Gran Canaria Airport

Overview

Gran Canaria Airport, also referred to as the Gando Airport (IATA code: LPA), is located in the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa. The airport serves as a connection from many of the isles in the Atlantic to the countries in West Africa. Annually, Gran Canaria Airport process over nine million passengers over the two runways and passenger terminals. The latest renovation to the airport in 1991 expanded the size of the terminal to accommodate the growing number of passengers.

Brief History

Gran Canaria Airport’s history dates back to 1919, when it was first established as a route between Casablanca and other major European cities. The airport officially opened to passengers in 1946 after serving as a military establishment.

Facilities

innenPassengers to the Gran Canaria airport will find an ample number of services and amenities, considering the rather remote location. Passenger services include currency exchange, children’s play area and post office, in addition to shops, dining space and cafes. Those experiencing longer layovers might be interested in visiting the available VIP Lounge.

Car Hire Services

Three Cars Showroom Side ViewExploring the Gran Canaria isle is best done by way of car hire – the airport features car hire services available for all passengers in the arrival hall. Compare types of vehicle and pricing options. Many major companies offer service through Gran Canaria Airport, including:

As passengers utilize the services of a car hire, it’s recommended to pre-book a vehicle prior to arrival. Avoid standing in long lines to obtain a car hire – pre-booking can be done easily through a car hire’s website or over the phone. In addition, car hire desks are open until 11 p.m. so be sure to arrange for the proper transportation if arriving later. Car hires provide passengers with a range of quality makes and models to accommodate budgets and rental needs.

Be sure to review additional information on the Gran Canaria website by visiting http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-Gran-Canaria/en/Gran-Canaria.html or calling the customer service line at +34 928 57 91 30. Gran Canaria Airport is located at Autopista GC-1, s/n, 35230, Las Palmas, Spain.

References
Gran Canaria Airport – http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-Gran-Canaria/en/Gran-Canaria.html
Goldcar – https://www.goldcar.es/
Gran Canaria Airport Info – http://www.grancanaria-airport.net/car-hire.html

France

Overview

Most famous for Paris, her “City of Lights”, France is a country of culture, gourmet cuisine, and magnificent art and literature. Today’s France is considered one of the most modern in Europe. The country is located at the western edge of Europe and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the English Channel to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the southeast.  Her eastern borders offer easy access and travel to Italy, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Belgium.

Brief History

Since the late Middle Ages, France has been a major influence and power throughout Europe. France enjoys over 83 million foreign travelers a year. Through the centuries, her history as a military power grew well into the mid-1800s. After the Second World War, France became the founding member of the National Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1949.  Since the mid-1960s, France has become more liberal, but still provides a unified and solid foundation for European Union member states.

Languages and Religion

The official language of France is French, although travelers may experience a variety of regional dialects as well as languages that include Basque, Alsatian, and Corsican. When it comes to religion, nearly 90% of French inhabitants practice Roman Catholicism and small numbers practice Judaism, Islam, and Protestant faiths.

Climate

The climate in France’s diverse, depending on the region.  In the southeastern regions of the country ordering the Mediterranean, the temperate is hot in summer and cool in winter. Midwinter windstorms can bring rain, snow, and even flooding to certain regions.

Places and Cities to Visit


With a history dating back thousands of years, there are certainly numerous historical and architectural sites and landmarks to view throughout every region of France. One of the most famous landmarks in France is the Eiffel Tower, (a must-see for any visitor to Paris.  While in Paris, don’t forget to visit the Louvre, or just sit on the banks of the Seine or stroll down the famous and beautiful Champs- Élysées. The Reims Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that receives over one half million visitors every year.

Other interesting places and sights to see in France include but are not limited to:

  • The Aquarium in La Rochelle
  • The Lille Zoo
  • Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley
  • The Cathedral of Amiens – another UNESCO World Heritage Site and location of the most complete and tallest ceilinged cathedral (with the largest interior) of any cathedral in France.

One of the best ways to travel France is by car.

Car Hire Services

car_hireWhen renting a car and driving in France, be sure to follow rules and regulations to ensure safe and problem free travels. In France, rental cars are booked for 24 hours, several days or a week or more. Renting a car by the week with unlimited mileage is a more economical option as daily rates can be high. This is especially true in the summertime, when tourism is at its height.

Compare options and pricing between some of France’s most popular car hire agencies:

Be aware that the majority of rental cars in France are manual transmission and you’ll pay a higher rate for requesting an automatic. Most car rental agencies will rent cars to individuals 25 to 70 years of age, so check ahead to ensure you’re able to rent a car in the first place. Always talk to the car rental agency about driving a rental car across the border to any of the countries bordering France.  While this is not typically an issue, rental companies may have a policy that prevents travelers from driving their rental cars to some Eastern European countries.

Driving Regulations

To drive in France you must be over 18 years of age. Your driver’s license from home may suffice, but it is always recommended when driving in a foreign country to obtain an international driver’s license or permit.

Driving through France may be one of the most logical ways to really see the sights and soak in the ambience of the different regions of the country, but be aware that driving in France may not be the same as driving in your own country. France’s high-speed highways are called Autoroutes, many of which are toll roads. Autoroutes throughout France encompass more than 7,000 km of roadway offering access, rest stops, and petrol stations at convenient locations.

Speed limits throughout France should be noted as below unless otherwise posted:

  • Autoroute (freeway or motorway) – 130 kph. Keep in mind that the minimum speed in last year in slow-moving traffic is approximately 80 kph. Speed limit slows to 110 kph in rainy conditions and 50 kph if visibility is less than 50 m.
  • Autoroutes in urban areas are 110 kph. Speed decreases in rain or low visibility.
  • Dual carriageways and single lanes that are separated from oncoming traffic by crash barriers or islands – 110 kph, slower in rainy conditions
  • Towns and villages – 50 kph

In any conditions where visibility is less than 50 m, regardless of location, speed limit is 50 kph.

When in France, do not drink and drive. France may have the reputation of being less than stellar regarding alcohol consumption, but they do have a zero tolerance for drunk driving. Since 2012, drivers are required to carry a new and unwrapped Breathalyzer in the vehicle at all times. Fines for driving between 0.5 g and 0.8 g of alcohol per liter of blood will incur fines of €135. If you’re over the 0.8 limit, you may be fined up to €4,500, be ordered to court, and face either license suspension or imprisonment.

Sources:
WhyGoFrance – http://www.francetravelguide.com/driving-in-france.html
France Travel – http://www.justfrance.org/
The World Factbook France – https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/fr.html

How to Find Cheap Car Hire

Traveling abroad but worried about the expense of a car hire? Wondering how to find the cheapest car hire deal? Here are some of the top tips that you can consider to ensure that you are able to avail the best and cost effective car hire deal for your trip:

Book Your Car Beforehand

Many companies will charge you at a lower rate if you plan and book your car in advance. You will also save money if you hire a car during the off peak season when fewer travelers visit the local area.

Comparison of Market Rates

vergleichBefore finalizing your contract with a car hire company, compare the rental rates between a few of the leading companies available locally and online. Aim to find the best deal at the lowest costs.

Fuel Policy

Many car rentals will provide you with a full fuel tank and charge you for it, without penalizing you for returning an empty tank. However, if you are unable to utilize the entire tank, the money you paid for the fuel will go down the drain. Thus, opt for a fuel policy that suits your usage.

Insurance Policy

Rather than availing the per day insurance policy charges that are offered by the car hire companies, it is best to get car insurance from independent providers as they can offer you the same services and insurance cover for car damages at a lower cost. You can also opt for long term insurance coverage if you are going aboard for a longer duration.

Cut Down on Child Seat Costs

Child seats are a necessity for children under the age of 3 in most countries. However, rather than opting for the costly car seats provided by the car hire companies, take your own or rent from a local provider upon arrival.

Avoid Satellite Navigation Charges

Car rental companies charge additional costs for the provision of satellite navigation services. However, to make your deal cheaper, you can install a satellite navigation application on your tablet or smartphone and save yourself this costly expense.

Choose a Cheaper Car Model

billigerCar companies will charge you rental costs based on the car model you choose for your trip. Your choice of the car depends on the number of people you want to travel with and the style and comfort you desire. However, do not make the mistake of assuming that smaller cars are always cheaper. Sometimes, especially if multiple people are sharing the costs, bigger and spacious cars can be a rather cost effective option.

Find a Company That Offers Unlimited Mileage

If you are going on a longer trip or plan to visit the local areas, you need to choose a car hire company that can provide you with unlimited mileage so that your car costs will remain constant at a flat rate rather than fluctuating based on the distance driven.

The best way to find a cheaper car hire is to rent a car after considering all of your other alternatives and choosing the best deal in the end. Some companies also offer special car hire packages for their customers and that may also be a good choice for you if you are in need of multiple services.

Sources:
http://traveltips.usatoday.com/cheap-rental-car-deals-13311.html
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-car-hire
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/holidays/article-1615037/Car-hire-advice-How-cheapest-holiday-car-rental.html

Top 11 Safe Driving Tips

Technological improvements in today’s time has surely contributed to improved roads and vehicles yet, every year a number of people lose their lives owing to automobile accidents. Usually the tragic losses results from human errors. A little care can make the roads safer for you, your passengers, and your fellow drivers! Keep the risks at bay; consider these top 11 safe driving tips.

1. Do Not Drive Drunk

alkoholverbotDrinking and driving is one of the worst combinations ever! Drunk drivers can suffer from impairments, blurred vision, and even a loss of consciousness. Drinking and driving is considered a crime and kills about 8 people every week. If you are drunk or plan to drink, the better option is to ask a sober friend to drive or get a cab!

2.  Pay Attention to Other Drivers

Pay attention to how other drivers are driving. You may be following all the rules and regulations essential to safe driving yet end up in a crash. Being cautious shall save you from the mistakes of other people and prevent trouble before it occurs.

3. Drowsy, Tired or Unwell – Say No to Driving!

Tired drivers who find it difficult to keep their eyes open while driving cause about 20% of the accidents on the roads. Do not make the deadly mistake of ignoring the few yawns you just had, it’s a recipe for disaster! Take caffeine breaks, keep the music loud, open up the windows and by all means sleep well to knock off the drowsiness and keep focus on the road.

4. Steer Clear of Distractions

Each added passenger to your vehicle can bring in added distractions. The loud music, talking, bad jokes and banter can increase the chances of meeting with an accident. The added weight of the people in the car to an extent affects the vehicle handling as well. Anything bothering you while driving should be worked upon and brought down.

5. Alter Your Driving Style to Match Weather Conditions

Unpredictable weather conditions make it difficult for one to plan for the trip. In bad weather conditions such as fog, storms or heavy rains, alter your driving style to make it through safely. You may want to be careful when making turn, reduce the speed limit, and keep extra space from other vehicles. If the weather is too dangerous to handle, waiting in a safe place would be a preferable option.

6. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

An awareness of your surroundings and being able to anticipate what is going to happen can nip a lot of evil in the bud. Look around, observe things, and use the peripheral vision to have greater information of things going on around you.

7. Turn off Your Cell Phone

handyverbotYes! We have busy lives and need to multi-task things but using your phone while driving is a bad choice. It diverts your attention and brings down your reaction time, ultimately becoming a major cause for distraction and accidents.

8. Maintain a Safe Distance

Maintaining a safe distance from other drivers is one smart tip to prevent accidents. Although you develop instincts for it with experience, experts recommend the ‘three-second rule’ as the recommended distance.

9. Keep Your Vehicle in Good Condition

Knowing your vehicle and getting vehicle maintenance regularly done can ensure each part of your vehicle is functioning properly. A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to malfunction and is safer to drive.

10. Shun Speed Thrills

‘Speed thrills but kills’, ‘Speed kills’ always heard of these? Time you start taking it seriously. The short-lived thrill of speeding puts you and people around you at greater risk of a fatal crash. Please follow speed limits, allow greater time to travel and by all means, avoid speeding.

11. Please Wear the Seat Belt

The basic to safe driving and travelling, wearing the seat belt can save your life. A seat belt can help you to manage narrow deaths escapes and prevent fatal injuries. Stay safe and always remember to buckle it up before a drive.

Sources:
http://www.att.com/Common/about_us/txting_driving/td_topten_safe_driving.pdf http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/10-safe-driving-tips.htm#page=8 http://au.askmen.com/top_10/cars/the-expert-10-safe-driving-tips_6.html