Travel Scam Alert: Renting Cars With Little Or No Gas

Filed under: Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, Middle East, Central AmericaHave you ever stepped into your new rental car, started the engine and noticed that the gas gauge was nearly empty? In the U.S., most reputable rental car agencies will give you a car that has a full tank, or, at the worst, a half tank of gas. But overseas, all bets are off, and a common tactic of many agencies, even name brand ones, is to give you the car with only one-fourth of a tank or less.

It might seem like a benign inconvenience, but in most cases, it's a calculated scam. Rental car agencies know that most travelers are going to fill their tank up with gas if they get it on or near empty. But trying to plan how much gas to put in so you can return it with only ¼ tank, for example, is inconvenient to say the least. Agencies know this, and hope that you'll return it with significantly more gas.

I've encountered this sly gambit in Mexico and Greece and have heard it's also common in a number of other countries. Just this week in Patmos, I rented a car at Avis and it was given to me on empty. The manager said, "Oh, don't worry there's a gas station right down the road." So I said, "Great, here are the keys - go gas it up and bring it back to me."

He balked but I insisted and he relented. Returning a rental car with extra gas is an expensive mistake in the U.S., but in a place like Patmos, where gas runs the equivalent of $9.50 a gallon, it's financial suicide. The best game plan when renting a car outside the U.S. is to tell them you want the car to have a full tank of gas when you receive it. If it doesn't have it, tell them to fill it up or you'll rent from someone else.

(Image by Laffy4k on Flickr)Travel Scam Alert: Renting Cars With Little Or No Gas originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 31 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

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Expedia reports more travelers dream Dominican this year

Expedia.com data shows the Dominican Republic is increasingly popular while remaining a good deal, shares deals and tips for planning the perfect Dominican Republic getaway.
Expedia.com has found that the Dominican Republic is an increasingly popular destination for US travel, up 30%, making it the 2nd most popular destination for Americans to travel in Latin America and the Caribbean.
As the largest and most diverse Caribbean destination, the Dominican Republic is an easy trip from Miami, New York City, Atlanta and even some European destinations. Known for its warm and hospitable people, the Dominican Republic is a destination like no other, featuring astounding nature, intriguing history and rich culture.��
In additional to identifying the best deals, activities and tips for travelers planning a vacation to the Dominican Republic, Miriam Hernandez, head of the Dominic Republic market for Expedia.com, shared that, "The Dominican Republic has never been more popular for US travelers, especially those from the east coast, but surprisingly, room night costs have remained mostly flat, making it one of the best deals for getting to the beach this summer." A recent survey known as the Expedia Flip Flop report shows that beach travel is the number one type of trip most Americans prefer.
Dominican Republic travel trends at a glanceTravelers on Expedia usually book their trips to the Dominican Republic 52 days in advance and come from these top 5 feeder cities: New York,Miami,Boston,Philadelphia, Chicago
Close to 70% of those booking trips to the Dominican Republic book a package on Expedia.com which saves them an average of roughly $200 per booking. In addition, 72% book all-inclusive lodging.
The percentage of bookings for just two adults and no kids: 66%. The percentage of bookings with kids: 14%.
Punta Cana is very popular with more than 50% of bookings while Santo Domingo, the capital, draws roughly 13% of the bookings.
Hotel occupancy levels vary by season in Punta Cana:
January through March feature 90% ? 95% occupancy.
April through June feature an 80% occupancy in April and 70% from May through June.
From July through August the average occupancy is 75% and should be stronger this year.
September through December features a 60% ? 75% occupancy with a peak over the December holiday season.
Where to stay in the Dominican Republic
For travelers looking for a romantic all-inclusive getaway, the Sanctuary Cap Cana, Zoetry Agua Punta Cana and Majestic Elegance Punta Cana all offer fantastic all-inclusive and romantic options. For families, the Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe and Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana Luxury all offer affordable and family friendly all-inclusive options. For travelers interested in trying their luck at a casino they should visit the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana featuring the largest gaming area in the country.
What to do in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has many of the most magnificent golf courses in the Caribbean and Latin America. From the mountains to the beaches, the golf courses there are uniquely designed and distinct. Sports champions and golf enthusiasts alike cannot resist playing the island's challenging courses.
The Dominican Republic also features some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Families, couples and friends can enjoy the fine beach lifestyle in Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, La Romana, Samana, Montecristi and Puerto Plata.
Top excursions include: Juanillo Beach VIP in Punta Cana, Altos de Chavon in La Romana, Saona Island in La Romana, El Limon Waterfall in Samana and Cayo Paraiso in Puerto Plata.
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The IRU welcomes the European Parliament TRAN Committee's improvements to digital tachograph proposals

The IRU welcomes improvements made by the European Parliament TRAN committee to European Commission proposals to modify the EU tachograph Regulation, as it will considerably enhance fraud prevention. However the IRU rejects the committee?s call for compulsory retro-fitting of digital tachographs.
Further to the European Parliament TRAN committee?s vote on digital tachograph regulations, the IRU welcomes the numerous improvements made to the EC proposal, and notably the compulsory training of enforcement officers, the free use of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, and a prohibition on automatic sanctions of the tachograph Regulation through the use of new technology fitted to digital tachographs.
However, the IRU rejects the proposal to retro-fit all vehicles with digital tachographs. Such a move is neither technically feasible for all vehicles, nor justified. No financial costings or an impact assessment has been undertaken. The IRU therefore calls on the European Parliament to reject this aspect of the amendments at its July plenary session.
The President of the IRU Commission on Social Affairs, Georges Causse, explained ?The European Parliament has called for important security enhancements to tachographs that will better prevent tachograph fraud which can undermine road safety, fair competition and working conditions and thus damage the industry.?
The IRU supports the TRAN Committee standpoint that if a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capability is incorporated into digital tachographs, its use must be free of charge and fully protected by data privacy standards.
The IRU is also pleased that the TRAN committee has called for compulsory training and certification of enforcement officers to ensure the uniform application of the Tachograph and EU Driving and Rest Time Regulations, irrespective of the Member State in which the control is taking place.
?Better trained and better informed control officers should take the burden away from law abiding operators. Remote communication from tachographs when fraudulent devices are detected will strengthen targeted enforcement but without ever leading to automatic penalties. Physical checks will still always be required,? Georges Causse concluded.
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Life In The Dream Factory

This past winter Teton Gravity Research filmed heavily in Alaska while creating their upcoming film The Dream Factory. Skiing caught up with Skier Todd Ligare to talk about hiking lines, winter camping, and skiing spines. We also got some exclusive POV screen grabs to show you just how out of hand skiing in Alaska really gets.

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National Arts Festival, South Africa

Not just army abductions and trapeze artists.

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Summer Ski Tour Tips

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Hotel Review: Tiara Yaksta, Théoule-sur-Mer, Cannes, France

When love is in the air and a get-away in on the cards, it's only natural that you want�a hideaway in which to immerse totally in the joys that such amour may�bring.�And so we headed for Tiara Yaksta boutique hotel.The ride from Nice Airport was a pleasant tootle along the twisty N8 coastal road.�We were heading for the tiny town of Th�oule-sur-Mer, an area with lovely red rock inlets and where they say, the water quality around its cliffs is the best in Europe. We�had chosen the hotel for its discreet location and found it was so hidden that I passed it at least three times. But no matter, the iconic views over the yacht-dotted seas and hilly C�te d'Azur backdrop made the detour well worth while.We eventually spotted the small turning that leads the way to this stone, terracotta-hued property. Part of the charm is that it's built into the hillside and that it�overlooks the azure waters of the Mediterranean sea. The website says it has the accolade of being the most romantic in Europe - and those views certainly help. We were warmly greeted as we�walked into�the small but beautifully scented reception and led to a gloriously located terrace with - it has to be said - those views, for a welcome glass of champagne. It was a lovely touch.There are just 21 rooms over three levels and the d�cor throughout has more than a dab of eastern promise ? tiled floors, richly coloured walls, exotic artworks, opulent dark wood furniture, and enrobed beds - all add to a sense of romantic occasion. Our�room had en suite with a bath, all the mod cons, a set of music cds and a cd player. Its small balcony with a table that looks out onto the ocean was a great space for an early evening aperitif.Not much goes on in the area other than a sprinkling of shops and bars, but the hotel's heated infinity pool and luxurious day beds set in the hotel gardens is a restful way to while away the time. Their sister hotel down the road, the Miramar, has a beach for guest use. There are no major monuments or sights to visit except for the surrounding landscape where a hike into the hills and forests behind the town would no doubt, be�great way to�feel at one with nature.For us though, that was a tad too much excetion and in any case for a little action the pull of St Tropez was compelling.��So�we caught the ferry at Saint-Raphael (around 20 minutes drive away) for a day out in this chic Riviera town. We�later returned grateful to experience some peace and quiet once again and enjoy some fine dining at their L'Or Bleu restaurant and a final night-cap overlooking the the Med.�on their terrace.RATES: From 200 euros plus 29 euros for breakfast. Check prices and availability here.How to get there?Get a flight to Nice, then rent a car at Nice Airport. Tiara Yaktsa is about 40 minutes drive from the airport.Cheap Flights with Budget Airlines18 May 2012
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