Car rental has never been more popular with travellers and holiday makers. And it's easy to understand why.

Car rental offers you privacy, mobility, freedom and independence. It enables you to travel extensively and to explore those magical places that are well off the main tourist track. It releases you from interminable queues and paralysing public transport timetables.

It adds an extra, exciting dimension to your holiday experience. As one friend said recently: "I love the fun of driving a different car or the added thrill of upgrading to a luxury one - even for a few days."

Car rental certainly helps you to make the best use of your time and get the best value for your money. But it is vital to choose the right car rental company.

To ensure that you make the right decision and find those hidden gems, you should look for positive answers to the following questions:

1. Choice

Does the company offer you a wide range of quality vehicles from which to choose: economy; compact; mid-size; standard; full-size; premium; and luxury?

2.Locations

Have they a comprehensive network of conveniently located outlets?

3. Rates

Are their prices competitive? Do they offer to better or match the prices of their rivals in the market?

4. Experience

How experienced are they? Remember that a long established and experienced company can offer you all important security and peace of mind.

5. Back-up Support

Do they offer a rapid and responsive breakdown service in case of emergency?

6. Customer-friendly

Are they responsive to the specific requirements of individual customers?

7. Reputation

Are they highly regarded within the travel industry and by their customers? Have they won any reputable customer-satisfaction awards?

See 'Budget Car Rentals - How to Find Those Hidden Gems'