Car rental company to display advertising on it’s cars

Posted on August 4, 2011 by scrawford

Looking to save a dollar on Car Rental? USA Today is reporting that an Atlanta Car Rental company is covering their vehicles in advertising to lower the cost of car rentals for consumers.

The USA newspaper is reporting that one customer secured a weekly rental that usually costs $400 for only $88. That’s a saving of $312.

It’s innovative ideas like these that helped companies like Budget, Hertz, Thrifty and Avis become global powerhouses in the 60′s, 70′s and 80′s by making brave decisions to beat their competitors to lower the cost of car rental.

Its a great way to save money on car hire and great exposure for the company who’s cars are driven through cities, airports and tourist hotspots by its drivers, but would you want to drive around in a mobile billboard? Add your comments and feedback below.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Top 20 World’s Busiest Airports

Posted on June 14, 2011 by scrawford

Ever wanted to know what the Top 20 Busiest Airports in the World are. Below is the list of Airports ranked in order of passenger numbers as at 2011.

Some interesting facts:

USA holds 6 positions within the Top 20, and London Heathrow which is widely regarded as one of the busiest airports in the world is actually in Position 4.

China has 4 Airports in the Top 20 (including Hong Kong) – obviously due to its population and high trade however India (another populous nation) doesn’t even rank in the Top 20.

Another interesting statistic is that the 20th Busiest Airport in the World, Amsterdam in the Netherlands is actually half as busy as Atlanta Georgia USA (No. 1)

1. United StatesHartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport Atlanta, Georgia, United States ATL 12,611,764
2. People's Republic of China Beijing Capital International Airport Chaoyang, Beijing, China PEK 11,699,571
3. Japan Tokyo International Airport Ōta, Tokyo, Japan HND 10,054,406
4. United Kingdom London Heathrow International Airport Hillingdon, Greater London, England, United Kingdom LHR 9,678,737
5. United States O’Hare International Airport Chicago, Illinois, United States ORD 8,924,701
6. United States Los Angeles International Airport Los Angeles, California, United States LAX 8,781,312
7. Thailand Suvarnabhumi International Airport Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, Thailand BKK 8,564,503
8. France Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport Roissy-en-France, Île-de-France, France CDG 8,316,391
9. Hong Kong Hong Kong International Airport Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong, China HKG 8,227,000
10. United States Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, United States DFW 8,225,400
11. United Arab Emirates Dubai International Airport Garhoud, Dubai, United Arab Emirates DXB 8,086,120
12. United States Denver International Airport Denver, Colorado, United States DEN 7,576,710
13. Germany Frankfurt Airport Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, Germany FRA 7,439,848
14. Indonesia Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Cengkareng, Jakarta, Java, Indonesia CGK 7,247,892
15. People's Republic of China Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Huadu, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China CAN 7,178,757
16. Singapore Singapore Changi Airport Changi, East Region, Singapore SIN 7,177,334
17. Spain Madrid Barajas International Airport Madrid, Spain MAD 6,966,229
18. United States John F. Kennedy International Airport Queens, New York City, New York, United States JFK 6,404,454
19. People's Republic of China Shanghai Pudong International Airport Pudong, Shanghai, China PVG 6,320,734
20. Netherlands Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Haarlemmermeer, North Holland, Netherlands AMS 6,314,288
Posted in Airport Information | 1 Comment

Best of Cape Town & Surrounds by Car

Posted on May 23, 2011 by scrawford

Cape Town, South Africa – What a brillant city! I just came back from a fantastic holiday through South Africa visiting some breathtaking scenery, historically significant sites, and just some great places to visit when being a tourist in this beautiful city. I’ve put together a list of things I enjoyed while travelling in and around Cape Town.

We picked up our Nissan Micra from Cape Town Airport Car Rental and got our bearings around the city doing some shopping at the V&A Waterfront, visiting the new football stadium and a nice drive along the coast through Green Point and Sea Point.

Cape Town City

We had a full day trip planned which took us right down to the Cape of Good Hope, through Hoet Bay, Fish Hoek then back to Cape Town via Stellenbosch.

Cape of Good Hope

A visit to the Cape of Good Hope is one of those must do things for tourists and travellers alike when in South Africa. Located at the most southerly tip of the African continent a short drive along the coast from Cape Town will get you to this geographical landmark. You can’t help but imagine what it would have been like travelling by boat many years ago through either the Indian or Atlantic Oceans, seeing this landmark and knowing that you’d now reached Africa and the point where both oceans meet.

Stellenbosch

What a beautiful little town, Stellenbosch is all about wine, wine and more wine. Driving through the town you would think you were in Germany or Austria, it just feels European. There is lots to see and do in Stellenbosch – we spent the afternoon visiting the Cheetahs at Spiers Winery and even got to pat them in the same cage!

Biscuit Mill Markets

One of the gems we found through word of mouth in Cape Town was the Biscuit Mill Market. What a find! A real cosmopolitan feel with fantastic food, clothing, and craft from local vendors. If your around Cape Town on a Saturday between 9am and 2pm a visit to the Market should be on your list.

Biscuit Mill Markets

Sanbona Wildlife Park

Again through word of mouth from a friend who works in Cape Town were were told of a fantastic introductory wildlife safari park called Sanbona run by Mantis group. Its a 5 star safari experience! The tents were absolute luxury with a outdoor shower, and jacussi along with a large soaker bath and all inclusive drinks and dining. The park is amazing with sightings of the white lion, giraffes, elephants, zebras, hippos, rhynos, cheetahs and more. If your looking for a more private, less touristy safari close to Cape Town then I can highly recommend it. Sanbona was definitely the highlight of our trip.

Sanbona Safari Truck

Sanbona Tents from the Outside

Inside Sanbona Tents - Luxury!

Giraffe at Sanbona

Table Mountain

A visit to Cape Town is incomplete without scaling the world famous Table Mountain. A short cable car ride up the mountain and you will get a birds eye view of the beautiful city of Cape Town that stretches for miles.

View from the top of Table Mountain

View of Table Mountain from Camps Bay

Cape Town really is a beautiful city and I’d highly recommend a visit with a rental car. To get a real South African Car Hire experience I’d recommend hiring a Chico (VW Golf) but most of the big car hire companies like Europcar, Hertz and Avis have removed them from their range which was disappointing!

To get to Cape Town, we travelled via Qantas and South African Airways from Melbourne via Perth, Australia.

Posted in Tourist Information | 4 Comments

How the Internet Has Changed the Car Hire Industry

Posted on February 20, 2011 by scrawford

Isn’t the Internet brilliant! You can see what your friends are doing in real time, phone them, text them, view photos of them, nudge them, wink at them, play games with them, befriend them, defriend them, like them, unlike them, comment on their photos, you can even marry them online!

But how has the internet changed the car hire industry? I guess the first and best thing for consumers is the Internet has made it cheaper and easier for people to hire a car from anywhere in the world at anytime of the day at the click of a button. Before, you didn’t know what you were getting, you couldn’t compare prices as easy as you can today and you needed to spend precious time – something we all don’t want to waste. Let’s face it…time is precious! We need it for our families, our friends and for the good of our lives!

The car hire industry is booming thanks to the internet! The largest car rental companies such as Avis, Europcar and Budget are competing like never before to provide consumers with the ultimate cheap deal, and agents alike are madly selling cheap car hire at prices never seen before. Its all about distribution, and the internet providing a global perspective. Never before could your corporate headquarters be able to target sales to people on the other side of the world at the click of a button or never before could a small internet car hire company compete with the big players as easy as they do today. The Internet has provided a level playing field for car hire with competition, mobility, and simplicity.

So when your next booking a car on the internet, don’t take it for granted!

Posted in Car Hire | 1 Comment

Top 5 Family Things to Do on the Gold Coast

Posted on January 31, 2011 by scrawford

We’ve compiled a list of the Top 5 Family things to do while on Australia’s Gold Coast

1) Go to the Beach

The beaches on the Gold Coast are some of the most spectacular in the World. The stretch from Coolangatta right through to Burleigh Heads, Miami, Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise is sensational. Crystal clear water, excellent surfing conditions and family friendly swimming between the flags which are supervised daily by the Gold Coast Lifesavers. Surfers Paradise beach is very busy but others such as Northcliff, Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads & Miami are a little less quiet.

2) Visit a Theme Park

A visit to a Gold Coast themepark is a must do for families. The most popular parks being Sea World, Dreamworld and Movie World. However others for the ‘water friendly’ include Wet & Wild, and White Water World. Plan for a full day and get in early as you have lots to see and do. Pack some of your own food if necessary as food can sometimes be costly. Showtimes are advertised in and around the parks but its best to plan your day before you start doing anything so you can fit in the best shows whether that be feeding the sharks, dolphin shows, or lion acrobatics. Sea World is located the closest to Surfers Paradise and can be accessed by a local bus. Dreamworld, Movieworld, Wet & Wild and Whitewater World at located at Coomera (about a 30 minute drive from Surfers Paradise). Getting there is easy when you can book cheap car hire in Surfers Paradise and visit the parks via the Pacific Motorway.

3) Experience the Surfers Paradise Market

Surfers Paradise Market is held each Wednesday & Friday night on the Surfers Paradise esplanade. Arts, crafts, nic-nacs and offical Gold Coast merchandise are all for sale at the Market. Locals are often selling their handmade items which can be purchased as gifts or displayed in your own home.

4) Visit the Q1 Skydeck

Q1 skydeck is a must see to experience the magnificent views the Gold Coast has to offer. Views can be seen stretching from the Coolangatta in the South up to Sea World and beyond in the north and west to the hinterland. You can even see the new home of the Gold Coast Suns at Cararra AFL Stadium.

5) Take the Kids to The Outback Spectacular

Take the kids to see the Outback Spectacular and you wont be disappointed. Horseback riding, camels and  an Australian Rodeo show.

Getting to the Gold Coast:

Jetstar, Virgin Blue, and Tiger all fly to Gold Coast Airport (formally Coolangatta Airport) daily.

International carrier Air Asia also flies to the Gold Coast

Getting Around on the Gold Coast:

Hire a car from Gold Coast airport or get a bus from the airport which travels up and down the highway. Taxi’s are also available along with shuttle buses which run in synch with the flights in and out of Gold Coast Airport (OOL)

Where to stay on the Gold Coast:

Save over 70% on Hotels & Apartments at Book Me In – Cheap Gold Coast Hotels

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Car Hire after the Brisbane Floods

Posted on January 13, 2011 by scrawford

Brisbane’s current flood disaster is a reminder of mother natures might and power. The current scene is typical of a post war zone. Buildings destroyed, people left homeless and destitute, cars damaged, looting, and evacuation centres swarming with people.

Current figures indicate up to 11,900 properties would be fully flooded “with water across the whole property footprint”, and 14,700 partially affected. This along with 2500 businesses fully affected, and another 2500 partially affected. A modern metropolis such as Brisbane will take years to recover from such a disaster.

Some good news has been received today that the water in the city is now receding, however where to now?

The police and army will move in to begin a massive cleanup and the thousands of people who moved to higher ground will return to their homes to find out the extent of the damage. Money and support will roll in, however the loss will be too great for some with deaths likely and treasured possessions all but washed away. Luckily a modern city such as Brisbane will quickly rebuild and life will get back to some normality.

If you are requiring car hire after the Brisbane floods please contact Crazy Car Hire

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Flood Crisis hits peak in Rockhampton Australia

Posted on January 7, 2011 by scrawford

The worst flood in over 50 years has affected North Queensland Australia, mainly in the city of Rockhampton

Damage has been caused to major roads, rail lines, and bridges, not to mention the countless homes, cars, businesses and public utilities with rising waters.

Approimately 200,000 people over an area the size of Germany and France are affected by the flooding with ten people killed.

Damage has been estimated at about $5 billion Australian Dollars.

Insurance claims are expected to be huge. The top 3 insurance companies lost $830 million as investor concerns about the floods intensified.

With the expected number of damaged cars, car hire in Rockhampton is expected to be huge with car rental companies tipped to bring in extra supplies to handle the demand once the waters have receeded. Car Hire with insurance claims is a massive industry with issues arising everyday due to car damage, theft and natural disasters occuring all over the world.

If you are needing a Rental car at Rockhampton Airport please contact Crazy Car Hire Australia.

Posted in News | 1 Comment

Sydney, Fireworks and New Years Eve

Posted on December 30, 2010 by scrawford

I went to Sydney for New Years Eve a few years ago and I must say it was one of the most memorable. Not only due to it being the start of the new millennium, but I managed to witness one of the most spectacular fireworks displays I’ve ever seen.

Sydney knows how to do Fireworks! Off the Harbour Bridge, on city buildings, the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House, off pontoons in the harbour. They even did a display especially for Oprah Winfrey. I’m intrigued to know how much money is actually spent on Fireworks displays in Sydney as they seem to have them for anything and everything!

Getting around Sydney can be difficult especially on New Years Eve. Its a large city and the public transport isn’t exactly user friendly. Catch a Train to Circular Quay Station and walk down to the Harbour for the Fireworks display, or if you really need your own wheels book a rental car in Sydney and park as close as you can to the harbour, but be prepared to pay for the privilege of driving yourself. Once your on the harbour, sit back and enjoy the show!

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Tips on Surviving an Airport Disruption or Cancellation

Posted on December 22, 2010 by scrawford

With all the cancelled flights in Europe at the moment and Christmas only a couple of days away, I thought I’d write about the alternatives to survive the queues, disruptions and cancellations at airports and make it home on time this Christmas.

So your flights been cancelled, and you need to get home no matter what. What are your options?

1) Ask at the airport if there are flights operating out of other airports close by? For example, Heathrow might have all its flights cancelled, but Gatwick may be still running flights. If you can get to another airport, you might be able to get on a flight to your final destination or at best, get a connecting flight to another airport that has a flight running to your final destination. For example if you are travelling to Australia and your at Heathrow which is not operating and Gatwick Airport is, get over to Gatwick and get a flight to say Frankfurt or Rome, which may have a connecting flight to get you to Australia. Ask at the Airport desk and get the supervisor to exhaust all options to find you an alternative route. You paid for your ticket, you have a right!

3) Can you get a train home instead? If your stuck in Paris and you need to get home to Dublin could you get the Eurostar to London, then a Virgin Train and Ferry to Dublin.

4) What about driving? Yes, home could be on the other side of the world, but its an option to start your journey home and get you on your way. You might not be able to drive all the way, but you may be able to combine any of these options into an alternative to getting home on time. Don’t have a car? Most major airports have Car Hire available with car rental companies waiting for your business. Or ask a friend if you could borrow their car?

5) Can you get a taxi? Yes, this might be costly, however if you ask around, someone may be going your way and might want to share the meter.

6) What about a bus? Buses operate out of most airports and are often a cheaper alternative than hiring a car.

7) Ask around again and see what other passengers are doing? Someone might be going your way and together you may be able to find a good outcome.

8) If all else fails… hold tight! The weather or disruption may pass in time. Things change very quickly and sometimes the bad news you may have got an hour ago, could be good news in an hours time.

Good Luck!

Posted in Airport Information | 3 Comments

Is Car Hire available at Avalon Airport Melbourne?

Posted on December 20, 2010 by scrawford

The answer is “Yes”

Avalon Airport Car Hire companies include Avis, Budget, Thrifty, and Europcar who all have a desk at Avalon. It is best however to book in advance.

Why would you fly to Avalon?

There is usually only one reason why people choose to fly to Avalon Airport in Melbourne and that reason is usually “cost”.

Avalon Airport is a small airport located aproximately 55 km from Melbourne – and 20km from Geelong. The airport itself is only a small hanger with a “waiting room” similar to the small airports in the UK like Stanstead, Gatwick and Luton. Its tailored for Low Cost airlines as its less expensive for them to use Avalon Airport so they can pass on these cheaper costs onto consumers to make flights cheaper! sound good??

I’ve used Avalon myself a couple of times and have had no problems. Avalon is not directly serviced by public transport, but it does however have shuttle buses running approximately every 50 minutes from Melbourne Southern Cross Station. A shuttle bus also runs from Geelong to the Airport.

It takes aproximately 40 minutes to get to Avalon Airport by car – basically straight over the West Gate bridge and up the Princess Freeway. The airport is located just off the highway – in fact you can see it from the road!

Parking at Avalon Airport is quite good and reasonably cheap so it may be a better alternative flying out of Avalon than flying out of  Melbourne Airport (MEL) as its far more costly to park at the main Airport (Tullamarine). The beauty of Avalon is its car park is within the airport and they have over 1500 Car spots.

Avalon (AVV) now has 2 Airlines servicing the airport. Jetstar flies to Sydney Airport (SYD) and Brisbane Airport (BNE) about 2-3 times a day. Tiger Airways has also started flying to Avalon.

Posted in Airport Information | 10 Comments