Compared to this time last year, the number of trips booked has understandably dropped. Traveling has been a no-go for some people. Both domestic and international travel have taken a hit.
But there are those who want to go somewhere even as certain tourist sites reopen. Here in Florida, many of the theme parks are reopening, even as they require visitors to wear masks and maintain proper protocols.
With different options that are available and people looking for places to go, many travelers think driving, especially with a rental car, is the safest way to get there.
In a survey from Enterprise Holdings, Inc, 59% of consumers said they consider rental cars are the safest way to travel. Airport travel received only 24% approval. While ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft received even lower percentages at 13%, and taxis received 8%, due to the regular churn of customers that happen on the daily basis.
Domestic travel has gained popularity since COVID began and restrictions have been in place. The interest has caused a demand to come about, and car rental companies have reevaluated some of their policies to accommodate the concerns and needs of their customers.
For example, Enterprise has been training employees to carry out the updated cleaning protocol. Backed by the U.S. Travel Association’s “Travel in the New Normal” guidelines, the company is ensuring they put consumers in thoroughly cleaned vehicles. The cleaning goes beyond their vehicles, and into their shuttles and branch locations too.
Other rental car companies are following suit and following strict cleaning policies and training their employees to meet all safety protocols.
Asked whether or not if rental cars are the safest form of travel, Dr. Thomas Russo, chief of the division of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo, told Business Insider, “When you’re in a rental car, the greatest risk is if you happen to be in the car with someone else and they could be infected.”
Instead of being on a plane or train that has many people surrounding you, you can be in a safe space that contains just you and your family. Combine that with a cleaned and sanitized rental, and you are more likely to be safe.
“Employee and customer safety is our top priority and we are committed every day to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness in the industry,” Dave Nestor, executive vice president of global operations for Enterprise Holdings, told Business Insider. “With guidance from health authorities, we’ve made enhancements to our already rigorous cleaning protocols. We want customers to know and feel confident their vehicle is clean and sanitized every time they rent.”
A few friends and I are looking forward to going on a trip this month. We’re definitely going to consider a rental car after learning more about what the rental companies are doing to keep their customers safe.
Are you planning on a road trip? Will you be using a rental car for any upcoming trips? Tell us about your plans on our Facebook page, or on our Twitter stream. You can also find us on our Instagram page at @TravelproIntl.
Photo credit: Kenny 2332 (Pixabay, Creative Commons 0)
