The Open Road

Offering news, views, and tips for independent car rentals

Ski Vacation Packages? Consider SUV Rental!

Every year, you and your family head to your favorite ski resort for a holiday ski and snowboarding trip. The only problem is that you have to jam all of your equipment into a tiny sedan or spend the money to rent equipment at the ski lodge. Why not consider cheap rental cars, like an SUV, for your mini-vacation?

Looking for Cheap Car Rentals? Beware of Budget Scam

If you've been watching the news lately then you are definitely aware of all the media attention that Budget Rent A Car in Vancouver, BC has been getting.  And for those of you who are in the dark, here's a short recap.

Smart Cars? To Be or Not To Be?

So I read this article at BBC and I am a bit on the fence.  While the up-and-coming car technology is partly intended to make driving less dangerous, so many new facets make me think that drivers will be even more in danger than before.

Helping the Victims of Hurricane Sandy

Most people know that after Hurricane Sandy hit, New York and New Jersey residents were practically out of fuel options for their vehicles. What most people don’t realize is just how many people came out of the woodwork to lend a hand.

How to Beat the November Blues

We're now half way through November and to be honest I am not sure how I made it this far without renting a cheap car and heading south.  Oh right.. I haven't gone because I have that thing called a job and have to send my kids to school...

Election Buzz in the Air

No matter where you live in the country, there’s no way that you missed Election Day on November 6th. Whether you voted or not, you knew it was here. Presidential Debates and spin-off Saturday Night Live skits have been filling up the TV lineup. Social media websites have been clogged with political opinions, jokes and a few arguments.

Safe Travels in the Wake of Hurricane Sandy

Unless you live in a box, there’s no way that you missed the around-the-clock coverage of Hurricane Sandy, which devastated parts of New York and New Jersey. Despite the New York Times' reports of gasoline shortages and Subway closures, the fact is that people have to travel.

Rental Car Woes in Costa Rica

Renting a car when you're in Costa Rica is a must. There really isn't any convenient way to get around unless you can provide your own transportation. However, making sure to do your homework ahead of time is key. Don't fall into the same trap I did - waiting to book a car until the last minute means big risks and even bigger woes.

The Need for Sun as Winter Approaches

October is a strange month. Some days, you can still pad around in your flip-flops, keep the windows open as you drive down the highway and sip iced coffee to stay cool. Other days, you consider turning your heat on for the first time since last winter. No matter how many warm days we still enjoy here and there, the truth is that the snow will be here before we know it. Why not prepare for the cold before it’s too late?

Traveling Safely in South America: Some Handy Tips

South America is a beautiful, diverse continent, full of culture, gorgeous scenery and delicious cuisine. It’s no wonder why you want to spend your vacation there. Unfortunately, some travelers return with horror stories instead of a camera full of happy memories. Learning the risks of traveling abroad will help you prepare for the unexpected, leaving you more time to enjoy your time away.