Explore - Travel Made Easy, Vacations, Planning Advice

Renting A Car? Rick Steves Urges Tourists To Use This Item For Free Parking

staff@explore.com (Amanda Morgan) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:30:00 +0000

Here's Rick Steves' clever, lesser-known trick for scoring free parking across Europe that could save you a ton of money in cities and when road tripping.

Tourists Can Save Money At Europe's Rental Car Counters With This Useful Skill

staff@explore.com (Laura Jones) — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 23:30:00 +0000

Learn how an outdated skill might help you to take advantage of this clever money-saving hack the next time you rent a car to explore Europe.

These Are The Best Rental Car Companies, According To Consumer Reports

staff@explore.com (Amanda Morgan) — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Most travelers end up needing to rent a car at some point, and here's a guide to which companies tend to provide the most customer satisfaction.

These Are The Worst Rental Car Companies, According To Consumer Reports

staff@explore.com (Amanda Morgan) — Sat, 22 Nov 2025 11:30:00 +0000

A new Consumer Reports survey ranks these three car rental operations among the worst-rated companies. Here's how travelers rated their experiences.

Why This Popular Service At Niagara Falls Is Less Useful Than Tourists Realize

staff@explore.com (Robert Isenberg) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 01:30:00 +0000

The usual tourist rules don't really apply at major destinations like Niagara Falls, and one traditionally useful service proves utterly pointless there.

Booking Through Costco Travel May Not Be Worth This Frustrating Disadvantage

staff@explore.com (Sophie Baker) — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Costco offers many benefits to its members, like savings on bulk goods, but you may want to think twice before booking your travel plans through the wholesaler.

Traveling With A Rental Car? Avoid These 2025 Models, According To Consumer Reports

staff@explore.com (Tosh Bene) — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Getting around via the use of a rental car during your next trip? Here are some 2025 car models you shouldn't choose, according to Consumer Reports.

What To Do If You Crash Your Rental Car On Vacation

staff@explore.com (Olaoluwa Akinbayo) — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Car crashes can happen anywhere, even when we're vacationing. Learn what to document and who to call if you wind up in a rental car accident.

Is Renting A Car Through Costco Travel Worth It For Your Next Road Trip?

staff@explore.com (Shelby Wilkerson) — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 22:30:00 +0000

This lesser-known Costco membership perk offers travelers an easy way to book car rentals in the U.S. and abroad. Here's what to know before your next trip.

A Scary Rental Car 'Clerical Error' Can See You Arrested With Felony Charges

staff@explore.com (Robert Isenberg) — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 18:00:00 +0000

Renting a car is a very common thing to do while traveling, but if this "mistake" happens, it could lead to serious legal issues, including jail time.

Tourists Driving In Italy Should Be Aware Of This Traffic Rule To Avoid Paying Hefty Fines

staff@explore.com (Olaoluwa Akinbayo) — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:30:00 +0000

Be sure to understand and obey this strict Italian traffic rule, or a ticket with a large fine may be waiting for you in your mailbox when you return home.

The Budget Accommodation Rick Steves Recommends To 'Camp Your Way Around' Europe

staff@explore.com (Madison Scrivano) — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 21:00:00 +0000

European travel expert Rick Steves enthusiastically recommends this underused method of traveling around the continent while not breaking the bank.

Rick Steves Explains Why Tourists Shouldn't Blindly Trust Travel Review Sites

staff@explore.com (Felix Gott) — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 10:30:00 +0000

Travel expert Rick Steves, most famous for his Europe expertise, offers his opinion on why travelers shouldn't take everything on review sites at face value.

AWD Vs. 4WD: Which Style You Should Choose For Outdoor Adventures, Per An Automotive Expert

staff@explore.com (Ryan Cashman) — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:30:00 +0000

What is better for an outdoor road trip, all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD)? We reached out to an expert to find out. Here's what we learned.

Why Renting A Car Is Almost A Necessity At This Popular Caribbean Island Destination

staff@explore.com (Robert Isenberg) — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Sometimes, you just need a car. That's the reality when you visit this popular Caribbean island destination, which doesn't have any public transportation.

The Best Time To Pay For A Car Rental In Europe To Get The Cheapest Price, Per Rick Steves

staff@explore.com (Christine Dulion) — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Make sure you read Rick Steves' expert travel advice before booking your rental car in Europe. Keeping these tips in mind will save you from overspending!

Rick Steves Encourages Using This Luxury In Europe If There Is No Public Transit

staff@explore.com (Sara Tewksbury) — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 10:30:00 +0000

Even if you're a budget traveler, Rick Steves says this luxurious way of getting around may actually be the best way to see some parts of Europe.

Why Tourists Renting A Car In Italy Need To Be Extremely Mindful Of The Speed Limit

staff@explore.com (Sharon Kong Perring) — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 21:00:00 +0000

It's perfectly normal to rent a car while traveling in Italy, but doing so comes with a major potential issue for those who aren't mindful of their driving.

The Upsetting Reason Tourists Should Buy Extra Insurance When Renting A Car In Mexico

staff@explore.com (Mike Kaplan) — Sat, 10 May 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Most people would recommend you buy insurance when you rent a car. But in Mexico, this is even more important, and the upsetting reason why will surprise you.

11 Worst Rental Car Mistakes To Avoid

staff@explore.com (Daniel Feininger) — Sun, 04 May 2025 18:45:00 +0000

By rectifying these common car rental mistakes, you'll save money for your vacation needs, avoid unnecessary hassle, and enjoy a seamless adventure on the road.