car rental

Train. Happy travels.

Not the original poster here, but: Problem with train - Train Strike. No easy bus solution from Milan to Desenzano (Sirmione). Don't want to rent a car on this Sunday, but don't want to miss out on our opportunity to enjoy Lake Garda, either. And as expensive as the rental car is, it is less than half of the cost for two of us to take a shuttle. Any one know of any other solution?

Yeah, 4 suitcases in a Laguna could be challenging, depending on the size of each one. A 1-day rental is always going to be tough as all the fixed costs end up boosting the total amount substiantially. Any way you can rent for longer to get better value? Otherwise, you have no choice but to check alternatives like taxis and trains. If they're more expensive, then you have your answer.

You don't have to get a wagon. Check out the ford C-max.It is a cross-over type of vehicle with lots of room. I am 6'8" and 350 # and I fit fine with 3 other people plus their luggage. The only problem is that sometimes they don't have the vehicle you reserved, but that can happen anywhere. It is a reasonable vehicle to rent.

I don't know where it would fit pricewise vs your other options, but we rented a Renault Scenic in France last year and had plenty of room for 4 adults plus suitcases, carryons, etc.

Diane - this looks like the size of rental cars we've had when we've traveled with 4. We all carry carryon size suitcases though and our other item (daypack, purse, etc) gets stowed at our feet.

Diane, when 4 of us rent wagons in the EU, the small wagon is the size that we usually rent, and our luggage fits (although you will be stacking one on top of another.) We have rented Ford Focus wagons in Spain and in Portugal. and an Opel in Sicily. Check prices on AutoEurope.com and Kayak.

Diane if your only traveling one day, why are you renting a car? The train is so much easier to get from one point to the other in Italy, that cars don't make sense. If you can ride the train from point A to point B, I'll bet the train can get you there sooner. i.e; Rome to Florence takes an hour and 35 minutes by bullet train and cost you 45.00 euros each. Driving will take you about four hours and you're already seeing the price to rent. I love traveling in trains in Italy and the EU whenever possible. No rental cost, insurance, fuel, parking, maps, ZTL's, International Driving license or any other hassles that driving brings. Just buy your ticket (buy them at the station when you get ready to leave. If the train is full just buy the ticket for the next train. They usually have plenty of seats), find what line the train is on, hop on the train, find your assigned seat and enjoy the ride. Don't try to buy your ticket on the internet, it usually doesn't work. Driving is always my last option in Italy. Try it it's easy and you'll feel like a local. http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=ad1ce14114bc9110VgnVCM10000080a3e90aRCRD

The OP said they would only be travelling one day with suitcases.....not a one day rental.

I rented a car for 12 days, three of us split the cost and it was quite inexpensive in the end. The car we rented was a Fiat (second or third size from the smallest). Depending on what time of year you go, train travel can be a better idea, but finding 4 seats together can be a challenge unless you book reservations ahead of time.

Ron is there much difference from traveling one day or renting a car for one day? You're going to pay for one days rental either way. She's only asking about an upgrade to the next size up car and if someone has rented it for cheaper with another rental agency. That's why I wrote" if you're only traveling between two points, A and B". We really don't know where they are going? Do we? They could be making multiple stops for one day? We don't know? You listed that you live in Italy and you're probably used to walking or taking public transportation everywhere (it's excellent). But if you were to live in my world, public transportation or walking would be your last resort. Distances are far apart and public transportation is virtually non-existant. For me to go anywhere, I get in my car. I'm sure Chesterfield, Mo is not that different from my world. So when I think of going anywhere, I drive first. Which includes renting a car on my trips in the USA or driving my car if it's reasonable. My first trip to EU I was very overwhelmed and apprehensive about public transportation. So I just jumped in and was surprised how easy and convenient it was. I'm only suggesting an alternative with not a lot of facts to work from. The only thing we know is; car rental, type of car, four people, four suitcases and traveling one day. So I'm only suggesting. We don't even know if it's their first trip to EU? Do we? We are here to share our wonderful experiences in EU and help others try to make their trip as pleasing and fun as it was for me. RS's books and this web-site have help me go places I could only dream about eight years ago. Not to nick-pick over statements. Did I write any false statements? Has anyone that you know off write any false statements in this site? We enjoy giving our opinions about travel and I hope that we will always enjoy our child like behavior about travel.

Thanks for all responses! Guess I wasn't too clear, but will have car 4 days in Tuscany area and only one day will our luggage be with us. So sounds like the laguna might work with suitcases as our '5th ' passenger. Am investigating the other types of cars mentioned . I was just surprised at the jump in price to go the next size car. Thanks again, this
is my first time on the site, how helpful! Diane