Driving around Cancun, Mexico in a rental car is a great way to see even more of the sights and sounds of this tropical Caribbean paradise. A rental car represents a very economical way to see a lot more of the island than you would if you were going to rely solely on walking. Without a vehicle, you’re likely going to be limited to whatever is within walking distance of your resort; there is so much more culture and history that can be experienced during Cancun vacations that it would be almost criminal to limit yourself to your hotel and the nearest beach and bars.
When you arrive in Cancun, there are a few options for renting a vehicle. The international airport has many car rental agencies, but it is in your best interests to check into availability, reputation and rates before you leave home, so you know exactly what to expect. If you’ve already got your rental provider and vehicle picked out before you arrive you’ll spend less time in the airport making up your mind (as well as avoiding disappointment when the vehicle you choose isn’t available). If for some reason you do decide, on a whim, to rent a vehicle upon arrival at your resort or hotel, check with the concierge or the front desk to find out who is available nearby that is reputable.
If you’ve chosen to rent a vehicle, then you must purchase temporary insurance as well. This is something that should be inquired about and researched when you’re checking out rental agencies and vehicles. Insurance is required when you drive at home, the fact that you’re in a foreign country and away from home should only underline how important it is to have it when driving. Most of the details and legalities of driving insurance are more or less the same as they are for your own insurance at home, so consider where you’ll be taking the car, what time of day and who will be with you – more or less the same kind of criteria you’d use to purchase insurance at home.
When you’re at the rental agency, ask to see the vehicle you’ll be renting before you sign or pay for anything! This is perhaps the most important part of renting a car while on holidays – go over every possible detail and ask as many questions as you’d like before you drive it off the lot, you’re well within your rights to do so and if the rental agent attempts to dissuade you in any way, consider that a major red flag. Make sure any cosmetic inconsistencies are noted so you won’t be accused of them upon return, make sure there is a functioning spare tire and tools and that all fluids are topped up and not leaking. You may be held responsible for any problems with the vehicle that are not noted when renting – be thorough and get everything in writing.
The roads in Cancun can vary wildly: new and smooth to damaged and pock marked – much like the roads at home, to be sure. If part of your itinerary in Cancun is to travel south, be advised the roads tend to get progressively worse in condition the further you journey. Because of this, you may want to consider something with 4-wheel drive – they’ll cost more, but the driving will be much more tolerable. The added freedom of being able to go where you want, and when you want isn’t necessarily a luxury that you need to leave behind when you go to Mexico – rent a vehicle that suits your needs, exercise some common sense and get ready to hit the road!
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