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5 Reasons To Stay In The UK For This Holiday Season

March 11, 2020 UK Comments Off on 5 Reasons To Stay In The UK For This Holiday Season
Why should I go on holiday in UK

5 reasons to stay in the UK for your holiday this year

In recent years, most people who live in the UK tend to travel abroad for their holiday, whether that be once or multiple times a year. I love travelling to new countries myself and learning about the culture there, however a holiday in the UK can be just as good and, in many ways, even better than travelling abroad. In this blog I am going to talk about the top 5 reasons why you should stay in the UK for your 2020 holiday.

No more stressful airport trips

Everyone can agree that travelling by plane is very stressful at the best of times. Not to mention the high prices that are charged in the holiday season. You are advised to arrive at the airport 2 hours early, fly to the destination and then collect your luggage at the other side. The whole process takes a very long time from door to door. In addition to that flight times are not always ideal, and flying is not very eco-friendly. If you stay in the UK the chances are you can drive to your destination, this eliminates nearly all the problems that flying comes with. Also, you don’t have a luggage allowance, take as much as you can fit in your car. If you need a bigger car, you can hire a 7 seater from us to take even more luggage.

The UK has more to offer than you may think

You may be thinking that avoiding plane travel and staying in the UK sounds good, but the UK doesn’t live up to the mountains in Switzerland and beaches in Spain. Admittedly, you’re right, however, the UK still has plenty of amazing locations to offer. Amazing beaches line the coast of the UK and if the weather is anything like the last 2 years, there will be more than enough sun. As for mountains, there are many mountain ranges with high peaks of over 3000 feet high and breathtaking views. Large cities offer a completely different holiday visit Edinburgh or London for a city break without leaving the UK.

Take your pet on holiday with you

Usually, when you go on holiday it is likely that you have to put your beloved companion into a kennel for the week while you go have a great time abroad. If you travel in the UK, you can take your pet with you so you can both enjoy the holiday. It is not hard to find accommodation that is pet friendly for only a small charge or even free.

No language barriers

As much as visiting a new country is great, language barriers can become stressful. Whether you are trying to read signs or asking for directions, you can spend a lot of time trying to understand a different language. In the UK the main language is English, and it is very rare to find someone who cannot speak the language. Although, other languages such as Welsh are used alongside English, even road signs in Wales also have an English translation. You will be surprised how much time you save yourself just from eliminating the language barrier you would have if u was abroad.

You can save yourself money

Travelling abroad can be expensive, flights can set you back a few hundred pounds per person. Add on top of that travel insurance and accommodation in popular holiday locations and the cost soon adds up. By travelling in the UK your cost of petrol to drive to the location is likely to be less than the cost of a flight for one person. You can use this extra money to eat out more than usual or visit expensive attractions you wouldn’t usually consider.

There you go, that is just 5 reasons why you should stay in the UK for your holiday this year. If you need to hire a car, maybe your car is not big enough or you would like a more reliable car, we can help. We have cars of all sizes from mini cars like a Fiat 500 to 7 seaters like a Ford Galaxy, so choose what car size suits you best. If you need car hire you can contact us via call on +44 (0)113 880 0748, email us at sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk or talk to us via the live chat.

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2020 Is Finally Here – Where’s the best place to spend the New Year?

December 20, 2019 Australia, France Offers, UK, USA Comments Off on 2020 Is Finally Here – Where’s the best place to spend the New Year?
New Years Eve Sydney

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 New Years Eve fireworks

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!

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Market Magic: Find The Best Christmas Markets In Europe This Festive Season

December 4, 2019 Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, News, Poland, UK Comments Off on Market Magic: Find The Best Christmas Markets In Europe This Festive Season
Christmas Markets Europe

Best Christmas Markets In Europe

With the year slowly drawing to a close and the festive season creeping up on us, cities across the world are decking their halls and trimming their trees in preparation for one of the best-loved Christmas traditions there is – the Christmas market.

With so many stunning locations across the globe offering their take on the traditional Christmas market, it can be hard to choose where to head for a festive break and a chance to grab those extra special gifts. Some of the most popular locations are in central Europe, including the site of the first ever Christmas market – this means not only are they a great way to fit in a city break before the holidays, they’re also relatively cheap and cheerful for travel, stays and shopping. We also offer our car rental services in every single one of these locations, giving us the ability to help make your travel even simpler. To make the hustle and bustle of travelling through the holidays just that little bit easier, we’ve put together a list of the top Christmas markets in Europe to help you decide where to visit next – all that’s left for you to do is work on that Christmas list!

Vienna, Austria

Home of the first ever Christmas market held all the way back in 1289, Christmas in Vienna is the product of centuries of tradition – but that doesn’t mean it’s old fashioned. During the holiday season, Vienna is home to more than 20 different stalls offering everything from traditional homemade gifts and Christmas decorations, to fresh local foods and hot mulled wine to keep you cosy while you shop.

The Viennese Dream Christmas market is definitely the main attraction of the festive season – set against the backdrop of the beautiful City Hall and offering ‘creative workshops’ for children to make their own special gifts and post their wish lists, it’s the perfect Christmas getaway for the family.

With flights from the UK starting at £80 and hotels in the area from £80 for a long weekend (based on two sharing) it is slightly on the higher end in terms of budget, but if you’re looking to lose yourself in festive tradition then Vienna is definitely the spot for you.

The Viennese Dream Christmas market is open 10am-10pm, 15-26 December
Admission cost – FREE

Prague, Czech Republic

With nativity, choirs and angels galore, Prague’s Christmas market in the Old Town district is the cornerstone of everything advent – if you’re after winter wonderland, then look no further. Surrounded by a backdrop of Prague’s beautiful gothic architecture, the rustic wooden huts of the Old Town Square market are the perfect place to pick up one of a kind gifts and experience some cosy Christmas magic at the same time. You’ll be able to find traditional wooden toys, handmade jewellery and delicate Christmas decorations to name just a few, so you’re guaranteed to find something for everyone. Mostly known for its twinkling lights and delicious food and drink, Prague’s Old Town market also has a petting zoo for younger children, and daily tree-lighting ceremonies that are held every hour from 16:30.

Return flights from the UK to Prague in December start at around £60, with hostels near to the markets starting as low as £30 for a long weekend (based on 2 guests) or a cosier, quieter hotel room setting you back just £50 for the weekend, Prague is definitely a good location if you’re looking for a classic Christmas trip with more money saved for the presents!

Prague’s Christmas markets are open every day from 30 November – 06 January, with the lights switched on in Old Town Square every hour from 16:30 – 21:30
Admission cost – 25 CZK (approx. 0.85 GBP)

Berlin, Germany

German Christmas markets, or chriskindlmarkt, are the ones that we in the UK most associate with the festive season, as these magical markets are where ours take most of their inspiration from. Although they’re not the origin of the Christmas market they are arguably the most famous, so it’s a no brainer that they’re one of the most popular locations for a festive break.

There are over 70 markets to choose from in Berlin alone, the largest of which is the WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt. Not only is it the perfect place to pick up creative gifts such as blown glass and origami; there is also an array of theatrical and dance performers to enjoy. Popular for its varied entertainment, beautiful backdrop and delicious food, this is the perfect place to visit if you want your experience to be something a little out of the ordinary.

At this time of the year Berlin is fairly middle range in terms of cost – a return flight from the UK to Berlin will set you back around £75. however the accommodation is a little on the pricier side, with hostels from around £50 and hotels from £90 for 3 nights.

The WeihnachtsZauber Christmas Market is open 11am – 10pm daily, 25 November – 31 December (closed at 6pm on Christmas Eve, and 1am on New Year’s Eve)
Admission cost – 1 EUR

Christmas Markets

Gdasnk, Poland

If you’re looking for some Christmas market magic on a tighter budget, then Gdansk’s picturesque market in Old Town is the perfect festive getaway that doesn’t break the bank.

This traditional attraction has everything you could want in a Christmas market, from cosy handmade woollen scarves and gloves to sledding competitions and a Christmas lights ceremony from Santa himself. The market also features their traditional Christmas fair, which boasts new attractions every year – this year visitors can enjoy a 2-level carousel and food court with traditional mulled wine, hot cider and delicious Polish food.

As well as visits from Santa and his elves for younger visitors, you can also expect light shows and carol performances to entertain you while you take in the sights, along with an ice skating rink within the market itself – what better way to enjoy the twinkling lights and festive spirit?

This is definitely the cheapest option for those looking to travel on a budget – flights from the UK are just £35, with hostels as cheap as £35 for 3 nights and hotels from just £50 GBP.

The Christmas Market and Fair are open 11am-7pm daily, 01 – 23rd December
Admission cost – FREE

Copenhagen, Denmark

Home of hygge and famous for its dedication to all things calming and comfy, Denmark is the perfect place to visit for a cozy Christmas break. Copenhagen certainly seems like the city with everything to offer over the holiday season – from a festive theme park at Tivoli Garden’s Christmas market, to a twinkling kayak parade, you’ll never be short of new experiences in this city that really does take Christmas to the next level.

Copenhagen was also home to storyteller Hans Christian Anderson – and of course, there is a Christmas market dedicated entirely to bringing his fairy tales to life. With a unique theme to each stall named after a classic fairytale, this old fashioned market is a magical experience that’s not to be missed.
If you’d prefer a more traditional market with a cosy Copenhagen backdrop, head over to Nyhavn’s Christmas market; situated right by the harbour it’s the perfect place to lose yourself in the city, with its cobbled streets and some of the oldest architecture in Copenhagen.

It’s no surprise that with its wealth of tradition and extensive list of must-see experiences, Copenhagen is one of the most expensive places to visit at this time of year. Flights start from around £55, however accomodation is on the pricier side, with hostels upwards of £100 and hotels from £160 for a long weekend – however if you’re looking for rich tradition and the cosiest of Christmases, Copenhagen is definitely the city for you.

Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market is open now – 05 January, from 11:00-23:00 Sun-Thurs, and 11:00-midnight Fri-Sat
Admission cost – 110 DKK (approx. 12.60 GBP)

Manchester, UK

Looking for something a little closer to home? Here in the UK we have a long list of great Christmas markets, but none quite as impressive as Manchester.

Voted the best in the UK, Manchester’s award-winning Christmas markets are spread across the city with over 300 stalls to tempt you into the festive spirit. The market is host to a range of suppliers, both local businesses and those from across Europe, so there’s certainly no shortage of stocking fillers to be found. Manchester’s Christmas markets are also famous for their food – with everything from a traditional Bratwurst to more exotic dishes like fresh paella and chorizo rolls from Little Spain and a range of vegetarian options, it’s festive street food at its best.

Albert Square is always the main attraction, with stalls in other various locations across the city. Cathedral Gardens is home to a family-friendly activities hub – this features an ice rink, and the stunning Ice Village with ice sculptures and an ice slide for children – but Santa’s grotto is guaranteed to be the main attraction. This year, Manchester’s markets will also be home to a Tiki Ice Bar serving delicious cocktails –perfect for those who aren’t too keen on the traditional mulled wine, but still fancy a festive tipple.

If you’re based in the UK, Manchester is easy to reach from almost anywhere, and transport is relatively cheap. Hotels in the centre start from £85 for 3 nights, so you can stay close to the festivities without breaking the bank.

Manchester Christmas Markets are open now – 21/22 December, 10:00 – 21:00
Admission cost – FREE

Manchester Christmas Market

So if you’re looking a quick festive getaway this year, there’s no shortage of stunning Christmas markets across Europe to get you into the yuletide spirit – whether it’s picking up last minute gifts or losing yourself in the hustle and bustle of a sparkling city, our top holiday markets are guaranteed to be exactly what you’re looking for.

If you’re heading away and looking to make your trip that little bit easier in the hectic run up to Christmas, why not treat yourself to a hire car to make exploring a new city simpler? Here are Indigo we offer rental services in all of these locations and many more – get in touch with our team to find out more about Christmas car hire.

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Exchanging Your UK Licence For An Overseas One

December 3, 2019 News, UK Comments Off on Exchanging Your UK Licence For An Overseas One
Exchanging Driving Licence

Exchanging your UK licence for an overseas one – is it necessary, and can I hire a car during the process?

With Brexit constantly looming ahead there is a lot of uncertainty currently among expats when it comes to hiring a car back in the UK – do you need to swap your licence over to your country of residence, do you need to keep the UK one, and can you hire a car whilst in the process of switching it over? Hopefully we can clear this up for you below.

Can I keep my UK licence?

So, first of all, why shouldn’t you just keep your current UK licence, and why would having a UK licence affect your ability to rent a car? Well the main reason is that with a UK licence, a large majority of suppliers do something called an electronic address check upon arrival – this involves checks such as your current address matching your licence, paying council tax at that address and being on the electoral roll. Now as you can imagaine, if you are living abroad you are practically guaranteed to fail this check, and if you do fail the supplier wouldn’t release the car to you, possibly leaving you stranded at the airport. With an overseas licence though you bypass these checks, as long as you have some proof of your return flights with you, such as a boarding pass. Depending on the country you’ve moved to also there are often restrictions to keeping a UK licence there once we’ve left the EU, feel free to check the government website for a breakdown on this.

Am I able to rent a car whilst my licence is being switched over?

With wait times at all time high from the Brexit backup, it’s very possible that you may be facing weeks without a licence while it’s being switched over, and may very well need to hire a car within this period. This can be quite a tricky area as essentially at this point your licence is in limbo, it’s not as easy as a simple DVLA check that we can do with a lost licence / expired photocard. Luckily though we have managed to arrange a solution for this with one of our suppliers, you would just need to ensure you have some extra ID with you:

  • Photocopy of your previous UK licence
  • Passport for photo ID
  • Old licence number and National Insurance number
  • Proof of flights in / out of the UK (if flying in and out)

This option is available at all the major airports in the UK and Ireland, as well as most major cities also – just make sure you contact us directly for this as you cannot arrange it online, you can contact us over the phone on +44 (0)1138800748, or feel free to email us too to sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk.

Is there anything else I should know about switching my licence over?

There are a few other things to be aware of in relation to international permits and driving history carrying over. If you are switching to an EU licence then you have nothing to worry about – all EU licences are accepted without an IDP (international driving permit), and your driving history carries over too so you should see your original licence issue date on the back of your new licence. If it’s a non-EU licence though this can be a little trickier.

You may need an IDP depending on the country, if the licence is in English or a Latin language then you will be fine without one, for example a US / AU licence will be accepted by itself, but if you’re switching it to a country with a non-Latin language though, like Arabic or Cyrillic for example, you would need an IDP to rent back in the UK. Generally, your driving history will not carry over also if you’re switching it to a non-EU country – this means it will be treated as a new licence to the car rental suppliers, most of which require at least a year since the pass date on the licence before they can rent to you. If this does apply to you though we do have a specialist option for new drivers across the UK which you can find more info by getting in touch with our team.

If you have any further questions at all regarding this or need any clarification at all feel free to contact us via the same means mentioned before – over the phone on +44 (0)1138800748, or email on sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk, we’ll be more than happy to help!

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Driving a 9 Seat Hire Car to Europe

October 24, 2019 Europe, UK Comments Off on Driving a 9 Seat Hire Car to Europe
people carrier hire for under 30

We are very pleased to be able to announce that due to a new partnership with another large supplier in the UK that we are now able to offer 9 seat vehicles from 15 more locations in the UK. Although 9 seater rental cars are not a new service for us, with our new arrangement they can now be driven to Europe which is something that no other supplier offers, according to our knowledge.

The most impressive thing about a 9 seater rental car is the ability to choose how many of the seats will be used, lets say there are 7 people travelling but a 7 seater doesn’t have enough space for your group and their luggage, a 9 seater will be more than capable. The supplier will even remove unused seats to create even more space.

Which 9 Seater Cars Are Available For Hire?

With our new supplier, we can offer the Citroen Spacetourer 9 Seat manual and the Mercedes V-Class 9 Seat Automatic. If you are not planning on leaving the country, we also have access to a larger fleet of 9 seat vehicles including the Volkswagen Transporter and Vauxhall Vivaro Tourer.

What You Should Know

There are restrictions in place when hiring a 9 seat rental car, the main ones are below;

  • The driver must be 30 or over
  • The minimum rental period is 7 days
  • There is a flat fee of £120 to take the vehicle abroad
  • Payment can be made on a debit card or credit card but, this must be in the drivers name
  • The vehicle can be delivered to your home or work address for a fee
  • A meet and greet service is available at all major airports

Where Can I Travel To?

Our 9 seat rental car fleet can be taken to any country in the Schengen zone. The Schengen zone comprises of 26 European countries that have officially abolished all passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. The area mostly functions as a single jurisdiction for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. The area is named after the 1985 Schengen Agreement.

These countries are, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

If you are interested in driving a 9 seater to Europe and would like a quote or more information then please do not hesitate to contact our team, we are here to take the stress out of car rental for you.

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7 Seater Tow Bar Car Hire UK

October 10, 2019 Newsflash, Tow Bar, UK Comments Off on 7 Seater Tow Bar Car Hire UK
Best towing vehicles available to hire

7 Seater Tow Bar Car Hire UK

If you own a caravan or/and boat, we have an amazing offer for you. When it comes to travelling with your caravan or boat, we all know that tow bar cars are a must and if you don’t own one you can always rent.

Indigo Car Hire proudly announces that we offer a new category of tow bar cars for hiring: 7 Seater car with towbar hire UK. These type of cars can be perfect for those who need to tow a caravan or a boat and take a trip with their families and friends. For this service the minimum rental is 7 days, making it ideal for a week long holiday.

An MPV 7 seat with tow bar is a very difficult combination to provide due to insurance cost. Car rental companies tend not to offer this service as it can affect the insurance liability costs. Insurers will increase their prices as the risk increases for rental of towing vehicles. The risk is higher as there tends to be more chance of damagaing your vehicle when using a tow car to pull something like a caravan or a trailer.

Our 7 seat MPV tow car fleet includes

Hire a tow bar 7 seater car using a debit card

There are some conditions for hiring a 7 seater tow car like the age restrictions: the driver should be 25 or over and must have held their licence for at least 2 years prior to hiring one of these cars.

Indigo Car Hire offer also no credit card 7 seater car hire. If you are interested to hire a tow bar 7 seater car using a debit card, please contact our team directly via call or email.

For more information about hiring a tow car 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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Driving Licences & Brexit, Here Is What You Need To Know

September 26, 2019 Europe, UK Comments Off on 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

September 20, 2019 UK Comments Off on 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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Noise Cameras – What Are They & How Will They Work?

June 14, 2019 Motoring Law News, News, UK Comments Off on Noise Cameras – What Are They & How Will They Work?
Noise cameras in the UK

Noise Cameras could fine drivers for having loud exhausts

Cars with loud exhausts, we have all heard it before whether it is in the middle of the day or the middle of the night. I’m sure most people can agree that it is a nuisance, but you can’t do anything about it. Well that is until now…

The government is trialling a prototype noise camera in several locations across the UK over the next seven months to cut down on motorists with extremely loud cars or motorbikes. If these trials are successful there is a good chance these cameras will be rolled out across the whole country. The man behind this is the Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, who described the noise pollution of cars as an “absolute misery”. He also went on to say noise pollution has “very serious health impacts”.

What Is the Legal Noise Limit For Cars And Bikes?

The current law across Europe is that it is illegal for your car to be louder than 74 decibels. The Police have suggested that to be considered a nuisance it would have to be 90 decibels. This does raise some questions as some high-end supercars or older cars are in excess of the 74-decibel limit, so it will be interesting to see what happens with them if the camera was to be successful.

How Will the Cameras Work?

The trial will consist of noise detectors been placed on ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras in this phase the ANPR cameras will not be used to issue fines. If the trial is deemed successful, they will operate in a similar way to speed cameras. The noise detector will be triggered if the microphone detects sound levels that are louder than the legal limit. Once the noise detector has been triggered the camera will take a picture of the offending vehicles number plate. With this information the police will then issue a fine of £50 to the offender’s address.

What is your opinion on this, is it a good idea or do you think there is a better way? Be sure to let us know.

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VW And Skoda Rental Deals, Try Before You Buy

June 13, 2019 News, UK Comments Off on VW And Skoda Rental Deals, Try Before You Buy
Long Term Car Rentals

The Problem

Buying a new car is always a tricky process and can take a lot of time to decide the perfect car for you. It costs a lot of money to buy a new car, so you want to make sure it’s the right one for you. If you have bought a car before you will know that you spend hours traipsing around car dealerships and comparing every detail of every car. On top of this you go back to the dealerships again to test drive the cars, this process can take weeks, maybe even months!

When you finally decide on a car and you decide to buy it, a few weeks or a month down the line you might realise that you don’t like the car as much as you originally thought. At this point it is too late, you can’t just take it back and say you don’t like it anymore. The problem is, however much you read about a car and even test drive it, you won’t know if it is the right car until you have used it for a long period of time. This is where you find out that you don’t like it on the motorway or it’s hard to park and countless other unforeseen negatives to your new car.

The Solution

You don’t have to experience this anymore instead of spending £1000’s on a new car why not lease the car first? It makes perfect sense, you lease the car and you can try it out for a month see how it goes. If you like it you can then go to the dealership and buy it with full knowledge of how the car performs on a day to day basis. This can make you sure that you are getting the car you want and there are no hidden surprises.

Our Car Lease Offers

With Indigo you can now lease a variety of VW’s & Skoda’s to find out If it is the car you want to buy. You can lease a wide range of cars from the 7-seater SUV, the Skoda Kodiaq to a hatchback like a VW Polo. Prices start from just £509 and with a deposit of just £250. If you’re worried about going over the mileage limit, don’t worry this lease offer comes with 2,000 miles per month allowance, which should be more than enough. To make this deal even better, you can still lease if you have with bad credit, so there is no excuse not to try out a VW or Skoda with Indigo today. This car lease offer is available throughout the UK and all prices include VAT and comprehensive insurance.

If you have any queries or would like to book please email us at sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)113 880 0748 and we will be more than happy to help.

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