Should you rent a car for your road trip?

Key takeaways:

• Not sure if you need a rental car for your road trip? Think about your itinerary and personal vehicle to help you decide.
• Make sure that your vehicle can handle what you have planned, from the terrain and weather you’ll drive through to what you’re putting in the trunk.
• Depending on the miles per gallon and reliability of your personal vehicle, renting a car may save you money and give you more peace of mind.

When you’re cruising down the highway on your dream road trip, the last thing you want is an issue with your car. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right vehicle for your trip — so you can spend more time exploring the open road and less time stuck on the side of it. 

Check your itinerary to see if renting is the right move

Whether you choose to rent a car comes down to how well your personal vehicle meets your needs for your itinerary. Want to take a solo road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway in your sporty convertible? Go ahead and hit the road — but don’t take that same car on a group ski vacation. Here are a few questions to help you see if renting is the way to go.

Where are you traveling?

If you’re planning to venture off the highway onto unpaved roads, you need a car with a high ground clearance that’s not going to get beat up by bumpy terrain. If you own a sedan, you might want to consider renting a bigger car, like an SUV. 

When are you traveling?

If your road trip is during the winter, you’ll want a car with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive to get through any potential snow and ice. A sporty coupe probably isn’t going to cut it in a blizzard, even with chains or snow tires.

Are you planning any activities that require gear?

If you’re camping, you’re going to need a lot of storage space. Or if you’re traveling with children, you’ll need room for the snacks, entertainment and comfort items to keep them happy — and stop them from asking “Are we there yet?” too many times along the way. But if you’re doing a less outdoorsy vacation, you can probably get by with a smaller vehicle.

The verdict

Your car should fit your itinerary, not the other way around. If your personal vehicle isn’t going to work for your trip, renting might be the best path forward.

See if your personal vehicle will cover all your needs

You want your road trip to be as stress-free as possible — but is your car going to get in the way of that? Here are a few questions to consider to see if you should leave your own vehicle back at home.

Is it accessible for everyone you’re traveling with?

If you’re traveling with a group, does anyone you’re going with have limited mobility? Small sedans and big trucks or SUVs can be difficult for them to get in and out of. If you need a wheelchair-accessible car, you’ll likely need to go with a specialty provider.

Is it reliable?

A mid-trip breakdown could be a vacation-ending moment. But if a rental car breaks down, the rental agency will replace it and you’ll be on your way. That can offer you some much needed peace of mind when traveling, plus you won’t be putting extra miles on your own vehicle.

Does it get good gas mileage?

This simple table breaks down how much you’d pay for gas using $3 per gallon as the price, based on your vehicle’s miles per gallon (MPG) and the distance of your trip. 

Certain types of older trucks may average 15 MPG, and a small hybrid car could get 50 MPG. If your car gets 20 MPG or less and you’re planning a longer trip, you’ll be spending a lot more on gas than you would with a more fuel-efficient car. You can compare the projected amount you’d spend on gas for your own vehicle to the cost of a rental plus gas to see if renting makes sense for your trip.

Is it comfortable and easy to drive?

A long road trip means a long time sitting in a car. If it’s not a comfortable ride, your body is not going to be happy. Rental cars are typically two years old or newer. This means you get a cushy and modern vehicle that comes with the latest technology — like adaptive cruise control and hands-free steering — which can make driving a whole lot easier. 

The verdict

If you answered no to all or most of these questions related to your personal vehicle, it might be time to start looking into a rental.

The best road trip strategy

The best road trips strike a balance between the freedom of the open road and the security of knowing that you have a comfy bed in your near future.

Once you've decided which vehicle to drive, the next step for a great road trip is to book one to two higher-end, comfortable stays at major milestones along your route. This guarantees that at least a couple of your hotel stops will have exactly what you’re looking for. Whether that’s a dip in the pool, good food or a spa day to take care of that long-drive stiffness, pre-booking gives your road trip just enough structure — and more destinations to look forward to along the way.

Book your next trip with Citi Travel®

Citi Travel can help you get the most out of the money you spend on your vacation. If eligible, you’ll be able to earn ThankYou® Points on your car rental plus loyalty status with the rental agency, meaning you’ll be riding with style — and savings. Become a Citi^® cardmember today or log in to your account to start planning your next trip.

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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