Tampa Florida, Rent a car?

Question

I am leaving for my honeymoon on 5/27 and coming back 6/2

We got a condo, and plan on visiting beaches and universal, and taking it easy.

Well here is the problem. Me and FH are 24. We need to rent a car. All i can find is where they charge you and extra $25.00 a day, and then put like ALOT of money on "hold".,...

I dont have all the money for them to hold, and no credit cards, only my bank card.

Does anyone have any suggestions, or know any mom and pop places, or anything?

The condo is in Tarpon Springs, and we will be flying into Tampa. I am afraid of getting stuck at the airport for my honeymoon :(

Answer 1

Okay both answers above are correct and it is a sad fact that you have to be 25+ to rent with out giving up your first born. I worked for Tampa International in the Traffic department for many years on the drives (arrivals and departures). I have talked to many people and found a lot of use full information from them.
1st there is a go around for a rented vehicle, its Ryder or U-hal they have a 18+ on their rentals and offer pick up trucks. I have seen companies rent box trucks for guys that had to have transportation in town but the drivers were under 25, Truth.
2nd contact Super Shuttle 1-800-282-6817 they will cost $24 per person to Tarpon Springs. http://www.supershuttle.com/htm/cities/tpa.htm then use a taxi service to other points of interest or the bus system. Also if you are pleasant to other guest where you are staying you may be able to share a ride with them and split cost.
3rd Universal Studios is really not going to be cost effective unless you get a rental. for a taxi it would be close to $200 one way and a limo is just about the same. There are no shuttles to and from. Grey hound has a route but not time efficient.
4th You may want to see about restructuring you stay. Stay 3 nights in tarpon springs 5/27 5/28 and 5/29. Then switch to a place in Tampa near Busch Gardens 5/30 and do a day at BG 5/31 and go to Adventure Island 6/1.

This is the best I can come up with. I think It wrong the way rental car places operate on this issue. It would make sense to treat everyone the same and for the under 25ers make it mandatory they take the extra insurance but not at 25 a day maybe 10 to 12 and limit the car to a economy or coupe only. Even if they only offered the older cars in their inventory would be a pluss.

Enjoy your stay and congrats on the marriage, May 27 is my Birthday. and I visit Tarpon springs all the time, enjoy the Greek culture and spend time at the sponge docks.

Answer 2

I too racked my brain, and I think it's going to be impossible unless you're able to come up with funding from relatives to accomplish it. I checked Thrifty Rent A Car, which has a location at the Tampa airport, and their policy is to hold $250 plus the cost of the rental against your debit card. So, if you can find someone willing to give you the $250 temporarily, you're in luck. The $250 is released back to your debit card after you return the car in one piece. It's not a big deal otherwise. I would contact the location direct, wherever you choose, explain the situation and also clarify their policy before you arrive. You might also be pleasantly surprised by how far being polite and forthright will get you. If they know in advance they may work with you.

Answer 3

Hellooo from Tampa! I racked my brain for you and this is the best I can come up with:
1. Get your parents/relatives to put the rental car on their credit card. Pay them back when you get home. The car rental company will need to see the card when you get here...so have your parents get the credit card company to issue a spare card with your name on it. My mom did that for me "for emergency use". (I am 36...sheesh!). This is pretty far fetched, but it is an option.
2. TAXI!!!!!! (That would get expensive).
3. There's some cash-only car rentals, but I understand it is pretty risky. I googled it and the closest location is in Orlando. http://www.eagle-rent-a-car.com/policies.php.

Good luck!

Answer 4

in case you reside in downtown Tampa, you may place self assurance in cabs and public transportation to get around. in case you want to undertaking greater out, I rather recommend renting a automobile. i latterly visited the Tampa Bay area and stayed in Clearwater. Clearwater is a effective place to stay. I had an common stress to the seashores and to the two Tampa and St. Petersburg. it incredibly is a good crucial region.