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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Planning your off Road Forest Adventure: Here is Your Checklist

Planning your off road adventure- here is a checklist

Off-roading can bring you fun, excitement, and just a little bit of danger. But when you have an itch to head out and hit the trails, it’s not as simple as taking a hard right turn into the open country. You’ve got to plan your trip and prepare, after all, a lot can happen out there. If you’re planning on taking the rig out on its first off-road adventure, be sure to check out this list of tip and tricks and gain a little bit of trail wisdom.

If this is your first rodeo, we should dispel a common misconception right out of the gate: off-roading is not really off-road. It’s not on paved roads, no, but it’s not a matter of heading out into the forest with no destination in mind either. What you’ll want to find are permitted off-road trails in your area where you can follow a worn path, but also have fun and test your vehicle’s limits along the way. The National Parks Service maintains quite a few paths and that’s a good place to start your search.

Street signs
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/be/Clarendon_sign.jpg

We like to think of off-roading like backpacking, except in this case, the backpack is your vehicle. There are plenty of odds and ends you won’t want to be without. Flashlights, and even road flares can sure come in handy, even when you don’t plan on needing them. After all, you never plan on getting a flat, but you wouldn’t want to go off-roading without a spare tire, jack, and tire iron.

But some things won’t fit in your backpack, or your vehicle – in particular: a buddy. It’s always best to go out in a group if you can, and avoid long treks on your lonesome. Not only is it more fun but if you break down out in the wilderness, the assurance that a good friend is right there with you is better insurance than a trunk full of tools and spare parts. You can always take classes to ensure you drive your best on the trails, but no amount of know-how can replace a little bit of back-up.

Pre Designated trails will help prevent you from running hood first into a log, or ending up in a river. That said, they’re no cakewalk either. It’s important to drive fully alert and at the top of your ability. Even still, moderate to severe damages to your vehicle, especially in the front end, are always in the realm of possibilities. Your factory bumper likely won’t be of much help – which is why you’ll notice many off-roaders have elected to add an aftermarket bumper specifically suited to off-roading.

Another piece of protection a lot of trailheads go for is a set of nerf bars or running boards. These easily installed steps line the side of your truck or SUV and serve a dual purpose. For one thing, they help you and your passengers climb into your vehicle, and they bring the added bonus of knocking rocks and other debris out-of-the-way while off-roading. Whenever you’re off-roading, pebbles, stones, and other paint-scratching scraps are being constantly tossed up by your spinning tires. Dents, dings, and even cracked windows are no stranger to the trails, which is why a set of side steps can really come in handy.

Another popular name for off-roading is “mudding”, and if you venture out in wet conditions you’ll see why. Plenty of people live for getting a good afternoon of mudslinging in, and this is definitely not the time to try to keep your ride clean. In fact, driving back into town with a mud-covered beast is a badge of honor in some circles.

But we’ve found even the muddiest of mudders like to keep their interiors clean if they can which can be a difficult feat, especially if you need to get out and give your pal a push at any point. This is where rubberized all-weather floor mats really come in handy. The deep walls and thick construction of these mats can hold plenty of dirt and mud. Plus just like your vehicle’s exterior, you can just hose these off in your driveway when you get home.

Pajero
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/74/Pajero_in_offroad.JPG

Off-roading, like camping or backpacking, is one of those activities where you might feel like you could never bring too much. And yet, you’ll always feel like you’re forgetting something important. So in addition to the above mentioned items, we’ve prepared a checklist of helpful tools that you’ll always be glad you brought when the time to use them presents itself.

Check-list: – Water (one gallon per person per day)

– Food and trail rations (Twice the amount you think you’ll need)

– Extra Gasoline (Jerry cans)

– First aid kit

– Full Sized Spare Tire

– Jack and Tire Iron

– Basic Tool Box

– Hand Sanitizer

– Flashlight

– Flares

– Sun screen

– Extra clothes

– Rain jacket

– Maps

– Trash bags

– Bug spray

– Sunglasses

– Jumper cables

– Duct tape

– Utility knife

– Air pump and pressure gauge

– Rags

– Super glue

– Paper towels

– Tent[/tab] [/tabs]

Jake McKenzie is a writer with AutoAccessoriesGarage. In addition to writing about cars, trucks, and the automotive world.

You may like to read Staying Safe On Your Next Cross Country Road Trip

Planning your off road adventure- here is a checklist

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Paragliding from around the world

Paragliding is a simple form of human flight and also an adventure sport that people all over the world compete or participate in for high-flying fun. Much like an eagle, paragliders can soar in flights that last several hours and cover many hundreds of miles. The longest paragliding duration is 11 hours and covered more than 310 miles! Since paragliders are light, some adventurers choose to hike way up in the mountains; meaning paragliders have flown off of nearly every major peak in the United States and Europe, including Mt. Everest. By taking advantage of thermal lifts, paraglider pilots can stay aloft for 3 or more hours, climb to elevations of 15,000 feet, and go cross-country.

Woot! As Leonardo da Vinci said, “For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.”

Paragliders are easy to transport, easy to launch, and easy to land. And it offers humans a dream come true, the ability to fly and soar like an eagle. The glider is made of rip-stop nylon wing. The pilot sits in a harness which can be a comfortable as a lounge chair and actually uses the glider to fly like a bird like this photo of paragliding at Muriwai Beach, New Zealand. Photo #1 by Travis Wiens

Takeoff Sequence. Photo #31 by Mikel Ortega
iPhone capture – Paragliding on the beach. Photo #32 by Maurice
Takeoff Peak District National Park. Photo #33 by Dom Crossley
At Torrey Pines, San Diego. Photo #35 by Akshay
Indonesian world record paragliding attempt at Timbis in Bali. Photo #37 by Mj 1903
Paraglider jumping off a ramp at Tegelberg (1720 m), Schwangau, Germany. Photo #36 by Greg O’Beirne
Paraglider on air, above Neustift, Stubai Tal, Tirol, Austria. Photo #40 by Glg
Don Cesar, St Pete Beach sunset. Photo #41 by Andre Bulber

Source: Paragliding: When Humans Soar like Eagles (42 PICS)

YOUR WORLD IS AS BIG AS YOU MAKE IT. BEGIN IMAGINING…..

TOP 10 Best Hot Air Balloon Rides

Humans have always been fascinated by the mystery of flying. The first attempts to copy birds by building wings that could be flapped by attaching them to the arms failed through the years. The ultimate success came from a completely different approach only after these methods were abandoned.

The Montgolfier brothers came up with a new idea in 1783. After a successful experiment of filling a silk bag with hot air which lifted meters off the ground,  Joseph and Jacques built a larger, spherical bag. They filled it with hot air from a fire and sent some farm animals in the air in a basket hung beneath it. Shortly after, this the brothers launched a 70-foot high balloon that lifted to 3000 feet and remained aloft for 25 minutes, with two men aboard. This was the first human, carrying flight technology. After this accomplishment was widely publicised, the human-carrying balloon evolved quickly.

Hot air balloons, today are able to reach thousands of meters height, with 21000 meters (69 000 feet) being the world record. Balloon flights and festivals are popular in various destinations around the world. We have selected 10 amazing locations around the world that are worth seeing from a birds-eye view.

Hot air balloon rides
Photograph found on www.ytravelblog.com

The best way to experience the ancient city of Bagan and its thousands of years temples is to get aboard on a hot air balloon and see it from the air. That´s the only way to really understand the size of one of the world´s greatest archaeological sites. Balloons Over Bagan is a privately owned Burmese, but British run company offering tours from mid-October to March off rainy season only.

Photograph found on dancingbranflakes.blogspot.com

Drift above the fascinating and breathtaking Napa Valley vineyards and watch the sunrise from the basket early in the morning. There are many companies offering flights in the region. Established in 1980 Napa Valley Balloons is Napa Valley’s oldest balloon company.

Photograph found on travelphotography.theplanetd.com
Photograph found on travelphotography.theplanetd.com

The Cerdanya Valley is located in the Spanish Pyrenees, in Catalonia. From the air, you can discover one of the most impressive valleys in Europe and its surrounding mountains the Sierra del Cadí, the Sierra del Moixeró and the Tossa de Alp. Since it is very close to the French border there is also a chance to see the area if you choose a balloon flight from Southern France. Experience the dramatic scenery with Ballooning Barcelona an established name in the industry.

Photograph found on fascinating-places.blogspot.com

Cappadocia is one of the most popular spots in the world to try a hot air balloon. The reason behind it is the utterly unique and surreal landscape that you have never witnessed before in your lifetime. Gently drifting over that fairy chimneys, through the valleys over vineyards and orchards, the different colours of the landscape will leave you breathless. Once you are back on the ground discover one of the underground cities in the region in Turkey.

Photograph found on www.atablefortwo.com.au

Watch the sunlight up the rugged MacDonnell Ranges on the Australian Outback. What would be a better way to have an amazing view other than a scenic hot air balloon flight. There is a good chance that you will see the big red kangaroos in their natural habitat. With nearly 30 years experience, Outback Ballooning is Australia’s only balloon company specialising in remote Outback operations.

Photograph found on bestplacesofinterest.com

Jaipur in Rajasthan, India is a real adventure destination – why not combine it with a once in a lifetime hot air balloon flight. Jaipur is often called the ´Pink City´has magnificent forts and palaces. On your ride, you will explore the Amber Fort, Jal Mahal and the aerial view of Jaipur. The company called Sky Waltz offers an unforgettable experience through the sky.

Photograph found on www.99traveltips.com

Hot air balloon flights in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve is a truly enchanting experience. It is the northernmost part of the spectacular Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, home to the “Great Migration” and outstanding wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles.

Photograph found on thejigsawpuzzles.com

Château-d’Oex is a hot air balloon paradise. Every year in the last week of January this part of the Swiss Alps provides the setting for the leading alpine ballooning event, the International Hot Air Balloon Week. The sky blooms with colour as hot-air balloons float over the snow peaks.Hot air ballooning is available all year round.

France, Dordogne (24), Perigord Noir, vallee de la Dordogne, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, le chateau medieval de Castelnaud qui abrite le Musee de la Guerre au Moyen-Age, vol de montgolfieres (vue aerienne)
ww.photo-paramoteur.com

Combining a gastronomic experience with a hot air balloon trip is an ultimate choice. Burgundy is a wonderful area renowned for its fine wines and châteaux. It gives every tourist, a taste, of the soul of France. Fly over the celebrated vineyards of the wine area, the spectacular medieval hilltop towns and villages of the Parc du Morvan Nature Reserve. Get in touch with the friendly and professional team of France Montgolfière Balloons, they offer trips throughout France.

Photograph found on acouplecooks.com

Angkor Wat is the world´s largest religious complex and archeological site located in Cambodia. After you have seen it from the ground and wandered for hours between the walls of this magical complex why not see it from above. Be prepared for the crowds, though. Angkor Ballooning is the only balloon company offering daily trips depending on the weather conditions.

*/ Source: TOP 10 Best Hot Air Balloon Rides /*

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