Travelling to exotic places is one thing that makes the summer exciting and memorable. However, there are a number of logistics issues that can ruin one’s summer if not properly planned and taken care of. Some of these issues include accommodation, food and mobility.
There are many exotic spots both home and abroad that you can visit this summer. One place that comes highly recommended is Naxos Greece. It is the biggest island of the Cyclades group of islands in the Aegean sea with a land mass of 429 square kilometres. This location has over 30 beaches and several villages that you can explore.
Due to the size of the island, you will need transportation to fully explore and enjoy the wonders and beauty of the place. This therefore means that you must of necessity hire a car unless you decide to stay in one spot or make do with whatever arrangement your tour company comes up with( if your trip was organized by a tour company). You can click here for more details about this island.
Like we said earlier, mobility or transportation can either make or mar your summer vacation; therefore it is necessary that you get it right. That is why this article will share tips that will help you with hiring a car in Naxos. Bear in mind that some tips shared here will also come in handy for other vacation spots so stay with us.
Understanding the Basics of Car Hire in Europe
Before we go into specifics of hiring a car in Naxos, we will share basics of hiring a car in Europe.
- You need an international driver’s permit
- You need a vignette – This is a sticker that you put on the windshield of a car indicating that you have paid highway taxes. If you get a car from a rental in a country that require vignette, it is usually taken care of by the company. But if you are driving a rental from a country that doesn’t require vignette into one that does, you have to ensure that you get one.
- You have to adjust to driving on the left.
- Manual transmission is different in Europe than other continents.
- European street signs are different from those of America, so ensure you take out time to understand them before you start driving. Same also as traffic laws; do not just assume based on American laws. Make sure you acquaint yourself with the traffic laws of the country you are visiting.
- Age requirement for renting a car is more stringent in Europe than America. If you are under 25 years, you may have to pay extra fees and get special insurance to be able to hire a car. conversely, seniors also may have problem renting a car in many European countries
Tips for Hiring a Car in Naxos
Now that we have seen some basic facts about car hire in Europe, find below tips to help you get the best of car rentals in Naxos:-
Book Ahead
Based on the fact that this island is sparsely populated even at the height of the tourist season, you may find it difficult to get the car you desire. For this reason, you are advised to book ahead to at least increase your chances of getting something close to what you want or even getting a car at all.
Additionally, booking ahead helps you to get the best price possible. Look out for when car hire companies offer discounts and other promo incentives which is usually off-season and book your rental then.
It is pertinent to point out here that most cars here are manual, with just a few autos. That is one more reason why you need to book ahead. You can visit this site: https://nactionrentacar.com for more information. You can also go online to different car rentals to find out whether they have operations in Naxos or somewhere close to it.
Be Patient
When you arrive the island, you must adjust your patience meter to high. One thing you must understand and appreciate about island dwellers is that they are never in haste and they do not like too much formality. Never be in a hurry to settle any issues that may arrive with your rental arrangement as you would only end up complication issues for yourself.
Go for Compact Cars
Due to the fact that there aren’t enough parking spaces in most European cities, not excluding Naxos, it is recommended that you go for a compact vehicle. With such a vehicle, you can navigate the narrow streets and roads and also find parking spot more easily than if you went for your regular American cars.
Ensure you Read Customer Reviews
Since it goes without saying that you can only book ahead online, ensure that you read what previous clients have to say about the company. Bear in mind that based on the perspectives of most customers (Americans versus Islanders) there may be many negative reviews. The objective therefore is not to find the company without negative reviews but the one with the least of these negative reviews.
Additionally, consider how the company reacted or responded to customer complaints. This will help you rate their customer service.
Inspect the Vehicle and Record your Result
Make sure you inspect the care and record the result of the inspection. If possible, make a walk-around video of the vehicle. This is to record the exact state of the car so that upon return, you will not be charged for any damage that you didn’t cause.
Conclusion
As you prepare for your summer vacation, do not forget to take into cognizance all the factors that will make it a memorable one. The earlier you start booking for essentials such as accommodation and transportation, the better for you; therefore do not take the tips shared here for granted.
Read up a lot of materials on the location that you wish to visit. This will prepare you for the culture of the people, the type of food to expect there and even help you with stuff to pack for the trip.
