Archive for the ‘Cars’ Category

Tips for Finding a Costa Rica Car Rental Company

Monday, June 21st, 2010

Whether you intend to take a trip to Costa Rica for pleasure or for business you will most likely end up needing to contact a Costa Rica car rental company. Car rental Costa Rica San Jose companies welcome customers with wide collections of vehicles suitable for a number of requirements. It really does not matter if you just need a vehicle to get yourself around town or if you need a Costa Rica car rental 4×4 vehicle to take it through rougher terrain, you will easily be able to find just the right choice for you. However, apart from wanting to get the best prices you will probably also want to spend as little time as possible actually searching for the right Costa Rica car rental company.

In order for you to spend as little time as possible searching there are certain factors you need to consider before making even the first call. First of all, you will need to decide which type of vehicle you actually need. This is important because prices will vary quite a lot depending on the size, year of fabrication, and so on. For example a Costa Rica car rental 4×4 will set you back a little more than a medium sized city car. The next thing you need to figure out is how long you will need the car rental Costa Rica San Jose vehicle for. This is quite relevant because you have pretty large chances to find more than one Costa Rica car rental company to present you with discounts for longer periods of time.

People that are more independent and like to have their own means of transportation will tend to avoid using public transportation will always contact a Costa Rica car rental company whenever travelling to this country but you should always drive a little more careful because in most countries driving styles may vary and you should give yourself enough time to become accustomed to the way that people drive in this country. One of the biggest issues you should take the time and think about whenever you may find yourself wanting to contact a Costa Rica car rental company for a Costa Rica car rental 4×4 vehicle, or any other type, is insurance.

The laws in this country state that every car rental Costa Rica San Jose must be accompanied by insurance, but this only extends to the damage caused to other vehicles, properties, or people. You will have to get insurance policies that cover the rented car separately. It is always advised that people travelling to other countries get exhaustive insurance policies in order to be completely covered in case they experience unwanted incidents. Probably the best way to go about searching for a Costa Rica car rental 4×4 or any other vehicle is the internet. Nowadays, most respectable companies have their own online websites where customers can find all the required information about daily costs, insurance fees and coverage, and much more.

The Importance of Testing for Chlamydia

Monday, May 31st, 2010

In today’s world, people become sexually active at a much younger age and thus new problems arise. It was generally considered that people becoming infected with various sexually transmitted diseases, like Chlamydia and Herpes, were fully aware of the risks before actually getting infected. Since the time when schools start educating teenagers on the risks they can potentially encounter with Herpes, Chlamydia or other infections, comes later than the common ages for first sexual encounters, it has become increasingly important to make them well aware of the risks through any means in order to minimize the risks of such infections spreading.

One of the most important reasons why a good education needs to be given in regards to Chlamydia is that this disease does not show any symptoms for a long period of time. For both men and women, if left untreated Chlamydia can lead to sterility. In the case of women, this disease can lead to the inflammation of the fallopian tubes which later may lead to complete infertility or large chances for ectopic pregnancies in some cases. Women who become infected with this Chlamydia sometimes have discomfort and pain, as it leads to an increase in the urinary frequency coupled, and difficult urination. In men, Chlamydia can infect the epididymis, the tube that carries sperm. This can cause pain, fever and cause infertility

Because the effects of this STD are often delayed, most people misdiagnose it as herpes or other diseases. In fact, it can coexist with other infections such as herpes or gonorrhea. For this reason, most physicians recommend their patients to be tested for both conditions, in order to make sure that nothing is missed.

Moreover, since pregnant women run the risk of transmitting the infection to their unborn babies, or even going into premature labor and other risks, testing should always be done also as a preemptive measure, when no signs of Chlamydia have shown yet. There is evidence that untreated Chlamydial infections can lead to premature delivery. Babies who are born to infected mothers can get Chlamydial infections in their eyes and respiratory tracts. Chlamydia is a leading cause of early infant pneumonia and conjunctivitis (pink eye) in newborns

Chlamydia can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics. If you are sexually active, you can decrease your risk of getting it by using condoms. Experts recommend that women 25 and younger get a Chlamydia test every year.

If you are looking for more information please visit http://healthmadeeasy.com

Car Rental Deals – Some Simple Tips on Finding the Best One

Monday, May 31st, 2010

To get the best car rental deal, you may find it to be quite a challenge, especially if you are a tourist who doesn’t enjoy web surfing and clicking through countless rental car online sites. However, there are some easy steps that you can take to avoid some common and simple mistakes in locating the best car rental deals available in the least possible time. Let’s look at some of the steps that you can take to get the best car deals quick and easily.

The first step you may need to take is joining one or more of the rental car loyalty programs available such as Costa Rica Car Rental. By joining anyone or more of these clubs, you will be able to earn free days, points or miles in your preferred rewards program, which will give you the opportunity to get a great car rental deal. This is because the car rental’s programs will only give special deals to members of car rental clubs and programs.

It is a great idea to know or at least be familiar with all the different rental car providers. In knowing the differences of each individual company, you will able to find for yourself the different offers and special deals that each company may have to offer to its customers. For example some company will allow you rental of a car for one way, while others will insist that you return the vehicle at the point of collection of the keys. On the other hand, there are some companies that have outlets in a number of rural and urban areas, thus offering you the great convenience, especially if you don’t own a car. The options are many and getting the best deal will ultimately depend on your preference.

Another step in getting a great deal is to search through online travel agencies such as Car Rental Costa Rica, mainly because these online agencies will negotiate with the rental companies for excellent competitive rates. These online companies are always searching for your business and so they will seek competitive and affordable rental car deals to suit your budgetary constraints. Also, while you are searching for these major online agencies to assist you, you could also try to find a discount code at your favorite rewards program site, your credit card site and others. This is because you will be able to get great discounts or miles on your car rental deal.

If you aiming to get a great car rental deal, you may need to avoid renting cars at the airports, as this expenditure are very costly. Another thing to look out for is the peak periods. If you rent a car during a peak period you may face higher prices, as car rental prices are very similar to airline ticket prices. Therefore, the prices of car rental deals will be dependent on the availability of the motor vehicle and the popularity of your destination among other factors. You should also bear in mind that with special advertisements, the advertised rates will be dependent on the supply of the Costa Rica Car Rental available.

Get a Super Cheap Car at This Government Car Auction

Sunday, May 23rd, 2010

Have you ever considered buying a vehicle from a Government Car Auction for yourself? If the answer is no, then you should probably look into the matter more carefully. The best apart about the auction cars is that, they are in perfectly good shape and you can get them at extremely low prices. Although, buying a car from the car auction is a great idea, some car owners are still skeptical about the idea. Here we will discuss about the reasons, why you should get a car from a government auction.

Where so the vehicle auction cars come from?

Every month, all over the United States, thousands of government agencies are constantly seizing cars. The agencies include the IRS, DEA, FBI as well as the local Police Department. Instead of impounding the car, government recovers its operating costs by giving these cars up for auction. When you go to buy avehicle auction car, you can expect to shave off at least 90% from the original value of the car. Some of the vehicles at these auctions are surplus government vehicles and they are sold at extremely low prices. The cars come in different shapes and sizes and sometimes the bid may start off from as low as $100.

Why go for the vehicle auction car?

If you do not want to spend a fortune on your next family car, then the car auctions might just be the perfect thing for you. All of the cars are roadworthy and you can take a look under the hood before placing the bid. Here are a few more reasons why you should get the government auction cars.

1. The cars have been tested to be fit for the road and you can even bring your mechanic to the auction

2. You can get cars from all the categories like Luxury, sports, SUV, MUV etc.

3. The authorities conduct VIN checks to confirm the authenticity of the vehicle and ensure that it has not been involved in any type of incident.

4. Contrary to the popular belief, the vehicle auction cars are actually in very good shape and are hardly more than a year old.

5. The auction cars come at dirt-cheap prices and you will be able to save a huge wad of cash, when you choose one of theses as your next car.

Sign up with a good website that will provide you with information regarding the latest car auctions going on in your area. The Government Car Auction is a great way to find the car of your dream without burning a huge hole in your pocket.
If you want to know about the secret resource where people are quietly making a killing by buying cars at 95% below current market value, then visit the government car auction site where you can find hundreds of extremely cheap cars in your own state (even near your house) within the next 5 minutes.

Tips on Cheap Car Rentals

Sunday, May 2nd, 2010

Most persons find it necessary to rent a vehicle especially when going on a vacation or some long journey. Car rentals tend to provide you with some amount of freedom and flexibility on your journey, making it more convenient for you. However there are a few things you should be mindful of, if you desire to take full advantage of your car renting experience and save some money. Below are a few.

When you decide to rent a vehicle, it is very important that you decide on the best vehicle for the occasion. As a result, think about the size of the vehicle you will require by answering questions such as; will you be taking the children along, or possibly some amount of gear? If this is the case, then a SUV or a large enough sedan would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you just are aiming at getting a good vehicle at the lowest price possible, then the smallest car available would be in your best interest. Also consider if a stick shift or a automatic transmission is what you desire. Be sure to find out from the company if they will make other accessories available to you such as a GPS system, car seat or bicycle rack. Costa Rica Car Rental

After deciding on the size vehicle you require, consider the time period for which you are requesting the vehicle. If you require the vehicle for only a week, it is advisable that you obtain the car rental from one of the major companies. If you will be requiring it for longer than a week using your local company should be just fine, however, if you plan on doing a lot of driving, find out from your local company if they provide support services in case you have an accident or happen to break down. Normally they don’t offer these services.

When booking your car rentals be sure to shop around to get the best price available. Use search engines, and visit the web sites of the car rental agencies to take advantage of any discounts that may be applicable to you. Also if you are booking the vehicle for rental online, search online for coupons or promotion codes that are applicable to the car renting company you desire to rent from, by typing the name of the company and then coupon codes. This may just save you 5-20% of your rental fee. Costa Rica Car Rental

Ensure that you read the terms and conditions carefully before making any bookings. If you are making car rentals over the phone, ask about the restrictions. Get information about steps that will be taken if you happy to pick up the vehicle late, how long will they hold the vehicle for you, will you be charged for not showing, and about the likelihood of other persons driving. Costa Rica Rent a Car

Don’t be surprised if you end up paying almost twice of the advertised fee as there are many hidden costs associated with car rental agencies. These include taxes, insurance, gas bills, and additional driver fees and so on. As a result before you make your final decision, try to get a complete quote as to the price you will have to pay from various companies before booking.

NY DMV services

Sunday, April 25th, 2010

In case you are one from the individual who is searching for a source that will be providing efficient generating practice checks that will enable you to definitely learn about numerous kinds of road signals and rules, and signs in an simple method, there is a fantastic source that will fulfill all your necessities in a fantastic manner.

The NY DMV will be an superb option to create because of to the various types of offers which are being supplied in this source this kind of as the car insurance services, generating license tests, defensive driving schools, generating schools and several a lot more.

Big numbers of individuals are significantly benefited because of towards the provision of these providers at inexpensive cost.

You’ll also have the ability to choose the very best insurance coverage assistance provider for your vehicle such that you simply will be able to save big quantity of money for premium costs. You will be in a position to undertake various sample tests which will make you aware concerning the various types of questions becoming asked.

Also the Department of Motor Vehicles will offer various types of other functions that will allow you to avid long lines and headache that are usually associated with services being offered by government.

Here are some tips before you rent a car

Tuesday, April 6th, 2010

Renting a car would never become an old fashioned method as even today there a several people who opt for renting a car. They have their own genuine reasons for car renting.

When on a vacation renting a car is the best option any one can think. There are several advantages of car rental but it is very important you to know certain things before you consider renting a car.

In the past you must have rented a car but there are possibilities you were not following the proper channel and also that the car rental agents have taken you for a ride.

It is difficult to remember things when you book a car for rent, as one cannot keep the track of every single detail. Many people have zero knowledge related to car rental procedures. It is altogether a very confusing deal. Though it is not that easy to know the in and out of the procedure but here are some tips that will help you to navigate from the complex world of car rentals.

It is always advised to do a thorough research before renting a car. Ensure that you have more than one car rental companies, as that will help you to compare the fares and facilities offered by the company. Thanks to the latest innovations, most of the car rental companies have their own websites that will help you find basic information online.

Before making the call prepare yourself well as what exactly you want to know. Do your math well. Enquire about the price, car availability. Clarify the taxes and surcharges involved and some ‘additional charges’. Some of the car rental companies will also tie ups with hotels and airlines.

It is better to opt for Car Rental Costa Rica. Every car class will vary in rental in terms of price and mileage. Majority of the people choose to go for the economy class and as result, the company run out of these models. In such cases, there are chances that you will be influenced or pushed to go for an upgraded car. However, the wise decision would be to say ‘no’. This will lead to extra burden to your expense.

Enquire and clarify in and out from the company before booking the Costa Rica Rent a Car. If at all you are planning to cross the state line, then ensure that the company is well aware of your destination. There will be separate deal supporting it. In addition, make a note of all the do’s & don’ts before you finalize the booking. It is also important to elucidate with any special instruction because ignorance can lead to pay big, huge bills.

Some rental companies offer insurance policy. However, your personal auto insurance will support you incase of any accidents with a rental car.

Another important matter to be taken care before returning the car is to check that you have not left any personal belongingness inside the car. Do not forget to check the boot! Some of the very common articles that we prone to forget are cell phones, sunglasses and umbrellas.

After the usage, ensure that you return the car to the Costa Rica Car Rental on time. If not given on time, the car rental agency may charge you additional as a full day’s rental and at times even charge higher. Moreover, if you are going to delay the car, then enquire the about the late fee charges, so that later you do not end up paying huge some.

Maintaining a rented car is very important. Most of the time children will join the trip, it is very important to take care of the car and the accessories. Any damages made by you will lead to the pay extra than its actual cost. Also make sure that the car rental attendant inspects the car in your presence and that you agree about any damage. Verify the rental agreement carefully for all extra charges they have added and make sure they credit any deposit to your account while you wait.

Considerations for Cheap Car Rental

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Who wouldn’t want to have the big, luxury car with an affordable rate? You’ll find that most major rentals will provide you with several deal options and you’ll want to take them all very serious, because they are more competitive rates. But, you’ll find that there is no certain business to turn to get at the good rates. You may be able to save yourself a lot of money, but you’ll need to take the time to study the rates.

You’ll find that when it comes to the best prices you’ll want to look for a Costa Rica car rental that is cheap, but you’ll also want to check all the prices that you are given online by making a follow up call. You’ll find that the small the company the more they are able to offer you the better rates. You may even want to consider some seasonal discounts.

Something that you’ll want to look for is unlimited mileage. This is one that will save you tons of money. You’ll be able to find a higher initial rate, but you may end up saving yourself a lot of money in the end. You’ll also need to consider the extent of your insurance. You’ll need to keep in mind that the accident losses that you have may be reduced greatly with insurance options.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to look at the initial rates, but then you’ll need to think about how all the small fees will add up. You’ll need to keep in mind that with the Costa Rica rent a car you’ll find that there are some options that you can opt out, but then there are some that you don’t want to live without.

Importance of Insurance with Car Rentals

You will find that most car rental Costa Rica do require you to get the insurance if you are renting a car. You will find that the rental company really cannot refuse to rent you the car if you don’t purchase the insurance, but some do have the right to. You’ll need to make sure that you do your research before you try to rent a car. You’ll need to look over the insurance policies and also you may want to get more or less insurance, depending on how comfortable you are with the area.

You’ll find that when it comes to insurance coverage you will be able to get four types of coverage in order to keep yourself comfortable. You’ll need to keep in mind that these four types are known as collision damage waiver, personal accident insurance, personal effect coverage, and then there is supplemental liability protection. You’ll need to look at what each of these policies mean before you may any final decision.

You may be one of these people are who trying to save themselves some money or travel on a budget, but you have to consider what it will mean for you to not have any insurance. You’ll need to keep in mind that there are some reasons why you will want to have the insurance, especially, if you are not familiar with the area. You may just want to take a little bit of insurance out, because you will most likely have an accident just for the fact that you don’t have any coverage. You don’t want to be cited for an accident and not have any coverage.

Car Rentals: Get What You Need While Saving Money

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

Before you next car rental, there are a few things that you should know. First it is recommended to compare at least two or more car rental companies before making your final reservations. This is a great way to ensure you are getting the right price. Another great way to reduce the overall cost would be to use a coupon code.

Daily rate types:

Costa Rica Car Rental rates vary between the many different companies. It all depends on the rental companies current daily rate offerings. The daily rates that are usually found include: being charged by the mile, having a limited amount of mileage per day or getting the unlimited mileage rate.

Keep in mind that sometimes a cheaper upfront rate will cost more in the long run, if you plan on driving heavily. So choose wisely, as getting the appropriate rate type can be an important factor in your overall cost.

Car categories:

Finding the right car can be confusing, just make note of the amount of people that will be riding in the car as well as the total amount of luggage. Once you have these figures you can easily find what you need.

Car rentals are most often described in the following categories:

Economy: this is the most basic and least expensive model. Seating 4 people and holding 1 large and 1 small suitcase.

Compact: is slightly costlier than an economy car and will offer only a minor upgrade in car type. Still it will seat 4 people as well as hold 1 large and 1 small luggage.

Intermediate: these cars are usually priced right in-between the lowest to most expensive and can seat 5 people as well as 1 large and 2 small luggage.

Standard: is slightly costlier than an “Intermediate” and will offer only a minor upgrade in car type. Still it will seat 5 people as well as hold 1 large and 2 small luggage.

Full Size: they are the most expensive of the bunch. These cars can seat 5 people and hold 2 large and 2 small luggage.

Again, always be sure to check for special promotions or coupon codes which are readily available online to save even more. Sometimes you can even ask the Car Rental Costa Rica in advance for special rates, they are often available.

Additional airport charge?

Because car rental companies have to pay airports additional fees, they usually transfer this cost over to the customer. So when getting a quote, ask about this and see whether it is already included or not.

Don’t forget the tax:

Remember when getting a quotation, Taxes are not normally included. As this can make your total cost go up a lot it is important to check if it was already included in your original quotation.

What about insurance?

This is not as complicated as you might think. Most car insurance companies (from your personal vehicle) will automatically insure the rental car (make sure to check with them first). However, if your personal car insurance company does not, or if you do not have personal car insurance then buying the insurance coverage is a good idea.

Overview:

When making your reservation, follow these simple and easy tips and you can be one of the many to take advantage of the best rates offered by so many Costa Rica Rent a Car companies today. So to do a quick rundown:

1. Do a price comparison and easily use the internet to obtain money saving coupon codes.

2. Check the daily rate types and pick the one that best suits your needs.

3. Pick the least expensive car category that your feel comfortable with.

4. Don?t be shy, and ask when it comes to those other hidden charges and taxes.

5. Determine if you need to purchase insurance.

6. Make the reservation.

Driving And Renting A Car In Costa Rica

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Driving in Costa Rica is not for everyone. So make sure you know what you’re getting into before getting behind the wheel of a car in Costa Rica. The following are the 7 most frequently asked questions about driving in Costa Rica. These questions come in from my popular podcast about Costa Rica from folks from the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

1. What type of cars are available for rent?

Renting a car in Costa Rica is more expensive than in the U.S. so most people rent the smaller more compact cars that are a little cheaper.

Prices vary and during the high season you will pay more. Around $20 or more per day. Renting during Christmas/New Years will add another $50 or more per week. I looked at five car rental company cars in Costa Rica and the average for renting a small car like a Toyota Yaris will cost around $205 per week. Please note this doesn’t include the required by law insurance which will add at least $10-20 per day. So you’re looking at $250-300 to rent a small car per week.

You will find all the major car rental Costa Rica agencies such as Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Budget, and others.

2. Is driving a good idea?

It depends. Driving in Costa Rica compared to other countries can be a very scary proposition for most. Costa Rica has one of the highest vehicle accident rates in the world. Traffic laws and speed limits are often ignored. Crazy and illegal turns across lanes of traffic are common. Turn signals are rarely used and dangerous passing is common. So you might driving on your lane when all of a sudden here comes a car in your lane going the wrong way because they’re passing on a blind spot. The roads are in poor condition, and large potholes which could cause serious damage to your car is common.

Although the road conditions in the beach areas are worse the actual driving isn’t as scary since there is less traffic and since the roads aren’t the best people tend to drive a little slower.

I like to have my own transportation so renting a car is something I like to do but it all depends on your comfort level. I’ve had friends and family who had never driven outside of the U.S. they found driving to be scary but a fun adventure. So just take it easy and slow and you will be fine. Don’t worry about the other drivers, just do your thing.

3. Do I need car rental insurance?

By law you will need the INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros) liability insurance regardless of your own car insurance coverage or credit card coverage. The insurance required by law is known as TPL, SLI, SLC or API. The cost ranges from $10-20 USD per day depending on the vehicle. This insurance only covers damages to other people, cars, or property. You will need to buy supplemental coverage to cover damages to the rental car or yourself. However your own car insurance policy or credit card might cover that so call your insurance agent at home before leaving for Costa Rica and ask him or her if your insurance policy covers you for damages in Costa Rica. You might also want to call your credit card issuer and ask them the same question. If your own policy covers you in Costa Rica you’re set and you don’t need the supplemental coverage. If they do not cover you, then I suggest taking out a supplemental policy offered by Costa Rica car rental agencies.

Optional-CDW or LDW – collision damage waiver which covers the cost of the car’s deductible amount which varies depending on the type of car and agency. The cost will range between $10-20 USD per day.

Optional-Zero Liability – This will reduce your liability to zero against theft and vandalism, for example, the cost for this insurance is between $5-20 USD per day depending on the agency and car.

As you can see the supplemental insurance cost can add up fast so it’s important that you check with your insurance agent and your credit card company since you might not even need the optional/supplemental coverage.

If your insurance agent gives you the thumbs up do me a favor and get it in writing! You don’t want any surprises.

4. What are car rental requirements in Costa Rica?

Requirements may vary depending on the car agency you use so check with them. Most require a valid driver’s license (one from your home state or country is fine), a valid passport with your entry stamp, the Costa Rica mandated liability insurance, and you must be at least 21 years of age.

5. Is it safe to drive at night?

The problem driving at night is not crime, it’s just the unsafe driving and poor road conditions which are compounded even worse when you have poor visibility. The roads are not lit up well and it gets pitch dark after 6:00 PM making it unsafe to drive for an inexperienced driver.

6. What are road conditions like?

The road conditions are very poor compared to the super highways of the United States or the Autobahn in Germany. Drivers have to contend with unsafe driving habits of motorists, huge potholes, and even the highway is a two-lane road. The roads get worse during the rainy season since road washouts from the mudslides from the mountains are common.

7. What side of the road do they drive on in Costa Rica?

On the right hand side, like in the U.S. and Canada.

One final tip

Make a copy of the profile page of your passport and your entry stamp and carry that with you along with your car rental papers. You might get stopped by police and you will need to show this to them. Do no carry your passport with you just make copies. The Costa Rican government now allows you to carry copies instead of your actual passport.