In a series of candid letters to the editor, travelers have expressed their frustrations and experiences with rental car companies and other travel-related challenges. From unexpected fees to cultural surprises, these stories highlight the diverse experiences of global travelers.
Rental Car Woes: Hidden Fees and Unroadworthy Vehicles
Many travelers have found themselves in difficult situations with rental car companies, particularly Europcar. Mark Berg and Lynette Beacham from Caringbah South, NSW, shared their experience of being offered a seemingly beneficial upgrade at London Heathrow, only to discover later that they were charged a daily upgrade fee. The car itself was in poor condition, with brakes that made a metal-on-metal grinding sound. Despite efforts to dispute the charges through their bank and legal channels, they were unable to resolve the issue. As a result, their Melbourne-based travel agent has ceased booking with Europcar for all clients.
Similarly, Tim Rogers from Mosman, NSW, recounted his experience in Dublin, where he found that his pre-booked rental car was unavailable upon arrival. The desk staff encouraged him to upgrade to a more expensive vehicle, resulting in costs that more than doubled his original booking through booking.com. Rogers suspects that Europcar trains its staff to upsell customers under such circumstances.
Travel Insurance and Natural Disasters: Navigating Unexpected Events
Travel insurance is a crucial aspect of trip planning, as highlighted by Michael Longhurst from Pottsville. He and his wife opted to supplement their free credit card travel insurance with Medibank Private’s international medical-only cover, ensuring coverage for their pre-existing medical conditions. This decision proved cost-effective compared to comprehensive policies from regular insurers.
Meanwhile, Gareth Lloyd from Mount Eliza, Vic, experienced a natural disaster while in Bali. A volcanic eruption led to the cancellation of their Virgin Australia flight, resulting in a two-day delay. Although Virgin Australia communicated effectively and arranged a relief flight, the delay caused them to exceed their 30-day visa, incurring a $100 penalty per person from Bali’s immigration authorities. Lloyd noted that many of the 14,000 passengers affected by the eruption faced similar penalties.
Cultural Surprises and Memorable Experiences
Travel often brings unexpected cultural experiences, as Phil Freeman from Killcare Heights, NSW, discovered in New Delhi. After balking at the high price of a beer at a five-star hotel, Freeman ventured outside and met an auto rickshaw driver who invited him to his home for a drink. This encounter turned into a memorable evening and the beginning of a new friendship.
In another instance, Hilary Plehwe from Beaumaris, Vic, found a unique travel companion in ChatGPT during a solo trip to Vietnam. The AI provided valuable advice on train seating, hotel recommendations, and local customs, enhancing Plehwe’s travel experience and ensuring she never felt alone.
Travel Tips and Recommendations: From Hotels to Nature
David Syme from Melbourne, Vic, praised the Portella Palma boutique hotel in Majorca, Spain, for its exceptional service and charm. The hotel, housed in a beautifully restored mansion, stood out among similar accommodations during his three-week trip across Spain.
Robert Druitt from Caves Beach, NSW, shared his delightful experiences in Vanuatu, a destination still recovering from a 2024 earthquake. Despite the challenges, the locals remained welcoming, and Druitt enjoyed activities such as snorkeling, sailing, and kayaking, as well as a memorable degustation dinner at Mangoes Resort.
Lastly, Leisa Curtis from Bexley, NSW, recounted the amusing experience of renting a car in Rarotonga with a stereo locked on Michael Jackson’s music. This quirky feature added humor to her group’s travels, demonstrating how small details can enhance the travel experience.
As these stories illustrate, travel can be unpredictable, offering both challenges and memorable moments. Whether dealing with rental car issues, navigating cultural surprises, or discovering hidden gems, travelers continue to share their insights and experiences, enriching the broader travel community.
