There are several people that find the whole idea of flying and being on a plane in general quite a scary thought, you haven’t seen anything yet! There are airports around the world which even the most experienced pilots find a challenge, that’s not something you want to know as a passenger believe me. Here are the top 5 scariest airports in the world… (more…)
Top 5 Scariest Airports
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2020 Is Finally Here – Where’s the best place to spend the New Year?
Where is the best place to celebrate the New Year
2019 is quickly coming to an end, and with that comes the anticipation of a new year – what better way to ring in the New Year than with one of the biggest celebrations in the world? This year the celebrations are guaranteed to be bigger, as we celebrate not just a new year, but a new decade. We’ve put together a list of the best places to count down to 2020 so you can start as you mean to go on and kick off the next decade with a bang.
Sydney, Australia
Being the first major city in the world to tick over into 2020, Sydney is renowned for its New Year celebrations and stunning fireworks displays. With dozens of ticketed events from music festivals and club nights to more upscale and exclusive events such as dinner parties and banquets, you’re guaranteed to find your dream way to spend the first moments of the year. There are also several free events including a range of family-friendly activities with music, entertainment and foods, as well as a number of vantage points where you can view the famous fireworks display as the clocks hit midnight – so be sure to take a look around and see what catches your eye. If you’re looking for bright carnival lights and a fun way to start the year, Sydney’s Lunar Park Harbour Party is the perfect place to enjoy the fireworks and have a whole load of fun, with the amusement park open until 1am for the celebrations.
For something a little more peaceful and family friendly, you could always pack up a picnic and head somewhere slightly further afield – such as the display at Darling Harbour which is specifically designed to be family friendly. This is a free event, with light shows every hour and the traditional midnight fireworks display, as well as a slightly earlier one at 9pm – meaning that those with younger families don’t necessarily have to stay out all night to join in with the celebrations.
New York City, USA
Arguably one of the most famous NYE celebrations in the world, dating back well over 100 years, they really do know how to throw a party over in New York’s Time Square! Millions of people across the world tune in to see the New Year’s Eve Ball drop, so why not start your year in the best possible way and join the festivities in person?
It’s certainly a bucket list worthy celebration, but this is one of the biggest celebrations in the world, so do be prepared for quite a lot of queuing! If you’re looking to celebrate in style with something a little more subdued, bars and venues across the city are offering everything from Gatsby themed roaring 20s parties to kick off the New Year with a bang, to high class, black tie dinner parties with unbeatable views of the fireworks display at midnight.
For something a little different, head to the harbour for the range of cruises that are available to watch from the water as the clock strikes midnight, or stop by Brooklyn Bridge for their walking tour that will give you a wonderful view of the city’s skyline as the fireworks start.
Paris, France
Where better to start a new year than in the city of love? New Year’s Eve in Paris promises a stunning firework display at the Arc de Triomphe, with more than 100,000 people gathering annually along one of the world’s most famous avenues to celebrate the new year.
For something away from the big crowds, why not see a cabaret show at the famous Moulin Rouge, or take a look at the range of parties and cruises available across the city to find your perfect way to celebrate? Most of Paris’ biggest clubs and venues throw unforgettable parties with a variety of themes, and many have rooftop terraces for a perfect view of the midnight fireworks against the city’s skyline.
London, UK
Here in England, there’s no bigger New Year’s celebration than the one that takes place on the banks of the Thames, with Big Ben ringing in the start of the new year and the stunning display of fireworks broadcast across the country from the famous London Eye. Head down for the annual fireworks display, set to the biggest musical hits of the year against the beautiful backdrop of the city. Each year the party rings in the year with a renowned musical guest – this year Craig David will be performing in the run up to the countdown.
London really does have something for everyone looking for a unique way to start their new year – from immersive West End theatre experiences to your own night at the museum, all of London’s best loved attractions are pulling out all the stops to make this new year the best one yet. If you’re after something more celebratory, the city will be filled with parties all night – including the Christmas in New York New Year’s Eve ball to celebrate USA style (perfect if you can’t make the ball drop!) or for a more elegant affair, The Petersham offers an elegant Victorian evening, with classical music and champagne to ensure a high class start to the year.
Edinburgh, Scotland
New Year’s Eve is certainly a celebration in Scotland – their annual Hogmanay festival is one of the biggest events in the Scottish calendar. The word itself translates as ‘the first day of the new year’ and as their festival shows, they know how to make it count!
Their 3 day long festival kicks off on the 30th with a torchlit procession through Edinburgh and down the famous Royal Mile to Holyrood Park, where the crowds form the iconic image of two people shaking hands and are captured by an aerial camera to be shown across the globe. On the big night itself, the 31st is marked with a unforgettable street party against the backdrop of the breathtaking Edinburgh Castle, complete with fireworks and the worldwide tradition of Auld Lang Syne. Musical performances are scheduled throughout the night to keep the party going, with Mark Ronson performing as the clock strikes midnight.
On New Year’s Day, wake yourself up with the annual tradition of a cold-water dip at the Loony Dook, where participants run into the freezing river to raise money for charities.
Here at Indigo we’re able to offer rentals across the globe for customers with a range of requirements – so if you’re heading out for the New Year and want to make your travel that little bit easier, then get in touch and we can help you find your perfect rental. But better make it quick – rentals are popular over the festive period and availability may be limited!
Whether you’re heading out to a world-famous party or staying in on the sofa with those leftover Christmas chocolates, we here at Indigo hope all of our customers have a great start to 2020 – Happy New Year!
Driving Across State Lines In A Rental Car
Cross State Car Rental
It is very common that we get customers wanting to rent a car in the USA and travel around several states in the USA and sometimes cross the border into Canada. For this reason, we decided it would be a good idea to let you know what options are available when it comes to car rental for your road trip.
Car Rental Across State Lines?
As mentioned above it is a frequent occurrence that people request to rent a car and travel around multiple states. We are happy to announce that most vehicles rented in USA are eligible to drive throughout the USA and Canada with no restrictions and free of charge. The term most means that there are some restrictions with this, for example, vehicles classes like Exotics, Large Passenger, Cargo Vans and some other specialty vehicles are not eligible to travel into Canada. If you need any further confirmation on this, contact our team and we will be happy to answer any of your questions.
One Way Car Rental Across State Lines?
Yes, we can offer one way car rental across state lines. This means that if you would like to rent a car and take the famous Route 66 or any other USA road trip, you can drop off at the end point. This can save you a lot of time and means you don’t have to worry about planning a circular trip to drop off your car at the end.
Can I Rent A Car In USA And Travel Across The Border To Mexico?
Yes, this is possible when you book with us, however in order to cross into Mexico you are required to take extra insurance. This is because the standard insurance that comes when you rent a vehicle does not cover you while you are in Mexico. If you are considering travelling into Mexico, we recommend you contact our team so we can ensure you are with the right supplier and have the correct insurance.
If you are interested in any of the above offers, we suggest you call us before making a booking. This is because some of the offers are exclusive to certain suppliers. Our team will make sure you get selected with the supplier that best meets your needs to help you get the best price for your car rental. You can contact us by calling us on +44 (0)113 880 0748, emailing us at sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk or by using the live chat function.
Top 5 Ski Locations In USA & Canada
Ski Season
It is getting close to the time of year where it’s time to pack your bags and get wrapped up to enjoy a holiday of skiing. I have previously written a blog on the top 5 ski location in Europe, but I felt USA and Canada have so many amazing ski resorts they deserved their own blog. With that being said, here are my top 5 ski locations in USA & Canada.
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride has a beautiful setting, and with 170 inches of snow mixed with 240 says of sun every year, it makes it ideal for skiing. The skiing facilities live up to the location, with many lifts that take you to various slopes, including the longest, Galloping Goose, which consists of 4.6 miles of terrain to ski down. If you are feeling adventurous and want to push yourself why not try out heli-skiing, where a helicopter will take you to places that the lifts can’t reach. Alternatively, you can try something brand new with the kids, Snowbiking is available here.
How to get to Telluride, Colorado
There are several airports at different distances away. For the majority you are looking at between 1 and 3 hours travel at the other side before you reach the mountain village. One of the best ways to complete this journey is by hiring a car. We offer ski car hire at a lot of airports; this means you will have everything you need to keep you safe when driving in the snow. Please check out the airports below to find out which suits your travel needs best.
Montrose-Telluride Regional Airport (MTJ) – 75 minutes journey
Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) – 15 minutes journey
Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) – 2 1/2 hours journey
Durango-La Plata Regional Airport (DRO) – 2 1/2 hours journey
Lake Louise Mountain, Alberta
Lake Louise Mountain is a ski resort in the Canadian Province of Alberta. The resort itself lies in Banff National Park which has been accredited as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which already makes this a great location to ski. With over 4,200 acres that spread across 4 different mountain faces each having runs for beginner, intermediate and experts, there will be certainly be something for you. The resort has over 140 runs in total with the longest one lasting for five miles, so you can take in the natural beauty that surrounds you as you rush down the mountainside.
How to get to Lake Louise Mountain, Alberta
With only 1 obvious airport to fly to, the choice is easy. There is a 1 hour 30-minute journey once you land which takes you along scenic roads. The best way to take in all the scenery and stop off for pictures when you want is to travel independently with your own car. We can supply you with car hire, just get in contact with our team and we will help you find the best offer for your needs.
Calgary International Airport (YYC) – 1 ½ hours journey
Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana
Whitefish Mountain Resort is in the Western state of Montana. This resort has runs that start from the top of mountains in which you can enjoy a 365-degree views including the Glacier National Park. The area is full of welcoming locals and in the Winter, you can easily grab yourself a bargain on your hotel. Across the 105 trails that are serviced by 11 lifts, you will find a lot of crowd-free space to ski as you wish on the runs. If you go at the right time of year you can enjoy night skiing where you can take to the slopes at night and ski under the lights.
How to get to Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana
There are a couple of airports in the nearby area, with one been significantly closer. Depending on where you are flying from, one may be easier to fly to than the other. Whichever you decide to fly to, it might be a good idea to hire a car. This way you can get to your accommodation at your own pace and have the freedom to explore the surrounding areas while you are there.
Missoula International Airport (MSO) – 2 ½ hours journey
Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) – 30-minute journey
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Whistler Blackcomb is in the Westernmost Canadian Province, British Columbia. With over 8,000 acres of terrain, including 240 marked runs, 16 alpine bowls, 3 glaciers, that can be reached by 36 lifts. In fact, there is so many runs you can ski for a full week without touching the same run twice. Better still, you can ski here year-round meaning you can even ski in June and July. There is a good mix of runs ranging from complete newbie to expert, meaning whatever your skill level there is something for you. After a long day skiing, there is many après-ski options including great bars and excellent restaurants.
How to get to Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
There are 3 options, with 1 of the options been a lot further away and including a border crossing. However, it is up to you to decide what will suit your holiday the best. Once you are at any of the airports, you will need a method of transportation to get to Whistler itself. There are some shuttles, but if you want to be independent and have the freedom to stop off where you like, you can hire a car. We offer ski car hire at many airport locations, this includes snow chains, ski racks and GPS to help you find your way. If you are interested in hiring a car for your skiing holiday, please get in touch with our team.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) – 2 hours journey
Bellingham International Airport (BLI) – 2 ½ hours journey
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – 4 hours journey
Big White, British Columbia
Another ski resort found in the Canadian Province of British Columbia. This resort is the largest ski-in/ski-out village meaning you can set off and return to the village, all without taking off your skis. The area is well known for powder skiing and with 2,765 acres of ski area there is lots to practice on. Due to its location and the amount of snow that falls there is a lot of snow for most of the year. The resort also boasts night skiing facilities and with over 83 acres of snow under the lights, it is Western Canada’s largest night skiing resort. Aside from the slopes, there is a host of activities for the kids and adults too so you will never be short of stuff to do.
How to get to Big White, British Columbia
There are only 2 airports nearby the Big White resort, with one been a lot closer. If you are travelling from Europe, the chances are you will need to get a connecting flight. Once you land at the airport of your choice, you will need a method of transportation. You can either, use the shuttle from Kelowna Airport or hire a car. If you wish to hire a car, please contact our team to discuss your travel arrangements in order to let us secure the best deal for you.
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) – 1 hour journey
Kamloops Airport (YKA) – 3 hours journey
If you decide to visit any of these resorts or anywhere else for that matter, we have your car hire covered. We offer ski car hire at various locations across the USA and Canada, we can provide car hire with the following…
– 4×4’s
– Winter Tyres
– Ski Rack
– GPS
– Snow Chains
Unfortunately, not everything listed above is available at every location. We recommend that you call or email us prior to making your booking, this allows us to find you the best deal for what you need.
How To Get To The F1 USA Grand Prix
USA prepares for the annual return of Formula 1 to the Circuit of The Americas which is found in Austin. Texas. The track was first raced on in 2012 and attracted nearly 120,000 visitors to the circuit. Since then the event has remained just as popular with more and more visitors returning every year. With this event been placed late in the season, 19th out of 21 to be exact, the race promises to be action packed as drivers fiercely compete to grab final points before the season ends. Make sure you don’t miss out on all the excitement this November.
Closest Airports to the track
Bergstrom (AUS) – The track is just over 10 minutes away from the airport. Despite been an international airport, the flights are very limited so if you are flying from Europe one of the other airports may be more suitable.
Houston (IAH) – The approximate journey time from the airport to the track is 2 hour 40 minutes, however Houston Airport has a wider range of flight than Bergstrom Airport.
Dallas (DFW) – From the airport to the track will take you about 3 hours 10 minutes. Although this airport is the furthest away from the track, depending where you are flying from this might be best for you.
Travelling To And From The Track
Car Hire
If you are flying to Dallas or Houston Airport the easiest way to get to Austin is by hiring a car. This gives you the chance to stop off for breaks on the way and travel at your own pace. Once you are in Austin, you can take I-35 south to highway 71 east, which will lead you on to the SH130 toll road, where the track is located. At the circuit there are four parking areas and a park and ride service runs here.
Shuttle
If you are staying in Austin it might be easier to use the shuttle to get to the track. The shuttle departs from Palm Neighborhood Park and a return ticket costs $30 USD. You will be dropped off at the Grand Plaza, which is right next to the track entrance. On Friday and Sunday, shuttles are in operation from 8am and on Sunday they start at 7am. Please be aware that the shuttle can take up to 2 hours at peak times, so leave yourself time to travel.
If you are looking for car hire to get you from the airport to the track or car hire for any other reason, we are ready to get you booked in. To help us find the best deal for you, please contact us directly prior to making your booking. You can contact via call, email or by using the live chat function.
Top 10 Winter Sun Locations In The World
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.
Mexico
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.
Malta
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.
Barbados
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.
USA Road Trip Offer
What Is So Good About A USA Road Trip?
The USA is a very popular destination with tourists around the world, best known for its delicious food that’s served in portions you will struggle to eat. One issue with visiting the USA is that it is so big, spreading over 9,000 kilometres squared, it is the 3rd largest country in the world. From national parks like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon to the statue of liberty or Disney World, each state of America has so much to offer. The best way to see as much as possible is to hire a car and road trip around several of the states over the course of a few weeks or even a month. If you are not sure where to start check out our Top USA road trips for inspiration.
The Cost Of A Road Trip In The USA
The problem is, if you are going on a road trip you will quickly find out that it isn’t cheap. To add to the costs, the chances are you will want to have multiple drivers eligible to drive the car, so you have the option to share the driving. Multiple Additional drivers are a great idea and can take a lot of stress out of your road trip, however, once you have multiple additional drivers the price soon skyrockets. This high price tag can quickly convince you that your dream USA road trip holiday is not as close as you originally thought.
Our Exclusive Offer In The USA
We have the perfect offer for anyone wanting to hire a car and road trip around the USA on a budget. This offer includes 3 additional drivers for a fraction of the price you would pay if you were to add the drivers without the use of this offer. In addition to this we will throw in a free tank of fuel for you to kick start your journey. If you don’t need 3 additional drivers, we have other suppliers who offer 1 free additional driver, given that they are your partner or spouse. With that been said these other offers don’t include a free tank of fuel.
If you are interested in booking either of these offers, we recommend you get in touch with our knowledgeable team who can find you the best deal tailored to your requirements. You can get in touch directly via call, email or by using the live chat function.
Top 10: Summer Holiday Destinations Popular With American Tourists
I spend a lot of my time writing about the best locations for summer holidays, half term breaks and even ski trips but this is almost always from the point of view of an English Traveller. A huge chunk of our customer base is not here in the UK and this is the start of a number of posts aimed at you. Our friends abroad.
Ask any American where they are going on their summer vacation this year and I am 99.9% confident you will not hear the words Benidorm, Marbs or Albufeira. The most popular locations among American tourists are mostly, much more exotic, with a few surprise ones thrown in. Here are the top 10 that i could find, in no particular order!
Cape Cod, New England
Between Memorial Day weekend & Labor Day weekend, tourists join the locals and swarm 40 miles of picturesque beaches at Cape Cod. The temperatures throughout the day are regularly into the 70s in New England, giving the place and its residents a chance to thaw after frozen winters. In addition to relaxing on the shores, travellers can take a scenic bike ride along Rail Trail with friends and family or wander through the federal wildlife refuge on Monomoy island.
Miami, Florida
Miami is a location that has something for everyone. Take the family and explore Walt Disney World, go with friends for the summer for the beach life through the day and nightlife after dark or even take a romantic break and find some of the best restaurants in the USA. Miami is hugely popular with international travellers and Americans themselves who flock here in their millions every year.
Portland, Oregon
To be honest, not a location that has ever been near the top of my ‘list of places to visit’ but if you are looking for a different kind of vacation away from crowded beaches and theme parks then I am told Portland should be way up there. The people here make the most of their sun-filled days in the summer months. Outdoor live music, food and drink festivals, pop up beer gardens, white water rafting and forest hikes are just a few of the activities to get involved, and that is just day one.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
If you like the beach life then this should be next on your list. Seafood, water sports, sunbathing and diving, A water lover’s paradise. And that is just by day. At night this place transforms into a cosmopolitan city with clubs, bars and restaurants full to bursting. I’m told you haven’t experienced the Cayman Islands until you have woken up on Seven Mile Beach.
Jamaica, Caribbean
Close your eyes and disconnect for a hot second. And by hot, we mean temperatures are definitely warm in the summer in Jamaica. When the weather is warm it is time for some of the best sunrises, sunsets, beach days you will ever know. When you’re not thumbing through the latest novel, explore the many shorelines, including Dr’s Cave Beach and Walter Fletcher among others. If you’re into snorkelling or scuba diving, the protected waters at Montego Bay Marine Park are a must-dive, too.
Maui, Hawaii
Maui is possibly the most amazing of the Hawaiian Islands. Visit any time of year but summertime is obviously the most popular. The majority of people enjoy traveling to Maui with their families in the summertime and Maui is a great place for a family vacation. Make sure to take in the summer events like 4th of July (Independence Day) parade or the Slack Key Guitar Festival!
Las Vegas, Nevada
From amazing stage and stadium shows and death-defying magic acts to vast casinos and huge dancing fountains, Sin City is a dazzling playground by night. By day you will find the holidaymakers, making the most of the climate at one of a hundred different pool parties at bars, hotels and casinos up and down the strip. Las Vegas is the place to go if you do not intend to sleep for long periods of time.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
On the sun-soaked Caribbean coast, Playa del Carmen or to the regulars and locals – just Playa – was made famous by back-packing travellers who arrived for the perfect beaches and coral reefs. This small fishing town has been quickly changed into a haven for party goers with an extra cluster of hotels in Playa car. However, if you really want to party then ‘Playa’ has a noisy neighbour that will suit you. A little place called Cancun!
Cancun, Mexico
If you are looking for a holiday destination in Mexico, Cancun must be top of the list. The 70’s saw this former fishing village transform into a hot spot for tourism with the development of the Hotel Zone. The 18KM long island with the Caribbean Sea on one side and Laguna Nichupté on the other. This place spoils its visitors with shopping malls, casinos, golf courses, and the best nightlife you can find in south America.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is party central and is located on the north-eastern tip of the Dominican Republic. Bavaro is the liveliest of the resorts with a beach that has been modelled from the pages of a glossy travel mag. Between learning how to surf, scuba dive around coral reefs and investigating shipwrecks, you will find a non-stop list of things to do on dry land too. Punta Cana is home to over a dozen golf clubs but if the countryside is your scene, head to the rain forest in a buggy on a guided tour or, fly through air along the tree canopies on a zip wire excursion.
Car Hire For New Drivers In North America
At Indigo Car Hire we have been working on expanding our options available for new drivers, and finally we are happy to announce that we are now able to offer car hire in North America to drivers that have held their licence for less than one year! We’ve put together this handy FAQ below to answer any questions you might have about USA Car Rental & Canada Car Hire:
What restrictions are in place for new drivers?
The only restrictions in place are that you must be at least 21 years old and must have received your physical licence – so even if you got it the day before you hire this wouldn’t be a problem at all! This applies to any licence written in English or EU licences, otherwise you would just need bring an international driving permit also.
What locations am I available to hire from?
We have locations at all the major airports on the 49 mainland states as well as most Canadian provinces. We also have a few downtown locations as well, just contact us directly if looking for a specific city as it would be impossible to list them all!
Are there any limitations in place on the size of car I can drive?
Not at all – you can hire any car that an experienced driver can, including luxury Mustang convertibles and large 15-seat minibuses. Here’s a handy guide on the types of vehicles we have available to rent in the US and Canada:
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In conjunction with car hire for new drivers, we can also offer the following services with it:
–Debit Card Hire
–Free additional drivers
–Low deposits
–Young and senior driver hire
When looking for new driver car hire or any of the above services please contact us directly on 0044(0)113880078 or email us at sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk as these options cannot be booked on the website.
North America is not the only place we have options available for new drivers also, feel free to take a look at our page for info on new driver hire available in the UK.
6 Road Trip Destinations to Satisfy Your Wanderlust
Road trips offer the ultimate dose of freedom for your holiday, and luckily, there are plenty of roads in the world that are a little more interesting than the M6 on a drizzly January afternoon – with stunning coastal vistas, dramatic mountain scenery, and picture-perfect towns and villages waiting to be explored.
1. The indomitable, irreplaceable, Route 66
The obvious starting point is the world’s most iconic road, Route 66 – still drivable despite the era of the soulless ten-lane-wide freeway dawning in the 1950s. Spanning 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, the route takes in seven states, mountains, lakes and everything in between.
It would be a mammoth commitment to drive the whole thing – so we suggest a few short sections, such as the drive through the desert across the Arizona-California border, evoking the famous journey undertaken by the dust bowl migrants of the 1930s – immortalised in John Steinbeck’s classic novel The Grapes of Wrath.
At the other end of the route, a drive into Chicago from St Louis takes in the Cahokia, the remains of an ancient Native American city on the banks of the Mississippi and ending at the steps of the beautiful Art Institute of Chicago in the famous city’s centre. Whatever section you choose, you’ll be driving a culturally iconic route immortalised in songs and literature.
2. The Elbe Valley: Germany to Czechia
This beautiful, meandering river valley is somewhat of an underrated road trip. Driving from the historic German city of Dresden, you’ll follow the river as it slowly coils round beautiful forested hills and picturesque riverside towns such as Bad Schandau, right on the border with Czechia – where you might see rock climbers scaling the riverside cliffs. There’s a certain thrill in crossing an international border in a car, and once you’re in the Czech side of the valley, take a trip to the historic town of Děčín, overlooked by the imperious and unmissable Děčín Castle.
After driving’s done for the day, make sure you indulge in a few local Czech beers overlooking the river – the perfect way to round off your border-crossing, culture-swapping, beautiful road trip.
3. Australia’s Great Ocean Road
By Australian standards, a 150 mile drive is easy – there are cattle stations in the Outback that are three times that size – but luckily for you, the Great Ocean Road packs a whole country worth of jaw-dropping scenery into the winding coastal road between the towns of Torquay and Warrnambool. The undisputed highlights of the drive are the stunning, otherworldly limestone structures in the Port Campbell National Park, known as the Twelve Apostles. It’s such a great route, and it isn’t too far from Melbourne for a little slice of city life after your drive along the rural coast.
4. Get lost in Lanzarote
The advantages of exploring an island with a hire car are numerous. There’s less traffic, nothing is too far away and you’re only minutes from the beach at any given time. You can really find your niche in Lanzarote, especially in the less crowded side of the island. The attractive town of Yaiza is a great place to stop for lunch, before driving over to the bewitching, treeless moonscape of the Timanfaya National Park, where the island’s volcanic heritage comes into its own. With home-from-home private villas scattered across the island, you can set up a basecamp and hit the road in search of adventure or tranquility – whatever appeals most!
5. Iceland: Reykjavik – The Golden Circle
From one volcanic island to another, driving is just about the only way to get around the jaw-dropping, rugged countryside of Iceland. We recommend taking in the pint-sized urban chic of Reykjavik before heading to what is known as The Golden Circle – the combination of the Pingvellir National Park, the Haukadalur geysers and the two hundred metre tall waterfall at Gullfoss. The ancient scenery streams past your window as you drive the simple two-lane roads between these places. Iceland is truly a country that looks great from any angle, so fuel up the car and prepare to be amazed.
6. New Zealand: The Alpine Highway
This route across New Zealand’s South Island starts in Christchurch, a vibrant, buzzing city undergoing the remarkable process of rebuilding itself following a catastrophic earthquake in 2011. Once you’ve exhausted the city, wind your way up to the Southern Alps, where your route will take in lakes, ski resorts and the jewel in the crown, the Arthur’s Pass National Park. Spend a night high in the mountains before driving yet more beautiful roads such as the Otira Viaduct, where the scenery could have been taken straight out of a car advert. Just about anywhere in New Zealand is beautiful, so you’re best off booking a car for a few days and satisfying your wanderlust by, well… wandering.
With these 6 stunning routes just waiting to be discovered, the only real difficulty will be choosing where to start!