Argus Car Hire

Arguscarhire.com was delighted to have been short listed for the Best e-Business website award at the star-studded Golden Spider Awards, which took place in Dublin’s Burlington Hotel on Thursday November 22nd 2007. Zany comedian Jason Byrne and model/television presenter Glenda Gilson hosted the awards which were attended by over 700 of the brightest lights in online business in 2007. Running since 1996, the eircom Golden Spider Awards honour excellence in Internet business in Ireland. This year saw a record 450 entries to the awards, six of which were short-listed in each of the 20 Golden Spider Web categories.

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Technology, travel innovations and improved transport networks have all contributed to making the world a much smaller place. It’s never been cheaper or easier to get to where you want to go in the world, but ease of travel has its drawbacks too. The spirit of discovery has been stifled somewhat, leading adventurous types to seek out ever far-flung destinations. Most of these places are as safe as traditional destinations to visit, however as with every city or country, there are some areas where greater care is required. The following are some hints to help you stay safe on your car hire travels.

Safety Tips

• Invest in a quality guidebook. Read up on any local risks before you travel.
• Provide family and friends with a rough itinerary of where you plan to travel and encourage them to familiarise themselves with your trip. Agree to a weekly or fortnightly email or phone call before you leave and stick to it to keep friends or families minds at ease.
• Keep yourself informed about local and political situations through the media. Check news online or tune into BBC World Service on a short wave radio.
• Avoid getting involved in political protests, demonstrations or gatherings, however exciting they may seem.
• Heed warnings about local tourist scams.
• Leave all unnecessary belongings at your hotel safe or another trusted place where you’re staying.
• Try to keep mobile phones, music players and digital cameras out of obvious sight.
• Use a security wallet/money belt for carrying cash and be extra careful with money or valuables in crowded locations.
• Respect local law-you’ll find a synopsis of local legislation in your guidebook.
• Avoid photographing military sites, airports or railway stations if you’re unsure about local law.
• If your visit requires a visa, make sure that it is in good order. The minimum penalty you can expect for overstaying your visa is a fine.
• By all means, invest in local crafts but do not purchase anything that you suspect of being made of endangered animals or plants or that is of historical importance.

What to do should you fall victim to crime

• Report the crime to the local police and get a statement from them. Be sure to get a reference number for insurance claims.
• If your passport is stolen, contact your nearest Embassy, High Commission or Consulate about getting a replacement passport.
• Inform your bank/credit card issuer if traveller’s cheques or credit cards are stolen.
• Make a request with your bank to transfer emergency money for you to use.
• Your Consulate/High Commissioner can contact friends or family at home and help them send money out to you.

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Not only does car rental in the Alps open up a world of spectacular sights and stunning vistas, it also offers the chance to track the finest snow by hopping from one resort to the next. Some of the Alp’s best resorts are revealed with a hire car. However, it is important to remember that conditions for driving in winter can be dangerous and special caution is advised. Argus Car Hire has prepared the following helpful hints to keep in mind while driving in the ski resorts of the snowy Alps.

Driving in Snow

• In Switzerland it is necessary to use dipped headlights at all times. Germany, France, Italy and Austria also require drivers to dip headlights at certain times of the year.
• Even if you’re driving when there’s no snow on the road, you should always be conscious of black ice and hairpin bends- common to Alpine roads.
• If there is snow, secure snow chains to your tyres as quickly as possible. Ensure that snow chains are fitted to tyres correctly and efficiently. If you’ve never used snow chains before, it’s wise to practice before being faced with severe weather conditions.
• Take special care when driving downhill. Stay in a low gear and keep your speed down. Avoid using the brake on bends in particular.
• If you feel the wheels lock and start to slide, then steer into the slide.

Car Care

• Park at a covered garage if possible.
• If none is available, park on flat ground or leave the car in a downhill position.
• Leave the car in gear with the hand brake off in case it freezes up.
• Lift the windscreen wipers off the windscreen.
• Make a mental note of where you parked in case of heavy snowfall!

Checklist

• Snow Chains
• Ski Racks
• Warning Triangle
• High Visibility Vest
• Map
• A replacement bulb set
• Protect your eyes from dazzling winter sunshine with sunglasses

In Case of Emergency:

• A charged mobile phone
• Torch
• First Aid Kit
• lankets
• Warm Clothing
• Boots

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