Relocating from Brisbane to Sydney via Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise)

Written by Brian Karlson

We frequently encourage our staff to jump on a relocation deal and experience the journey themselves, from requesting a vehicle to returning it as a driver.

In the beginning of March I chose to relocate a 3-berth campervan for Travel Wheels from Brisbane to Sydney. The vehicle was listed on Transfercar’s website, allowing three days to travel the distance. I brought my partner along and we flew in to Brisbane from Sydney on a Thursday afternoon after work with Tiger Airways, which cost us only $35 p/p all included. A friend of ours picked us up from the airport and we went to the Riverside for some drinks and oysters before staying over at his place.

On Friday morning we picked up the campervan from the Travel Wheels depot, which was a bit out of town but easily accessible with public transport. As we only had 3 days to relocate, it is advisable to pick up the campervan as early as possible so not to waste any time. We were there at 10 am and the vehicle check and instructions from the friendly staff took only 10 minutes.

Continue reading Relocating from Brisbane to Sydney via Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise)

Don’t cancel trips to Christchurch: officials

Tourism officials in Christchurch have urged travellers to not let last week’s earthquake deter visits to the area.

In a statement Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism chief executive Tim Hunter reassured travellers that the damage from the quake last week did not affect buildings or operations in the city’s eastern suburbs.

Read the full article at Travel Blacboard

Tough time for rental car companies as Christchurch earthquake takes its toll

Rental car companies are feeling the aftershocks of the Christchurch earthquake in branches nationwide. Entire schedules were disrupted as vehicles went missing due to drivers being unable to drop vehicles off at central city depots.

A number of prominent rental agencies have only just been able to access trapped and damaged stock; relocating vehicles to depots outside of the central city. Issues arose as vehicles that would normally be returned with a full tank of gas came back empty as petrol stations were closed and inaccessible.

A representative from one company mentioned that such a simple thing as cleaning the campervans was impossible as power and water shortages covered most of the city leaving vehicles unable to be groomed for the next occupant. Phone lines and internet access are down leaving companies unable to operate and functioning on mobiles.

Continue reading Tough time for rental car companies as Christchurch earthquake takes its toll

Hertz considering a green future

The Hertz Corporation has its eyes set on a greener future for the rental car industry, but has admitted that there is no magic bullet to achieve this.

“There is not a single solution to the green issue,” Hertz International president Michel Taride told e-Travel Blackboard.

In Sydney for the announcement of Hertz’s acquisition of Ace Rental cars and alliance with Apollo Motorhomes, Mr Taride said “the move to electric cars is not a simple process”, but added that the elements required for its success “are all converging”.

Read the full article at Travel Blackboard

Tips on travelling greener with Transfercar

We are all aware that private vehicles are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions globally. OK…possibly not quite as high as the agriculture sector (why NZ introduced the FART TAX!), but significant all the same.

Since many of us are not yet ready to ditch the wheels and put on a pair of rollerblades, we have to do our part in reducing these emissions while still enjoying the freedom and pleasure our cool little free relocation cars or campervans gives us without the guilt trip of killing the planet.

Also, being a green tourist does not only apply to getting around. It means so much more.

Here’s some ideas that will not only help save the planet, but will help save your wallet in the process: Continue reading Tips on travelling greener with Transfercar

Hertz acquires Ace, joins with Apollo

In a move signaling its expansion into the Australian and New Zealand market, Hertz today announced the acquisition of budget car rental company Ace Rental Cars and an alliance with Apollo Motorhome Holidays.

At a press conference in Sydney, visiting Hertz International president Michel Taride said the two ventures were steps in Hertz’s plans to diversify the company’s brand and product offerings.

Read the full article courtesy of Travel Blackboard Australia