Score Big Savings: Our Top Picks for Weekend Car Rental Specials
Weekend Car Rentals Overview
Unlimited Mileage Offer
Let’s talk about what makes weekend car rentals tick: the sweet, sweet promise of unlimited mileage. This perk lets you zoom around without stressing over distance limits or pesky mileage fees. Most rides in the U.S. and Canada come with this nifty deal, making it perfect for long hauls or unexpected journeys where adventure calls.
But there’s a bit of fine print to watch for. Bigger rides like passenger vans, cargo haulers, hefty SUVs, or those snazzy exotic cars might not give you that unlimited leeway and could charge an extra $0.10 to $0.25 per mile/kilometer over the limit. So for those showstoppers, plan on a bit of extra cash (Enterprise).
Here’s your cheat sheet on who’s letting loose with miles and who’s not:
| Region | Free to Roll | Ticking Fees |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. and Canada | Most cars, not the big boys | $0.10 – $0.25 for extras |
| Europe (like the UK, Ireland, France, etc.) | Most, but only in-country | Nope |
Having that endless road to roam can make your travel less of a wallet-busting chore. We’ve got more smart tips to stretch those dollars in our ways to save on car rentals guide.
One-Way Rentals Benefit
Weekend car rentals also roll out another cool trick: one-way drives. This handy setup means you can grab a car at point A and hand it in at point B. It’s your ticket if you’re mapping out a city-hopping journey or just don’t fancy boomeranging back to where you started.
For those on the move in the U.S. and Canada over the weekend, unlimited miles are often in the mix for one-way deals too, though some exceptions ring true—like the big vans, cargo rides, and snazzy SUVs as mentioned before (Enterprise). This setup makes one-way rentals easy on the schedule and the bank.
Here’s a quick peek at where you can hop on this wave:
| Region | Cars for One-Way | Unlimited Miles |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. and Canada | Most, some gotcha’s | Yeah |
| Europe | Most, depends on country | It varies |
Saving time and skipping the round trip hassle can make these one-way rentals pretty darn attractive. For the skinny on the sweetest deals out there, wander over to car rental discounts.
As you plot your journey, think about cashing in on unlimited mileage and taking advantage of one-way rides to boost your travel game. For more on landing killer car rental deals, take a peek at best car rental deals and hit the road right.
Weekend Car Rental Availability
Looking to snag a sweet deal on a weekend car rental and hit the road without breaking the bank? We’ve got the scoop on where to find solid options in the U.S., Canada, and over in Europe. Buckle up, we’re diving into what you need to know.
U.S. and Canada Coverage
In the U.S. and Canada, you can’t throw a stone without hitting a car rental spot. From corner street offices to bustling airport terminals, these places are everywhere, offering something for every kind of road trip dreamer.
-
Unlimited Mileage: Don’t sweat the miles if you’re booking a standard ride, SUV, or even a swanky luxury car – drive as far as your heart desires without tallying up extra charges. Just keep in mind those fancy, oversized rides might tap the brakes with a mileage cap, charging you $0.10 – $0.25 per extra mile or kilometer if you push past it (Enterprise).
-
Rental Locations: Big names like Enterprise have got you covered coast-to-coast, popping up everywhere from sleepy neighborhoods to busy airports. Finding a car should be as easy as apple pie (Enterprise).
-
Best Rate Guarantee: Think you found a cheaper ride? Budget’s got a “Best Rate Guarantee” that’ll back you up, ensuring you’re not paying a cent more than you need to. Check out more on this by visiting our comparing car rental prices page for all the tips and tricks.
| Vehicle Type | Unlimited Mileage | Incremental Cost (per extra mile/km) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Cars | Yes | N/A |
| SUVs | Yes | N/A |
| Luxury Cars | Yes | N/A |
| Larger/Specialty | Limited | $0.10 – $0.25 |
Europe Rental Restrictions
Hopping over to Europe? Things get a bit more interesting—like a good plot twist—so here’s the rundown on what to expect.
-
Mileage Limits: Most rides in Europe play by different rules with mileage caps. Go over, and you’ll start seeing those charges creep in, varying from one rental outfit to another and depending on where you’re at.
-
Rental Restrictions: Planning to cross a few borders or not return the car where you picked it up? Make sure to double-check restrictions in the country you’re visiting, or you might get an unwanted surprise.
-
Availability: Hot tourist spots and big cities have car rentals on tap, but if you’re venturing out to the sticks, options might dry up a bit. Save yourself the hassle by booking early.
-
Discount Programs: European rentals often dangle discount programs and loyalty points like candy, which makes booking ahead a no-brainer. Scope out our car rental loyalty programs for more deets.
| Feature | U.S./Canada | Europe |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Mileage | Common | Rare |
| Mileage Cost | $0.10 – $0.25 (extra) | Varies (based on location) |
| One-Way Rentals | Flexible | Often restricted |
| Cross-Border Travel | Flexible | Usually restricted |
Want more ways to save? Check out our guide on car rental discounts to stretch your dollar further. With the right planning, your travel budget can feel as cushy as a long-haul flight in first class.
Additional Services and Rentals
Planning a weekend getaway and renting a car? Don’t miss out on the extra goodies that can make your trip even better! These options can smooth out any bumps in the road (metaphorically speaking, of course).
Equipment Options
We’ve all been there—struggling to find room for all that gear. Luckily, Enterprise has your back with some handy add-ons. Most airport locations have cool stuff like child seats, ski racks, and GPS units for a few extra bucks a day (Enterprise). Just a heads up: snow chains aren’t part of the deal since their cars come with all-season tires.
| Equipment Option | Additional Charge (Per Day) |
|---|---|
| Child Seats | $10 – $15 |
| Ski Racks | $5 – $10 |
| GPS Units | $12 – $15 |
Whether you’ve got kiddos in tow, heading for snowy hills, or trying to find your way around a new city without getting lost, these extras can really help. It’s best to grab ’em when you book, so you’re not caught empty-handed when you roll out.
Pet Policy
Taking your four-legged buddy along? You want to know the deal with pets in the rental. Enterprise says yes to pets, but they’ve gotta be in crates. Just return the car all clean and fur-free to dodge any cleaning charges (Enterprise). Service animals are a whole different thing—they’re welcome without any crates.
| Pet Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Allowed Pets | Crated Pets |
| Cleaning Requirement | Return Car Clean and Free of Pet Hair |
| Service Animals | Allowed without Carrier |
Knowing the pet policy up front means no last-minute surprises. So, if your fluffy co-pilot is tagging along, make sure to tidy up before you drop off the ride.
Want to squeeze the most out of your rental experience? Check out our articles on ways to save on car rentals and car rental loyalty programs for tips that’ll save you cash and add comfort to your journey.
Saving Tips for Weekend Rentals
Who doesn’t love to save a few bucks on weekend getaways? Let’s help you keep more cash in your pocket with some savvy tips for saving on car rentals, making your trip smoother and a bit easier on the wallet.
Pay Now Discount
A nifty trick to bag a bargain on your weekend car rental is the “Pay Now” discount. By opting for this choice during checkout, you’re looking at slashing up to 35% off that base rental price, straight off the top! The sweet part? No secret handshakes or promo codes needed. It’s all right there on the rental company’s site, as easy as pie.
| Rental Option | Discount Offered |
|---|---|
| Pay Now | Up to 35% |
Booking with “Pay Now” is a breeze and spares you the headache of scavenging for extra coupon codes. If you’re a road warrior hitting the pavement regularly, you might want to eyeball some car rental loyalty programs. They sprinkle in extra perks and keep those discounts rolling.
Best Rate Guarantee
Who’s to say you can’t get the best bang for your buck? Many rental places roll out a Best Rate Guarantee, putting a badge of honor on the best prices they offer. These deals often pledge to match or even beat any better rate you might stumble upon for the same ride conditions. It’s like having a buddy who always has your back on pricing!
Here’s a little peek at a typical Best Rate Guarantee:
| Rental Company | Guaranteed Savings |
|---|---|
| Company A | Matches lower rate + Extra 10% off |
To seal the deal, hop around and compare rates on different platforms with our guide to comparing car rental prices. It never hurts to peep at special car rental discounts like those veterans or seniors can use, to stretch your savings even further.
Armed with these tips, you’re all set to snatch the best car rental deals out there and ride into your weekend adventure with some extra jingle in your wallet!
Booking Strategies for Cost Savings
When snagging those sweet weekend car rental specials, timing can make your wallet happier. Let’s chat about two main tactics: booking early versus waiting till the last moment, and why they might work for you.
Early Booking Vs. Last-Minute
Booking in advance sounds like the grown-up thing to do, but it doesn’t always mean you’re getting a deal. Based on NerdWallet, planning ahead could cost you around $74 extra for a weeklong rental if you book three months early instead of just a week before. Yep, holding off might be easier on your bank account.
| When You Book | Average Savings (%) | Rental for a Week | Your Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Months Early | – | $350 | – |
| 1 Week Ahead | 21% | $276 | $74 |
| 3 Days Before | 25% | $262.50 | $87.50 |
Booking just three days before your trip can mean big savings. Companies like Thrifty offer the best bang for your buck, with 28.02% off if you book a week early compared to three months in advance.
Advantages of Late Booking
For the procrastinators among us, there’s good news: waiting can really pay off. Brands like Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty generally give you more savings when booking a week before compared to months in anticipation. Savings range from Enterprise’s modest 2.72% to Thrifty’s impressive 28.02% (NerdWallet).
| Rental Company | Save Booking 1 Week Ahead | Save Booking 3 Days |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | 2.72% | 9% |
| Alamo | 5.58% | 12% |
| Thrifty | 28.02% | 35% |
| Hertz | 19.22% | 25.5% |
| Dollar | 23.60% | 30% |
Procrastination actually pays off for companies like Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty, where you could save 19.22%, 23.60%, and 28.02% respectively with just a one-week lag in booking.
For even bigger savings, join those car rental loyalty programs and grab some car rental coupon codes. Want to maximize even more? Use tools like comparing car rental prices and scout out discount codes for car rentals.
By figuring out when to book, travelers can dodge overpriced rides and secure deals that won’t break the bank. For more nifty tips, check out our article on ways to save on car rentals.
Risks and Considerations
Looking into weekend car rental specials can be a solid strategy to stretch your dollar, but there are some things to think about before you hit the road. We want you to have a full picture of availability hiccups and money matters before you snag that deal.
Availability Concerns
The biggie with weekend car rentals is whether a car’s waiting for you in the first place. Sure, those last-minute deals can save you a chunk of change, but it’s not always smooth sailing. Here’s what might trip you up:
- Sold-Out Cars: Turns out, cruising into a hot travel spot or during a busy weekend might leave you car-less, even if the deal sounded sweet (NerdWallet).
- Slim Pickings: If you wait too long, you might be left with whatever’s hanging around. Hope you like neon green compacts!
- Price Jumps at Peak Times: When everyone’s itching to travel, like holidays, you might get hit with crazy rates and hardly any cars left.
Finding the best bang for your buck can sometimes mean weighing whether you’d prefer certainty over saving a few dollars. Take a peek at our guide on comparing car rental prices for more hacks.
Financial Implications
Weekend deals might sound like the jackpot, but here are some financial curves to consider:
- Price Swings: Rates change with the wind, so booking just a couple of days in advance could snip off around 28% of the price tag, compared to getting in months early (NerdWallet).
- Insurance Extras: Those extra cover plans can turn a cheap rental into a pricey one. Check what you really need before signing.
- Deposits and Other Gotchas: Make sure you’re clued-in on what you’re putting down for a deposit, and if there are extra charges for going over miles or dragging in late.
Check out this snapshot of savings when you book just a bit in advance:
| Company | Savings When Booking a Week Out vs. Three Months |
|---|---|
| Hertz | 19.22% |
| Dollar | 23.60% |
| Thrifty | 28.02% |
When you weigh these points, you can cruise smoothly while getting the most out of your car rental discounts. Thinking through both the cha-ching and the chance of not landing a car ensures you’re steering towards the best deal for your drive.
Discover more tricks to keep cash in your pocket with our article on ways to save on car rentals.
