Prepare a trip to Guadeloupe
Tips to rent a car in Guadeloupe
When you are not very demanding or have money to choose a high-end car, you will choose the cheapest car for your vacation in Guadeloupe. In category A you will find vehicles like Renault Twingo, Kia Picanto, Peugeot 208... which can of course do the trick. But these small entry-level cars do have some major drawbacks.
On the one hand, they have a very limited trunk, which can be a problem on arrival and departure at the airport when you have 4 passengers, 4 large suitcases, 5 cabin bags, 4 large down jackets, a surfboard... and a tiny trunk. Some people, to avoid renting an oversized vehicle for the entire stay just to be able to transport the luggage, prefer to take a taxi-van for transfers to the airport. This allows you to rent a smaller vehicle, save two days of rental - the first and last day... and therefore pay for the taxi at no extra cost. In addition, it saves you from having to search for your way in the dark night of the small country roads to find your lodging. If you fall into a good big tropical downpour, you risk remembering your arrival in Guadeloupe. The option of a taxi - or a private cab booked in advance - therefore seems to me to be worth considering depending on your situation.
On the other hand, knowing that a good part of the island is mountainous, a 55 HP engine, or even less, will make the poor clutch smoke and ultimately not be able to climb the hills that lead you to the Carbet falls, the pretty Ravine Paradis in Vieux Habitants, or the Acomat falls in Pointe Noire for example.
I therefore recommend that you rent at least a category B vehicle, or in any case with an engine of at least 75 HP, or even 90 HP to be at peace. It is better to have a small car with a powerful enough engine than a larger one with an underpowered engine. More than the category of the vehicle, ask what its power is. Another tip: ask for a white car whose body will absorb less heat from the sun.
One last little piece of advice, even if you don't always think about it when you arrive. Take photos or a video of the entire exterior of the vehicle. Some unscrupulous or poorly organized rental companies will make a hasty inventory with little crosses (or not) on a form, and when you return it will put a scratch on your back and put a deposit in their pocket. You never know.
Car rental Guadeloupe
Where to rent a car in Guadeloupe? There are many car rental companies on the island. As with flights, using a comparator can save you time in your searches. We recommend DiscoverCars to compare offers from the main rental companies.
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If you have trouble finding what you're looking for, contact us by email and we can send you the contact details of a selection of local rental companies that has been put together over time and updated regularly.
And if you want to travel light with your baby, BBlou offers car seat and other childcare equipment rentals, to be picked up at the Pointe-à-Pitre airport terminal, just a stone's throw from the baggage claim exit.
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