Renting a Car

بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Having a car during your travels can help you expand your exploration and take epic road trips with your family, but it can also be expensive. Sometimes renting a car for a month can cost as much as your accommodation, so deciding if you want one, for how long, and where to rent from can be a big money saver for you and your family. In this article, we explore some tips to make finding what you need easier and some tips to save money. I will also introduce you to a newer platform that I have used recently and that has saved me a bundle:

So, you're planning a trip and wondering—should I rent a car? Honestly, this is one of the most common travel dilemmas. Renting a car can mean ultimate freedom to explore hidden gems at your own pace. But it also comes with costs, logistics, and a few important decisions.

Let’s break it all down—from deciding whether you even need a car, to picking the best deal, avoiding hidden fees, and even how to protect yourself from surprise charges. Oh, and if you’re ready to book, I’ve got a Qeeq.com deal waiting for you too.

Do I Need a Car at All?

Before you rush to book that convertible (or minivan, no judgment), take a step back. Do you actually need a rental car at your destination?

How’s the Public Transport Where You’re Going?

In places like Istanbul, for example, public transportation is fast, reliable, and often way cheaper than driving. Subways, buses, and trams are easy to navigate and can save you loads of cash, not to mention the headache of parking. Research your destination for these options and the cost.

What About Ride-Sharing Apps?

Uber, Lyft, and local alternatives (like Grab in Southeast Asia or Bolt in Europe) can be super affordable for short trips or getting around a city for day-to-day activities. To check prices ahead of time:

Use the app to simulate routes you plan to take.

Plug in your hotel and popular tourist sites to get rough costs.

Don’t forget to factor in surge pricing, especially during holidays or peak times.

If you're only planning one or two big trips or just need to go to the supermarket once a week, ride-shares might be cheaper overall.

If I Want a Car, What’s My Plan?

Here’s a little tip: don’t rent a car just because. Start with your itinerary. Are you heading to multiple cities? Do you want to chase waterfalls, scenic drives, or specific mosques? Are there toll roads to consider?

Make a list of the key things you want to do and map them out. This helps you:

Decide how many days you need the car.

Save money by only booking for the exact days you’re driving.

It’s super common (and smart) to rent a car after you’ve explored a city a bit so you can get the lay of the land, then book when you know what you want to do.

Best Tips and Tricks to Get the Best Value from Your Vehicle

Now that you're sold on renting, let’s make sure you get the best deal possible. Keep in mind that all car rental companies have restrictions and rules about the age of the driver, type of driver's license, and some may even require an international driving permit to rent a car. Make sure to check all of these before you book to avoid disappointment when you go to pick up your car.

Use Trusted Comparison Websites that use search engines to find the best rentals. They will compare dozens of top car rental companies to give you the best prices—all in one spot. Some examples of these are Expedia, Booking, Priceline, and my new favorite Qeeq.com. They will cover all the most popular companies like Hertz, Avis, Budget and much more, to find your best fit.

Use Filters Like a Pro

Some of the most common ones to help you narrow down your search:

Transmission (manual vs. automatic)

Fuel policy (full-to-full is best)

Mileage limits (go unlimited if you’re doing long drives)

Pickup/dropoff locations (airport vs. city center)

Don't forget to check user reviews and car model photos if available.

Want to save up to 60% on your rental? Book now through our exclusive Qeeq.com link and unlock instant discounts. No hidden fees. No fuss.

Should I Take Rental Car Insurance?

Here’s where things get tricky—and expensive. Rental car insurance can easily double the cost of your rental. But going without coverage? That can feel risky, but here is my take:

Many travelers already have a collision damage waiver (CDW) through a credit card. Check your card benefits. Visa, Mastercard, and AmEx often include this if you:

Pay for the entire rental with that card

Decline the rental agency’s CDW

Rent a passenger car (usually not trucks or exotic vehicles)

Stay within coverage areas (many exclude certain countries)

This is my opinion based on personal experience. Always read your credit card’s terms and conditions before declining rental insurance. Coverage can vary wildly between providers, countries, and rental periods. Use your best judgment.

Pro Tips:

Take before and after photos of the car, inside and out.

Make sure your rental agreement notes any scratches/damage before you drive away.

Keep fuel receipts and return the car with a full tank or the same level, depending on policy

Understanding Fuel Terms

Not all fuel policies are created equal. The most cost-effective one is full tank to full, where you get and return with a full tank. Some have the same level or full to empty, which sounds convenient, but you’re paying for a full tank in advance—and often at inflated prices. Plus, if you return the car half-full, you're essentially gifting the rental company your gas money or paying an inflated price to have them fill it up.

Check the policy before booking. On Qeeq, you can filter rentals by fuel policy, so you don’t get caught off guard.

Why I Recommend Qeeq.com

I've tried a bunch of rental services over the years, and Qeeq.com has recently come out on top for price, transparency, and ease of use.

Here’s Why It Rocks:

Compared 500+ rental agencies worldwide

Huge savings (up to 60% off standard prices)

Transparent pricing—no surprise fees at checkout

Filters galore to match your exact needs

Customer support that helps if things go sideways

You can even join their loyalty program for extra perks like free upgrades and priority support. Signing up is free, and it takes less than 60 seconds.

Book your car now through Qeeq.com and lock in the best rates.

Renting a car can open up a whole new layer of adventure on your trip. Whether it’s chasing sunsets along the coast, getting lost in mountain villages, or just avoiding crowded tour buses, there’s something special about having your own wheels.

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Esim: AloSIM

Airport Transfers: Trip.com

Car Rental: Qeeq.com

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** Disclaimer: We are compensated for some of the links provided in this article if you purchase something, but we only recommend what we have used and found successful or we have done some research to find. This blog should not be used as financial advice and we are not travel agents, we are just letting you know our opinions from real life experience. May Allah bless you and your family on your travels!