Standard 4: Objective 2Travel and Tourism

Ground Travel

Types of Ground Travel

• Rail– Trains– Subways

• Automobile– Limousines– Vans and Shuttles– Rental Cars

• Motor-Coach

Transportation by Rail• Rail Transportation in Europe: – Very popular form of travel– TGV (Train a Grande Vitesse) is

one of the fastest trains in the world and travels through France

– Options: Sleeping accommodations, dining cars

– Rail passes are available to travel between European countries

Transportation by Rail• Rail Transportation in the US:– Not as popular as it was in

the early 1900’s– Automobiles are a primary

method of transportation– AMTRAK

• Provides passenger and rail service throughout the US

• Popular routes are on California coast and in the northeast corridor

• Options include overnight accommodations, and sightseeing

Car Rental Policies and Procedures• To Rent a car, you must:– Have a valid driver’s license– Meet age requirements (usually 25)– Have proof of credit– Assume personal responsibility– Have a clean driving record

Car Rental Policies and Procedures

Reservations: Can by done by phone or on the internet

Rates: Vary by type of car, length of rental, competition

Mileage: Most companies offer unlimited miles, but it often changes.

Gas: Cars are given to customers with a full tank. Customers should return full, or pay a refueling charge.

Car Rental Policies and Procedures

• FEES– Additional Driver Fees• Some companies charge for this, some don’t, but the

all want to know if there will be additional drivers– Weekend Discounts• Discounts give on weekends to keep cars in use

between business (weekday) travel– Dropoff Charges• Usually cars are dropped off at the same place they

were picked up. Some companies allow cars to be dropped somewhere else, others charge for this

Car Rental Policies and Procedures

• Corporate Rates– Some corporations who have many travelers

negotiate discounts with rental companies• Overstays– Rates are for a 24-hour period. Renters have a 59

minute grace period for returning a car. If a car is late, high rates are charged.

• Taxes and Fees– There are several taxes and some vary by location

Car Rental Policies and Procedures

• Insurance– Third-party liability insurance is usually included.

Additional insurance can be purchased

• Collision damage waiver– Relieves the renter of all financial responsibility

for damage to the car (covers “deductible”)