Car Hire For Under 23

Car Leasing For 21 Year Olds

Car Hire For Under 23 Year old’s

If you are under the age 25 you will struggle to find a hire company that will rent a car to you, this is even more so if you are under the age of 23. Hiring a car is a struggle due to the insurance companies that the car rental suppliers use not allowing them to hire to people who are younger than 25. Well if you are under the age of 23 don’t worry as we have over our many years in the rental industry organised many deals in order to accommodate young drivers worldwide. (more…)

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Van Hire With Unlimited Mileage

One Way Van Hire

One of the biggest frustrations when hiring a van is the mileage cap that the vast majority of suppliers have in place. This is the norm among most suppliers but we have managed to secure a deal with one of the major suppliers and can offer van hire with unlimited mileage.

Why Do Some Cap Mileage?

We know a number of reasons that the suppliers like to use such as, resale values, servicing intervals and maintenance costs. The one main reason that we know about is couriers, suppliers do not like hiring vans to couriers. There are many reasons why but the main one being the amount of miles and stress put on a vehicle by delivery drivers and couriers. Their job means they will be travelling thousands of miles in a week.

Why Are We Different?

We work very hard to make car and van hire more accessible to everyone, no matter what their employment status, financial situation or age. So we are very happy to confirm that unlimited mileage is available throughout the UK when hiring with us.

Other Van Hire Related Deals

  • Low Deposit Van Hire
  • One of our suppliers in the UK offers van hire with no deposit, this is extremely rare with van hire providers.

  • One Way Van Hire
  • Collect from one location and return to another for a set fee of £75.

  • Low Insurance Excess
  • Insurance excess is typically between £750 and £1500. We can put your mind at ease with an excess of just £250.

  • Pay With A Debit Card
  • Credit cards are not needed to hire a van in the UK anymore, providing you select the correct supplier.

Van Hire Locations

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If you are looking to hire a van or pickup then please contact our team, they are on hand now to source you the very best deal out there. We work with all of the suppliers so you don’t have to.

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Van Hire With No Deposit

Van Hire Excess Protection Insurance

It is that time of year when enquiries for van rental start to increase. In preparation for this, over summer we have been in discussion with all of our van hire suppliers in the UK to secure the very best deals out there.

We now offer van rental in more than 100 locations across the UK and Ireland, so no matter where you need to hire or what you need to hire, we have you covered.

One of the biggest deals we have been able to secure is Van Hire With No Deposit, this means when collecting the van you are only paying out for the rental cost. There is no need to have a large amount of money frozen on your card. If there was an accident or damaged caused to the van, you will only be liable for the first £250, which for van hire is a very very low insurance excess.

Other Van Hire Related Deals

  • Unlimited Mileage
  • One of our suppliers in the UK offers unlimited mileage, this is extremely rare with van hire providers.

  • One Way Van Hire
  • Collect from one location and return to another for a set fee of £75.

  • Low Insurance Excess
  • Insurance excess is typically between £750 and £1500. We can put your mind at ease with an excess of just £250.

  • Pay With A Debit Card
  • Credit cards are not needed to hire a van in the UK anymore, providing you select the correct supplier.

Van Hire Locations

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If you are looking to hire a van or pickup then please contact our team, they are on hand now to source you the very best deal out there. We work with all of the suppliers so you don’t have to.

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Hiring A Car In Italy With Winter Tyres

Winter car hire Lithuania

Italy attracts around 60 million visitors every year; many people enjoy the ancient sites, like the Colosseum or the Leaning Tower of Pisa. However, a large number of tourists flock to northeastern Italy to visit the amazing mountains that lie there. These mountains make great ski slopes and on them you can enjoy a variety of snow-based activities.

If you are travelling up the mountains in the winter, you want to make sure that you are complying with the law when it comes to driving. We have gathered all the information you need to avoid any complications when you are hiring a car in Italy in Winter. Below you will find everything you need to know about winter tyres, snow chains and ski racks.

Are Winter Tyres A Legal Requirement In Italy?

Yes, in some areas of Italy winter tyres are a legal requirement, however in other areas it is just a recommendation that you have winter tyres. Winter tyres do not come as standard with your hire car, but you can request this when booking for, but it will cost you an extra £70.

Do I Need Snow Chains In Italy?

Yes, between 15th October and 15th April, you must have snow chains in your car. Also, certain areas may require you to have them at other times so be sure to research where you plan to travel before you go. Luckily for you snow chains are included in the cost so you don’t have to worry about them.

What Else Do I Need To Consider?

If you plan to go skiing, you will need to accommodate your skis. The easiest way to do this is to hire a ski rack with your car which can be done around £35 per week. If you hire a ski rack, keep in mind that the racks can only hold 2 sets of skis. If you need to carry more than 2 sets, it could be worth hiring a larger car and folding down the seats to fit all your skis in.

If you are planning to travel across the border with our cross border travel, it is imperative that you check the laws of any country you plan to visit. If it is a legal requirement to have winter tyres of anything else in any country you visit, you must arrange this when you book your hire car. Failure to comply with another countries law could get you in trouble with the local law enforcement and could make your insurance void.

If you are interested in hiring a car, we always recommend that you call us, especially if you have specific needs. Our team are always ready to answer any and every question that you may have to allow you to hire a car with peace of mind and ease. Get in contact with us today!

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Car Hire For New Drivers In Croatia

Renting a Car with a licence for less than a year

About Croatia

Croatia is located in Central Europe and is attracting more and more visitor’s month after month. It’s no surprise with the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes and various locations that feature in the popular show Game of Thrones. That is just a couple of the countless place to visit in this country, I have previously written about the top 5 must see places in Croatia if you would like to find out more. One thing we pride ourselves on is making car hire more accessible to everyone whether that be with debit card car hire or young driver car hire. In addition to our many offers, we have found a way to make car hire in Croatia available to even more people.

New Driver Car Hire In Croatia

We are pleased to announce we can now accept new drivers in Croatia. This means that as soon as you have your licence in your hand you can hire a car. Better still, this offer is available to drivers as young as 18 years old. If you are a new driver, you will be able to hire all the way up to an intermediate size car (Nissan Qashqai or similar).

Where is this offer available?

This offer is available across Croatia, some of the most popular locations include:

Other car hire services in Croatia

Alongside this new offer we have arranged several offers to help make your car hire cheaper and easier. Some of our best offers include…

– Ease the stress of driving when you share it with someone else for no extra charge.

– Don’t be worried about going over the mileage limit with our unlimited mileage offer.

– Give yourself more money to spend on holiday by eliminating the usual large deposits that get held on your card.

– Haven’t got a credit card? No problem, you can now pay with your debit card.

– Travel to one of the many beautiful countries that border Croatia with our cross border car hire.

If you are interested in hiring a vehicle as a new driver in Croatia or any of our other services, please contact us. It is always best to contact us so we can find the best supplier for your needs, you can contact us via call, email or by using the live chat function.

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Car Hire In Slovenia With Winter Tyres

Hiring A car in Holland with Winter Tyres

Hiring A Car in Slovenia With Winter Tyres

Slovenia has become more popular with tourist in recent years with nearly 6 million last year. The country has lots of natural sights including caves, mountains and clear lakes that provide breathtaking reflections. As well as the natural beauty, there is a number of old towns in which you can find castles and churches. Slovenia is home to several ski resorts which make a great alternative ski location compared to the usual Switzerland or France.

If you travel in Winter, it is important you know what the law requires your car to be equipped with. To save you time of trawling the internet, we have collated all the information into one blog. In this blog you will find all the information you will need on winter tyres, snow chains and ski racks.

Do I Need Winter Tyres In Slovenia?

Yes, in between 15th November and 15th March it is a legal requirement to have your car equipped with winter tyres. Luckily, when you are hiring a car you do not need to worry about this as they are fit as standard and the cost will be included in the full cost of the hire.

Is It A Legal Requirement To Have Snow Chains In Slovenia?

If you have winter tyres it is not a legal requirement to have snow chains as well, although they may be useful. However, if you have summer tyres you will always need to keep snow chains in the boot. To include snow chains with your hire car, it would cost you less than £20 per week, but if you want peace of mind it might be worth considering.

What Else Do I Need To Consider?

If you are planning to go skiing while you are in Slovenia, you will need somewhere to keep your skis while you travel. You can request a ski rack when booking for around £50 and it is yours for the duration of your rental. The ski racks can only hold 2 sets of skis, if you plan on taking more than 2 sets it might be a good idea to hire a larger car and fold down the seats to make more room.

If you plan on using our cross border car hire offer to travel across the border, make sure you research the laws of any countries you may visit. If you visit a country, you must abide by their laws regarding snow chains, winter tyres and anything else they require. If you are visiting a country that has different requirements, anything you need must be arranged when booking. If you do not meet the law of any country you visit, you may come into trouble with the local law enforcement and your insurance might become void.

We always recommend that you call us if you would like to book a car, especially if you have specific requirements. If you have any questions, our expert team are here to answer them all to give you peace of mind and take the stress out of car hire. Get in touch with our team today!

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Travelling to Suzuka For The Japanese Grand Prix?

Travelling to Suzuka For The Japanese Grand Prix

On the 13th October Formula 1 returns for it’s annual visit to Japan for the Grand Prix hosted at Suzuka Circuit. Found in the last half of the season, the Japanese Grand Prix is the 17th race out of 21 in the calendar. As the season gets ever closer to the end, will Hamilton take his 6th world championship or will we have a new world champion? The figure of 8 layout that the Suzuka Circuit uses makes the track one of a kind on the F1 calendar. You certainly won’t want to miss all the action this October as the drivers fight to become world champion.

Closest Airport To Suzuka

Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) – Chubu Airport is the only airport nearby to the circuit that hosts international flights. You may need to get a connecting flight to the Airport as some European countries do not fly direct.

Travelling To and From The Track

Train

Once you have landed at Chubu Cenrtrair International Airport, you will need to get a train to Nagoya, this will set you back just under £10. Once in Nagoya you have 2 options either the limited express or the standard train. The difference between the 2 trains is the limited express takes 50 minutes, compared to the standard that takes 40 minutes to get to Shiroko station. The limited express costs around £13.00 for one way, whereas the standard train costs just over £6. Once you are at Shiroko Station you are required to use the shuttle bus service to the circuit which costs just under £7.50 for a return.

Using the slower train as an example, by adding all the prices up for one way it will cost you just over £23. If you double that to get your return price you are looking at a price just shy of £50. Now let’s assume you are travelling with 2 other people your total cost for train fares would be £150 if you just went to the circuit for the race day. If you plan to go to the circuit for Friday, Saturday & Sunday it will be cheaper to get a five-day pass, which will cost you just over £30 each. The five-day pass will cover the costs of all your train travel from Nagoya Station to Shiroko station. On top of that add another £22 for 3 shuttle bus return tickets and your total cost comes in at around £170.

Car Hire

Despite being slightly more expensive than the train, car hire should still be considered as an option. A car that will carry 3 people and luggage for 4 days will cost around £187 for a 3 day hire over the race weekend. This particular offer also includes a free GPS and free additional driver. The only other costs you will incur with car hire is the parking at the circuit and fuel. Parking usually costs under £8 for the full day, however this may change when F1 is on, so we recommend researching or contacting the circuit for prices. Main parking may become full but there are reserve car parks that charge at the same rate. Fuel will cost you around £40 to get you to and from the event.

One of the major benefits of hiring a car is that you can use the car to explore the wonderful areas that surround the circuit. The all-in price would be approximately £230, although it is more expensive, if you plan on visiting other areas while you are there it is definitely worth the extra money.
If you are travelling to Suzuka for the Grand Prix or Japan for any other reason, then we are here waiting to find you the hire car that best suits your needs. Contact us directly prior to making your booking and we will make sure you find the best package possible for you. Call us on 0113 88 00 748, chat with us online or email sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk.

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Top 10 Winter Sun Locations In The World

Winter Sun Destinations

What Is Winter Sun

As Winter gets closer the days get shorter and colder. It doesn’t take long to miss relaxing in the sun on a beach. Waiting until next summer can seem like a world away, however you don’t have to wait until then. There are many countries that are warm all year round meaning you can get some winter sun. With so many to choose from, here are my top 10 winter sun locations in the world.

Morocco

Just out of Europe, on first impression Morocco seems like it’s the other side of the world, but it’s actually only a short flight. As it lies on the edge of the Sahara Desert, it stays warm throughout the Winter, so you can top up your tan. The medieval town of Marrakesh makes a great city break with lots to do within the densely packed within the city’s walls. Other great locations that are worth a visit in Morocco include Fez and Agadir.

Dubai

Dubai is the perfect place for year-round sunshine, with temperatures in Winter still been as high as 25 Degrees Celsius. Dubai is known for its glitz and glamour, with towering skyscrapers and impressive malls, but let’s not forget you are here for the sun. You can live the life of the rich and famous by staying in the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, arguably the world most luxurious hotel. If you are going here make sure you take a lot of spending money as the cost of eating, drinking and shopping soon adds up.

MexicoMexico

If you are up for spending a bit more time in the air, Mexico makes a great location for Winter sun. Despite it been so far, the prices aren’t extortionate when compared to destinations like Thailand or the Caribbean.

Better still, as Winter is the coldest time of the year in Mexico it brings down the prices further, but don’t worry the temperatures are still in the early to mid-twenties. With lots of culture to discover and many beaches to lounge on in the sun, Mexico is a great long-haul option.

Israel

Located in the middle east, Israel enjoys about 300 days of sunshine every year. While there, you can expect the temperatures to be around the mid-twenties and with 14km of coastline there is plenty of places to enjoy the sun. Israel is best known for been the biblical Holy Land, with the Sea of Galilee and Mount Tabor both been places of religious significance. While you are there make sure you don’t miss the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea, where the salt content is so high you can float!

Thailand

Thailand is located in East Asia and with temperatures reaching nearly 30 Degrees Celsius, you won’t want to leave anytime soon. Although the flight time is slightly longer, coming in at over 11 hours, the journey is definitely worth it. The country has an exotic, Buddhist influenced culture that will open your eyes to a different way of living. Thailand has countless temples and ancient ruin sites in which you can uncover the interesting history of the country. Alternatively, you can just enjoy the sun on one of the picture-perfect beaches that surround the coastlines in abundance.

MaltaMalta

Malta has a rich and varied history and with scenic towns surrounded by clear blue waters, it’s no surprise many people visit every year. To the surprise of some, English is one of the official languages of the country and is widely spoken.

In addition, the flight is only around 3 hours, making your winter sun closer than ever. The average temperature of Malta in Winter is a pleasant 16 or 17 degrees, which may not seem warm, but is about 2 or 3 times warmer than the UK in Winter.

Cyprus

Cyprus is an island situated in the Eastern Mediterranean, South of Turkey, due to its location the island receives some of the best winter weather in Europe. With temperatures reaching close to the mid-twenties you won’t want to go home to the wet and cold UK weather. Cyprus attracts a lot of visitors all year round to visit the beaches and enjoy the sun. However, there is more to Cyprus than just beaches and sun, the country has an intriguing history. In fact, Cyprus is one of the oldest civilisations in the Mediterranean, with ancient ruins and even myths of it been the birthplace of a Greek goddess.

Florida

Although America might not be somewhere you would consider when looking for some winter sun, Florida has warm temperatures that rarely drop beneath 20 Degrees Celsius. This means that you can enjoy the sun while relaxing on long beaches and even have a swim in the sea. Off the beach, there is lots to do, including Universal Studios Orlando and Walt Disney World, these are 2 of the most well-known attractions for the kids and adults to enjoy. If you want to try something completely different, it is the best time of year to explore the Everglades national park which is home to American crocodile, the Florida panther and many more rare species.

BarbadosBarbados

Barbados is an island in the Caribbean region of North America and is an independent British Commonwealth nation. Due to its location, the island enjoys a warm and tropical climate all year round.

The temperature averages just less than 30 Degrees Celsius meaning people seeking the sun can bathe on the silky sand beaches. If you love the sea as much as the beaches, don’t worry the bright blue waters average at a warm temperature of 27 Degrees Celsius.

Also, the island has a varied range of high-quality food including seafood and Bajan dishes. As if that isn’t enough on the island you can also stroll through botanical gardens, swim with turtles and meet new friends in bars well into the night.

If you are ready to get some extra sun this winter, hopefully you now have some ideas of where you want to go. If you do go to any of the locations or anywhere else for that matter, we have got your car hire covered. To book your winter sun car hire, please contact us via call, email or by using the live chat function.

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Driving Licences & Brexit, Here Is What You Need To Know

people queue for driving licence applications

As far as we all know, for the second time this year we will / might / probably won’t (delete as appropriate) be leaving the EU on October 31st.

Many of us have thought about what this means for the country, for the future of our families, our finances, our employment and even our living arrangements. Have you considered what may happen to your driving licence and your ability to drive legally?

For many of us, for many many years, we have taken for granted that we can drive around Europe without a care in the world. A blog I wrote back in February before the first deadline outlined what changes could happen to the simple task of driving in Europe after Brexit. But what if your legal right to drive is taken away for a period of time? let me explain…

What Do You Mean?

Many British people have and continue to leave Britain for a sunnier climate. Once there, depending on your desired destination, you have a certain amount of time to change your licence to a local one. This means surrendering your British driving licence and applying for a new one from the local version of the DVLA. As a member of the EU, this is quite a simple process, the information on your new licence pretty much reflects the information on your UK licence and can be used almost all over the world.

ONS Migration From The UKAfter October 31st, if the UK is no longer a member of the EU. New applications for driving licences will be dealt with in a different way. In some countries it will be as though you are applying for your very first licence and in some others, you may even have to sit another driving test at a local centre. But the biggest problem you may face is the start date on this new licence, as it no longer replicates what is written on your British licence, your valid from date will be the date of issue, not the date you passed your original driving test.

These are quite well known facts and among the main reasons why so many people have applied for their new licences within the last few months, this has created a huge backlog for local government agencies. We are hearing that in a lot of cases it can take up to 3 months for a licence to be processed, 6 to 9 months in Cyprus..

The ONS report that 343,000 people emigrated from the UK in the year to March 2019. How many of those do you think are still waiting for a driving licence application to go though?

What Does The Date Have To Do With Anything?

So the next time you are filling in an application for car insurance and you come across the question, How Long Have You Held Your Current Driving Licence? The answer will not be 25 years with 10 years NCB (No Claims Bonus), it will be just a few days or weeks. Will this affect your insurance premium? Yes probably. Perhaps more importantly for those who will be reading a blog on our website, what will it mean when hiring a car?

Well in some instances it could mean that you cannot hire a car when returning to the UK or visiting other countries, the vast majority of suppliers have a requirement that the driver must have held their driving licence for 2 years, some are 1 year but very few. There is only one supplier in the UK who will allow you to hire a car having held your licence for less than 12 months and with them you must be over 25 years old.

What About Your Temporary Licence?

If you are one of the many thousands of people above who have surrendered your licence while waiting for your application to go though then you should have received a temporary licence, basically a piece of paper from the local government confirming that you are who you say you are and you are entitled to drive. These were never intended to be in use for such a long period of time but with waiting lists like their are in Cyprus and Spain, you may have one for quite a while. What do you have planned in the next 9 months that you may need your driving licence for?

We work with one supplier in the UK who will accept this temporary licence. It is widely uncommon for this to happen but with the waiting list getting longer and longer we are seeing more and more people left with these ‘temporary licences’, do not get caught short if you need to hire a car over the next 9-12 months. With the uncertainty of what is going on in Europe it is always best to speak to us about your requirements before making any kind of booking. If there is a chance that you may not have a full, valid licence in your hands then we need to know ahead of time.

WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON OCTOBER 31ST, NOR DO WE KNOW IF A DEAL WILL MEAN THAT ALL OF THE ABOVE IS NONSENSE. WHAT WE DO KNOW IS THAT IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING AROUND EUROPE IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS THEN IT IS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY.

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Top 5 Places To Visit In The UK This October Half Term

new-forest-hampshire

October half term is not far away and it’s always good to get away for a long weekend or the full week. If you are on a budget, don’t worry you can have a great time without leaving the UK. Here are my top 5 best UK locations for an October half term holiday.

1. New Forest

The New Forest national park is home to untouched rivers and vast woodlands that are waiting to be explored. It is a great place to visit if you want to get outdoors and see the colours of Autumn in abundance. Watch out for the 3,000 New Forest ponies can be found roaming throughout the forest and the surrounding areas. There is also plenty to do for the kids with Paultons Park, home to the UK’s only Peppa pig world. The 140 acres of woodland is home to big rides, small rides and an amazing collection of birds and animals. If you fancy staying inside, visit the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu where you will find over 250 vehicles including Formula 1 cars and World Land Speed Record Breakers. At the Motor Museum you can also visit the World of Top Gear and see the iconic cars as seen on TV in the same condition they were left in.

2. Lake District

This list wouldn’t be complete without including the Lake District. This breathtaking location is great all year round, but what better time to see it then in the most colourful season of the year. Get wrapped up and get outside, Autumn is a great time to hike up one of the many mountains and be rewarded with the view that waits at the top. Some of the most notable attractions in the Lake District include the World of Beatrix, Ullswater Steamers and the Lake District Wildlife Park. With a wide range of cosy lodges and cottages to stay in, what are you waiting for?

3. The Cotswolds

Arguably one of the best places to see Autumn in its full glory. At Westonbirt Arboretum there is over 15,000 tree specimens spread across 600 acres of land, boasting every shade of red, brown and gold you can imagaine. The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it’s not hard to see why. With sweeping meadows and honey coloured houses, the Cotswolds looks like something from a fairy tale. While you are there you can explore many idyllic villages that are all unique from one another. The kids will love the Cotswolds Wildlife park which is inhabited by over 260 different species of animals. Why not take a trip back in time? The area is rich in history and there is a countless amount of historical structures and museums you can spend hours at.

4. Orkney

orkney-islands
If you want to go off the beaten track, Orkney is the place for you, that’s if you don’t mind a short ferry journey. Located North-East of Scotland, Orkney is an archipelago with 70 islands of which 20 are inhabited. The islands have been occupied by humans for at least 8,500 years so the islands are filled with lots of history. In fact, the islands are so rich in history that the Heart of Neolithic Orkney is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Orkney islands is also home to one of the tallest sea stacks in the UK, standing at 449ft high! Throughout September and October, you can go up to the North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory and watch seasonal migration of both land and seabirds.

5. Salisbury

This medieval city is in the south of the county Wiltshire, best known for its impressive cathedral which has had the tallest church spire in the UK since 1549. The city itself is well known for been friendly and welcoming, with many markets to shop in. Even better still, the famous Stonehenge is only 8 miles away from the town, making Salisbury a great place to stay. Again, like many other places on this list, Salisbury is packed with history including ruins from the Norman times and an 18th century house. There are also several Ghost Walks you can take around the city to get you in the mood for Halloween.

If you plan on visiting any of these locations, make sure your car is big enough to carry your luggage and passengers. We offer car hire across the UK with a range of vehicle sizes, all the way up to 7 seaters. If you are interested in booking a car for October half term or any other time, please get in touch with us. You can contact us via call on 0113 88 00 748, email at sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk or by using the live chat function.

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