Diana: You're listening to The Savvy Traveler. I'm Diana
Nyad. It's time for our Deal of the Week, which means Rudy Maxa,
our Travel-Expert-in-Residence, is back with us. Hey, Rudy.
Rudy: Hi, Diana. You know, we've had some pretty big-bucks
deals lately -- flights to Asia for $600, and that kind of thing.
This week, I thought we'd stick at little closer to home. Maybe
you're thinking about a weekend getaway and you need a rental car.
Diana: Uh-oh. Rental car prices have been headed skyward
lately.
Rudy: They have. Rental car companies were hard hit by the
travel downturn. In fact, two major rental car firms are operating
under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, which makes this offer from
Enterprise all the more attractive.
Diana: Enterprise? Don't they mainly rent to people whose
cars are in the shop?
Rudy: Historically, yes. But Enterprise is moving into the
mainstream rental business. It's actually the largest rental car
company in North America. And if they don't have a location at the
airport you're flying into, they'll often pick you up, if you have
a reservation.
Diana: Okay, so what's the deal?
Rudy: In many locations, you can get a weekend rental for
$9.99 a day.
Diana: $9.99? Wow! You'll spend more on gas than you do
on the car. But what, exactly, constitutes a "weekend" in car-rental
lingo?
Rudy: You can pick up your car anytime after noon on Friday;
return it before noon on Monday.
Diana: Unlimited miles?
Rudy: That varies by location and date. Keep in mind, too,
that not all locations are offering this deal. In my hometown of
Washington DC, for example, seven out of 13 DC locations offer the
$9.99 special. You won't find that rate in Manhattan -- one of the
most expensive places to rent a car. And you'll have to shop around
in other big cities like Chicago, Boston and San Francisco -- but
there are some locations in those places that have the deal.
Diana: Is there an advance reservation requirement?
Rudy: Book online at www.enterprise.com by 3:30 in the afternoon
before the weekend you want to rent.
Diana: Thanks, Rudy. See you next week for another one.
