Affordable and excellent car rental

Just the other day, one half of LastPenny got her car written off - a week before moving day! Oh noes!!!

But never fear, we took the opportunity to rent a station wagon to assist with the move - there are always *more* things than you think that you want to take in the car, right?

I got in touch with A2B Rentals in Auckland. They have a huge range of high km, older vehicles for rent for those of us who are budget-conscious.

Not only were they able to let me have a lovely big station wagon for the pricely sum of $26 per day INCLUDING GST, they allowed me to transport my cat (in her carrier), in the car, when I requested that this be allowed.

This is km-inclusive, standard-insurance inclusive, no hidden extras.

They were able to let me have the car a day early when the movers wanted to come early, and at all times they were pleasant and excellent to deal with.

The only trouble is they only have locations in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

I recommend A2B as a great option for the LastPenny traveller!

And now that we're all moved in, you can look forward to a return to your regular tkips and recipes from LastPenny!

Tips for Travelling without spending a fortune

Travelling - from time to time, we all do it, and sometimes it's for fun; other times it's for business; and still other times, it's for duty.

Now this post isn't about doing your OE on the cheap or the best way to backpack through Europe - there are many other wonderful resources out there which can tell you how to do that much better than I.

This post is about those last two categories - travelling for business or duty.

If you're travelling for business and your employer pays; great - little of this applies to you. But, how about if it's your OWN business, if you're a contractor, or if you're self-employed, and every penny comes out of your own pocket?

• When you have to travel, try to plan as far in advance as possible. The further out you book, the cheaper the options often are.
• Consider booking the cheapest, unchangeable fares and taking Cancellation Insurance: if the event you are going to is cancelled or changed, cancellation insurance usually covers your airfare costs.
• Look at all your transport options. Weigh up the benefits and costs of driving your own vehicle, taking a rental vehicle, and using public transport/flights. Drving your own car a long distance is often less of a saving than you might imagine, by the time you factor everything in.
• Check out accommodation options. Think outside the square - look for B&B's and homestays in the town you're headed to; factor in camp-grounds and chalets. Are there friends, workmates or relatives you could stay with nearby?
• Eating while you're away is one of the biggest hidden costs. When out of town, there's a huge temptation to eat all 3 meals at cafes or restaurants, or use room service. Don't be afraid to use the supermarket and purchase items to eat in your room, or to make your lunch.
• Familiarise yourself with the town you're going to. Check out a map before you go, and know your destination, the public transport and your accommodation. Don't get stuck with $100 cab fare before you've even begun!
• Use Wotif to find accommodation, and look at Grabaseat for flights.
• Finally, consider when you are travelling. Avoid peak hours of the day (between 7.30 and 9am, 5pm - 7pm) and peak holiday times. Know when the school holidays are, even if you don't have kids yourself.