SUV rental for Massachusetts - Connecticut trip

In June we are visiting the US again. Last time we stayed in NYC and really enjoyed it but this time we thought we would be a little bit more adventurous so we are going to rent an SUV at Newark Airport and go and see a bit of New England before going to NYC.

Our plan is that we will pick up the car and then stay a couple of nights not far from Woodbury Common, then drive up to Massachusetts and spend 4 nights there, then drive to Connecticut and spend 4 nights there, then drop the car off at Newark airport and get the train into Manhattan where we will spend 5 nights.

I have been looking at the car rental sites and Hertz seems to be the cheapest which surprised me. It says that the rates listed include: Airport concession fee recovery, Loss Damage Waiver, Tax, Liability Insurance Supplement, Vehicle Licensing Cost Recovery, airport transportation and domestic security fee. Are there any other options which need to be considered or that they haven%26#39;t mentioned?

Although I have TomTom on my PDA we would also like to have a road atlas of the areas we are going to, where can we get one from when we first arrive?

Are there any must see/do things in Massachusetts or Connecticut?

SUV rental for Massachusetts - Connecticut trip

Andy, I can never keep all the insurance lingo straight so I don%26#39;t know if there%26#39;s any insurance missing. You should check to see how many drivers that price allows. If more than 1 of you, sometimes that%26#39;s more.

Here%26#39;s a thread from last year with an Aussie asking about insurance. Not sure it will help, but ...

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60763-i5-k1438185鈥?/a>

I%26#39;d suggest you compare the Hertz price to whizzcarrental.com, a co. I found a while back that includes all insurance in their prices.

Another website to check is

http://www.airline-network.co.uk/CARHIRE/?

Since you have some time, I suggest you write to the state tourist boards in both states to send you info. You need to map a route. Cape Cod is a popular seaside area in Mass. The islands of Nantucket and Martha%26#39;s Vineyard (accessed by ferry) off Ma. are also very popular but you might not have time for that with just 4 nights to cover 2 states. Do you plan on spending just 1 night in each of 4 places? Sounds like you%26#39;re trying to cover too much. I think with 4 nights I%26#39;d pick MA or Ct.

SUV rental for Massachusetts - Connecticut trip

The later in June you are coming, the more you will need your reservations sooner than later....especially on weekend days.......And think about whether you are ';shore'; people or ';hill and mountain'; people......if you like the shore, then certainly think about Cape Cod including either Martha%26#39;s Vineyard or Nantucket.....if you prefer charming towns and walks in the woods and lakes, then I would strongly recommend you consider the Berkshire area....look at Sheffield, Great Barrington Lenox, Lee and other towns in that area(this is all Massachusetts).....Connecticut is very charming but only in the Northwest corner will you find real countryside because below that it tends to be more suburban and the Conn. shore will not give you the same quality beach experience as you will get on the Cape; you could also combine a couple of days in Mass and a couple of days in Newport, Rhode Island, a fabulous and interesting town with beaches as well....BUT definitely get that road atlas in advance.....you should have it while you plan the trip

Like you, I always like to have a highway map on hand. Since you have lots of time, why don%26#39;t you order a road atlas online now -- then you don%26#39;t have to worry about looking for one when you arrive, and if you like you can map out your routes ahead of time.

Sounds like you have a great trip planned!

Some atlas options:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_w_h_/203-6553036-4638304?url=search-alias%3Daps%26amp;field-keywords=usa+road+atlas

Make sure that you inform the rental agency you will be traveling to three states, NJ, Massachusetts and Connecticut - just in case of any car trouble the insurance has to be valid in all the states you travel through!

I second Carol%26#39;s suggestion of Newport Rhode Island. I had a wonderful time there in 1980 (!) when my then BF was a member of the Australian America%26#39;s Cup team. Shame they lost but we had a blast:-)

66

Thanks everyone. Some really great advice and tips from you all.

We love the countryside but also like museums and art galleries which is why we have split the trip this time.

You might want to think about returning the car at JFK or LGA instead of Newark if it isn%26#39;t a lot more expensive. They would be closer and on the way into Manhattan. Ofcourse returning in Manhattan is another option that would be the most convenient.

Andy,

This might be an option for you.

http://www.insurance4carhire.com/

I always used to rent a car on our US trips and the extra insurance bits were always a nightmare that needed a lot of homework before going. Usually it was cheaper to sort the whole thing out before going with a UK based company and get a voucher before going. Then you just present it at the rental counter and all is included - even though they try and convince you to get extra insurance. I haven%26#39;t rented(for longer period than 24hrs) in the US for a couple of years and I know the situation seems to change regularly as the rental companies try and squeeze ever more out of it%26#39;s customers so it might be different now. Apologies if my information isn%26#39;t up to date.

I have used this company for a rental in Europe and although I didn%26#39;t have to make use of it the rental clerk accepted it without question. On balance I thought it was a good deal.

Sorry, just realised I rambled a bit at the start.

BTW I have no connection with this company.

Andy,

Sorry forgot to add. We just bought the AAA road atlas from a local bookstore. Full size and still going strong after 12 years.

NYWhiz makes great sense about the Manhattan return...check with Hertz to see what the additional charge would be to return to NYC instead of the airport (either)....if it is under $100, it would make great sense to do this....you could stop off and drop your bags (and your family) at your hotel and then return the car and just walk or take local transport to the hotel....it would save you wear and tear plus if you factor in the transport costs from the airport, might not be a big deal

young married couples