NY travel. Car rentals?

Specialties Travel

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Specializes in ER.

I'm from California going to NY for a traveling assignment (9/30-12/27) and I'm trying to research 3 month car rentals, which are very expensive!

So far I've found as low as $704/month (3 month "mini lease" option via Avis)

Does anyone know any alternatives? I was considering shipping my car but that goes for at least $900 (one way)

I was also thinking of buying a cheap scooter and using that before snowfall, but uncertain of how practical that would be (the commute is 10 mins via car).

Any input would be appreciated!

Why not drive and see the country? You'll also save a ton of money.

Specializes in ER.

If I end up back in CA I would have to drive cross country through winter, which I'm not sure is a good idea.

And plus 3000 is a lot of mileage for a one way trip, but then again $704 is expensive too...

That is a long way. I do Ohio to the west coast a lot and I can do it in three days. About 2.400 miles. But I do have a vehicle that I can sleep in so my time not driving is very efficient. I use Gas Buddy to plan fillups at the cheapest places across the country and careful planning will save a good bit of money.

Winter is very doable but I tend to swing down to I-40 or even I-10 - which then makes a nice side trip to New Orleans or a short break from winter in Florida. That will add another thousand or so miles though to swing so far south. But you will completely avoid any winter roads.

Bringing your own car sure does add flexibility. Do you know now what you will want to do 3, 6, or 9 months from now?

It's best to drive your own car....unexpected things can happen. Rental car prices can jump in a matter of days...what if your assignment is extended? What if you pay $900 to ship your car and your assignment is cancelled?

Specializes in Labor & Delivery.

I just did that last month, drive from FL to North Cali, just made a road trip out of it with hubby. Great drive across country. I ALWAYS drive because you never know how an assignment is going to go. Secondly, parking in NYC can be costly and scarce so depending on where your assignmt is you may just want to fly and commute while there.

Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.

You said New York, but did not specify if this is New York STATE or New York CITY that you will be going to. Anywhere other than New York City you will clearly need a car, but if you are traveling to a hospital in NYC, forget the car rental, you really dont need it, and I would assume public transportation is feasible. Now while you are in NYC if you DO need access to a car every so often, consider ZipCar. Google it for details, that is your best option.

Specializes in BMT.

If you are in NYC DON'T bring your car. It will be a huge headache. There's plenty of public transportation available (train, bus, taxi) and parking and driving in the city is a nightmare. I lived there for about a year and never missed my car; not to mention I would have lost it in Sandy since all the garages and streets in my neighborhood flooded. I had a friend who did bring her car, and spent around $500 paying off parking tickets. The hospital employees who lived outside the city would play musical parking spaces every morning; if you worked night shift and got out one minute late you had a parking ticket. Outside the city is a completely different story; you'll need your car there. Driving across the country is fun! Tiresome, but fun!

Specializes in Primary Care, OR.

I'm with Paco and BD. NY state and NY city are two different things. If you're going to be on Long Island or further north ( westchester and up) you'll want to bring your car. NYC on the other hand is the biggest baddest headache no matter what time of day !!

Anytime I have to get to Bellevue in NYC I take public transportation because I absolutely hate the musical parking and the guessing games!! Think " hmmm can I park here:down:, oh yea I can but ill have to come out on break and move!! Yea that imaginary break just got me towed!

Specializes in ER.

OMG don't even bother renting a car. You really don't need one and parking is a huge pain in the butt. You are better off signing up for zip car. That way you only have a care when you need it and it's way cheaper!

Specializes in ER.

Are you in NYC? IF not NYC and you NEED your car, then why not drive across country?

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