There are several people that find the whole idea of flying and being on a plane in general quite a scary thought, you haven’t seen anything yet! There are airports around the world which even the most experienced pilots find a challenge, that’s not something you want to know as a passenger believe me. Here are the top 5 scariest airports in the world… (more…)
Hiring A Car In Estonia With Winter Tyres
About Estonia
Estonia is one of the less popular destinations in Europe but still pulls in millions of tourists a year. Estonia has plenty to do, with a large national park, many historic buildings and even a 314m which you ascend and see the views of the surrounding area. There are a few ski resorts in Estonia and despite it not been the most popular location with skiers, that does not mean you can’t have a great time.
If you are visiting Estonia in the Winter months, it is important you are aware of any laws in Estonia at this time of year. We have collated all the information you will need to know when hiring a car in the winter in Estonia.
Do I Need Winter Tyres By Law In Estonia?
Yes, between 1st December and 1st March it is a legal requirement to have your car equipped with winter tyres. Due to this being a legal requirement, when you hire a car, it will already come with winter tyres fit as standard in the months stated above. The full price of your rental will automatically include the extra cost of winter tyres.
Do I need snow chains in Estonia?
No, in Estonia, as long as you have winter tyres, which you will do, there is no requirement for snow chains. For this reason, our suppliers do not offer snow chains available to hire from this location.
What else should I consider?
If you are planning to take your skis with you, you will need to consider how you are going to transport your skis. The easiest way to do this is to add a ski rack when booking, this will cost an extra £35 for the duration of the hire. The ski racks can only hold 2 sets of skis, if you wish to take more than 2 sets of skis it might be worth hiring a larger car to accommodate your skis.
If you are going to travel to another country with our cross border car hire offer, you must make sure you know the laws in any country you visit. If you fail to meet the laws of any country, you are responsible and could be issued a fine and your insurance may be void. To avoid this, make sure you add anything you need to your booking or make alternative arrangements before you reach the country.
As always, we recommend that you call us if you would like to hire a car, even more so if you have exact requirements. Our expert team are always happy to help with any questions or concerns that you may have to make sure your car hire is stress free. Get in contact with our team today!
Travelling Abroad? 3 Things You Can’t Forget
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller with years of adventures under your belt or you’ve never been outside of your home county before, travelling abroad is an undeniably exciting experience, be it your first or one thousandth time. So, once you’ve saved for flights and booked your hotel that’s it – you’re ready to go, right? Wrong. To achieve a smooth, stress-free trip, taking care of the essential tasks means so much more than simply getting to your destination – it means ensuring you’ve ticked off all the ‘boring’ organisational tasks, allowing you to make the most from your holiday abroad.
So, in this post, our friends at Jolly Good Loans share 3 tips for travelling abroad, helping you to rest assured that you’re as prepared as possible ahead of your overseas adventure.
Remember to book travel while you’re away
So, you’ve landed in your chosen destination and have managed to pick out your ‘unique’ black suitcase against the sea of similarly ‘unique’ black suitcases on the conveyor belt. You’re ready to go – but where, and how? Airport taxi services are likely to come with an inflated price tag, and while in some countries there is room to haggle for the best price, with limited language skills this prospect can be a daunting one for many travellers looking to put their feet up in their hotel after a long journey.
Therefore, to ensure you’re fully prepared, make sure you sort out your airport transfer in advance – searching online for the best price for a taxi to ensure you’re not getting ripped off in the moment or, alternatively, planning a route using airport shuttle buses or other modes of public transport online ahead of travelling.
Depending on the type of holiday you’re going on, it’s vital you consider how you’ll be getting around before you fly. For example, if your budget hotel is situated 5KM away from the beach, is there a local bus that can take you too and from on daily excursions? Or, if your itinerary involves exploring a little off the beaten track, how do you plan on getting around to visit hidden away places?
In instances like these, it’s important you consider organising a car rental service for your stay. At Indigo Car Hire, they have cars in multiple destinations around Europe, so book up now and give yourself peace of mind that your internal travel is already arranged.
Make sure you’ve considered insurance
While you’re booking flights for your forthcoming trip, you‘ll likely be asked during the checkout process whether you’d like to add travel insurance. While this is certainly something you should consider, booking it through your flight provider isn’t a necessity. As such, make sure you do the appropriate research when it comes to picking a travel insurance provider – checking their policies against your itinerary.
For example, if you’re planning a lot of sports activity while you’re away, most standard policies won’t cover this despite claiming they cover the basics – so you’ll need to take out additional cover if you’re choosing to take part in the following: winter sports, extreme sports, water sports or golf.
Additionally, it’s crucial that you keep a copy of your documents with you at all times. Make sure you photocopy versions of your passport and insurance information, keeping them on you throughout your time away – this is particularly important for instances where you don’t have your physical passport on you or in the unfortunate event of you losing it.
Don’t forget to do your local research
Upon arrival, the first day or two will likely be spent wandering around getting to grips with your bearings and learning about local customs – in addition to eating foods defined as local from busy, central restaurants. To ensure you make the most out of your holiday, however, we suggest doing your research about places to eat and drink and sights to see before you fly.
As a result, you’ll be able to avoid touristy restaurants known by the locals to be more expensive and, instead, eat in places where local foods are home-cooked for a typically far cheaper price. Additionally, by checking out local landmarks online ahead of your trip, you’ll be made aware of busy times during various seasons – allowing you to plan your visit for quieter times where you can really make the most of the landmark without worrying about having to dodge a crowd of selfie sticks.
Undoubtedly, the most important aspect of travelling is how much fun you’ll have while doing it – no matter if that involves laying on the beach or hiking up a mountain. But, in order to ensure that you’ve grasped every opportunity possible, minimising stress is key. So, by following the above steps we’re sure you’ll be on your way to creating a memorable holiday for all the right reasons.
Author bio:
Keith Harrison is a content creator and writer for Jolly Good Loans – your online personal loans encyclopedia. Photo by Ina Carolino on Unsplash
2020 Is Finally Here – Where’s the best place to spend the New Year?
Where is the best place to celebrate the New Year
2019 is quickly coming to an end, and with that comes the anticipation of a new year – what better way to ring in the New Year than with one of the biggest celebrations in the world? This year the celebrations are guaranteed to be bigger, as we celebrate not just a new year, but a new decade. We’ve put together a list of the best places to count down to 2020 so you can start as you mean to go on and kick off the next decade with a bang.
Sydney, Australia
Being the first major city in the world to tick over into 2020, Sydney is renowned for its New Year celebrations and stunning fireworks displays. With dozens of ticketed events from music festivals and club nights to more upscale and exclusive events such as dinner parties and banquets, you’re guaranteed to find your dream way to spend the first moments of the year. There are also several free events including a range of family-friendly activities with music, entertainment and foods, as well as a number of vantage points where you can view the famous fireworks display as the clocks hit midnight – so be sure to take a look around and see what catches your eye. If you’re looking for bright carnival lights and a fun way to start the year, Sydney’s Lunar Park Harbour Party is the perfect place to enjoy the fireworks and have a whole load of fun, with the amusement park open until 1am for the celebrations.
For something a little more peaceful and family friendly, you could always pack up a picnic and head somewhere slightly further afield – such as the display at Darling Harbour which is specifically designed to be family friendly. This is a free event, with light shows every hour and the traditional midnight fireworks display, as well as a slightly earlier one at 9pm – meaning that those with younger families don’t necessarily have to stay out all night to join in with the celebrations.
New York City, USA
Arguably one of the most famous NYE celebrations in the world, dating back well over 100 years, they really do know how to throw a party over in New York’s Time Square! Millions of people across the world tune in to see the New Year’s Eve Ball drop, so why not start your year in the best possible way and join the festivities in person?
It’s certainly a bucket list worthy celebration, but this is one of the biggest celebrations in the world, so do be prepared for quite a lot of queuing! If you’re looking to celebrate in style with something a little more subdued, bars and venues across the city are offering everything from Gatsby themed roaring 20s parties to kick off the New Year with a bang, to high class, black tie dinner parties with unbeatable views of the fireworks display at midnight.
For something a little different, head to the harbour for the range of cruises that are available to watch from the water as the clock strikes midnight, or stop by Brooklyn Bridge for their walking tour that will give you a wonderful view of the city’s skyline as the fireworks start.
Paris, France
Where better to start a new year than in the city of love? New Year’s Eve in Paris promises a stunning firework display at the Arc de Triomphe, with more than 100,000 people gathering annually along one of the world’s most famous avenues to celebrate the new year.
For something away from the big crowds, why not see a cabaret show at the famous Moulin Rouge, or take a look at the range of parties and cruises available across the city to find your perfect way to celebrate? Most of Paris’ biggest clubs and venues throw unforgettable parties with a variety of themes, and many have rooftop terraces for a perfect view of the midnight fireworks against the city’s skyline.
London, UK
Here in England, there’s no bigger New Year’s celebration than the one that takes place on the banks of the Thames, with Big Ben ringing in the start of the new year and the stunning display of fireworks broadcast across the country from the famous London Eye. Head down for the annual fireworks display, set to the biggest musical hits of the year against the beautiful backdrop of the city. Each year the party rings in the year with a renowned musical guest – this year Craig David will be performing in the run up to the countdown.
London really does have something for everyone looking for a unique way to start their new year – from immersive West End theatre experiences to your own night at the museum, all of London’s best loved attractions are pulling out all the stops to make this new year the best one yet. If you’re after something more celebratory, the city will be filled with parties all night – including the Christmas in New York New Year’s Eve ball to celebrate USA style (perfect if you can’t make the ball drop!) or for a more elegant affair, The Petersham offers an elegant Victorian evening, with classical music and champagne to ensure a high class start to the year.
Edinburgh, Scotland
New Year’s Eve is certainly a celebration in Scotland – their annual Hogmanay festival is one of the biggest events in the Scottish calendar. The word itself translates as ‘the first day of the new year’ and as their festival shows, they know how to make it count!
Their 3 day long festival kicks off on the 30th with a torchlit procession through Edinburgh and down the famous Royal Mile to Holyrood Park, where the crowds form the iconic image of two people shaking hands and are captured by an aerial camera to be shown across the globe. On the big night itself, the 31st is marked with a unforgettable street party against the backdrop of the breathtaking Edinburgh Castle, complete with fireworks and the worldwide tradition of Auld Lang Syne. Musical performances are scheduled throughout the night to keep the party going, with Mark Ronson performing as the clock strikes midnight.
On New Year’s Day, wake yourself up with the annual tradition of a cold-water dip at the Loony Dook, where participants run into the freezing river to raise money for charities.
Here at Indigo we’re able to offer rentals across the globe for customers with a range of requirements – so if you’re heading out for the New Year and want to make your travel that little bit easier, then get in touch and we can help you find your perfect rental. But better make it quick – rentals are popular over the festive period and availability may be limited!
Whether you’re heading out to a world-famous party or staying in on the sofa with those leftover Christmas chocolates, we here at Indigo hope all of our customers have a great start to 2020 – Happy New Year!
Cayman Islands, Which Island Is The Best?
Where are the Cayman Islands located?
The Cayman Islands are a dependency of the United Kingdom and are located in the western Caribbean, Northwest of Jamaica and South of Cuba.
How is the weather in the Cayman Islands?
The Cayman Islands has a tropical climate meaning it is hot all year round. Average temperatures range between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius making it ideal for sun any time of the year. The best time of year to visit the Cayman Islands is between November and April as there is less rainfall in this time and it is slightly cooler so you can explore the islands.
What to do on the Cayman Islands?
Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore diverse wildlife or even try deep sea fishing, this is the place for you. Just like with any location with so much to see and only a limited amount of time, it can be hard to choose what you want to see. This is even harder because everything is separated across 3 islands. Each island has something different to offer, if you can I would recommend visiting them all. With that been said, that is not always possible, due to time or money constraints. That leaves you with the question, which Cayman Island should I visit?
Grand Cayman
Long sandy beaches that lie next to pearlescent blue water, fused with the culture and history of Grand Cayman, makes it an amazing place to visit. If you love nature you will love stingray city, where you can come face to face stingrays and not just one, hence the name. The Cayman turtle centre is a great place to visit as a family and is the largest land-based attraction in the Cayman Islands, with over 500,00 annual visits. As well as just turtles you can find other wildlife including birds and predators. There are several scuba diving and snorkelling spots throughout the island, in which you can enjoy the wildlife that inhabits the island and the surrounding waters. The cherry on top is that you can enjoy duty free shopping while at Grand Cayman and get a bargain on a big brand.
Cayman Brac
This island is off the beaten track, with sinkholes and limestone caves that are surrounded by clear waters that make it perfect for diving. Various hiking trails will take you to unique flowers, reptilian habitats and an array of historic sites. The island is home to endangered parrots, brown boobies and peregrine falcons, if you are an avid birdwatcher, you will be in your element here. As well as this, Cayman Brac is a popular launch point for deep sea fishing excursions, with such a variety of fish to catch this is the perfect spot for any fisher.
Little Cayman
Only 10 miles long and just 1-mile wide, Little Cayman is the smallest of the 3 islands. Due to its small size there is less than 300 people who live on the island. Sandy beaches line the perimeter of the island and the only sound is that of the wind as it passes through the palm trees. You can’t get much closer to a paradise, if you need a change of pace and want to relax in peace and quiet this is the place to be. If you like diving you will love the 5,000ft deep dive that is Bloody Bay Wall, home to many species this is an experience you won’t forget. 3 islands not enough for you? When visiting Little Cayman, you can jump in a Kayak and visit the unofficial 4th Cayman Island, Owen Island.
How To Travel Around The Different Cayman Islands?
If you visit the largest and most popular of the 3 islands, Grand Cayman, you are in luck, Grand Cayman is the only one out of the three islands that we can offer car hire. On Grand Cayman we have several offers that you can benefit from, these offers are:
Should you plan to visit the 2 other islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman there are several other transportation methods, this includes but not limited to:
- Bus Service
- Hire A Bike or Scooter
- Taxi
- Local car rental
Whatever method you choose to explore the Cayman Islands it is always best to research before you go. If you need to book anything it is best to do so in advance if possible.
Hopefully this blog helps you decide which island best suits your ideal holiday or maybe you are lucky enough to visit all of them. If you choose to visit Grand Cayman and would like to hire a car, we have got you covered. If you would like to book car hire, please contact us to ensure you get the best deal. You can get in touch with us via call, email or by using the live chat function.
Guaranteed 4×4 Vehicles In The UK
Guaranteed Model 4×4 Vehicles available for hire
Whilst you’ve always had the option of hiring large SUV’s before in the UK, it was always impossible to know for sure whether you would get a guaranteed 4×4 on arrival or not. It was basically all up to whether the supplier had one when you got there.
This is obviously not ideal, especially if you’re going using the vehicle off-road or perhaps looking for a safer vehicle to drive during winter when a 4×4 makes life much easier! We have managed to team up with one of our suppliers to offer you guaranteed 4×4 SUV hire across the UK, available at all major airports and cities.
4×4 Rental Locations
Aberdeen Airport
Belfast Airport
Birmingham Airport
Bristol Airport
Cardiff Airport
Cork Airport
Edinburgh Airport
Exeter Airport
Gatwick Airport
Belfast Airport
Birmingham Airport
Bristol Airport
Cardiff Airport
Cork Airport
Edinburgh Airport
Exeter Airport
Gatwick Airport
Glasgow Airport
Heathrow Airport
Leeds Bradford Airport
Liverpool Airport
Luton Airport
Manchester Airport
Shannon Airport
Southampton Airport
Stansted Airport
Heathrow Airport
Leeds Bradford Airport
Liverpool Airport
Luton Airport
Manchester Airport
Shannon Airport
Southampton Airport
Stansted Airport
Euston Station
Park Lane
Waterloo
Waterloo Station
Russell Square
York Train Station
What 4×4 Vehicles Can I Hire
Here is a small list with a few examples we stock, but this is not at all exhaustive:
- Jeep Cherokee
- Toyota Rav4
- Nissan X-Trail
- Volvo XC60
- Range Rover
- Ford Kuga
These all fit into the three different ranges that we offer – Small, Large and Executive SUV’s.
Can I hire a 4×4 with points / convictions on my licence?
Yes – as long as you only have one major conviction (e.g. DR10 etc.) then this won’t be a problem at all, even if the conviction is less than a year old. Feel free to look at our page here for more info on hiring with points also.
Do I have to leave a huge deposit on my card?
Not at all – on the 4×4’s the deposit ranges between £200.00 and £500.00 as the maximum, depending on the size of car and location you are hiring from. Most other suppliers would require upwards of a £1000 deposit hold on your card for the hire – even more so on premium SUV’s / 4×4’s!
I’ve just received my licence, am I still able to hire a 4×4?
Yes – providing you have actually received the physical photocard this is fine, even if you’ve only had it for a couple of days! The only restriction is that you must be over 25 for this option (30 for the larger SUV’s). There’s no extra charge for this either – just take a look at our blog post here for more info.
To top it all off as well, we have a special offer available where you can get a free additional driver on any 4×4 hire in the UK. Just make sure you call / email us before booking online so that you can take advantage of this.
Hiring A Car In Iceland With Winter Tyres
Hiring A Car In Iceland With Winter Tyres
With over 2 million tourists visiting Iceland every year, it is becoming increasingly popular due to the natural beauty that the country has to offer. In Iceland you can explore the impressive waterfalls and icebergs or bathe in the geothermal spas. There is also a range of ski resorts you can visit on the island while you are there.
If you are travelling in winter, it is important that you are aware of the laws that are in place. We have gathered all the information you may need to know to stay on the right side of the law and fit it into this blog.
Is It A Legal Requirement To Have Winter Tyres In Iceland?
Yes, between 1st November and 15th April you are legally required to have winter tyres equipped to your car. If you are hiring a car, there is no need to worry, the supplier will automatically fit winter tyres during these months. The full price of your rental will include the additional cost of winter tyres to keep it simple.
Do I Need Snow Chains In Iceland?
No, if you have winter tyres, which anyone hiring a car will have, you do not need snow chains. Due to this our suppliers do not offer snow chains available to hire with your car.
What Else Do I Need To Consider?
If you are planning to take skis with you, you will need a way to transport your skis. Unfortunately, we do not offer ski racks available for hire at this location. However, we suggest you hire a larger vehicle to accommodate your skis.
If you choose to make use of our cross border car hire offer, you must make sure that you know the laws of any country that you are going to visit. If you are do not meet the law of a country that you are in, you could get a fine and your insurance could be void.
We always recommend calling us if you would like to book a car, especially if you have precise requirements. Our team of car hire experts are ready to answer any questions or concerns that you may have to ensure you have the best car hire experience possible. Get in contact with our team today!
Ljubljana Airport Debit Card Car Hire
Can I Hire A Car With My Debit Card At Ljubljana Airport
Indigo Car Hire is proud to announce that we are expanding our operations in Slovenia by adding a new location in Ljubljana Airport. Starting from this month if you want to hire a car in Slovenia you will be able to do Ljubljana Airport Debit Card Car Hire.
Many people are unable to obtain a credit card so, getting the use of the debit card for car rental makes life a little bit easier. We all know that as most rental companies demand the credit card on arrival, but that is not the case with Indigo car Hire.
Ljubljana Airport Debit Card Car Hire Conditions
Unfortunately, our suppliers do not accept every type of debit card. To check if yours will be accepted, please contact us. The deposit required by our car hire supplier is 900 euros for both economy size and compact size vehicles. The deposit amount will be blocked on your debit card . Our supplier also runs a full to full fuel policy. This policy means that you will take the car with a full fuel tank and you will have to return it with the tank full.
Indigo Car Hire offers in Ljubljana Airport also include
- Young Drivers Car Hire (20+)
- Senior Drivers Car Hire (up to 99 years old)
- Additional driver option car hire
- Cross-border Car Hire
- Breakdown assistance
- Special equipment/optional extras car hire
- Free Cancellation Policy
Ljubljana is the capital and largest city of Slovenia. Because of its location – between the Adriatic Sea and the Danube region trade route, Ljubljana is a major travel hub. Many tourists visit this charming city because of its artists, museums, and galleries but also because is one of Europe’s greenest and most liveable capitals.
For more information about debit card car hire in Ljubljana, or Hiring with a debit card in Slovenia, please contact us over the phone on +44 (0)113 880 0748 or via email on sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk
Luxury Car Hire Heathrow Airport
Luxury Car Hire At Heathrow Airport
The largest airport in the UK and one of the largest in the world naturally would always have a high demand for car rental. Hand in hand with that comes a large demand for luxury car hire Heathrow airport, you may be pleased to know Indigo Car Hire have a large and fantastic luxury car range located at Heathrow. (more…)
Hiring A Car In Latvia With Winter Tyres
About Latvia
Latvia is a location not many people would consider when choosing where to visit. However, last year 3.5 million people did choose Latvia and although less popular than some countries there is still lots to do and see. Churches, Cathedrals and a huge palace are just a few of the things you can expect to see if you visit Latvia. There are several options if you are looking to go skiing while in Latvia and one of the resorts is home to the only bobsleigh run in eastern Europe, give it a go if you dare.
To experience the slopes in full potential it is best to visit in Winter. If you decide to visit in Winter, it is important to know the laws of the country you are driving in. We have done all the hard work for you by gathering all the information and fitting it into this blog.
Do I Need Winter Tyres In Latvia?
Yes, between 1st December and 1st March, it is a legal requirement to have your car fit with Winter Tyres. As this is required by law, if you hire within this time period, your car will be fit with winter tyres as standard and the full price of your rental with reflect this.
Do I Need Snow Chains In Latvia?
No, you are not required by law to carry snow chains, therefore the suppliers we work with do not offer snow chains available for hire.
What else do I need to consider?
If you plan to go skiing while you are in Latvia, you will need a way to transport your skis. Unfortunately, none of our suppliers can provide a ski rack when you book. Alternatively, we suggest that you hire a larger car to make more room to fit your skis.
You may have booked cross border car hire and plan to travel to one or several of the surrounding countries. If this is you, make sure you have researched the laws of any country you plan on visiting. If you require anything extra, make sure you add this when booking or make alternative arrangements before you enter the country. If you fail to meet the laws of a country, you could end up in trouble with the local law enforcement and your insurance could be void.
We always think it is best to call us if you would like to hire a car, especially if you have exact requirements. Our team of experts are always happy to help with your questions and concerns to make your car hire easier than ever before. Get in contact with us today!