Archive for August, 2010

ESTA – New Charges

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

We have previously given you some informed advice about the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) back in January. Up until now the ESTA has been free, but as expected, the U.S. Government has decided to charge $14 for each ESTA, commencing September 8, 2010. This money will go towards promoting the U.S.A. as a travel destination around the world.

If you are planning a trip to the U.S. anytime in the next 2 years, you can save a little money if you complete the ESTA beforet this date. You don’t have to have a trip booked to complete the ESTA and it is valid for two years or until your passport expires if that is sooner. Applications are simple, but do be careful to use the official site, not one of the bogus sites that may charge now, or charge more once the fee is online. The correct website is this: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/.

Save more money by using a Zero percentage Credit card, that doesn’t charge you a percentage on your exchange when paying foreign currency!

Alamo Choice – get the high spec models

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Alamo’s ‘Choice’ product, as the name suggests, allows you to choose the specific car you would like from the range available in the line up of vehicles in the category you have ordered. Available at the major Florida locations: Orlando Airport; Fort Lauderdale Airport; Fort Myers Airport; Miami Airport, Tampa Airport and West Palm Beach Airport, this is a great way to bag yourself a high spec car.

The ever popular Minivan 7 seater (people carrier) category features many different vehicles such as the Dodge Grand Caravan, Ford Freestar, Chevrolet Uplander etc, but some of these are larger than others and some feature useful upgrades such as DVD systems. A quick look through the car can be most revealing, you can check to make sure your luggage fits, and if not, move on to a different car! The ‘Choice Product’ is only offered at locations that have a barrier gate on exit, and it is there that your choice of car is logged against your reservation.

Combined with Alamo’s ‘Save Time’ online check in facility (pre-registration), pre-bookable Sat Nav’s and the Young Driver Package for drivers under 25, this makes Alamo your first choice for car hire in Florida. Although Alamo staff are often known for their fondness of trying to pursuade you to upgrade your car – their customer service should things go wrong is quite superior, and probably worth sticking it out with a few polite “no thank you’s” at the desk! And there is no Christmas Surcharge!!

If you would like more information about how many drivers can be included on the standard package, or anything else to do with your rental, please do give us a call in the office on 01428 741438.