June 27, 2006
New Zealand Car Rental - Things You Should
New Zealand Car Rental If you're visiting New Zealand a rental car is one of the best ways to get around. New Zealand is a small country but has the astounding geographic diversity of a major continent squeezed into its small size. For example, within 3- 4 hours drive of Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city, are sub-tropical beaches, volcanic mountains with ski fields, boiling mud pools, ancient forests, unspoiled trout fishing rivers and world class golf courses. Having a rental car gives you the freedom and flexibility to go where you want and when you want. Driving in New Zealand For most overseas visitors driving in New Zealand is a breeze because, compared to what they are used to, there is surprisingly little traffic on the roads - especially in the South Island. Whilst New Zealand is about the size of UK its population is only 4 million - UK by comparison has over 60 million. Another difference is the limited number of motorways and freeways. Roads are generally only 2-laned and frequently windy due to the ever changing landscape. In New Zealand we drive on the left, as in UK. If you're from America or another country that drives on the right then you might feel apprehensive about having to drive on the "wrong side of the road". Don't be - it's straight-forward and tens of thousands of foreign visitors happily do it every year. New Zealanders typically show a little less consideration to other drivers than is seen in UK, Australian, and the US where more cars on the road force people to be more considerate. Having said that, don't be put off - driving in New Zealand is nothing like the harrowing experience of driving in Italy or parts of Asia! New Zealand Car Rental Firms New Zealand car rental firms range from the familiar multi-national big brands through to small local car rental firms. The advantage of the big name rental firms is they can be found throughout New Zealand and offer the biggest and newest range of rental vehicles. The disadvantage is that generally they're the most expensive and often have lots of hidden costs. At the other end of the scale are the small local operators who typically have older rental cars. Whilst you may not end up driving this year's latest model the advantage is that the smaller car rental firms can be substantially cheaper, so leaving you more money to spend on the many exciting attractions New Zealand offers. Between these extremes you'll find a wide range of NZ car rental firms catering to different needs and budgets. What Sort of Driving Licenses are Required in New Zealand? You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's license from your home country, or an International Driving Permit. Most car rental companies require drivers to be over the age of 25 and to have held a full license for at least 3 years. Some firms will rent vehicles to younger drivers. For example, A2B Car Rentals rents vehicles to drivers who are 20 or older and hold a full driver's license. At the manager's discretion, a holder of a license for less than three years is acceptable but may incur a higher insurance excess. Make sure your overseas driver's license is current. If your license is not in English, you should bring an English translation with you or obtain an International Driving Permit. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an International Driving Permit. In New Zealand it's a legal requirement that all drivers, including overseas visitors, must carry their license or permit when driving. Naturally you will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country. What are New Zealand's Road Rules? Here's a brief over-view. You can get more details the NZ Government Land Transport Authority website (www.ltsa.govt.nz/roadcode/) In New Zealand, all vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road as in UK. When turning left, give way (or yield) to traffic crossing or approaching from your right When the traffic light is red, you must stop Speed limits are strictly enforced by police using radar, speed cameras and un-marked patrol cars. Fines for speeding can be expensive The speed limit on the open road is 100 km/h (approx 60 mph) In built up areas the speed limit is 50 km/h. (approx 30 mph) Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times In Summary If you're planning to visit New Zealand a rental car is one of the best options, especially for independent travelers who want to experience everything New Zealand has to offer. A rental car gives you the freedom and flexibility to go where you want and when you want to enjoy this wonderful country. Article by Chris Webber who works for A2B Car Rentals (http://www.discount-car-rental.co.nz/), one of the largest independent car rental companies in New Zealand. Apart from rental cars, they also offer minibus rentals and 4x4 rental vehicles. A2B are the discount New Zealand car rental specialists offering rental cars at the lowest rates with no deposit and no hidden costs.
From New Zealand Car Rental - Things You Should
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From Passport, Visas, and Documentation - Foreign Travel
There is perhaps nothing better than getting away from the rut of every day life and going on a vacation to a new and unfamiliar place. I love the rush I get by from exporing a new place with friends or family. There is nothing worse, however, than trying to take a trip to somewhere new without using a car rental to have transportation. It has become a priority for me in making any travel plans to find a discount car rental well in advance. I have learned the hard way how hard it is to make it around a new town or city without the freedom of driving a rental car. I've learned that it is equally hard to pay a huge price for a rental car when with a little planning you can almost surely get a discount car rental. Getting a discount car rental doesn't have to be hard. All it takes is a little early planning. Begin your search for a discount car rental as soon as you know the location of your next trip. If you have already made plans for where you will stay, then talking to the concierge at that location can be a great resource for finding a discount car rental. See what kinds of deals you may be able to get because of staying at the hotel or condo you have chosen. Another great resource for finding a discount car rental is by doing an online search. There are countless websites that will offer you deals on finding a discount car rental to enjoy your next vacation. The main reason that I am an advocate of searching hard to find discount car rentals is that it frees up extra money for you to enjoy on other aspects of your vacation. There are so many things to see and so many fun experiences to have that I'm sure no one wants to put a large part of their budget into a car rental. Vacations and even business trips are meant to get us out of the stress and busyness of every day life and allow us to enjoy some of the simple pleasures that life offers. Figure out how to get a discount car rental and you'll be well on your way to enjoying a great vacation filled with too many good things to spend your money on. Take my advice. There are discount car rentals to be had, they just have to be found. Hallidae Thomason is an author and a lover of travel. She takes no trip without first finding discount car rentals. See www.discountcarrentaltimes.info for
From Get A Discount Car Rental &
Posted by Tom at 05:16 PM
April 11, 2006
Travelers' Health |
Travel Health Warnings : None Travel Health Precautions : None Update: Human Infection with Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus (Updated February 24) Interim Guidance about Avian Influenza A (H5N1) for U.S.
From Travelers' Health |
Posted by Ken at 01:47 PM
February 21, 2006
INS Issues Foreign Travel Advisory for Aliens With Pending Immigration ...
INS Issues Foreign Travel Advisory for Aliens With Pending Immigration Applications The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) urges all aliens with pending applications for adjustment of status ...
From INS Issues Foreign Travel Advisory for Aliens With Pending Immigration ...
Posted by Alex at 10:00 AM
January 17, 2006
Frommer's Guides: The Best Trips Start
... discounted hotel rooms, budget car rentals and money-saving advice, all written and reviewed by experts. FREE Newsletters! Win a FREE Trip! Entire Site Destinations Deals/News Bookstore M. Boards Hot ...
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Posted by Tom at 03:23 PM
