Cheap and convenient way to travel with kids around US
I'm planning a family trip to US (from Europe) and although we're going to stay in NY most of the time, I'd like to go to Washington DC and around for couple of days for example. I assume renting a car is the most suitable option here, but when I sum up all the costs (car, gps, 2x child safety seat) the price becomes not that compelling.
Is there any other way to travel at a reasonable cost with whole fam? Or which car rental company has the best prices for this kind of travels?
Best Answer
Within New York (well, Manhattan), it is a real big bother to drive and quite expensive to park the car; Metrocard is your mean to go, maybe an occasional cab ride.
To DC, driving might be probably the cheapest, and then consider transit again.
With the rental cars, you might also look what rental car brokers offer (I had very good experiences with SunnyCars, for example). They often have good packages, and it may actually be that GPS is included (or available for a reasonable price). You might also compare the rates for different pick-up places (JFK is the most epensive in my experience).
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What is the cheapest way to travel with kids?
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Answer 2
You're right that a car will be the most convenient for visiting DC with small children. Rental cars are often cheaper if picked up outside of NYC (sometimes you can return inside NYC at the same price), but this means taking a train with two small children which is not ideal.
You don't need to pay the car rental company for GPS; just have your "navigator" (husband/wife) use a smartphone. This works well where you will be travelling: cellular coverage is excellent throughout. You might want to bring a "cigarette lighter" USB charger for the car.
As for which company has the best prices, simply use your favorite online service to find out. Often the cheapest companies will include Budget, Dollar, or Avis.
One last tip: make sure you return the car before the shop closes. I was exactly on time once (pulled up at 10 PM), and I had called ahead to say I was running late, and they still tried to stick me with a late charge and parking fees.
Answer 3
Boost mobile smartphones are sold cheaply at any Wal-Mart type store and for 45 USD u get 5 gb data and unlimited talk and texting. Plenty to use GPS and call for directions if u get lost. I'd suggest going to once upon a child for car seats and selling then back at the end of the trip. Also att No contract to phone has a Nokia Lucia Windows smartphone which works well but its 60 for a month with less data. However the phone uses a SIM card so it's versatile with other carriers unlike Boost.
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