Car and (My) Driver
One of the joys of visiting a new city is driving. In an unfamiliar car, you have the opportunity to explore new routes and roads (okay, get lost), meet the locals (translation: get cussed out for not knowing the streets) and take in the scenery (while parked on the side of the road, waiting for a cop to stop by and ask you why you are crying and using your map as a tissue). Yes, indeed, driving can be a challenge, especially if you don't have a co-pilot to blame.
Now, I am not a princess when it comes to driving in a new destination. I will ask every third person for directions and will shamefully drive under the speed limit if it means I won't miss an exit. Yet, I have to admit that Avis's Chauffeur Drive holds some appeal. To the car, James!
The new program offers Avis Preferred members a WeDriveU driver to steer their rental car for an additional $30 an hour, with a three-hour minimum. (The company says a standard car and driver would cost 35 percent more.) The service is available in 10 cities, some of which are known for their notorious drivers (Boston) and unnavigable roads (Chicago). The chauffeur picks up and returns the rental, as well as you -- at the airport baggage claim. While you are out sightseeing, shopping or dining, the driver will wait. That means no expired meters, $20-an-hour lots or parking amnesia: Did I park on Maple, between Elm and Pine, or Oak and Cypress? But what impresses me most is that when traffic is stalled or a road is closed, I can be a back-seat tourist.
Go here for info, or call 800-272-5839.
By Andrea Sachs |
June 27, 2007; 9:44 AM ET
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Posted by: MB | June 27, 2007 10:25 AM
Well, getting a cab is not nearly as easy as one would think. I would have gladly used this service for my last trip to New York. Cabs are hard to find, do not willingly travel to New Jersey and are often mysteriously off duty if you ask to go to an outer bourough.
In Atlanta I tried to take a car from the airport to Buckhead, what I thought a popular and wel known suburb. And the driver was completely lost for a long time.
This seems to be an indulgence but may be well worth it sometimes. I wonder if they would show up with carseats.
Posted by: TO MB | June 27, 2007 12:34 PM
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In that case, why not just take a cab?