Wednesday 28 December 2011

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Everyone here at Tipoa Car Hire would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for 2012!

2011 has been a great year for us and we’ve made lots of improvements to the site.

2012 is going to be a really big year for Tipoa and we’re going to make sure we look after you and all your car rental needs, so here's to 2012!

Anyway, enjoy the holidays and we hope you have fun!

Love,
Tipoa Team


Monday 7 November 2011

10 Best Ski Resorts in the World with Your 4x4 Car Rental

10 Best Ski Resorts in the World with Your 4x4 Car Rental

10. Aspen – Colorado, USA

Aspen has always been a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, and for good reason. Located in central Colorado, Aspen has several ski resorts to choose from.

9. Cortina d’Ampezzo – Italy

Since hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics, Cortina’s wide, sunny valley in the eastern Dolomites has been one of the world’s top ritzy ski resorts, attracting many tourists  and celebrities.

8. Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada

Mont-Tremblant is a small village in Quebec, Canada , known for the famous Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort. Located in the Laurentian mountain range, Mont-Tremblant (“Trembling mountain” in French) is surrounded by lush boreal forest and breathtaking views, standing at 875 meters (2871 feet).

7. Stowe – Vermont, USA

Stowe offers traditional New England charm and the biggest vertical drop in the area. Stowe’s two ski areas are Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.

6. Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France

Chamonix ranks among the elite of contenders for the title of “world’s most famous ski resort.” Located at the foot of Mont-Blanc, it’s the highest peak in the Alps and the second highest in Europe (top elevation 4,810 m/15,771 ft).

5. Banff/Lake Louise -Alberta, Western Canada

Banff/Lake Louise ski resort located in Alberta, Canada is undoubtedly one of the world’s top ski destinations. With spectacular mountain scenery, visitors can always rely on pure powder snow.

4. Vail – Colorado, USA

“America’s favorite resort” and deserves to be ranked amongst the world’s top five all-around ski resorts.


It’s probably best known as a platform for skiing and mountaineering, especially on the mountain which towers above the village, the Matterhorn .


Kitzbühel is a medieval city in Tyrol, Austria, situated along the river Kitzbühler Ache, now best known as a ski resort .  Kitzbuhel is considered the “Pearl of the Alps” and is the most famous holiday resort in the Austrian Tyrol.


Whistler Blackcomb is a major ski resort located 125 km north of Vancouver, in British Columbia, Canada. It is the largest ski resort in North America almost 50% larger than its nearest competitor in terms of size.

Friday 21 October 2011

5 Gorgeous Nude Beaches You Could Explore with Your Car Hire

1. Red Sand Beach - Crete, Greece
Nude sunbathing and swimming is preferred by many on Red Beach.

2. Es Trenc - Mallorca, Spain
Beautiful isolated beach where you leave your suit on the sand.

3. Cap-d'Agde Naturist Village - France
For the open minded this is a "bucket list experience"...

4. Paradise Beach - Mykonos, Greece
Loved this place, wasn't very crowded at all and had a couple of swims.

5. Valalta Naturist Camp - Croatia
Valalta is an ideal for a well-travelled naturist and for first timers.

Thursday 13 October 2011

Car Hire from Geneva Airport - check out on the Swiss or French side of the airport

Geneva Airport car hire is mainly delivered from the Swiss side of the airport - which has the advantage of fast access to the motorway - in turn giving access to Geneva city centre, Lake Geneva and both the French and Swiss Alps.

Although cheaper car hire is normally available from car hire companies on the French side of Geneva airport cars from the Swiss side have the added convenience of a vignette (allowing access to Swiss motorways),and over the winter are winterised - which means winter tyres between November and April and normally a set of snow chains (check this as you book your car rental company as some companies package the cost of these in whilst others charge extra).

Tipoa Car Hire Geneva Airport

Wednesday 28 September 2011

Brits Prefer Car Hire over Public Transport When Holidaying Abroad

Brits who travel abroad would rent a car rather than use public transport to get around when on holiday, according to new research. As many as 58 percent of Brits questioned cited numerous reasons why they would choose car rental over trains, trams and tubes when holidaying, including safety, language issues and comfort.
• 58 percent of Brits would hire a car than use public transport when abroad
• 21 percent find foreign public transport systems too confusing to use
• 22 percent use a hire car on holiday due to the language barrier
• The adventurous over 55’s site less concerns than the youngsters when getting around aboard via public transport
Confusing transport systems along with not being able to speak the mother tongue topped the list of reasons for shying away from public transport and renting a car instead. Being unable to find their way around public transport systems followed.

Interestingly, youngsters seem to be far less confident about using public transport than the more adventurous older generations. Only 12 percent of over 55-year-olds cited concerns over the safety of public transport compared to almost 22 percent of those between 18 and 24. As many as 27 percent of younger travellers were worried about getting lost, but the well-travelled and fearless over 55s are not so anxious, with only 16 percent having concerns over losing their way.

Even when it comes to comfort the more mature adults would happily take a bumpy ride, with only 14 percent saying this was an issue with public transport compared to more youthful holiday makers.

Sunday 4 September 2011

Zero Excess (optional)

Your car rental agreement usually includes cover for Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft. However, you are still liable for the excess on both the CDW and Theft.

What this basically means is if the car is damaged or stolen, the driver of the car (you) is asked to pay a portion of the repair or replacement costs. This is what is known as Car Hire Excess.

At STEP3 of our 3-step online booking process you may wish to avoid ALL Excess Charges for just € 5.65 a day!

Most car rental companies charge an Excess. If you have a claim - typically you pay the first € 500 or so. Also, most policies issued by car rental companies don't cover windows, tyres, undercarriage, roof or loss of keys.

Excess Insurance gives you complete peace of mind for just € 5.65 per day. The policy will cover up to € 2390.52 of any excess; it can be used on any vehicle type and if we can't confirm your particular vehicle you can use it with any rental company so you won't lose out.

Please note: Excess Insurance is billed separately on your credit card statement...



Thursday 25 August 2011

easyJet increases Belfast to Amsterdam and Geneva flights

easyJet is set to increase flights to Amsterdam and Geneva from Belfast International Airport.

From 2 September 2011, an extra 2 flights per week (Monday and Friday) will be added to its Amsterdam schedule, and from 6 November an additional Sunday flight will be added.

The increase in Belfast to Geneva flights will be introduced from 11 December when an extra Sunday flight will commence.


View availability at Belfast International Airport

Tuesday 2 August 2011

Christmas flights to Warsaw announced from Jersey

Pole-Island Direct has announced it is to operate Jersey to Warsaw flights this Christmas.

Flights depart on 18 December 2011 and 1 January 2012.


Tipoa Car Hire Jersey Airport

Tuesday 19 July 2011

Glasgow to Geneva flights announced

Jet2.com has announced the launch of a new direct service between Glasgow Airport and Geneva.
The new flights form part of the airline’s winter schedule, and will operate three times per week from December 2011 until April 2012.


Glasgow Airport Tipoa Car Hire & Geneva Airport Tipoa Car Hire

Rules Of The Road In Africa

Find out all you need to know when driving in Africa. When you are on holiday in Africa, do as the Africans do, and particularly when it comes to the rules of engagement on the road. Read on for more about our the most important Rules of the Road in Africa.


Below are a few well placed travel tips, which if followed correctly and adhered to will take you a long way. Keep these tips in mind, ensuring your African adventure remains safe and fun, with minimal hassles to hinder the journey into the wild.
Some fundamental rules of the road when driving in South Africa are to be remembered at all times. Travelling throughout South Africa through its many regions be it Jozy, Durbz, or Cape Town the road rules remain the same - even if you hire a car in South Africa be it Cape Town car hire, or Joburg car hire you will still need to adhere to these rules. To avoid any possible collisions, as well as hefty fines, here are some important tips!

Essential Traffic Rules:- 18 years is the legal age for drivers.
- There is zero tolerance for drinking and driving.
- Mobile phones and driving are a no-no.
- Seat belts need to be worn at all times while driving.
- Driving occurs on the left side of the road.
- When hiring a car, and international license may need to be presented.

Things you need to know:- The metric system used in South Africa to measure distance and speed is in kilometres.
- Keep to the left and pass on the right when travelling along dual carriageways.
- When someone in South Africa mentions ‘robots’ they are referring to traffic lights, not some futuristic android!
- The speed limit for national highways and the  main roads is 120km/h.
- The speed limit in urban areas, cities and town side streets is 60km/h.
- Filling up on petrol is done at ‘Petrol stations’ or ‘Garages’, and are NOT self service. Petrol attendants will assist you in filling up on petrol, water, oil, etc.

General driving safety tips:- Do NOT exceed speed limits as they are put in place to ensure safety to all drivers on the road.
- Headlights will increase visibility in dusty, wet or windy conditions.
- It is advisable to check the state of your vehicle each new day you use it; for water, oil and whether your indicators work, as these are essential to safe driving.
- Animals are wild in Africa, and certain roads have no fencing to ward animals off the road, so always be aware of this fact and watch out for animals in the roads.
- Plan ahead when travelling long distances, as petrol stations are not always easy to come by, so check your maps, and plan accordingly.
- Be security conscious. Keep doors locked at all times.
- Do NOT pick up hitchhikers; we have all heard the many horror stories that accompany hitchhikers so be wise!
South Africa is a beautiful country, with many diverse vistas and little nooks and crannys of pocketed gems. A self-drive through South Africa is the best way to uncover the jewels of Africa, so brush up on your road rules, and ‘Hit the road Jack’, as adventure waits for no-one.

If you have any South Africa driving tips please let us know. Thank You.

Double celebration for BA at London City Airport

There’s a double celebration at London City Airport this week as British Airways achieves record passenger numbers and takes delivery of the last aircraft in the new fleet. The new fleet has helped the airline to carry more than 100,000 customers at the Docklands airport in June – the first time this milestone has been broken in a single month.


Meanwhile, the latest addition to the British Airways fleet at London City, an Embraer 190 aircraft, flew into operation last week.
The aircraft, registration G-LCYP, is the final aircraft to be delivered to wholly owned British Airways subsidiary BA CityFlyer under the current order.
The airline now has seven 98-seat Embraer 190s and six 76-seat Embraer 170s, making it one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the industry.


The aircraft was delivered from Brazil last week and operated its first commercial flight on Thursday on the London City to Edinburgh service.
It will operate on all the British Airways European routes from London City, including the new services to Malaga and Faro which began last month.
Luke Hayhoe, BA CityFlyer general manager commercial said: “We are delighted with the response we have had to the new aircraft fleet, our customer feedback is the highest it’s ever been in terms of comfort and service on board the aircraft. The fact customers are so positive is obviously reflected in the fantastic passengers numbers we’ve had for June.


“The original order was for a fleet of 11 aircraft but we converted two further options and as a result have been able to launch a number of new routes from London City in the past year.”


Tipoa Car Hire at London City Airport and 17,000 other locations