Unravel the hidden gem of Quesada: Alicante affordable adventures in car hire.
So, you are going to visit the beautiful region of Alicante, more precisely the lovely town of Quesada, and you might be seeking affordable car hire in Quesada, Alicante? Well, fasten your seatbelts because I have a perfect guide for you. Today, we’re going to dive deep into getting that sweet ride without letting your wallet go astray. Ready? Let’s roll!
Why Quesada, Alicante?
First and foremost, Quesada. Located deep in the heart of Costa Blanca, Quesada is a beautiful blend of sun, sand, and Spanish charm. From the beach bums to the foodies or history buffs, there is something for everyone here. And how else but by car would anyone want to get around all the local sights and varied attractions that Quesada and its surrounding areas have in store? Put yourself in charge when you can drive your own pair of wheels, and feel free to go back water beaches, quaint villages, and local eateries off the beaten path.
Quesada is so often in the shadows of its bigger towns nearby, like Alicante and Torrevieja, but it is a secret that needs to be discovered. Imagine meandering streets lined by orange groves, accidentally coming upon some back street family-run restaurant that has nothing but fresh seafood, or finding a secluded beach where you can enjoy your sun in peace—that is Quesada.
In Search of Budget Car Hire
Now, onto the main event: finding a budget-friendly car hire. Not as overwhelming as it does sound, I promise you. Here are some tried and tested tips to get you the most bang for your buck.
1. Book in Advance
One of the golden rules of travel is to make reservations early. Big discounts are a lure to car hire companies for people who have booked well in advance. Moreover, you will get a greater choice of cars. So, as soon as you have your dates of travel, start searching for offers.
For instance, my friend Lisa once made a really great deal by booking six months in advance. She had some nice little convertible at a fraction of what it would have cost if she had booked closer to her trip. She spent her days driving along the coast with the top down, the wind blowing in her hair, and a huge smile on her face.
2. Compare, Compare, Compare
Not one deal or another, compare a number of them using Kayak, Skyscanner, and Rentalcars for the best offers. All these sites are filters, and the filters include price, car type, rental company, et cetera. You do get that feeling of local assistance of some chap running around for you doing all the legwork.
I’ve had great luck using these websites. Once, I found a deal on Rentalcars.com that was almost half the price the car hire company offered me directly. A few clicks saved me a nice bit of change that I’m glad I spent on delicious tapas and local wine.
3. Check Out Local Companies
While big operators like Hertz and Avis are trustworthy and dependable, local companies near Quesada could provide good competitive rates and highly personalized service. At times, they will even give extras like free additional drivers or unlimited mileage. It won’t hurt to do a quick Google search or request recommendations on travel forums.
My friend Tom comes highly recommending a small local firm he discovered in his last visit to Quesada. The price was very competitive, and the owner also provided first-class advice on the best places to spend time that tourists rarely get to see. Those little touches are what make a trip memorable.
4. Keep Eye on Discounts and Coupons
Who doesn’t love a good deal? Always look out for promo codes and special deals. Discount car rental areas can be found on websites like Groupon or RetailMeNot. Some travel clubs or loyalty programs also give members exclusive discounts.
One time, I remember getting 20% off some car hire company through Groupon. I felt like I hit the jackpot! The much-needed money savings went toward a spur-of-the-moment shopping spree at a local market.
5. Avoid Airport Rentals
Airport pickup may seem to be most convenient to get your rental car but is usually the most expensive. This is because there are more taxes and fees levied in airport locations than in downtown locations. Quesada itself is not very far from the main transport hubs in Alicante, so this can become a cost-effective alternative.
The first time I went to Alicante, I did the rookie mistake of renting from the airport. What I didn’t know then was that I could have saved a pretty penny if I’d picked up my car from an in-town location. Lesson learned!
Navigating the Rental Process
Okay, so you’ve got a good deal. Now what? Here are some tips to help make your rental experience as seamless as possible.
1. Know Your Insurance
The maze of rental car insurance: most rental companies will give you several insurance options, from basic to full protection. If you have car insurance or a credit card that covers rentals, you really won’t need the extra coverage. Just make sure you’re clear about what is covered and what isn’t.
On a trip to Italy, I didn’t buy any insurance from the rental company because my credit card covers me for that. A bit later, the little fender-bender occurred. The case with the insurance claim was smooth, and I was so glad not to have paid extra for something useless.
2. Check the Car
Always inspect the vehicle before leaving the premises. Make a note of any damage;osta in your rental agreement that it is pre-damaged. Take photos if necessary. This may save you a lot of hassle when returning the car.
I once rented a car in Portugal that had a small dent. I didn’t think of it much until returning the car and the rental company reaching out to charge me for the damage. Luckily, I had photos proving it was there before I took the car. Crisis averted!
3. Fuel Policy
Check the fuel policy. It is better to opt for “full to full.” You collect it complete with gas, and return it in the same way. In this way, you only pay for what you have used. Other policies, like “full-to-empty,” can end up costing you more.
I’ve been burned by full-to-empty before, too. It came out to be a real waste in payment for those who ended up paying for a tankful of fuel while not using it. Now, I always go for full-to-full.
4. Know the Local Traffic Rules
Driving in a foreign country can be quite intimidating. Refresh your knowledge of the local traffic rules and signs in Spain. For instance, did you know that it’s forbidden in Spain to use a phone without a hands-free system when driving? These little things may help you not only avoid fines but also be safer on the road.
Before I made my first road trip around Spain, I did a little reading up about local driving laws. It helped my confidence behind the wheel and avoided any nasty surprises.
Exploring Quesada and Beyond
With your purse-friendly car hire in place, it’s time to explore! Here are some must-visit places in and around Quesada:
1. La Marquesa Golf Course
If you’re a fan of playing golf, don’t forget to stop by La Marquesa Golf Course—that’s more than 100 years old and ranks among the oldest Golf Courses on the Costa Blanca. It has a great, challenging game for all types of players.
My dad is an avid golfer who spent a blissful day here during one of our family trips. He still talks about the beautiful views and perfect greens.
2. The Caves of Canelobre
Only a short drive from Quesada, these impressive caves are a natural wonder. The stalactites and stalagmites throw up an otherworldly atmosphere, while the guided tours are full of enlightenment regarding their formation.
One will be taken to another world walking through these caves in the visit. I was in awe at the sheer size and beauty of these formations.
3. Guardamar del Segura
This seaside town, 15 minutes away, offers the best beaches in the area. You can sunbathe, swim in the crystal waters, or enjoy fresh seafood in one of the seafront restaurants.
Guardamar is my happy place. The beaches are pristine, and there is nothing better than an evening plate of paella as the sun sets.
4. Torrevieja
Another such local beauty, Torrevieja, also has salt lakes and a more lively nightlife. Take out some time to visit the Pink Lake, have a leisurely promenade walk, and refresh your sounds with the hubbub of its markets and bars.
I must recommend, Torrevieja gave me the best night out I ever had in my life, where from one energetic bar to another, I danced to their local music while making great friends with co-travelers.
Conclusion: Affordable Car Hire In Quesada, Alicante.
There you go, folks! An overview of low-cost car hire in Quesada, Alicante. With these tips, you will be driving around this beautiful region of Alicante without destroying your wallet. So, what are you waiting for? Finally, plan out your adventure! Get ready to explore this beauty of Alicante at your pace. Safe travels, and happy driving!
Every journey that I embark on reminds me of the truth that gets reiterated: it’s not the destination, but the journey itself. And with the cheap and reliable car hire, this road is an open canvas waiting to be inscribed. So go ahead, pack those bags, hit the road, and make some undoubtedly truly unforgettable memories while in Quesada. You deserve it!