5 most common car hire scams for Travel & how to avoid them

car hire

“If you’re a frequent car hire person and try on different services each time, it’s obvious to encounter some sort of scam or a rip-off.”

Have you ever paid the headline cost which is vested once you select the vehicle? We’ll guess and say that you haven’t yet because it’s hardly ever the full rental cost after adding other essential and extra options. Here’re some of the biggest scams you should know of to help save hard-earned cash without compromising your passion to try different car hire services.

  • License & registration

In many advanced countries, a paper counterpart to the driver’s license has become nearly obsolete. This was previously used to record driving authorizations and essential for car hire companies to check before issuing a vehicle besides only the license.

Ever since their production and updating has been ceased, the license information’s now stored electronically which lets you generate a code to be shared and checked at Bahrain car hire company. There’ve been cases when companies tried charging their customer’s additional fees for missing the paper counterparts or perhaps invalidation of the insured which isn’t true

  • Driving with parents
Drivers License -Teen driver | by State Farm, car hire
Drivers License -Teen driver | by State Farm

Is there a thing such as ‘ageism’? It sure does in the car hire industry which associates with the age factor and eligibility. In many countries, the age between 25 and 65-years qualifies an individual to rent a vehicle and if you wish some else to book a car in their name for you, minimum age must be 21-years at least but either of the parents is requested to be in the car at all times. That said, car hire and age limit standards are different between countries so it’s always better to query beforehand to avoid any trouble or perhaps unwanted surcharge.

  • The ‘essential’ extras

If you’re heading out with the family, it’s obvious to book a car with child seat; that is if yours are young enough. However, it’ll definitely cost some extra so why not take your own seat just as airlines allow carrying two-pieces of children equipment that can be car seats, travel cots or pushchairs absolutely free of charge. This way, you can easily move on with the journey after taking an informed decision on whether to pay or not for an in-car child seat.

  • Vehicle upgrades
vehicle upgrades, car hire
vehicle upgrades

Just imagine arriving at the rental desk only to be told that your booked vehicle is unavailable! Sometimes, it can happen but only with the car model but not the brand which probably means you’ll get an upgraded vehicle, right? That’s absolutely wrong and the company would surely try to convince you on essential vehicle upgrades that haven’t been done at all or totally unwanted per the type of car you’ve hired. You’ve two choices here; either to accept the upgrades and pay extra or simply refund you the amount to avoid any inconvenience

  • Urge to spend extra

Finding just the right service at times can be a real drag which would eventually end you booking at a cost far greater than it should be. This is quite obvious if yours and the company’s location are far from each other so always try searching for the service nearest to your place. With Bahrain car hire, you get the best price and service thus promising a peaceful cruise.


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10 Historical Places in Gujarat

Laxmi Vilas Palace, Gujarat

Gujarat’s rich history and culture come alive till date through the many historical monuments and sites that the state has. The beauty of Gujarat lies in its rich past. Fascinating tales and historical incidents from yesteryear make Gujarat an interesting state to visit. Many of the historical sites that Gujarat has dated back to the times of the Vedas or are as old as Indus Valley civilization. The historical places of Gujarat offer a brilliant revival of history with some amazing inputs from modernity.

The top historical places of Gujarat may be listed as follows:

Champaner-Pavagadh

Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological park

Champaner-Pavagadh, also jointly referred to as an archaeological park, has been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. The history and culture of these two places are as old as civilization itself. These two ancient historic cities were the nerve centres of civilization for many years but gradually faded in importance and got lost to the ages. Today the cities bear vivid testimony to many historical eras such as the Vedic period, Rajput age, Maratha period, Mughal era and the British era. The cities are dotted with numerous ornate monuments which reflect a fusion of Hindu and Islamic architectures. A visit to Champaner-Pavagadh historic cities will let you walk back in time and explore the past.

Sabarmati Ashram

Sabarmati Ashram, Gujarat

Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad is a much-revered place for Gandhian and passionate country-lovers. Gandhi resided in this ashram and spearheaded the Indian struggle for freedom from this renowned political epicentre. The ashram stands along the Sabarmati River and is also differently referred to as Satyagraha Ashram and Harijan Ashram.

Dholavira

Typical Home, Dholavira, Gujarat

Dholavira, a part of the 4500 years old Indus Valley Civilization is an important excavation site. Dholavira offers enchanting glimpses into the ancient civilization of the past. Many archaeological marvels excavated at Dholavira will offer you an idea about the enormous development that the civilization underwent during its times. Kutch desert wildlife sanctuary lies in close proximity to Dholavira and is one of the prime tourist attractions.

Lothal

Lothal, Gujarat

Lothal is an archaeological site as well as an old city lying about 87kms away from the business hub of Ahmedabad. Lothal had been a part of the Harappan civilization. Full-fledged, well-developed settlements were present in Lothal during the Harappan age. Today you can catch a glimpse of one of the most ancient cultures of the world; i.e. the Harappan culture at Lothal. The culture though now in total ruins still speaks aloud the tale of a glorious civilization of antiquity. The age of the site may be traced back to 2nd millennium BC. Lothal archaeological site falls within Gujarat’s Ahmedabad district in the village of Sarajwala.

Mahabat Maqbara

Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh, Gujarat

Mahabat Maqbara is an important historical monument located in Gujarat’s Junagadh city. The Maqbara came into being in the year 1892 and was used by the Junagadh Nawabs as their presidential palace.

Kirti Toran

Kirti Toran of Vadnagar, Gujarat

Kirti Toran in Gujarat’s Vadnagar is also differently referred to as Kirti Stambha. It is an ornate temple arch of semi-religious or community import. It is a beautiful testimony to the architectural splendour of the Solanki era.

 Bhujiyo Kotho

Bhujiyo Kotho, Gujarat

Bhujiyo Kotho is the five-storied ancient watchtower situated along Jamnagar’s Lakhota lake. The tower has a beautiful peacock-shaped water tank atop it. The tower was used for protection purpose in the historic times. The walls of the tower’s first floor have holes on them. These holes were used for shooting enemies down in ancient times. One could catch panoramic views of the entire city of Jamnagar from the tower top.

Kandla Port

Kandla Port, Gujarat

Kandla Port is one of the most important ports of India. The port stands on Kandla stream. This port was a joint venture between the British Government and Maharaj Shri Khengarji- III around the 19th century. The port has a capacity of treating 24000 metric tonnes of dry Cargo per day.

Rani ki Vav

Rani ki Baavdi (Vav), Gujarat

Rani Ki Vav is an architectural masterpiece constructed by queen Udayamati in the memory and honour of King Bhimdev I. It is a step well-constructed around 1063 AD.  Waters from River Saraswati flowing beside the well was used to fill this well once upon a time. Now the well has gone dry as the river has gone dry too. This iconic historical site of Gujarat is situated in Patan. The walls of the stepwell are adorned with intricate sculptures that portray marvellous artistry and rich history. Maru-Gurjara architectural style has been employed to build the stepwell that exhibits real complex techniques and smart engineering.

Laxmi Vilas Palace

Laxmi Vilas Palace, Gujarat

Laxmi Vilas Palace is a royal and opulent structure situated in Gujarat’s Vadodara town. This luxurious palatial building with ornate carvings came into being in the year 1980 under the initiative of Maharaja Sayaji Rao III. 60 Lakhs was spent to build this monument around the 19th century. Indo Saracenic architectural style is reflected through the architecture of this monument. Darbar hall of this palace will leave you thoroughly mesmerized. Today this hall is often hired by my music companies or movie production houses for concerts or shooting respectively.


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Top 6 Places to Visit in Kathmandu

Baktapur, Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal not only hides treasures inside but you can find interesting monasteries, important places of worship or impressive stupas.

Read on to know about top places to visit in Kathmandu

1. Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath, Kathmandu

Swayambhunath is an amazing Buddhist temple that rises above the city on a hilltop. It is also known by the name of “temple of the monkeys” for the amount of them that live here. Swayambhunath not only lodges this gigantic white stupa but in its enclosure, you can contemplate more temples. From here you can have exceptional views of Kathmandu, especially to admire its sunset.

2. Patan

Patan, Kathmandu

It is known for its Durbar square, much like Kathmandu but smaller. It has also been damaged by the earthquake. Even so, it’s worth coming up here. Do not stop the visit to Durbar Square. Also, you can walk northeast to the Ghats of Sankhamul. See the Northern Ashok Stupa (Northern Stupa) – A white stupa from where you can observe through Buddha’s eyes. Patan has four ancient “Ashok” stupas that mark its borders: stupa of the north, stupa of the south (Lagan), stupa of the west and stupa of the east. The Sankhamul Ghats are not very large and they are quite dirty because of a cremation site.

3. Pashupatinath

Pashupatinath, Kathmandu

Pashupatinath is the site that you should not miss from the surroundings of Kathmandu. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple and it is forbidden for non-Hindus. The most interesting is to access the area of the Ghats where the Bagmati River becomes sacred to perform cremations. If you cross to the other side, you will have better views.

4. Boudhanath

Boudhanath, Kathmandu

Boudhanath is the largest stupa in Asia, which is why it deserves a visit. The central tower has been demolished but it is now fully up. It is impressive to see hundreds of pilgrims turn around the stupa turning the prayer rollers. The best views can be obtained from the top of the Shrine of Hariti, inside the enclosure. In case anyone is interested, there is the possibility to stay in the Guest House of the Sakya Tharig Monastery. It is a Guesthouse that sustains the monastery and where you can live with the monks of the place.

5. Kopan Monastery

Kopan Monastery, Kathmandu

Located on the north hill of Boudhanath you will find this Buddhist monastery. Kopan Monastery is a place where many people go to study psychology and Buddhist philosophy.

6. Bhaktapur

Baktapur, Kathmandu

Last destination in the vicinity of Kathmandu but no less important. Bhaktapur is the third medieval city-state of the Kathmandu Valley. It has three squares full of temples: Durbar square, Taumandhi Tole and Tachupal Tole. To enter Bhaktapur you will have to pay an “entrance”. The money goes to maintain the temples, many of them today fell by the earthquake. Apart from visiting the innumerable temples, you also have to dedicate time to the life of your interior. Artisans weaving and carving, potters showing their pieces, locals gathered to wash or socialize.

So don’t waste your time and Plan your trip to Nepal to explore these beautiful destinations and create a new memory.

Top beaches of the world – Part 3

Boracay beach, beaches of the world

Continuing from my earlier post Top beaches of the World – Part 2′

Spiaggia dei Conigli- Lampedusa, Islands of Sicily

One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Lampedusa, Italy. The magnificent Island of Lampedusa, in Sicily, is an infinite discovery. The island is known for it fine, white beaches, rugged nature, traditional cuisine, and its warm and hospitable people. Not to mention the clear, crystalline sea – a symbol for the vitality of all of Lampedusa!

  • Sharm El Luli- Marsa Alam, Egypt

Paradise Sharm El Luli

  • Nungwi Beach- Tanzania

  • Punta Uva Beach-Costa Rica

Playa Punta Uva – Costa Rica. One of the calmest beach in the southern part of Costa Rica. The name of the beach is “Playa Punta Uva”. The beach is located on Caribbean cost, about 8.5 from Puerto Viejo. It can be reached by local bus (running hourly or less during daylight hours), bicycle, taxi or car. The place is surrounded by lush forest where sometimes you can see sloths, monkeys and many types of birds. The beach is quiet, water/waves calm and it has a “gentle” sand (great place for kids).

  • White beach- Boracay, Malay

Boracay is one of the world most popular getaway tourist destination. The white beach is famous for its soft and white sands.

So, which are your favourite/best beaches in the world?