Most of us use the convenience of a rental car when traveling and generally select a car rental at random right outside the airport or train station. Now things are different you can arrange to rental a car online and specify your pick up and drop off point. There are directories where many companies are featured and you can easily compare the services as well as pricing of different car rental companies.

As a discerning consumer it would be a great advantage if you kept in mind:

1. That you need to keep the paper work ready before renting a car. You need to be over 25 years old, have a valid driving license, have an ID card that is universally accepted, your social security number may be required too. Before you make arrangements, check whether your driver’s license is valid where you intend to go. Otherwise be sure to apply for the requisite permissions.

2. Find out whether the car has currently valid insurance and whether it has passed a road test recently. Ask specifically whether the car’s papers are in good order and when it was last serviced. Consider opting for damage coverage many rental companies make the offer for a nominal amount.

3. Check what the rental charges cover and whether there is an extra charge payable for drop off and pick up of the vehicle. Some companies offer the service for free while others do charge an extra amount.

4. Always ask for confirmation of booking and read through the terms and conditions thoroughly.

5. Check what the refueling options are. Most rental companies offer conveniences like getting a car with a full tank or filling the fuel yourself. You need to decide what is most feasible.

6. Always comparison shop for good rates. If your dates are flexible ask about special offers and discount periods. Rental companies also run promotional schemes so be sure to know what is on offer and how it will benefit you. If you book early you will get better rates than closer to the date of use. Rates also vary depending on the kind of car you wish to rent. Ask whether you are eligible for any discounts.

7. Choose a car that will fulfill your needs. Find out about luggage storage and racks , how many the car will seat comfortably, and whether or not the heater/air conditioner are working.

8. Most companies will not accept cash so make arrangements to carry a card with a low limit for making payment. Also if your company has a regular contract with the car rental then use their relationship to make arrangements. You will get superior service as well as a god rate.

9. If you are traveling with a companion decide whether the companion will drive the rental car too. If yes ask the company what their policies are regarding an additional driver.

10. Take down the 24/7 numbers of customer service and numbers where the car rental people can be contacted on an emergency.

The keys areas in car rental are good customer service, flexibility, great vehicle selection, and excellent terms and conditions. Rent a car that makes your trip easy not a nightmare.

Andrew Bermam is a freelance writer for 1866Carrental.com 1866Carrental.com, the premier website for car rental, cheap car rental, online reservation, information about discount car rental companies, special offers, car rental guidance, tips, articles, directories and many more. He also freelances for Car Insurance Site 1888Carinsurance.com 1888Carinsurance.com

Outdoor survival skills can mean the difference between escape/rescue and tragedy. Fortunately, most survival skills are simple and easy to learn. Here are the top ten things to do in a survival situation, in order:

1. Don’t panic. Breathe. Relax.

2. Give yourself first aid if needed.

3. Inventory your survival items.

4. Assess any imminent weather dangers.

5. Find an open area where you can be seen from the air.

6. Create appropriate shelter.

7. Drink lots of water.

8. Make fire, but safely! Learn how to build fire in a variety of ways and how not to start a wilderness blaze in your quest for survival.

9. Signal for help.

10. Eat the wildlife, including insects, but nothing with more than 6 legs and no plants you aren’t totally sure of.

Ten Essential Survival Skills & Qualities:

Survival isn’t just about skills, but also attitude and mindset. Desire to survive, determination, persistence, willingness to plan, and learning survival skills ahead of time all increase your chances of survival. The best time to learn survival skills is before you need them.

- Will to survive

- Calm, poise, focus

- Make shelter

- Make fire

- Find and purify water

- Find food, hunt, trip

- Signal for help

- Navigate without map or compass

- Basic first-aid

- Weather prediction

The Most Valuable Survival Items:

We could probably debate this list endlessly, but I guarantee you’d much rather have these items with you than need them and not have them.

- Knife

- Poncho

- String/rope

- First aid kit

- Flint, tinder

- Water purifying tablets

- Whistle, mirror

- Wire saw

- Fishing kit

- Emergency blanket

Once you get into a survival situation, it’s too late to prepare and to learn the skills. Now is the best time to prepare to survive. Get your survival gear and get into a survival training class!

Brian Carter is an outdoor enthusiast, and a major fan of survivorman. He reminds you that once you get into a survival situation, it’s too late to prepare- learn the skills now. Now is the best time to prepare to survive.

The winter months in Minnesota are cold, but if you don’t mind getting out and enjoying the winter sports that are available you will find many activities to participate in. The state is all about winter sports and they feature over 17,000 miles of snowmobile trails. There are also several resorts and bed and breakfast inns to keep you and your Valentine toasty warm. Park Rapids is the place to be if you like to snowmobile. There are large networks of trails throughout the area and about 400 miles of them are groomed and ready to go. There are four state parks to explore including Smoky Hills State Park in Park Rapids, White Earth and Two Inlets, and the Paul Bunyan State Forest near Walker. There are 30 miles of trail in Itasca State park that passes near the headwaters of the Mississippi. Here you can hit the warming house and park your snowmobile while explore the river.

In Duluth you can’t miss Bubba and Berlin at the Lake Superior Zoo. They love the Minnesota cold and they love to put on a show. You can also meet Anang and Zhoosh, the otters of the Great Lakes Aquarium. In addition to these animal attractions, the kids will love the Lake Superior Railroad museum where they can enjoy climbing on restored train cars. Another huge attraction in Duluth let’s you get wet despite the cold outside. The Edge is a 35,000 square foot indoor water park. Complete with water slides, a lazy river and an exploding volcano you won’t even know its snowing outside.

Make your way to Bloomington for the seven-acre park at the Mall of America. This is the country’s largest indoor amusement park and features over 30 rides including the Pepsi Ripsaw Roller Coaster and the Paul Bunyan’s Log Chute with 40-foot waterfall. Next door you will find the LEGO Imagination Center will kid’s will find more LEGO’s than they’ll know what to do with. The LEGO center includes animated LEGO dinosaurs and astronauts. The Dinosaur Walk Museum and the world’s largest shark exhibit are amazing in the Underwater Adventures Aquarium. The IMAX Theatre is a huge hit as well.

Ice fishing is a local favorite pastime for Minnesotans. The majority of the Minnesota resorts feature ice fish houses to make fishing comfortable and fun. Some houses are also bunkhouses that let you live fishing. These houses include bunks and cook stoves for the ultimate ice fishing experience.

Rob Vrabel is the co-owner of

With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, Colorado is truly a beautiful place to get away from it all. Taking advantage of the natural beauty are the incredible lodgings.

Relaxing In Beautiful Colorado Lodgings

Most people think of Colorado only as a winter vacation destination. While it is indisputable that the state has some of the top skiing destinations in the world, it offers much more. Summer is a prime time to get out and see Mother Nature at her best as the landscape explodes with color. Throw in top notch hiking, fishing, camping, rock climbing and mountain biking and you have a vacation mecca.

You can’t do much better than the Ritz-Carlton at Bachelor Gulch if you are looking for luxury. Personal service on an unheralded scale will be at your beck and call in this visually stunning hotel set in the classic Rocky Mountain scenery. Winner of a four star designation, the Ritz is set on 21,000 acres and features a spa and fitness center. For relaxing in the sun, there is a rock grotto with hot tub. You can take classes on pilates and yoga as well. In general, it is all about relaxing in the fresh mountain air and throwing off the aggravations of daily life. You facility is located at 0130 Daybreak Ridge in Avon. You can call for reservations at 970-748-6200.

The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa offers relaxation with a bit of an eastern philosophy twist. Park Hyatt is all about relaxation and rejuvenation, but provided through programs and services inspired by feng shui. The treatments and ambience is strictly designed to provide balance, energy and peace through your five senses. Placed next to a real waterfall off a cliff face, the six outdoor hot tubs are heaven itself. Park Hyatt is located at 50 West Thomas Place in Avon. You can book a stay by calling 970-949-1234.

The Golden Door Spa at The Peaks has been ranked as one of the top two best rejuvenation centers in the country. Located in Telluride, The Peeks customizes its services to each and every guest, giving unmatched personal service that will make you weep when it is time to go home. The Peeks is located at 136 Country Club Drive in Telluride. You can book a room by calling 866-282-4557.

The majesty of the Rocky Mountains is something that has to experienced. You can do it in luxury at each of these resorts.

Richard Rspad is with ResortSpaDestinations.com – reviews and articles on