Boring question: When to book rental car?

[alw1977]

How soon before our trip should we book? Going in early-mid July. Thanks.

[Xislandgirl]

I always book right away. No use waiting until the last minute and risk not getting the car you want. The beginning of July is Carnival time on STJ and the island can get busy.

[mbw1024]

I have just booked it with the rental agency at the same time as my villa.

[Pia]

If you are here for Carnival week (week of July 4th) call YESTERDAY many car rentals and villas are sold out waaay ahead for that week.

Pia

[alw1977]

Thanks everyone. We'll be there beginning July 7th and leave a week later. We will catch the tail end of Carnival week.

Do most rental car places require a deposit?

[sea-nile]

I booked 8 months in advance.

[tarheelgirl]

Most places that I've dealt with, STJ Car Rental, Conrad, and Courtesy, require a 100 dollar deposit on your credit card and balance due when rental returned.

I usually book about 4 or 5 months out and we go in the summer. I doesn't hurt and they certainly don't seemed suprised by it on their end. Just think, if they book in order of who calls first, then you would have the better vehicle.

[beachluvers]

Looks like we will just miss you, ALW. We're arriving 7/27 and also from the Atlanta area. Hope you have a great trip!

[liamsaunt]

I booked my car with Penns as soon as I had my dates--six months out. They took my credit card number when I reserved, but they haven't charged me yet.