Island Holidays: Car Rental or Bringing Your Own Car?
Summer has arrived, and everyone is gradually planning their holidays: leaves, accommodation, and suddenly the first holiday dilemma pops up; car rental, or my own personal car?
At a first glance, it seems more affordable to take your own car. However, there are several other factors that might make renting a car a more financially viable option.
Island Holidays: Should I rent or transfer my own car?
Greece has a plethora of islands, each one known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture that beckons visitors. To explore them properly, regardless of how good the public transportation system is on an island, having a car—whether your own or a rental—is essential.
3 benefits from using a car while on vacation
- Flexibility
Renting a car provides the flexibility you need to explore the islands at your own pace. You can make a rough plan and deviate from it, if something else catches your attention. Alternatively, you might not have a schedule at all, and just move at your own pace.
On the other hand, using public transportation means adhering to a set schedule, in which you’ll have to adjust to whenever you visit attractions. Public transport generally covers the basic transportation needs of passengers, meaning it might not go to standard attractions worth visiting.
- Comfort
Having your own vehicle means you can avoid crowded buses or the struggle to catch one of the scarce taxis. What’s more, taxi fares are often higher on islands compared to mainland Greece.
Accessibility
When traveling with your own or a rented vehicle, you can reach those remote beaches you saw in photos that caught your eye. These places are remote because they are not easily accessible, unless you have a car.
Car Rental vs. Private Car
To determine whether it’s better to rent a car or transport your own, start by comparing prices. Check the cost of daily car rentals at your preferred destination and the cost of transporting your vehicle, including round-trip tickets.
Car Rental
In most cases, you’ll find that for short trips, renting a car is a more cost-effective choice. If you consider sharing the expenses with friends, the cost is reduced even further. These points address the immediate financial benefits.
An often overlooked advantage is that you won’t be putting wear and tear on your own car. Imagine if your car gets damaged while you’re on holiday. In the case of car rental, as long as the damage isn’t your fault, the company takes responsibility.
Transporting Your Own Vehicle
This can be a cost-effective option if you’re traveling for many days. In this case, the daily rental cost of a car can be prohibitive compared to the cost of a round-trip ferry ticket.
Additionally, if you’re traveling with family, having your own car makes it easier to transport all your luggage and essentials for the children comfortably.
