The cost of renting a car for the entire duration of your vacation is often one of the biggest expenses in the whole travel budget.
Over the years, I’ve tried a bit of everything—ever since my first trip to Florida back in 2007. I’ve been working on finding a method that is both reliable and affordable for renting a car whenever needed.
If you’re staying outside the theme park hotels, renting a car is strongly recommended, if not mandatory.
Here you’ll find my detailed guide on the benefits of staying at a Disney Resort hotel.
The method I use can be applied regardless of your destination. I’ve used it during trips to France, Germany, and even on quick getaways to the parks in Rome.
Our rental car in Florida in 2007 (yes, I used to have hair!)
Is an International Driving Permit Required?
It depends.
Of course, you don’t need one if you’re staying within the European Union, but outside of it, it’s often recommended or required.
Be aware that there are two types of International Driving Permits:
- Vienna 1968
- Geneva 1949
The “Vienna 1968” version is valid for 3 years, while the “Geneva 1949” version is valid for 1 year, both depending on the validity of your national driver’s license.
To check which one is required based on your destination country, visit the website Viaggiare Sicuri.
For the United States, you’ll find this statement:
The recognition of driving documents is subject to the laws of each U.S. state and is not uniform across the country. Detailed information is available at http://www.mit.gov.it/mit/site.php?p=cm&o=vd&id=3870.
It is still advisable to always accompany your Italian driver’s license with an International Driving Permit in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Convention.
As you can see, even official sources don’t always provide clear information.
To be on the safe side—I always get one!
How and Where to Apply for an International Driving Permit
You can apply at the offices of the Motorizzazione Civile (Italian DMV), ACI (Automobile Club d’Italia), or through agencies that handle driving-related paperwork.
If you go directly to the Motorizzazione Civile, you’ll spend a bit less. Otherwise, at ACI offices I’ve never paid more than €90.
In any case, the required documentation is as follows:
- Application form TT 746
- Proof of payment of €10.20 to account c/c 9001 (pre-filled payment slip available at post offices and DMV offices)
- Proof of payment of €16 to account c/c 4028 (pre-filled payment slip available at post offices and DMV offices)
- A €16 revenue stamp
- Two recent passport photos, one of which must be certified
- Photocopy (front and back) of a valid driver’s license
When collecting the permit, you must present your valid driver’s license for verification.
How to Rent a Car at the Right Price
My method is very simple—I use rentalcars.com.
It’s a very reliable site and part of the Booking.com family.
On Rentalcars.com, you can compare prices from the biggest car rental companies, and also book and pay for your rental directly on the site.
These are the steps I usually follow:
- I check Rentalcars.com for an overview of the best deals available at the moment
- I check the official website of the rental company to see how much it would cost to book directly
- I choose the most convenient option, also taking into account any included extras that Rentalcars.com often offers in the price (second driver, full tank, child seat, etc.)
Below you’ll find a tutorial video on how to make the most of Rentalcars.com
[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/G9CJy8u0ckk” width=”720″ height=”1280″]
My Tips & Tricks
It doesn’t end here!
Over the years, I’ve refined my method even more, adapting it to each destination.
First tip: Always say NO!
It may sound simple, but after a 12-hour flight, fatigue plays tricks on you.
If you’ve planned everything properly, you won’t need to add any extras or upgrade your car at the counter.
Agents will always try to upsell—after all, it’s their job, and many work on commission. They’ll seize every opportunity to make you spend more.
Second tip: Promotions
Rentalcars.com often offers promotions that include extras you might need—extras that would cost a fortune if added later:
- Second driver
- Full tank of fuel
- Vehicle upgrade
- GPS
Evaluate these offers carefully.
I always look for a promotion that includes a second driver—it’s often one of the most expensive extras if added at the counter.
Do the math!
Third tip: GPS? No, thanks
We all have a GPS in our pockets now—just come prepared.
In 2007 I rented one at a steep price, but back then it was necessary—smartphones didn’t exist yet!
Today, there are dozens of free or paid apps for navigation. The most popular are:
- Google Maps
- Apple Maps
- Waze
- TomTom
On my last trip in August 2019, I used TOMTOM GO NAVIGATION. For just a few euros, you can get a monthly plan and use it even offline.
To use your phone as a GPS efficiently, bring:
- Phone holder
- Long charging cable
- Car charger
- International data plan
I recommend bringing a suction cup mount instead of a vent clip—you never know what car you’ll get.
Don’t forget a long cable and a car charger.
Last but not least, a data plan for abroad.
This is the only item you’ll need to evaluate based on your destination—always check with your provider, and don’t skimp on data allowance during your trip.
Being able to go online in case of emergency is always important.
If your provider isn’t cutting it, I recommend this SIM card—perfect for U.S. travel with unlimited data, calls, and texts.
For under €40 (excluding the data plan), you’ll be able to use your smartphone as a GPS anywhere in the world, anytime—no more overpriced rentals.
For me, this KIT is a must.
Fourth tip: Car seat? No, thanks
If you’re traveling with kids who need a car seat, you have three options:
- Bring your own
- Rent it with the car
- Buy one locally
Bringing your own is cheapest, but not always the most practical. Some airlines let you check in car seats for free, but not all.
Consider the fact that you’ll also have suitcases and often a stroller—moving around the airport can be a challenge.
Renting a car seat is the simplest option—but the most expensive!
Daily costs start at around €10, so calculate carefully.
Buying one locally is a good middle ground, but plan ahead.
Obviously, you’ll need to buy it outside the airport terminal—in a supermarket. This requires planning.
In Miami, for example, there’s a Walmart just 5 minutes from the airport—very convenient if you’re like us, and Federico no longer needs a seat in the U.S.
In Conclusion
As always, the golden rule is: Plan ahead.
Improvising your car rental can lead to traps, hidden costs, or the wrong paperwork—like the wrong driving permit.
Time spent planning will pay off.
If you have any other tips to share, leave a comment on this post—I’d love to include them!
