If you’re already insured for your personal vehicle, call them first and ask about their policy on rentals.  You will often already be covered.  Secondly, check with your credit cards; they will occasionally offer car rental insurance as a fringe benefit.  Of course, remember to use that card to get the benefit.

Gasoline charges are another car rental agency favorite.  When you pick up your car, you usually have to refueling options: return it the way you got it or pay upwards of $4 a gallon, or pay a nominal fee, usually $40, for a full tank of gas up front.  Of course, if you don’t use all the gas you still lose.  Your best bet is to just fuel up before going
back to the airport.

Car rental agencies are quick to promise you cheap rental rates, but always keep in mind the hidden costs.  They can quickly add up and might surprise you.

Getting to the Stansted Airport by taxi is not that difficult, but whenever you book a taxi you will need to know some specifics about the time it will take to get to the airport.  Those leaving from Watford have a short distance since Watford is only 45 miles from the Stansted Airport.  Despite the short distance, congestion plays a major role in transfer time.

Traffic conditions can make the 45-mile ride take a lot longer.  Presently, Stansted Airport is served mainly by Junction 8 and M11, both of which experience a high level congestion.  Of the two, Junction 8 has the most problems.  Of course, your time of day will play a part in your transfer time from Watford.  If possible, try not to travel at peak times because these will be the times when the roads have the most congestion.  While several things will contribute to the peak congestion times try to keep morning and afternoon commutes in mind, as these are the most prevalent times for congestion.  Keep in mind too that congestion can be more of a problem than just time, as taxi companies will tack on a congestion charge to your bill.

Some people will suggest only using a black taxi for your transport needs, but this really isn’t necessary.  Reputable taxi companies work just as well and are just as dependable.  Many companies even offer guarantees on their services.  These guarantees are an important promise that you will arrive within a satisfactory time to the Stansted Airport, so take them seriously.  On a safety note, you should never use a “taxi” that is unmarked or in other words has no signage of the company they are with.  These are most prevalent at the airport and these people tend to just solicit you.

Unless your travel is extremely last minute and you can’t help booking your taxi last minute, book your taxi transfer ahead of time.  This will help ensure that your taxi arrives on time.  Also, at the time of booking be sure that you have the correct amount of passengers; otherwise you might have to book two taxis to get everyone to the airport.  This of course could slow everyone down.  Taxi companies generally have two types of vehicles they use, a car and a minivan.  The car seats about 4-5 people while the minivan can seat up to eight.

When booking your taxi there are some questions to ask to help safeguard your transfer time.  First, ask how on time they are as this plays an important role in your transfer time.  Second, since some companies offer a fixed price, they may pick up several customers at a time that are all travelling to Stansted.  Inquire if this is the practice of the taxi company, how long this takes and what problems could occur during this process that would delay your transfer time.

Despite your best efforts and the efforts of the taxi company to have the smallest possible transfer time, some things just can’t be helped.  These situations can be tough but just remember that keeping calm will go a long way.

Cyprus, south of the coast of Greece, is the third-largest Mediterranean island.  Its warm, welcoming climate has made it a favourite tourist attraction, and you’ll find travellers from around the globe here, especially during the summer holiday months.

Car rentals are available on Cyprus, and are highly recommended if you want to see the island.  With almost 650 kilometres of coastline, you’ll only see a tiny fraction without a car hire.  Not only that, but a mountain range divides the island, and the easiest way to get over it is by car.  There are over twenty-five companies that offer rental cars on Cyprus; your biggest decision will be the type of car, and for how long.

Cyprus is an EU member, so your UK driver’s license permits you to drive on Cyprus with no limitations.  Cars are right-hand drive, with driving on the left, so you’ll feel right at home. The A1 motorway connects the major cities of Cyprus, and provides a smooth drive between cities.  Road signs are in both English and Greek.

Ask several questions before choosing your rental.  First, does the rental offer unlimited mileage?  Cypress is a fairly large island, and there’s beauty around every curve.  You’ll probably end up driving much more than you think, so be prepared with unlimited mileage.  What types of taxes are charged, and how much are they?  These mandatory fees are often not quoted initially, and they can come as a surprise when you turn your vehicle in, so ask about these up front.  Are there charges for infant seats, maps, or road service, if needed?  Are there age restrictions for drivers?

Before leaving on your holiday, ask your insurance carrier if you’re covered in your Cyprus rental car.  That may already be included, or a small rider on your coverage may cost much less than one quoted by the rental car company.  But without knowing this information ahead of time, you’re likely to be charged for a collision damage waiver or comprehensive insurance when you don’t need it.

Can your rental car be turned in at any time?  Does your rental car company have more than one location on Cyprus?  Can you make or change your booking online?  How about by telephone?  Knowing the answers to these questions will ensure your Cyprus car rental is obtained at the rate you want, with the features you desire.

Once you have your car, be sure to drive along the coast, stopping often at little fishing villages or beautiful resort colonies.  You’ll find the water a pure, aqua colour, and the surrounding area quite unspoilt.  History buffs will love Cyprus, with its Egyptian, Byzantine, Greek and Roman antiquities that have been lovingly preserved.  If you live more in the present, drive to Ayia Napa, on the far south-eastern tip of the island.  Clubs run nearly all night long, and you can find whatever kind of party you want.

From the modern to the ancient, Cypress has something for everyone.  If your next holiday destination is in Cypress, obtain a rental car and enjoy your time to the fullest.

London Heathrow Airport, which is situated in the London Borough of Hillingdon, is the third busiest airport in the world. In 2008, the airport received over 61 million passengers from January to November. The airport has a total of five terminals, with the fifth one being opened in 2008.

The airport has much to offer in terms of car rentals. National Car Rental, a company that operates at the airport, offers car rental nationwide for just £15.00 per day. The company is situated in all terminals at the airport and has a wide range of vehicles available for rental including compact, standard and full size vehicles. To arrange car rentals with National, you can book online via the company’s website. You can use the company’s booking form to state whether you would like to be picked up or dropped off at London Heathrow Airport.

UK Airport Chauffeur also operates from the airport, providing services between Heathrow and around 500 local and national destinations. This company offers a meet and greet service and has a wide selection of vehicles available for hire, including luxury vehicles, and small economy vehicles. Bookings can be made by contacting the company directly.

You may wish to opt for Practical Car and Van Rental, a national company who provide a number of services to Heathrow Airport. The company is located close to all terminals at the airport and offers a meet and greet service. They also provide car rental for those who are staying at any Heathrow Airport hotels. The company has a spot directly in the grounds of the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the airport for guests who need car rental services. There are a number of vehicle options offered by the company, including estate cars, multi-seat vehicles for up to eight people and automatic gearboxes. They also offer child seats and Global Satellite Navigation Systems.

Practical Car Hire also offers a one way hire system, where car rental customers can collect their vehicle from London Heathrow Airport. Services are also offered for various other parts of London. To make a reservation, you can use the online booking system on the company’s website. If you wish to book a reservation with free delivery to the airport terminals then you will need to provide your driving license and credit card details. If you wish to be picked up at the Heathrow Crowne Plaza Hotel then you do not need to provide credit card details.

Thrifty, a top national car rental company, also offer car rental services at London Heathrow Airport. The company can be found near the airport terminals at the Sheraton Hotel, which is only five minutes away. Thrifty provides convertible car rental and prestige car rental. You can obtain a quote via the company’s website and also make reservations using the online booking form. You can view your booking, change your booking or print a voucher at any time in the “My Booking” section on the company’s website. Thrifty operates from 7:00am until 10:00pm Monday to Sunday.