Payless Car Rental Blog

St. Maarten is considered a paradise in the Caribbean referred to as the Little Europe of the Caribbean.  There are two countries on one island. The entire island is 38 square miles and is divided into two sides, Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin. Travelers can enjoy two different cultures, cuisine and hospitality.

It is a haven for shoppers who are looking for duty free deals on jewelry, electronics, liquor, and cigars. There are many activities on the island geared for honeymooners, families or just people wanting fun and adventure. Travelers can fill up their day with activities, either by staying on the island or visiting a nearby island. Take a catamaran trip to St. Barths, plan a diving trip with Dive Safari, ride horseback with Lucky Stable, or gulf at Mullet Bay.

The night is filled with activities from dining along the Simpson Bay strip, Maho, Coopercoy or on the French side you can enjoy international cuisine at its best. Must try La Gondola for Italian food, Tropicana Restaurant for French food, Bamboo Bernie for Sushi, and the Boat House for seafood. Cherie’s Cafe is known best for its family entertainment. After dinner, visitors can go to one of the many casinos, the Bliss Night Club or just enjoy the jazz music at The Sopranos. Nightlife is never scarce in St. Maarten.

St. Maarten enjoys warm tropical weather all year round and boasts over 30 white sand beaches. Vacationers can opt for a little romantic cove to a beach but will find they are never far from the crystal blue water. From the famous Mullet Bay Beach, Simpson Bay, Great Bay, Le Galion, Orient Bay, Friar’s Bay or Baie Rouge, one can relax and enjoy the tranquility while soaking up the Caribbean Sun.

St. Maarten does not have any public transportation. Most tourists travel by taxi or rent a vehicle. The international traffic rules apply and we drive on the right hand side of the road. Renting a vehicle is the best option for getting around. Payless Car Rental’s St. Maarten location offers a wide variety of vehicles at competitive prices. See you in St. Maarten!

The 15^th of November is America Recycles Day, a day intended to raise awareness about the benefits of recycling, to encourage people to create a better natural environment, as well as encourage people to buy products made with recycled materials. It’s also a day to remember to recycle everything from bottles and newspapers to old cell phones and printer cartridges.

According to the National Recycling Coalition’s website, recycling is one of the most successful environmental initiatives in our country’s history and efforts of the past few decades are really paying off. Not only does recycling limit waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that can add to global warming, but it also helps to create jobs and to decrease expenses for businesses. Companies nationwide are taking old products, recycling them, and offering products made from recycled materials. Recycled materials are used in the creation of all kinds of products we use every day.

Recycling isn’t just an American initiative; it’s taking place all over the world. Austria recycles more waste than any other country in Europe. The world needs to conserve now more than ever. The worldwide recycling industry employs the skills of more than 1.5 million employees, says Recycling International. Online, products made from recycled materials can be purchased by anyone in the world.

Recycling one ton of paper can save two barrels of oil (enough oil to run the average car for 1,260 miles), according to NPR.org’s article, “Beyond Recycling: Getting to ‘Zero Waste’.”   There are recycling centers all over and there is no good reason why we should be sending recyclables to the landfill. So, before you travel this November, don’t forget to drop by your local recycling center and find out how you can reduce the amount of waste in our world. To find a recycling or re-use location in your area, visit Earth911.org. I requested a free recycling bin today!

Need an escape from the everyday stop and go? Put your mind at ease and go sightseeing along the beautiful coast of California. When most people think of California, the best known images of San Francisco and Los Angeles quickly come to mind: a certain large red bridge, broad, sandy beaches, cable cars, etc.  While the two cities do seem to anchor the state from top to bottom, the vast coastline in between is a big question mark, and those who have never experienced it would be hard-pressed to describe what’s there.

This 300-mile stretch of coastline from SFO to LAX offers some truly unforgettable sights and scenery.  In fact, some of the most interesting and beautiful parts of the state are to be found here. While visiting the Bay Area, be sure to see the Golden Gate – an opportune time to take pictures! Traveling with family? While you’re in the neighborhood, stop and say hi to the elephant seals that colonize this part of the coast. The best place to visit is Piedras Blancas, located just north of San Simeon and visible from Highway 1. There’s a viewing area and boardwalk. 

Start the trip off at Highway 1 and tour the Hearst Castle, the result of a 28-year architectural collaboration between William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan. The Hearst Castle is an unfinished symphony, spread over 127 acres overlooking the sea. It holds a priceless collection of art and artifacts. The drive itself includes Santa Barbara (could easily spend a few days here with the family, visiting the great beaches, walking around downtown).  Next stop is San Luis Obispo, which offers a lively downtown, and a big street fair on Thursday nights, Spring through Fall. Continue driving along the coast and you’ll run into Monterey, followed by Carmel, both towns offering beautiful scenery.

So now you have a little insight on what to expect when coastal driving in California. The trip is ideal for everyone: history buffs,  sightseers, family travel, or those who just want to get away.  Do something good for yourself; take the trip to venture the unknown! And if you’re staying a few extra days, why not check out San Diego, Fresno, Sacramento, Orange County andOakland, all offering plenty of sights to see!

Every time I talk about how much I can’t wait to go back to Las Vegas, people who haven’t been there raise their eyebrows and let me know that they have no interest in visiting. My boyfriend talked me into going for New Years Eve a few years ago and I wasn’t the least bit excited about the trip.  But the second I arrived, I knew why so many people made an effort to go to Las Vegas as often as possible.

The last time I went to Vegas I stayed for NINE WHOLE DAYS. Yes, I do have a friend that lives there, and I did stay with her for a good portion of the lazy, crazy, where-did-my-money go days. Yes, I did spend too much money. But yes, it was worth it! For one, it’s beautiful there. You can see the mountains past all of the lights and hotels on the strip. Not a gambler? There is something there for everyone. The hotels are like attractions, the food is delicious, and the shows are amazing.

My friend, Megan, and I went to Tangerine to see Samantha Ronson, who is pretty famous but honestly didn’t impress me all that much. I saw “The Amazing Jonathan” at the Sahara, and he was more of a comedian than a magician, but it was pretty funny. It’s crazy how much drinks at clubs like Tao and Moon cost, but I guess that’s what you have to prepare yourself for when you’re in the Sin. Maybe this year I’ll get a rental car and cruise through the desert. It sounds less expensive, anyway.

First time visiting Vegas? Rent a car with Payless…and save money for the strip! One of the many Perks.

Giving back to those less fortunate can be very rewarding. It feels good to take a percentage of your paycheck and donate it to a charitable organization. But, do you ever wonder to whom you’re giving and how your money is helping them? With DonorsChoose.org, you can see your money in action!

Founded in 2000 by teachers, DonorsChoose.org is a non-profit that joins classrooms in need with donors who can choose to fund their learning projects. The donor will not only know exactly how the money is being used, but will also get to see the class carrying out the project.

This month Payless Car Rental will be awarding $100 DonorsChoose.org gift certificates to four contest winners! These gift certificates can be used to donate to the classroom of your choice. The classroom will use the supplies sent to them and you, the donor, will receive pictures and thank-you letters from the class that you chose to benefit. Won’t that feel great?

You’ve heard it before, and it’s so true: we need to help take care of our environment. But just how much does the average person really do? Do you pay attention to turning off every light in the house when it’s not in use? When was the last time you turned off the water while you brushed your teeth, or said no to both paper and plastic and opted for a reusable grocery bag?

While no one can be singled out, everyone can help.  It’s easier said than done, but most things that are worth doing tend to be. How can we incorporate ways to recycle into everyday life? Here are some suggestions:

1. Before you go shopping next time, write a “green shopping guide” with environmentally friendly options to what you usually get.
2. Consider wrapping gifts in recycled paper or even using old magazines. It’s creative and you’ll get rid of clutter, too!
3. Blog about it! If you update your friends on things going on in your life, why not write about your newfound eco-knowledge?
4. Donate unwanted eyeglasses, computers or other household items to a repair shop or to charity.

If you’re lacking motivation, but feel guilty, think about this: Roughly 80% of what Americans throw away can be recycled, but our recycling rate is only around 30%. Or maybe, if you’re like me, you need to challenge yourself with a timeline. Start a 2-week recycling contest with a friend, the reward being a dinner brought home in a reusable grocery bag (on non-disposable dishes, of course). Mother Earth will be proud!

April showers bring May flowers! Whether you’re from the North, East, South, or West everyone should take a weekend getaway to re-energize. Spring cleaning takes on a whole new meaning – clear out the clutter in your life and take a trip to ease the mind, body, and soul! Payless Car Rental serves some of the hottest destinations, and provides an array of vehicle rentals!

Looking for serenity? Pack your bags and head to the sunshine state! Payless has locations on the East and West coast, from Tampa to Miami, and if you can’t decide on the two coasts, rent a car in Orlando and explore both! Rain, or shine, the flowers are always in bloom in Florida.

Have the urge to travel abroad? Payless has locations in some of the best vacation spots …plan a trip to Costa Rica,Aruba,or Mexico and soak up the rays! When the sunsets, roll out the red carpet and enjoy some fine dining, followed by a night of dancing or walking on the moonlit beach.

Is it adventure you’re seeking? Spring is the perfect time for outdoor activities in Arizona or Denver. The temperature is pleasantly cool, allowing for comfortable hiking weather. Reserve your next weekend rental at Payless Phoenix and hike the lower Grand Canyon, or rent a car in Payless Denver and drive the scenic by ways, sure to put anyone’s mind at ease!

Sign up for Payless Perks and find out how you can save on your next rental every time!

Being a native of Las Vegas, there are several recreational areas that are my favorite. The Valley of Fire is a fun place if you like to hike or watch the sunset. Don’t forget to pack a picnic, because you sure won’t find any fast food! April is a great month, the weather is warm, and the breeze is cool, the perfect time to take a scenic drive in a Payless convertible, through the Red Rock Canyon. Attention nature lovers, be prepared to have your breath taken away by the scenery!

The great thing about Las Vegas is that it offers a number of indoor activities, for those not so big fans of “roughing” it. One of my all time favorites is the shopping in Vegas. A few of my favorites hot spots are the Caesar Forum shop, the Venetian, the Fashion Show Mall, The District at Greenvalley and Boca park - all great for tourist and locals.

Still raring to go? Check out the Harrah, my all time favorite night spot. They have the outside round bar with live music and DJ after midnight. Plus, many of the hotels have shows performing nightly, not to mention all of the concerts at Mandalay Bay and MGM. So what are you waiting for? Book your Payless Las Vegas car rental, so you can start planning your trip!

For the month of April, Payless will be showering 4 lucky contestants with a $250.00 voucher! So you think…what can I do to win a $250 voucher? It’;s simple, visit our specials page, click on free contest, and sign up! We all want to enjoy the finer things in life, so why not free transportation? Summertime is right around the corner, and Payless has the perfect rental for you. Looking for serenity? Travel to the lush tropics in Costa Rica, Montego Bay, and St. Maarten…or take the family to Orlando for some fun in the sun!

Stop daydreaming about a vacation…make your dream become a reality and book a Payless Car Rental today…who knows, your car rental could be on us!

Historic and serene, the city of Tarpon Springs is a small-town just outside the hustle and bustle of Tampa. Steeped with Mediterranean culture brought by the Greek sponge divers, the area offers rich cuisine and a unique style all its own. Strolling down the main street is a treat for the senses with the smell of genuine Greek cuisine wafting in the air, the colorful artwork of local artisans and the lively street entertainment. Take your time and peruse the shops at the Sponge Docks, where you can watch a live sponge diving exhibition. Don’;t forget to stop in one of the Greek bakeries, where you can get some of the best baklava in the area! On your way back to the hotel, stop by Ballyhoos for a relaxed dining experience on their outdoor deck. Tarpon Springs is truly a small town gem, but close enough to the metropolitan city of Tampa that you won’;t get bored!