Beginning to plan a 24 day trip to Europe next summer to celebrate our 20th anniversary and 45th birthdays. Thinking about renting a car in Stockholm (we have family there) and driving all the way to Athens (have family there too) with stops mainly in Eastern Europe on the way down. Any suggestions, ideas, and/or comments would be most helpful. Just to clarify - this will be summer of 2013 and this will be our 7th trip to Europe. Thanks!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23548 posts
Are you think about one way and dropping the car in Athens. My first question would be to determine that price especially the drop charge for Greece.
Posted by
OP
Chicago, IL, United States
6 posts
Yes, this would be a one-way trip and dropping the car off in Athens. Prices have ranged form $1000-$1500 depending on company etc.
Posted by
Orlando, Florida
676 posts
Just keep in mind the price of gas...
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
517 posts
If routing mostly through Eastern Europe, I would recommend accomodations that have a secure parking area. Would recommend against renting a BMW as they are rumoured to be especially targeted by car thieves (cannot confirm). May also apply to other high end brands. I have several anecdotal stories from friends who had their cars broken into in Eastern Europe. My comments are not intended to make you reconsider your plans (it sounds like a great trip!) only to underline that due diligence should be taken regarding car security in Eastern Europe (especially if your vehicle will have foreign plates). All the best! As I said, it sounds like a terrific adventure.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17232 posts
Shannon, are you certain that those quoted prices include the drop fee? If you look on AutoEurope, for example, they will quote a price of around $1300 for a Ford Focus for the 24-day rental.. If you read closely, they say there "may" be an additional drop fee to be paid at the time of dropoff. You will be advised once you actually make (and pay for) the reseration how much it is, and then have an opportunity to cancel the reservation. Also, make sure that the rental you choose allows you to drive the car into Eastern Europe. Some companies charge extra for a car like that because of insurance issues. Edit: I just checked again and AutoEurope quotes exactly the same price for the Ford Focus whether you drop off at Stockholm (where you pick it up) or Athens. Which means the drop fee is NOT included in that rate; it will be an extra charge. Having poid $500+ just to drop a car in Copenhagen instead of Oslo where we picked it up, I am very wary of hidden drop fees. . .