| There are many factors that you will want to | | | | You will obviously want to take advantage of |
| consider when renting a car while in Europe. As a | | | | these features. |
| student, you are on a budget, which means you | | | | Make sure you are aware of the local fuel policy. |
| are going to want to avoid paying too much for a | | | | Sometimes, you need to return the car full. |
| car rental. With today's gas prices, you can't | | | | Sometimes, you pay for gas in advance, and you |
| afford not to. | | | | need to return the car empty. You will want to |
| Think about if you need a car in the first place, if | | | | be sure of this when you drive off the lot. |
| you are going to a major European city and don't | | | | Rent a GPS if you think it is something you might |
| plan on leaving that city, you may not even need | | | | need. A portable GPS can help you immensely |
| a car. Public transportation in Europe is very | | | | when you need to navigate new terrain in Europe. |
| efficient, so keep this in mind if you want to rent. | | | | Keep map out the areas you want to travel to in |
| Once you decide you do need a car, compare | | | | order to figure out where you are. Plan out your |
| companies. Use consolidators and wholesalers to | | | | routes in advance if you can, as this will help save |
| get information about the locations you are | | | | time. |
| thinking of traveling into. Do this at least 2 weeks | | | | Keep in mind that it is your responsibility to learn |
| before you travel, to give yourself enough time | | | | the rules of the road in whatever European |
| to compare rates. | | | | country you are in. Familiarize yourself with laws |
| In America, you generally can not rent a car if | | | | of the land so that you don't get in trouble for |
| you are under the age of 25. In Europe, you can | | | | something you were unaware you were doing |
| rent, but if you are under the age of 24 you will | | | | wrong. Get an international drivers license if you |
| have to face the dreaded young-driver fees. A | | | | are driving in Europe. This will help you if you get |
| young driver fee can triple the cost of a rental | | | | pulled over anywhere. |
| car. You will definitely need to ask about that, as | | | | Stay happy and keep an open mind, you will be |
| well as additional driver fees. In fact try to get | | | | sure to have a great experience renting a car |
| bottom line pricing on all rentals. There are rental | | | | while in Europe. |
| companies who offer to beat competitor's rates. | | | | |