Praslin, it’s the second-largest island in Seychelles and is mainly popular for its wonderful and stunning beaches, lush forests, and vibrant culture of the place. Though the island is relatively small, having a rental car will be significantly helpful to enhance the travel experience. The rental car booking usually offers more convenience and freedom which is required to explore the island at one’s own pace.
However, before booking a vehicle in Praslin, many factors should be considered to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the vacation. Hence, here in this article let’s explore the key factors to be kept in mind before hiring a vehicle in Praslin.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Rental Car Booking:
- Understanding the Road Conditions of Praslin – Praslin’s road network is usually limited and may vary significantly in quality. The main roads of Praslin are usually well-maintained and smooth but there are some secondary roads which may be winding and narrow. Hence, before booking a vehicle for the trip make sure to research the conditions of roads and roads in the areas one plans to visit. If you are planning to visit more remote areas of the island then consider renting a vehicle that has higher ground clearance to have a better experience.
- Vehicle Type – Choosing the right type of car is crucial in a trip. For most travelers, a compact car will be enough to navigate through the main tourist areas and to reach the beaches at any time. however, if one plans to visit the place with a larger group of family or friends, then an SUV or a larger sedan will be more useful. Additionally, checking the fuel efficiency, especially when one plans on going on a lot of driving since the fuel prices may be comparatively higher on the island.
- Reputation of the Rental Company – It is important to choose the right rental company for rental car booking. You can look for reviews online or get some advice from other travelers to estimate the quality and reliability of the services offered by the rental companies. Check whether the rental company has an office on Praslin so that it will be helpful if any issues arise in the middle of the trip. Also, local companies will offer more customized services and have better knowledge of the island’s conditions which will be helpful while planning the trip.
- Insurance Coverage – Make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage. Know that the standard rental agreements usually include basic insurance coverage but it might come with a high excess. One can consider the option of purchasing the additional coverage to lower the excess or cover more scenarios, which include damage, theft, and personal injury. Also, don’t forget to completely verify what is included in the insurance policy and whether it will meet your needs or not. Always take time to read the fine print of the insurance to avoid any unexpected costs.
- Driver Requirements – If you are hiring a car to drive on your own, then check the rental company’s driver requirements. Some of the companies have some basic requirements such as the driver must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. If you are driving on your own, then make sure that you carry your driving license and all the necessary documents such as an International Driving Permit (IDP) so that you can have a seamless driving experience.
- Cost and Payment Options – While choosing the car rental company, you can compare the prices that are quoted from different rental companies. This will help you choose the best deal. Also, make sure to be aware of all the costs involved which include the fuel policy, rental rate, mileage limits, and other additional fees. Some companies may require a credit card hold or a deposit, as a part of their terms. Hence carefully analyze all the terms and policies of the rental company before hiring their services. Also booking the vehicle in advance will often offer you better rates and availability, especially during the peak tourist seasons of the year.
- Fuel Policy – As mentioned earlier, understand the company’s fuel policy. Common policies include full-to-full during the pickup and return of the vehicle. It means during the pickup the tank will be full and while returning the vehicle the tank must be full. This is considered cost-effective since you only pay for the fuel you used during this trip.
- Booking and Cancellation Policy – While rental car booking check the flexibility of the booking and also the cancellation policy. There can be changes in plans in the future since you may have another important task which you need to handle hence you may change your plans. This may result in a change in modification or cancellation of the reservation of the vehicle. Some rental companies offer free cancellation up to a certain period before the actual rental date while others charge a particular fee. Hence understand these terms before making the reservation to avoid any unnecessary charges.
- Customer Support and Services – Good customer support is important when choosing a rental company. This will ensure that if you face any issues during your trip, then you can get proper assistance in handling it. Having services where they will respond to your queries immediately will be a great help to the customers.
- Pickup and Drop Locations – Consider providing proper information about the pickup and drop locations. It will be very convenient if you choose a rental company which is located near your accommodation so that your pickup and drop will be easier. Also, this will avoid any additional fees that may be applied if your place of accommodation is too far from the location of the rental company.
Conclusion:
Renting a car in Praslin will greatly enhance your travel experience since you can travel at your own pace. Hence consider the above-mentioned factors before hiring the services from the rental car booking company to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Know that proper planning and informed decisions will make the most of your time and money spent on it.
Get in touch with us on our social media pages: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.