3 Reasons to Visit Northern Europe this Summer

Reasons to Visit Northern Europe this Summer

We all have a tendency to stick with what we know. That might be just fine when it comes to picking out clothes or choosing where to go for dinner, but it should never be the guiding light in planning your next holiday destination.

If you’re going to hire a car and go exploring this summer, consider setting your GPS for the majesty of Northern Europe.

Reasons to Visit Northern Europe this Summer

1. You Need to See Something New
Visiting one of Europe’s iconic cities this summer might take you somewhere new, but surely not to somewhere you’ve never heard of before.

Northern Europe, by contrast, is a buried treasure of vibrant cities, cultures, and landscapes that have been largely overlooked by the tourist industry. Try visiting Tallinn in Estonia, one of Europe’s best preserved medieval towns.

Or stand beside five perfectly preserved Viking ships, pulled from Denmark’s Fjords, in the city of Roskilde. If you’re ready for a spectacular drive to the north of Sweden, you can stay in Kiruna’s ice hotel and marvel at the midnight sun.
Visit Northern Europe this summer and see something really new.

2. You Want to Escape the Crowds
Sooner or later, people are going to figure it out. For now, however, Norther Europe is still a haven from the crowds that flock to Paris, London and Rome in the summer months.

Finland is celebrating its hundredth year of independence, so this summer is the perfect time to pay a visit to Helsinki and enjoy the celebrations.

While you’re in the general neighbourhood, check out the sights of Stockholm where admission to many of the state-owned museums is now free. You can avoid the line-ups, congestion and stress that come with the more traditional European destinations by heading north.

3. You’re Looking for Some Fresh Air
If you’re going to take a visit to Northern Europe this summer, we guarantee you won’t be spending all of your time indoors.
That’s because so many of the Scandinavian and Baltic countries are renown for their spectacular natural beauty. The very best way to really see the place is to hire a car and hit the road. Ocean, forest, mountains, fjords, volcanoes and glacial valleys all await you in Northern Europe.

And here’s a bonus fourth reason to visit Northern Europe this summer. The sun is up half the night, so it feels like you’re getting twice as much holiday time. Try it, we’re not kidding!

If you’re planning to hire a car for your holiday in the Northern Europe bare in mind that Indigo Car Hire covers all major airports and cities. Contact us over the phone on +44 (0)113 880 0748 or via email on sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk to get the latest offers available.

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Tourist Holiday Frauds On The Rise

Tourist Holiday Frauds On The Rise

Tourist holiday frauds bookings are increasing in the UK and the victims are deprived of millions. In the previous year, the number of holidaymakers who got tricked rose to almost 6,000, with a total loss of 7.2 million pounds. Year after year, the reported cases have increased in number, jumping nearly 20 percent annually.

The most common tourist holiday frauds, according to a report by the City of London Police’s National Fraud Intelligence, are connected to airline tickets sales, online booking of accommodations, and timeshare sales. There are also reports of a few instances of car hire frauds.

Many airline tickets victims are tricked to believe they are booking a legitimate flight. Later, after the payment is made, the victims realise that they purchased fake tickets, or the tickets never turned up.

The fake flights that were targeted in 2016 were those that were bound to the Indian Sub-Continent and Africa. The fraudsters duped mostly the families and groups of friends, knowing that they do not have enough knowledge about the travel industry’s strict regulations.

The deceivers were also taking advantage of the internet to trick the holidaymakers when booking holiday accommodations. They set up fake websites, gain unauthorised access to legitimate accounts, and posted their advertisements on these accounts and on the social media. Once payment was made, the fraudsters disappear.

People who were joining religious or sports trips were also not spared from these frauds, because usually tickets are limited, that resulted in higher prices. They were left with no choice but to take the bite.

Timeshares, or vacation ownership, refers to holiday houses owned by several people, and used by each for an agreed period. The money involved in timeshare frauds are higher than other frauds, with each victim often being ripped off tens of thousands of pounds.

Car hires frauds often involved hidden charges, insurance frauds, and being asked to pay extra for “missing seats” or any damage to the hired vehicle. Victims find out only about the hidden charges when their credit card bill reaches their mail.

It is during the summer holidays and the month of December that these cases of fraud become common; and the age groups affected range from 20 to 40 years old. On an average, each victim loses 1,200 pounds to fraudsters. Besides the money involved, the duped holidaymakers suffer emotionally; they feel so bad about what took place that even their health gets affected.

To avoid tourist holiday frauds, tourists are advised to be vigilant, stay safe when conducting business online. When making payments, use only credit/debit card and make sure the websites are secured and have an SSL certificates.

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Latest headlines from the Automotive Industry

Latest headlines from the Automotive Industry

Our clients hire cars for lots of different reasons. Some find it less expensive to hire a vehicle when they need one as opposed to paying for the parking and maintenance costs associated with ownership. Others just need a car while theirs is in the shop. Most people, however, hire vehicles for business or holiday travel.

We find that many of these clients really enjoy driving, and are also interested in what’s happening in the industry. For those of you who love cars as much as we do, here are the latest headlines from the automotive industry.

Latest headlines from the Automotive Industry

Job Interviews with a Difference

While car manufacturers in the UK are pleading with the government for relief from the impact Brexit is sure to have on the price of British made vehicles, Jaguar Land Rover has just posted a year of record sales.
This means they’re looking for 5,000 additional engineers, and they’ve found an interesting new way to measure their competency. Applicants will be asked to complete various challenges on a specially designed app, which will include assembling the new Jaguar I-PACE Concept, the company’s first all-electric sports car.
Apparently, the app will test their problem-solving and lateral-thinking skills. It also sounds like a lot of fun.

The Demon Diesel

Ever since the Volkswagen debacle, the news from the automotive industry is packed with items about the evils of diesel cars.
With new limits for diesel emissions just around the corner, it was surprising to hear that none of the six new diesel cars on the market in 2017 meet the stricter EU standards. Diesel car sales are down by 20% across Europe, and it is expected that the trend will continue as drivers increasingly demand “greener” vehicles.

Meanwhile, the number of electric cars on the road has passed the 2 million-mark with a 60% rise in sales in 2016. Indigo Car Hire is pleased to partner with companies that offer electric vehicles if you’d like to try one out for yourself.

New Factory in Britain to Build Hybrid Taxis

The London Taxi Company is switching to Hybrid black cabs in 2018, which are to be made in a purpose-built factory in Britain. The facility is expected to turn out 20,000 of the new plug-in vehicles a year, which will have aluminium bodies and be able to carry six passengers.
The timing couldn’t be better as the Mayor of London has tacked on an additional levy for high-polluting vehicles driving the streets of the city.

The good news for our clients is that cars available for hire are all late model vehicles which have benefited from this focus on responsible environmental stewardship. Driving a new vehicle is better for the environment, and the fuel economy you will enjoy is also sure to give your wallet a welcome break.

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Eight Tips for Safe Driving During the Summer Holiday

Eight Tips for Safe Driving During the Summer Holiday

Taking a road trip is one of the most enjoyable ways of going on a summer holiday. If you plan to drive, safety comes first. To come in your help, our experts put together: Eight Tips for Safe Driving During the Summer Holiday. This will help you enjoy your much anticipated and much needed time off.

Eight Tips for Safe Driving During the Summer Holiday

1. Plan your departure time
Either start early or later than what most drivers do. When you leave very early in the morning, you can avoid the rush hour traffic. The same is true when you wait for the evening traffic to get lighter before you depart for your destination.

2. Find an alternate route.
The volume of traffic increases around 20% during long weekends, so it is ideal to take the “scenic” routes. These could be the secondary roads or country roads. You will not find much traffic on the country roads. Even if it is not a direct route and you are unable to drive fast as per the limits, you might be able to get to your destination earlier than when you decide to drive on a 400 series highway.

3. Inspect your vehicle thoroughly before departing.
This is very important, especially if it is an old car. You would not want to experience any trouble on the way, so check everything, including the engine, fluids, brakes, tires, lights, etc.

4. Make sure that you are ready for a roadside emergency.
You can never be sure what can happen on the road, so be prepared with a flashlight, flare, booster cable, washer fluid, and first aid kit. If it is winter, you should drive more cautiously.

5. Program your GPS before setting out to drive.
Regardless of the route that you choose to take – an alternate route or a direct path, using the GPS will help you to slow down or turn around before you reach a bottleneck.

6. Food & water.
Pack enough food, water and do not forget about some music or any other forms of entertainment. In case you happen to be stuck in heavy traffic, you and your passengers will have something to eat and drink.

7. Pack your car the right way.
Place your baggage in their right places so they are not covering your vision. Remember you are driving for a long journey, so avoid the blind spots on your car.

8. Break tour journey.
Last of the eight tips for safe driving during the summer is to take breaks. Driving is tiring. Taking a break will allow you to stretch your legs, freshen up, have some snacks, and re-adjust your vision.

You can follow the above eight tips for safe driving during the summer holiday for any of your travel journeys not just summer travel.

If, while you’re on holiday, you are looking to hire a vehicle, please contact us over the phone on +44 (0)113 880 0748 or via email on sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk

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Top Summer Destinations to Visit at Least Once In A Lifetime

Top Summer Destinations to Visit at Least Once In A Life

Summer is the most awaited season for folks who love to travel. These warm months are the best times of the year to make a booking, pack the bags, and go for an adventure. If you cannot decide on the best place to go, here is a list of the top summer destinations to visit at least once that guarantees you an experience that is full of incredible fun and amazing adventures.

Top 5 Summer Destinations to Visit at Least Once In A Lifetime

1. Seychelles Islands
Top Summer DestinationsIf you love the sea, sand, and sun, you cannot go wrong with this island archipelago in East Africa’s southern coast. The trick here is staying in the capital city, Victoria, for a day or two before making a journey to this island paradise. Victoria is among the smallest capital cities in the world, and its attractions are worth visiting its Clock Tower, Templo Hindu, Victoria Market, Seychelles Natural History Museum, Trois Freres Trail, and the National Botanical Gardens. Once you have explored Victoria, you can then go for some water activities on the islands.

2. Havana, Cuba
Top Summer DestinationsCuba was once considered an enigma to travellers, simply because not everyone could come to visit it. However, today, you are allowed to make a trip here. You can take a stroll along the bay in Havana, enjoy Rumba music, explore and shop, visit the cigar factories, learn their culture. You will be amazed at the hospitality offered by the locals who are proud of their heritage and culture.

3. Istanbul, Turkey
Top Summer Destinations The city of Istanbul is a city that has both the Asian and European continents and it should be one of top summer destinations to visit at least once. The Bosphorous Strait separates both the continents and there are two suspension bridges, which connects both the continents. The Asian part is the older continent, and offers numerous attractions. However, the European is more attractive to visit because it is has a larger population, hence is busier, and appears to be more alive.

4. Lisbon, Portugal
Top Summer DestinationsAlthough an old city, Lisbon is able to retain its attractiveness and positive atmosphere. It is fast becoming a popular and active place for people who are looking for a new place in Europe. You will love its rich culture and history, and enjoy visiting its Torre de Belem, 3 cable railroads on a mountain side, Alfama, Bairro Alto. Since the city is surrounded by beaches, you can also engage in boat tours and water activities.

5. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Top Summer DestinationsThe last of the top summer destinations to visit at least once is Ho Chi Minh. This city has a mixture of its own culture, French, American and Chinese cultures. It has great museums, historical temples and sites, and you will have a unique experience sampling their taste of cuisine.

 

For car hire information in any of the locations above, please contact our reservation team on +44 (0)113 880 0748 or via email on sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk and they will present the best options available for you.

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Hertz Wins Corporate Responsibility Champion Award

The Council of Corporate responsibility, in partnership with the National Diversity Council, has given this year’s prestigious CR Champion Award to Hertz. It is a fitting tribute to a car hire company that has made notable efforts to develop policies and practices which promote responsible environmental stewardship.

Hertz has demonstrated its commitment to a greener future in a number of different and interconnected ways. For example, nearly 80% of its hire vehicles have a minimum fuel efficiency rating of over 28 miles per gallon on the highway, and 80% of its car washes use reclaimed water.

That’s good for the environment as well as financially beneficial to Hertz customers. The company also recycled over two million gallons of oil and 300,000 used tires in a single year, keeping all that toxic waste out of the nation’s landfills.

Seven Hertz buildings in the United States, including its world headquarters, have been certified “green” by LEED, a worldwide green building certification program. They also plan to build many more.

Earlier this year, the company implemented a carbon offset program that enables corporate customers to offset their carbon footprint when hiring a Hertz vehicle. A program has been developed to calculate the precise carbon footprint of every car hire, and attaches a price to offset these emissions.

Payments through this voluntary program support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote clean energy technologies. This includes forest management projects and those that capture landfill gas.

Winning the CR Champion Award follows on the recognition Hertz received in 2016 from the Global Business Travel Association. It named Hertz one of the winners of its Sustainability Outstanding Achievement Awards. The company ranked 54th in the 2015 US Green Companies Report, and these latest awards are sure to see them climb.

We all share a responsibility for reducing the factors that contribute to climate change, and carbon dioxide emissions are a chief culprit. At Indigo Car Hire, we are proud to partner with exemplary companies like Hertz who are doing their bit to create a greener future for all of us.

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Car Hire with Debit Card in Dublin

Car Hire with Debit Card in Dublin

Newsflash: Indigo Car Hire is pleased to announce that starting with 1st of May we are offering Car Hire with Debit Card in Dublin.
One of our prestigious partners is opening a new branch near Dublin city centre. Our experts considered it a good opportunity to expand our locations in Ireland’s capital city.

Dublin is the capital and the largest city in Ireland. It is considered as one of the world’s top 30 most developed cities.

If you are travelling to Dublin and want to hire a vehicle using a debit card, you must be aware that very few companies are able to accept that.
Now, thanks to us, Car Hire with Debit Card in Dublin is available for you all.

Car Hire with Debit Card in Dublin has never been easier now. You simply contact Indigo Car Hire, explain your requirements and we will find you the right supplier for you. We’ll do all the leg work!

Car Hire with Debit Card in Dublin – Rental Conditions

As the debit card deals we are offering are not available online, for bookings please contact our reservation agents at sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk

Car Hire with Debit Card in Dublin is available only for inbound passengers. So, a return flight ticket is needed at the car rental desk.

Car Hire with Debit Card in Dublin can be booked only if the extra insurance is taken. The extra insurance will reduce both the excess and the deposit to zero.

Dublin is one of those locations where we accept most of the debit card types. Apart from the usual debit cards like Visa and MasterCard, we accept also Electron, Solo, Switch, Postepay and Union Cards as well.

If your debit card type wasn’t mentioned above, please give us a phone call and we can find out whether it can be accepted or not.

For more information about Car Hire with Debit Card in Dublin, or in any location in UK, please contact us over the phone on +44 (0)113 880 0748 or via email on sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk

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Car Hire with Debit Card at Tbilisi Airport

Car Hire with Debit Card at Tbilisi Airport

Newsflash: starting with this month, Car Hire with Debit Card at Tbilisi Airport is available when booking with Indigo Car Hire.

Tbilisi Airport is the main international airport in Georgia. It is located 11 miles from the capital Tbilisi.

The link below with provide further specifics about the airport.

Airport Information

Georgia through Tbilisi Airport is the latest car hire location on Indigo’s map where our specialist debit card services are available. So if you are looking to hire a car at Tbilisi Airport, Indigo Car Hire can help you.

You simply contact Indigo Car Hire, explain your requirements and we will find you the right supplier for you. We’ll do all the leg work!

Tbilisi Airport Car Hire With Debit Card – Rental Conditions

It is very important to know that booking a car hire without a credit card at Tbilisi Airport cannot be done online.

You should call our reservation agents and we’ll do it for you.

The debit card must meet the restrictions set by the suppliers. To check if your card meets the restrictions, please contact us via call or email prior to booking.

The best part about this deal is the very low deposit required to secure the rental. 200 euros or approx. £170 will be held on your card when the car hire is collected and released after its return.

When you pay with debit cards, the deposit is just held on your card. The deposit is then released after the car is returned. This amount shows back on the balance after a few working days.

For more information about this service please contact us over the phone on +44 (0)113 880 0748 or via email on sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk

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Car Hire with Debit Card at Cagliari Airport

Car Hire with Debit Card at Cagliari Airport

News Flash Car Hire with Debit Card at Cagliari Airport will be available with Indigo Car Hire starting on the 1st of April 2017.

Italy is the favourite travel destination for many Brits. Now, thanks to our deal: Car Hire with Debit Card in Sardinia, they will be able to hire a vehicle even if they don’t hold a credit card. Thus giving the freedom to explore the wonders that the Island has to offer.

Cagliari Elmas Airport is one of the 3 airports located on the island of Sardinia. The airport is located near Cagliari on the south of the island. The airport is perfectly located for travelling to the main resorts.

Renting a car without a credit card has never been easier now. You simply contact Indigo Car Hire, explain your requirements and we will find you the right supplier for you. We’ll do all the leg work!

Cagliari Airport CAR HIRE WITH DEBIT CARD CONDITIONS

It is very important to know that booking a car hire using debit card is not done online. You should call our reservation agents and we’ll do it for you.

The reason for the above is to check the type of debit card the drivers holds.

The vast majority of cards are acceptable for the deposit however there are a couple of exclusions.

For more information about Car Hire with Debit Card at Cagliari Airport, or in any location in Italy, please contact us over the phone on +44 (0)113 880 0748 or via email on sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk

If you are looking for car hire at one of the other locations in Italy please view the page below.

Car Hire Italy

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Car Hire Wiith A Debit Card At Tel Aviv Airport

Car Hire with Debit Card at Tel Aviv Airport

Newsflash. We are very pleased to announce that Car Hire with Debit Card at Tel Aviv Airport is available at Indigo Car Hire. More than that, at this location, we can accommodate also the young drivers aged between 21 to 24.

Tel Aviv Airport is the main airport in Israel and one of the top 5 in the Middle East. The airport is also known as Ben Gurion International Airport and is located 12 miles south of Tel Aviv, Israel.

Car Hire without a credit card at Tel Aviv Airport has never been easier. You simply contact us at Indigo Car Hire, explain your requirements and we will find you the right supplier for you. We’ll do all the leg work!

Car Hire with Debit Card Conditions

First of all, our customers should know that car rental using debit card at Ben Gurion Airport is not available for online bookings. For bookings please call our offices and get in touch with our reservation agents.

Car Hire at Tel Aviv Airport is also available for young driver aged between 21 and 24 years old. An extra fee of around £6/day will be charged for this extra service. However, this fee is very small compared to what the young drivers are usually charged when hiring a car.

You can arrange Debit Card Car Hire providing that your debit card meets some restrictions. It is very important to know that if these conditions are not met, you will not be able to hire a car using debit card at Tel Aviv Airport. Contact us and we can check if your card will be accepted.

For more information about Car Hire at Tel Aviv Airport, or in any location in Israel. Contact us by phone on +44 113 88 00 748 or email on sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk.

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