Our first road trip

[Midwest Michael]

When it comes to rental cars, a regular, plain, sedan is by far the best value, and 90% of the time, they are really all you need.

A Standard or Full-Size rental will get you into a very nice car, that in a lot of ways will probably more comfortable than a small SUV. In fact, not only would going with the sedan not spoil the trip, if I was given the option straight up of taking a Fusion or a Santa Fe, I would almost certainly go with the Fusion myself.

While there is always a chance, I'd say the odds of you getting moved into an SUV for free are pretty small, and while I'm sure you'd have the opportunity to upgrade to an SUV, I'd be a bit surprised if the fee at the counter is any less than the fee you're seeing right now. That said, it never hurts to ask, so you always could reserve the car, and see what they will do at the counter when you go to pick up the car, and move to the SUV if they can give you a price more to your liking.

[Mcarter]

When it comes to rental cars, a regular, plain, sedan is by far the best value, and 90% of the time, they are really all you need.

A Standard or Full-Size rental will get you into a very nice car, that in a lot of ways will probably more comfortable than a small SUV. In fact, not only would going with the sedan not spoil the trip, if I was given the option straight up of taking a Fusion or a Santa Fe, I would almost certainly go with the Fusion myself.

While there is always a chance, I'd say the odds of you getting moved into an SUV for free are pretty small, and while I'm sure you'd have the opportunity to upgrade to an SUV, I'd be a bit surprised if the fee at the counter is any less than the fee you're seeing right now. That said, it never hurts to ask, so you always could reserve the car, and see what they will do at the counter when you go to pick up the car, and move to the SUV if they can give you a price more to your liking.

Thanks Michael. A fusion it is then!

[Southwest Dave]

I agree with Michael, a standard car offers comfort and good value and often better fuel economy which is another saving. If you are collecting from LV airport you will do your paper work and be guided to a large carpark where there will be a line of cars with the keys in and you pick which one you want from the bunch of those in your 'class' of rental.

[Mcarter]

I agree with Michael, a standard car offers comfort and good value and often better fuel economy which is another saving. If you are collecting from LV airport you will do your paper work and be guided to a large carpark where there will be a line of cars with the keys in and you pick which one you want from the bunch of those in your 'class' of rental.

Fuel economy is a good point (although for us Brits fuel is extremely cheap in the US) when you are about to do 2.5k miles. I'm reading that on average $1.7 per gallon?

As long as there's air con then we should be fine. I don't plan to travel with a lot of luggage to pack and unpack every day....

[glc]

You won't find any rental cars without automatic transmission and air conditioning these days.

[Southwest Dave]

I'm reading that on average $1.7 per gallon?

I think it would be hard to find it at that price on average, especially in California and during the summer season, but it will still be mega cheap compared to our UK prices ! I think we averaged about $3 per gallon on last years trip and I would budget for that again, although you could enjoy even cheaper, perhaps somewhere in the middle, [$2.5] but I'm no expert !

[DonnaR57]

Right now, regular unleaded is about $2.25 - $2.60 gallon in our part of California. North of us is usually a bit higher. For our trip this summer, I am going to budget around $3/gallon. Sometimes you get in an area where you absolutely need fuel and the prices are higher than you expected, probably because it's in a tourist-area. (I cite $4.15/gallon for diesel in July 2014, in West Yellowstone, WY, as a prime example. Other fuel had been $3.50/gallon.)

Donna

[Mcarter]

Right now, regular unleaded is about $2.25 - $2.60 gallon in our part of California. North of us is usually a bit higher. For our trip this summer, I am going to budget around $3/gallon. Sometimes you get in an area where you absolutely need fuel and the prices are higher than you expected, probably because it's in a tourist-area. (I cite $4.15/gallon for diesel in July 2014, in West Yellowstone, WY, as a prime example. Other fuel had been $3.50/gallon.)

Donna

Thanks Donna, we will allow for $3 per gallon

[Mcarter]

Another subject. Paid activities.

Are there any paid activities we need to consider during our stay in Yosemite and Sequoia that we should include or Is the best thing to do to just trekk?

[Southwest Dave]

I'm not even sure what, if any, paid activities are available in these parks, but you will have plenty to keep you occupied with the incredible natural beauty in these parks, along with the visitor centres, and if you want to, there are sometimes Ranger led talks and activities.