I plan to cover the Med Coast from Portugal to Rome over 3 months from mid Jan to mid Apr with a small car and a tent. What rental agency gives the best 90 day rentals? I'm open to starting my trip in Lisbon or Barcelona-Airfares from Minneapolis are about the same.
I favor starting and ending in Lisbon-open to suggestions there too-I have never traveled to this part of Europe.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
You know that Portugal doesn't border the Med, right? :) Camping is going to be a bit sporty, maybe disappointing, and probably not what you anticipate, but that's a question you didn't ask. For the car, use any major rental agency. You can hive out the best deal at kayak.com If you're thinking about using your credit card to cover the cdw insurance, you need to know that all have time-limits ranging from a couple of weeks to forty-some days. What this means is that you have to either fork over an extra twenty bucks or so per day for the agency's cdw......or you have to keep switching cars and credit cars as you go along, meaning that you'll be picking up cars in one country and dropping them in another at something like five hundred bucks a switch - - maybe more.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10222 posts
Another thing to consider is a lease through a company like Auto Europe. You will pay extra to pick up/drop off outside of France, so if you do this you might want to consider starting and ending your trip there. The lease provides you with a new car and covers all insurance, roadside assistance, and other things.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
We've had very good experiences with Renault's "Eurodrive" leasing program. For 90 days, I think you'll definitely find leasing more economical. Not to mention the perks like full no-deductible insurance coverage, 24/7 roadside assistance, unlimited miles, and the fact that you get a brand-new car. We've used Renault 4 times and never had a problem. You can do your price comparison here: http://www.renaultusa.com/
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
I agree with the others, leasing may be your best option for such a long period. That would also seem to solve the insurance issue, which can get very expensive with CDW and isn't a good idea to do with a credit card in this case.
Posted by
Yountville, CA
83 posts
Have twice leased Peugeots from autofrance.net. Very pleased. Their program is similar to the one that Tom describes in his post. Vehicle pickup available at airports in Portugal, etc. In your case leasing will be better than renting. Details on this website. Search "Driving in Europe". Consider a diesel with manual transmission for best fuel economy and performance.
Posted by
OP
somerset, WI, United States
10 posts
Thanks to all who responded with tips from your experiences! I have looked at the lease programs and came to the same conclusions.I've had a VW diesel now for 15 years and rented a VW diesel camper for 2 months last year in Europe-put on 9000km! I'm well aware of Portugal being not really Med lol.I just wanted to combine it with Spain and the Med coast to Italy. I'll have to figure out if saving the drop-off charge by flying to France is worth the bother.
I'm still in early planning stages and being retired at 70 I'm quite flexible on my itinerary details-mainly just want to cover the Med coast from Gibralter to Rome over 3 months or so.
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
I've used both the Peugot and Renault long-term lease programs mentioned by others, and was very happy with them. I think you can get them through AutoEurope or Kemwel. For 90 days or anything close to that, it's probably the only way to go. I don't know if there are similar plans in other countries. But check those 2 plans, since they do offer some out-of-France alternatives I believe.