Chania
is a historic city that has been inhabited since the Stone Age. It has had a
dynamic history that has seen it as a part of the Byzantine Empire, then sold
to Venice in the middle Ages, and later being a part of the Ottoman Empire.
Starting in the late 19th century and the early part of the 20th,
Crete broke free of Ottoman control and joined Greece. The city was briefly
under Axis occupation during the Second World War. Today,
Chania stands as a living testament of a city that has lasted for eons, a
modern city that still preserves its rich heritage.
Chania
is a major draw for tourists around the world, who come here not just for its
culture, but also to take in the beautiful views of the country and bask under
its warm sunny skies. The tourist attractions are spread out across the island
and many of them are located several miles from major cities or towns. An
extensive road network connects the various towns and villages on the island,
but there is no train network. This makes driving the best way to visit all the
places of interest, and a rental car is the smartest solution.
The
following tips will help you find the best deals at a car rental service in
Chania:
Book Early, but Be Ready to Switch: Car rental bookings made online or over the phone in
advance do not cost any money, nor are there any cancellation charges. This
means that you can do your research and book one in advance weeks before you
get there. Once you land in Chania, see if you can get a better deal at a
kiosk. Quite often, the walk in rates will be lower. Booking early gives you a
safe fallback option in case you do not find a satisfactory alternative, or are
just too tired to wait in queue. Walk in rates are almost always negotiable,
and rental companies will be able to accommodate most requests, particularly
during the off-season (mid-October – early April).
Look for Promotions: Promotional rates are common when booking online, and if
you find a particularly attractive rate, you can always lock it in. Some
special rates that are available in limited quantities online may be better
than the rates you get at the kiosk.
Additional Amenities: Reputed
car rental services in Chania
will give you several amenities and services for free. These include infant and
child seats, tourist guide maps, GPS navigation systems, discount vouchers for
hotels and restaurants, etc.
Check for Hidden Costs: Look out for any optional service that is being included in
the rental rate. The car rental services in Greece are quite forthright, but
there may be costs that you would not normally expect in your own country or in
other countries you have visited. There may also be some service charges that
may not be immediately apparent. Do not buy insurance that you already have.
Check and ask all relevant questions before you drive away.