Updated December 22, 2003 -- Roadtrip travel in January and February is less common, than in, say, warm-enough-to-roll-the-windows-down June and July, and prices typically reflect that lower demand. So far, 2004 is shaping up to be no different, with one outfit pushing special rates of less than $10 a day.
The Enterprise Rent-a-Car system has a "Take Off" special rate of just $9.99 a day, with the first 100 miles free; each additional mile will cost you up to 45¢ making this deal great for short trips, not so great for longer getaways. Rates are higher at airport locations (as usual) and in the Boston, Chicago, D.C., New York and San Francisco metropolitan areas. The rate is valid through May 7, 2004 for rentals beginning on a Friday and ending the following Monday with reservations made in advance. For full details, visit www.enterprise.com.
Payless is offering a $20.04 daily rate for online reservations booked for travel anytime in January. That will get you a compact car at participating locations. Or you can rent a mid-size car for $30 a day anytime throughout the year. These bookings can be made only at www.paylesscarrental.com. Payless, by the way, has just made a deal with European rental giant Sixt, which bodes well for future car rental rates for travelers to Europe.
Next up the price ladder is Alamo with a weekend rate of $21.99 per day for a compact. It's valid through February 10, 2004, availability is limited and holiday blackouts apply. A Saturday night rental is also required, and this deal is no available in the New York metro area. Contact them at www.alamo.com, click on "Hot Deals."
Budget has a slew of specials listed on its website. One advertised special is $22 for a weekend day compact car. You must rent for at least two days, but no more than four, and a Saturday must be included. This offer is valid through February 10, 2004 for pickup at participating US airport locations. May not be available during holiday and other blackout periods. They say it's a savings of up to 46%. Rates not available February 5 through 10 in Florida. Some non-participating locations include NY Metro area, Hawaii, and a few more. There are a lot of restrictions, so go see them on the website before you decide to book. Budget features Ford Motor Company products. Check them out at www.budget.com.
Finally, National Car Rental has special weekend rates starting at $25 a day, valid through February 10, 2004 in most areas. See the website for restrictions and caveats, at www.nationalcar.com.
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