Do You Really Need a Rental Car? Here’s How I Decide for Every Trip

There’s a moment in almost every trip plan where the big question comes up: Should we rent a car? And honestly, the answer isn’t always obvious. Renting a car can be freeing, convenient, and even cost-effective—but in some places, it’s an expensive hassle you’ll barely use.

Photo credit: Vlada Karpovich / Pexels

As a travel advisor, this is one of the most common questions I help clients answer. So here’s the exact thought process I use (for myself and others) to figure out if a rental car is worth it—or if you’re better off skipping it and using other options.

Step 1: What’s the Vibe of the Trip?

Start with the purpose of your trip. If you're planning to stay mostly at a resort, walkable downtown, or cruise port, you probably don’t need your own wheels.

But if your trip includes:

• Exploring scenic areas or national parks
• Day trips to small towns or beaches
• Family travel with car seats or strollers
• Unpredictable schedules or off-the-grid spots

Then a rental car gives you freedom—and flexibility that ride shares or tours can’t.

Step 2: What’s Parking & Traffic Like?

Before you book a car, check what it’s like to drive and park at your destination. Some cities are famously awful for driving (looking at you, NYC and Rome), while others make it easy.

Things I check:

• Does the hotel or Airbnb offer free or affordable parking?
• Is traffic notoriously bad during certain hours?
• Are there tolls, restricted zones, or extra insurance requirements?

In Europe especially, parking can be tight and driving rules vary a lot. When in doubt, I help clients compare a rental vs. private transfers or rail passes.

Step 3: How Much Would You Really Use It?

Sometimes it looks like you need a car—until you realize your itinerary has you in one spot most of the time.

Here’s a quick rule I use: If you’re not driving at least once a day, you probably don’t need one.

In cities like Paris, Tokyo, or New Orleans? Skip it. In places like Maui, Colorado, or the Amalfi Coast? Absolutely yes.

Step 4: Compare Total Costs

Rental cars come with more than just a daily rate. Factor in:

• Gas (especially if you’ll be driving long distances)
• Parking (hotel rates or public lots)
• Insurance or coverage (especially international)
• Tolls, mileage caps, or one-way drop fees

Sometimes a rental car ends up costing more than a few private transfers or guided day tours. If that’s the case, I usually suggest skipping it and using apps like Uber/Lyft, Viator, or GetYourGuide for experiences instead.

Step 5: Are You Comfortable Driving There?

This one matters more than people think. Are you okay with:

• Driving on the opposite side of the road?
• Manual transmission (very common in Europe)?
• Narrow roads, mountainous switchbacks, or unfamiliar signs?

If that sounds more stressful than exciting, it’s totally okay to plan around public transit, taxis, or private drivers. A vacation shouldn’t feel like driver’s ed.

When I Always Recommend Renting a Car:

• National park trips (Yellowstone, Glacier, Zion, etc.)
• Island hopping with flexible beach days (like Maui or Big Island)
• Road trips through scenic or rural areas
• Winter travel with ski gear (just check for AWD or 4WD!)

When I Usually Don’t:

• Big cities with great public transit (London, NYC, Tokyo)
• All-inclusive resorts or cruises with included shuttles
• Quick weekend trips where you won’t leave downtown

Still Not Sure? I’ll Help You Decide

This is exactly the kind of thing I figure out with clients. If you’re planning a trip and stuck on the car vs. no car debate, I’ll walk through your itinerary and recommend what makes the most sense—financially and logistically.

Email me here or send me your trip idea, and I’ll help you map out a plan that saves you time, stress, and possibly a whole lot of parking headaches.