{"id":6633,"date":"2021-08-12T13:54:19","date_gmt":"2021-08-12T13:54:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/?p=6633"},"modified":"2021-08-12T15:34:11","modified_gmt":"2021-08-12T15:34:11","slug":"rental-car-free-vacation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/2021\/08\/12\/rental-car-free-vacation\/","title":{"rendered":"RedWeek Hacks: Tips For A Rental Car-Free Vacation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With vaccinations on the rise and lockdown restrictions loosening, travel has returned in a big way this summer. Nearly 50 million people went on vacation over the 4th<\/sup> of July weekend this year, a 40 percent jump from last year when the pandemic was in full effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the return of travel brings with it some serious sticker shock: in particular, car rental prices have skyrocketed in 2021. According to newly released data<\/a> from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, it was about 88 percent more expensive to rent a car or truck in June 2021 than during the same time last year and 77 percent higher than in June 2019. It\u2019s a classic case of not enough supply and too much demand. When the pandemic was at its full height last year, many major rental car companies sold off their fleets in order to make some quick cash \u2014 and they haven\u2019t been able to rebuild them in time for the summer travel season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what\u2019s the solution for those travelers who don\u2019t want to spend an exorbitant amount of money for their rental car? Try skipping rental cars altogether. Check out some budget travel transportation tips that can get you where you want to go without that high price tag. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get To Know Public Transportation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be scared of public transportation. Buses, subways, light rail \u2014 these are all your friends. When you\u2019re researching destinations, take some time to learn about the various public transportation options. Most of these options are cheap \u2014 sometimes even free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, in Orlando, LYMMO<\/a> is a fare-free circulator bus that provides quick and convenient access to downtown restaurants, retail, entertainment, offices and services. Even better? LYMMO is transitioning to an electric fleet, meaning that getting around downtown Orlando will be more eco-friendly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over in Oahu, Hawaii, the bus \u2014 known simply as TheBus<\/a> \u2014 has a reputation as one of the most reliable public transportation systems in the U.S., making it simple for the car-less to visit such attractions as the Honolulu Museum of Art<\/a>, and Iolani Palace<\/a>.Honolulu\u2019s streets can be very confusing; let someone who knows the way do the driving!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Aruba, try the Arubus<\/a>, providing daily service to and from downtown Oranjestad. It\u2019s one of the best ways to get to Aruba\u2019s legendary beaches, with stops at the family friendly Baby Beach, the popular Palm Beach, and Eagle Beach, one of the top-rated beaches in the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n