Costco Connection - April 2008

^trc^aon^vn^ee^lction

^Saveup to25%
AND RECEIVE $20 OFF
YOUR NEXT FOUR-DAY
ALAMO CAR RENTAL

Plus, one-additional-driver fee is waived for Costco members!

Road trippin’

PHOTODISC

By T. Foster Jones

IT’S SPRINGTIME, when our thoughts turn to fancies of flight. After being cooped up during winter, there’s a strong urge to get out and travel.

Time to jump in the family car and hit the road? Not so fast. There are a number of options that make heading out on the highway in a rental car a much more attractive— and fun—alternative to putting miles of wear and tear on your tired old daily driver.

Many car rental companies have introduced car choices that go way beyond the “compact or sedan” options of the past. Customers can choose to go green with a hybrid; go upscale with luxury cars such as a Mercedes C320 or a Cadillac CTS; go a little faster in a sports car, like a Shelby GT-H; or go off-road in a Hummer H3.

With a rental car, you can tailor the car to the trip. Are you traveling alone? With a large group? Need something accessible to younger and older riders? Think of ways that your choice of vehicle can enhance the trip. For instance, how much more fun would it be to drive along the coast in a convertible than in the family sedan?

Regardless of the vehicle you choose, one of the best new features that is becoming standard in rental cars is the Global Positioning System, or GPS. Gone are the days of missed exits and those vacation-kill-ing experiences of finding yourself and your family lost. GPS units, such as the Where2 system, have pre-loaded road maps with nearly 6 million points of interest and give drivers turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions to virtually any destination in the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico—including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs and tourist attractions. It’s like driving with a local.

Whether you’re renting a car to get to

your destination or to pick up after you’re there, most rental car companies offer easy access to airports or locations near the hotel or home where you’ll be staying. Some let you check in online or at kiosks, to save you from waiting in line. A newer option is a pickup or drop-off service, where the rental company will actually come out and pick you up, drive you to the agency and drive you home after you’ve checked the car back in.

Vacations are all about new experiences. They’re also about relaxing. Getting set up in a rental car that best suits your needs helps you achieve both.

• Reserve a compact through full-size car, minivan or SUV in the United States, Latin America, Caribbean or Asia Pacific.

• Valid for a rental of at least four days.

• Valid through 3/31/09.

Book online at
costco.com or call
Costco Travel toll free
at 1-877-849-2730.
When you rent, ask about:

Rates. When you are quoted a “base rental car rate,” it does not necessarily include sales tax, airport tax surcharges, mandatory coverages, mileage (if applicable) and optional items, which can increase the total rate by 10 to 40 percent. Ask how daily rates are calculated—the 24-hour-clock rate—to find out how much of a grace period you have before you’re charged for another full day. And ask about the refueling policy.

Insurance. Insurance can add a big chunk to your daily cost. Do you need it? Check with your personal insurance agent and, if this is a business trip, with your company to see if you’re covered through them. As well, sometimes an upper-level credit card provides primary collision coverage. C

Be sure to request I.D. 675899
and Coupon Code AD5113JDO
at time of reservation.

When picking up your rental car, please be
prepared to show your Costco membership
card to the Alamo representative.

The Costco Connection Costco Travel offers car rental programs with Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National. Costco members can find substantial savings and special offers by calling 1-877-849-2730 or visiting costco.com and clicking on “Travel.”

Terms and Conditions

One coupon per Alamo rental and void once redeemed. Discount applies to base rate, which does not include taxes (including VAT), other governmentally-authorized or imposed surcharges, license recoupment/air tax recovery and concession recoupment fees, airport and airport facility fees, fuel, one-way rental charge or optional items. Offer is subject to standard rental conditions. Blackout dates may apply. Not valid with any other discount or promotional rate, except your Costco member discount. Subject to availability and valid only at participating Alamo locations. Some countries may convert coupon value into local currency. 24-hour advance reservation required. Coupon VOID if bought, bartered or sold for cash.

Travel purchases are not included in the Executive Membership 2% Reward program. All prices are in U.S. dollars. Costco Travel disclaims liability for inaccuracies or typographical errors. Costco Travel is a registered seller of travel and travel agency in the following states: Washington (WST 602042600); Ohio (8789302); Florida (Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No.ST32555); and California (CST 2054248-50). Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the state of California. Nevada (Nevada Seller of Travel, Registration No. 2007-0060).