Costco Travel - Mid-Size Car Rentals

Costco members can reserve cars at discounted prices through the retailer’s travel portal. The program allows them to choose from Alamo, Avis, and Budget locations around the world.

The site is easy to use and compares car rental options from major companies like Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. Members can also save money by declining the primary rental car insurance offered with some credit cards.

Midsize cars rentals

Known as mid-size cars rentals, these basic four-door sedans get great gas mileage and are easy to handle. They are perfect for road trips and family vacations.

Costco’s car rental portal allows members to search and book vehicles through a few different partners. This includes Avis, Budget and Enterprise. The site displays the rental car options from each partner side-by-side for quick comparisons. It also allows users to choose a pick-up and drop-off location, which can be different.

Members can also decline the collision damage waiver (CDW) offered by the rental car company, which will save them money. However, this option is only available when the member books with a card that provides primary rental car insurance, such as American Express Platinum. Additionally, members can take advantage of perks like free upgrades and waived additional driver fees, which can add up to significant savings on a rental car.

Intermediate cars

Amidsize rental cars, like a Toyota Corolla or Nissan Sentra rental, offer more room for passengers and luggage than compact models while providing similar fuel economy. Intermediate vehicles also typically feature desirable tech capabilities and a sleek exterior design.

If you need to cancel an intermediate car rental, simply log in to your Costco Travel account and select the booking that needs to be cancelled near the top of the page. Click “yes” when asked to confirm the cancellation.

Generally, renting through Costco is cheaper than using other rental car companies. However, it depends on factors like location, time of year, and vehicle type. Another way to save is by having a credit card that offers primary rental car insurance. For example, the Visa Infinite credit cards come with this benefit. This can save you up to $1,500 in damages. It’s a great way to save on your next road trip. Moreover, this perk helps you earn 2% annual rewards on all your Costco purchases.

Compact cars

Costco offers members an opportunity to save money on car rentals through its member-exclusive Costco Travel website. Using a similar model as other price comparison travel sites, Costco Travel searches Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise for the lowest rates. It also allows members to search by brand if they have loyalty to a specific supplier.

Standard rental cars are four-door models that provide ample room for occupants and luggage. These vehicles get excellent gas mileage and are easy for most drivers to handle.

Full-size luxury sedans, such as the Chrysler 300, offer style and comfort for those looking to impress on their vacation or business trip. They may be more difficult to maneuver in parking lots, but they make up for it with plenty of passenger and cargo space.

Intermediate vs. compact car

Depending on your trip, an intermediate car might be the best option. It is smaller than a full-size car and larger than an economy car, so it will save you money on rental rates. You may also want to consider an SUV, which can hold more luggage than a compact car.

If you are a Costco member, you can use their online travel portal to book your car rental. The service is convenient, and the car rentals are usually cheaper than standard rental cars. It also eliminates the additional driver fee, which can add up quickly.

However, it is important to note that Costco only works with Avis for its car rental program. This can limit your options when comparing prices to other competitors. For example, the search results page for a two-day compact car rental from JFK to Rome shows only one rate from Avis. This is compared to Auto Europe’s search results, which include rates from multiple suppliers for the same rental size and destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need in order to rent car in Portugal

An international driving licence is required to rent a car in Portugal. Also, for payment purposes, proof of insurance or valid credit cards is required.

A rental company may ask for your passport/national ID card to confirm your booking.

Portugal may ask you to provide two forms of identification when renting a vehicle.

These documents are required by law to conform with European Union regulations on road safety. If you have any doubts regarding your identity, you might be denied entry to the vehicle until these documents can be provided.

An International Driving License is not required if you are not a driver.

This document must then be translated to Portuguese and submitted with all the documentation. It costs approximately $20-30 USD to translate this document depending on where you live.

You may not be allowed to enter the vehicle if you fail to provide a copy your official translation.

Do you need a car in Europe?

The best solution for you depends on where your life is and what you're looking to do. One European city may have different priorities than one in rural areas.

Also, consider how long your plans to stay in each country. You may need an economical car if there are frequent trips and you don't plan on staying in one place for long.

In most cases, buying secondhand cars is cheaper than renting. It is often cheaper to buy a used car than rent one in Europe. For instance, you save money on fuel, parking fees, maintenance costs, insurance, taxes, etc.

Another benefit is that the car can be driven safely.

There are many websites that provide useful information about European car rentals. We recommend checking out our recommendations below.

What is the difference between a domestic and international rental car?

International cars can be more expensive, but domestic cars have fewer options than international.

International cars tend to be more expensive but provide better comfort and safety equipment (e.g., air conditioning, seatbelts and anti-lock brakes).

Based on the amount of mileage you intend to travel daily, you should choose the car that best suits your needs.

If you will mostly be traveling within 100 miles of the airport, then you should get a local car (domestic) as these are generally cheaper.

You should consider an international model if your driving will involve a lot of driving in cities or going off-road.

Can you rent a vehicle in Portugal and pick it up in Spain?

The answer is yes, you can do this. This is called "car rental". You can find many companies online that offer this service.

Simply check with Spanish and Portuguese authorities to see if they license them.

It is best to reach them via their websites. You should be able to contact them directly on their websites.

Which countries are willing to accept US drivers licenses?

The United States does not recognize any other country's driver's licenses as valid on its roads. However, Canada, Mexico and District of Columbia recognize them.

Canada recognizes American driver's licenses issued by all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Mexico also recognizes American driver's licenses, but at this time, they are only recognized in the state of Chihuahua.

The District of Columbia will accept driver's licenses of all 50 US states, except Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, West Virginia, and Texas.

Which is the best road trip across Europe?

Road trips that allow you to stop at interesting stops along the way are better than those that just take you from A to Z.

While there are many roads across Europe, few roads are as spectacular as the one between Venice and Dubrovnik.

The majority of the trip will take you through breathtaking scenery. You can stop at many points along the way to see all of it.

Highlights include Torcello in Lake Garda and Lido di Jesolo on the islands, as well as the Dolomites, Lake Como and Dolomites in northern Italy and the walled medieval French city of Carcassonne.

Statistics

• Automatics are more expensive (usually about 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. (ricksteves.com)
• I'd say 70% of the time, we have a hassle-free encounter, but there have been certain companies that we prefer not to use anymore. (theworldpursuit.com)
• In 2019, the most crucial factor is the cost and fees of the rental (accounting for 28% of overall satisfaction with the rental experience), followed by the rental car itself at 25% and the pick-up process at 23%. (cnet.com)
• You can rent an automatic but these cars can cost as much as 50% more than a manual vehicle. (earthtrekkers.com)
• Save up to 30% on your rental car in Europe when you book with us today. (autoeurope.com)

External Links

avis.com

• Avis Rent a Car
  

alamo.com

• Cheap Car Rental in the U.S., Latin America & More - Alamo Rent a Car
  
• Alamo Insiders – Alamo Hire a Car - Get Low Car Rental Prices
  

sixt.com

• SIXT rent a car
  
• Great Benefits for Status Card Holders - Sixt Car rental
  

enterprise.com

• Home
  
• Enterprise Rent A Car
  

How To

Here are 12 things you need to know about renting a car in Europe

What information should I have when renting a vehicle in Europe?

When you rent a car in Europe, there are many things you should know before driving off. It really depends on which type of rental vehicle you choose. Here's a list of must-know tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

1. Your insurance policy. Before hitting the road, ensure your auto insurance covers travel outside your home country. You can find cheap international car insurance here.
2. The correct documents. You'll need a driver's license from your own country, plus several identification cards (passport, visa, etc.) to prove where you're going. It is best to get these documents early so that you don’t miss any deadlines.
3. Road Rules. Pay attention to signage indicating speed limits, one way streets and pedestrian crossings. Driving in another country can lead to fines or accidents.
4. Parking rules. Parking regulations vary from one city to the next. Before arriving in town make sure you read the parking regulations.
5. Gasoline. Gasoline. Prices vary depending on location and country. But, generally speaking, gasoline costs three times as much back home than it does there.
6. Insurance requirements. Renters older than three years are subject to additional liability insurance in some countries. Check with your rental company about specifics.
7. GPS navigation systems. Travelers are increasingly using GPS navigation systems. If you are unsure how to use them, bring along a map.
8. Radio stations. Radio stations may play music you don’t recognize. Don't worry; press "0" to change the frequency to English.
9. Seatbelts. In most European countries, seat belts are required.
10. Road tolls Road tolls are common throughout Europe. Most can be paid at meters at major intersections.
11. Speeding tickets. Speeding is strictly prohibited in large parts Europe, including Germany Austria, Switzerland Italy France, Spain, Switzerland and Italy.
12. Tipping. Tipping is not the same thing in Europe as in North America. Tipping is not customary in all parts of the world. Try giving a round number, such as 10% or 15%.

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