Global warming is often blamed on the use of our cars and for this we are slapped with huge taxes and massive purchase prices. This is in a bid to keep our car usage down and fuel consumption to a minimum to save the environment. No matter that these huge corporations spew out millions of tons of waste everyday all over the world, just as long as we don't use our car to get to work.
It seems the drivers are rebelling! Car hire and car sales have noticed that drivers, particularly the older ones, are steering back to vehicles with bigger engines - exactly the ones the government are trying to subdue us into doing without. Is this because the older man is more likely to afford the extra charges that go with it or because they don't have long enough left to worry about the environment, or simply because they have the intelligence to see the scaremongering global warming for the hog wash it is?
Drivers over fifty are particularly responsible for the use of car hire where engine size is over 2000cc and even over 3000cc. Will the government jump on the bandwagon and blame these people for melting icebergs and homeless polar bears? Do they care? Driving around with that much power beneath you in your car hire vehicle, would you really worry about it?
Having said that, advancements are being made in the field of fuel consumption all the time and a prototype engine is currently being worked on that promises to save a massive twenty seven per cent fuel consumption.
When it comes to paying for our vehicle fuel, never make the mistake of using the pumps at a car hire firm. This is one rip off the companies use to fleece us big time. There are various ways you can choose to pay for fuel for car hire and one of those is to fill up at their depot. This is where you will find prices at up to forty per cent more expensive than high street petrol stations.
Another of their tricks is to take it full and return it full. However, you must ensure you fill it completely. If car hire staff can squeeze in any amount they will often charge you for re-fuelling of a complete tank.
While on the subject of car hire rip offs, take a closer look at insurances and extra cover that they try and encourage you to take out. Many are unnecessary and you will often be covered on other policies. If you have the time, before you use car hire it is worth checking these things out.
CDW is collision damage waiver. Despite already having insurance cover this is an extra that car hire companies offer to reduce the excess you would pay in the event of an accident.
Don't be fooled into thinking this is enough. You can always take out the souper douper SCDW. Does exactly what CDW does but a little more so your liability is down to zero.
Car hire companies will also try on convincing you that you need TW - theft waiver. Protecting your liability against theft with the souper douper version also on offer. Is this not exactly what your basic insurance is for? Insure yourself against damage or theft then take out extra insurance just in case it gets damaged or stolen instead.
PI - personal insurance is offered by car hire companies and this will pay out if you kill yourself in an accident. Most useful!!
PEC - personal effects cover, pays out if your property is stolen from your vehicle. You may well find that your house insurance covers you for this, so check it out before you leave home and have to dig further into your pocket.
The Spanish region of Murcia is located between Valencia and Andalusia in the southeastern part of Spain. This part of the country is in fact one of Spain's least traveled regions, however with the increasing availability of cheap flights offered by low cost budget airlines to the area, Murcia is growing in popularity as a Spanish tourist destination.
Murcia Mini Guide
The city of Murcia is quite small, with around 300,000 inhabitants. It's closest airport is actually located 17miles south of the city in the San Javier, however this is widely referred to as Murcia Airport, and is served by a number of budget airlines offering low cost travel options for thrifty tourists.
The city has a university, which gives it a young, trendy vibe, however overall the city is more quaint than cutting edge. It is an ideal and cheap city to use as a base for further exploration of the surrounding Murcia region. With cheap Murcia car hire, discovering the area at a low cost to suit your budget has never been easier. There is not a particularly extensive list of attractions and sights in Murcia, but it is a truly pleasant city with a laid back and relaxed ambience, an old quarter of narrow labyrinthine streets, beautiful gardens on the banks of the River Segura, and some wonderful food and wine.
Things to see/do in Murcia
Museo de Salzillo, Plaza San Agustin, is a museum dedicated to Murcia's famous sculptor and artist Francisco Salzillo and is cheap to enter. The Archaeological Museum in Murcia is a very low cost attraction and offers an interesting journey back into ancient Murcia. The Cathedral de Santa Maria is a beautiful building with a baroque-style fa?ade and a contrasting gothic interior. A tower here (302ft high) allows for some spectacular views over Murcia, and there is also a museum in the Cathedral. Budget travelers will have no problems visiting the Cathedral ? in fact, a cultural tour of Murcia will prove to be a thrifty day out, ideal for those looking for low cost holiday attractions.
Murcia's Casino is a must-see attraction in the city ? an opulently decorated, beautifully regal building with each room adorned in a different style. There are some great low cost shopping opportunities in Murcia, with cheap markets being particularly good for bargains and discount produce. The fresh fruit and vegetables in Murcia are particularly good. For big spenders without budget worries, a walk down Calle Jaboneria should tantalize your shopping-sensors. Designer stores and exclusive fashions here are not cheap, so if your spending is to remain more thrifty than hefty, steer clear to avoid teasing yourself!
Eating out/Nightlife in Murcia
Cheap eats in Murcia are easy to find, particularly as there is a student population in the city that are catered for with plenty of casual and low cost restaurants and caf's. Budget dining options are not only easy to find in Murcia, but are generally of a good standard, particularly due to the abundance of fresh produce grown locally (the area is well irrigated and as a result has fertile and productive farmland). Homemade, hearty and comforting stews, fresh crispy salads, rustic roasted dishes and Spanish rice dishes all feature widely on Murcian menus and are generally quite cheap.
Murcia nightlife is not as crazily hedonistic as you would find in the other major tourist hot spots of Spain, however a fun and low cost night out is not difficult to find. Dinner is eaten late here (as is customary throughout Spain), and nightlife is correspondingly late with nothing happening before 11 o'clock in the evening. Try the KM Disco Garden, Rockerfellas Fun Club and Lennons for a good party, and for a romantic evening, El Perro Azul is a popular and ambient candlelit bar.
Events/festivals in Murcia
Spanish towns, regardless of size and population, are known for enjoying a good party and Murcia is no exception. Every year in May, Murcia hosts the Murcia Tres Culturas (Three Cultures) Festival which is a wonderful, inclusive series of performances centering on Judaism, Islam and Christianity with a focus on cultural tolerance and acceptance. San Javier hosts a Jazz Festival annually in June/July. Lorca is a short drive from Murcia and hosts and annual rock festival. The Roots Music Festival is held in September of every year in the Plaza de Romeo, featuring performances by groups and musicians from all over the region.
Every Saturday there is a traditional market on this square that sells arts and crafts as well as cheap, delicious local produce.
Both Catherine Harvey & Fiona Hiliard are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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