The Best and Worst Car Rental Companies

What is the best car rental company? According to a survey by Condé Nast Traveler: Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis top the list. The results, which take into account rates, reliability, locations, and vehicle options were not overly surprising as these companies are some of the largest car rental companies. In addition, many of the agencies on the list are at the forefront of new developments in the industry. Hertz recently announced one-way rentals that will allow consumers to drop off a car at an airport instead of an original pick-up spot. This is particularly helpful for international and out-of-state travelers. Enterprise and Avis, on the other hand, are pioneering electric car rentals for the upcoming year.
Hertz Car Rental Counter © Dierk Schaefer

It’s not just travelers who are benefiting from the innovations by the leading car rental companies. Newer companies such as Zipcar are attempting to shift urban centers from car owners and renters to car-sharing members. Their hope is that major cities around the globe will embrace their on-demand mobility model. While this is a popular method in European cities, it will be more difficult to push through in the United States where car ownership is ingrained in the culture. That said, an emphasis on being green has taken afoot in certain segments of the population.

For the companies that didn’t perform well in the survey such as Dollar and Thrifty, it would benefit them to re-evaluate their products and services as it will prevent them from being associated with the worst car rental companies.

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

 

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Bus Travel Takes Off

Bus travel in the United States has increased (8.1% in 2007 and 9.8% in 2008) over the past couple of years. A nation that prides itself on traveling by automobile is starting to see ultra cheap bus tickets that are too attractive to pass up. In many cases, travelers are finding that it’s even more convenient than air travel. That’s especially true in the Northeast corridor with the popular route from New York to Boston that is served by Chinatown buses.
Chinatown Bus © Naomi A.

Americans love their cars, but concerns over gas prices and the environment are likely to keep them open to alternatives. If buses prices continue to drop, inter-city bus travel will persevere in the coming years. That scenario is likely with the success of budget companies such as MegaBus and BoltBus. Throw in President Obama’s recent proposal for a high-speed rail, and the nation may be moving in a new direction.

Have you traveled by bus in the U.S.? Which route? How was it?

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

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National Parks Get $750 Million

National Parks in the United States received $750 million from the economic stimulus in order to address much needed repairs and construction. The package will help to pay for over 750 projects across the country. A few of the repairs include work at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Ellis Island in New York, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, and multiple stop across the Appalachian Trail. A full list of the projects by state can be found at the Department of the Interior website.
Castle Geyser, Yellowstone National Park © Dominiqs

The National Park Service projects will address much needed maintenance across the nation. Though $750 million is a sizable amount with the current economic crisis, the preservation efforts will create 30,000 to 40,000 new jobs. If the United States wants to be serious about conservation, their parks must be kept in satisfactory condition. It’s no coincidence that the announcement of the funds landed on Earth Day. It’s meant to send a signal that the Obama Administration is committed to being green. Expect more projects that are funded by the federal government in the coming years.

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

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Recycled Masterpiece: Chandigarh’s Rock Garden

Chandigarh, India is a pleasant surprise to travelers who have braved the chaos of the country’s rickshaw-filled roads. The streets of this urban center are well-ordered with sculptures and trees throughout. The jewel of Chandigarh is Nek Chand’s Rock Garden (Map). The garden is comprised of recycled materials including ceramic pots, glass bottles, sinks, and broken plates. It is a place of inspiration for those who support a movement toward green living.
Chandigarh Rock Garden © Gennaro Salamone

For those making the journey, the garden has a maze-like path that features a multitude of creative figurines ranging from animals to human forms. You’ll witness tourists and locals alike marveling at the modern wonder that was developed by Chand. On most days, locals are seen picnicking or sharing a romantic moment on the grounds (see below). To have a particularly unique experience, ask the information desk if Mr. Chand is at the garden during your visit. If so, he’ll be more than happy to visit with travelers.
Chandigarh couple and waterfall © Gennaro Salamone

Toward the end of your walk, a lovely waterfall will appear with human figures atop it. This is a comfortable spot to relax for a few moments in shaded areas. Upon leaving the complex, it’s a short cycle rickshaw ride to the Open Hand Monument, which remains the official logo of the city.

After returning to the city-center, consider having dinner at Ghazal Restaurant (Map). Ghazal has excellent service along with classic Indian dishes. For window-seating and extra attention from the staff arrive 15-20 minutes before traditional dinner is served.

If you’re unsure about making the trip to Chandigarh consider combining it with a journey to the hill station of Shimla. Kalka, the town where the toy train to Shimla originates, is only an hour from Chandigarh.

Read about Bodh Gaya, India.

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

 

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Wilderness, Where Art Thou?

Thomas Friedman called the world–flat. A new map released by the European Commission and the World Bank shows that the world is, indeed, shrinking. Modern technology has made it affordable for the masses to partake in global travel, business, and networking. The World Bank’s World Development Report 2009 confirms the impact of this globalization revealing that “only 10% of land area is remote – more than 48 hours from a large city.”
Rear-View Mirror © Frank Kovalchek

This leaves one to wonder the long-term impact of globalization and extensive travel. With more and more individuals competing for resources and space, wilderness will continue to feel the effects. Read about measures taken to protect U.S. National Parks.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

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Green Adventures in Belize

National Geographic recently named Belize one of its eco-successes. Belize is a lovely Central American location where English and Spanish are widely-spoken. Whether you want adventurous spelunking or fun in the sun it’s on the menu in Belize.

Regardless of your interests, it would be wise to consider The Mesoamerican Reef which was described by National Geographic as an underwater Serengeti . To learn more about the steps that are being taking to keep Belize a green destination review the Friends of Nature website.
Placencia, Belize © Gennaro Salamone

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

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Italy Launches 186 MPH Rome-Milan Train

Italy launches a new train between Rome and Milan that move at 186 miles per hour. The train will connect the two cities within 3 hours and 30 minutes. The recent addition will ease traffic on the busy route between the two Italian cities. With a shift from using automobiles to riding trains, Italians will also be contributing to a greener country. Travelers will also benefit from a faster train when moving between the two popular cities.
High-speed train (Frecciaross), Italy © atropo8

Thinking about traveling to Italy? Read about the perfect travel picnic with Italian food or about Venice Carnival.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

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