BOOK FOR THE ENTIRE TRIP OR JUST FOR FIRST WEEK ?

[Norrie]

We've got a month in Florida (Orlando based) - shall we book a hire car for the entire stay over t'internet or just book for the first week and then renew locally after that?

May be answering my own question here ..... we plan to hire a convertible for a 4 day trip to the Keys. Feasible?

[CERICROWLEY]

The best option is to book it all in one from the links above, Check out the silver option as well as the gold, as it is sometimes cheaper to pay for the gas at the desk with the silver option for stays over 14-21 days, To be perfectly honest, I would not book a convertible, but that was down to our personal choice, we did this some years back, and cases were an issue as well as, it was far better to have the air conditioning on, than the roof down, Driving such a long way down the keys, it can be pretty noisy with the wind etc, and you will be blown to pieces for about 9 hours or so.

[ShirleyD]

Car hire for days, is more than the weekly rate divided by 7, so if you are wanting to change the car part way, you may be better to work in blocks of 7 days. You are deffinately cheaper doing it in advance through this site. Dollar do have a return it full option if you book on Silver option, so that can save a bit too.

[canarypam]

Definately book here before you go. Do not renew locally it will be much more expensive. Take a look at the car hire link here we always book through this company and you get great service and price. With regards to a convertible it depends whenyou are travelling we always book one when we travel in April/May and also September. We don't bother at Christmas as it can be a bit chilly. Also the summer months can be a bit stormy so probably not best then either. If I was drivng to the Keys in say September/October I would definitely book a convertible .... Lovely!

[Norrie]

Thank you all so much for your great advice and help, looks like we'll be checking out the links above and booking in advance.

Another question ...... my hubby will be arriving in a day or so before the boys and me, he will pick up the hire car. however, there will be occasions when I will be required to drive. Can I be a named driver on the contract without them actually checking out my licence or will we have to go into the hire depot after my arrival and get my documents validated. No big problem if this is the case, just trying to get everything straight in advance.

[CERICROWLEY]

They will have to see your licence and you will need to sign the documents as well, but you can do that at any depot, not necessary at the airport, but if you are there anyway it is a lot easier to get it done and dusted. It only takes a couple of minutes