Brits set to take to the roads this Easter
The Easter break is one of the most popular times when Britons take to the roads, and new data has revealed that this year will be no different.
Car hire giant Enterprise Rent-A-Car has reported a significant spike in the number of weekend rentals over the Easter period, compared to a normal weekend. Last year, twice as many people booked a car for the Easter period compared to the weeks leading up to Easter, in fact up a massive 80 percent from the weekend before.
Weekend rentals from Enterprise start at £14.99 per day for 4 days over Easter. If you’ve never rented a car before - and even if you have - here are some things to think about:
Size matters: there are no baggage restrictions on a road trip so make sure you choose the right size and type of vehicle, with space for additional luggage, extra passengers and specialised sports equipment.
Check the vehicle condition: Walk around your hire car and check its condition before you drive away. The documentation should have existing damage marked on it, so check it. Ideally, do this with a member of staff from the rental firm so that you can point out any additional damage or marks at the beginning of the rental. This will help you to avoid any disputes at the end.
Check out the features: Features differ from car to car so take time to familiarise yourself with the car’s controls. Before you set off work out how to open the fuel tank and the boot, check how the sat-nav works, where the reverse gear is, and how the lights, indicators and wipers operate.
Know your pump: Check what type of fuel your rental car takes, as again it may differ from your day-to-day vehicle.
Tick off Ts and Cs: Check your contract carefully for any mileage restrictions and special terms and conditions. Also check your return branch is open when you intend to drop the vehicle back.
Make sure you know contact details: Make sure you have a note of who to contact in case of accident or emergency. Your rental company should provide these before you leave with the car. Quite often, they’re located on the rental contract.
Friendly neighbourhood branch: If you’re renting in one town and visiting another, find out where the local rental branch is at your destination. It can be a quick and valuable source of help whilst you are away.
If you’re planning to go away over the Easter period but don’t know where to go, why not try one of these classic British road trips? We’ve found some special Easter suggestions to give you that eggs-tra reason to travel this Easter:
Route 1: The Norfolk Coast from Kings Lynn to Cromer (A148)
The Bure Valley Railway is running the Easter Eggspress daily from 6-9 April.
Route 2: Lake District circular route from Kendal (A5284)
Watch the Kendal Passion Play performed on the streets of this historic town during the afternoons and evenings of Good Friday and Easter Saturday ending with a Grand Finale at Kendal Castle on Easter Saturday evening.
Route 3: Scottish highlands from Glasgow to Inverness (A9)
Easter event suggestion: Once again the Easter Treasure Hunt will take place in Inverness City Centre from Friday 6 April to 7 April. Come along from 11am till 4pm and hunt for the eggs in the city centre shops following a set of clues. Easter bunnies, Street Entertainers and Music help make this event popular with all ages.
Route 4: Cotswolds from Cheltenham to Stratford (B4632)
Visit Gloucester Quays for a new, free three-day festival, which celebrates outdoor living over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend to enjoy a feast of fashion, flowers and food.
Route 5: Atlantic Highway from Devon to Cornwall (A39)
Visit the Trereife Easter food and craft fair at Trereife Park, near Newlyn, Cornwall TR20 8TJ from Friday, 6 April to Monday 9 April, 10am- 5pm. This includes inspiring tours of Trereife House, a delectable selection of locally produced food and drink, exquisite art and crafts, a children's Easter Egg Hunt and live music performances.