Key West to Maine -- April 2013

Dear Jamie,

I recently found your book in the library here in North Sydney, Australia and therefore looked you up on the website and saw that you might answer a question for us.

My husband and I are planning a driving holiday up the east coast from Key West to Maine...taking 6 to 8 weeks. You book has it all planned out (except for going in the wrong direction). We will be doing this trip from April 2013.

Our biggest concern is the car rental. Can you suggest a company which does not have a drop-off charge at the other end of the country? Any other suggestions?
We want to drive so we can see the country side...not just the big cities. We are in our 60's and are looking forward to doing this trip very much.

Thank you,


N. Roberts

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Hello N. Roberts --

Many thanks for writing in to Road Trip USA. I am tickled to hear my books are on the shelves in North Sydney, and I'll be pleased to help you plan a great American road trip!

(Even if you're heading in the "wrong" direction....)

:-)

Regarding the car rental and drop-off fees, you may be in luck. Most years, in April and May the major car rental companies (Avis, Hertz etc) have to move their fleets from Florida to points further north, and they often offer very good deals to encourage drivers to do what you want to do -- drive from Florida to Boston (or Maine). $5 a day -- no drop off fee -- not bad!

Here's a sample offer from April 2011:
http://www.hertz.com/rentacar/specialoffers/index.jsp?targetPage=floridadriveout.xml&Category=Q

Hope this helps -- and hope you enjoy planning (and taking!) a fantastic trip.

With best wishes,


Jamie Jensen
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Road Trip USA

New edition out April 2012 -- Tell Your Librarians!

:-)