Rental Cars

             Alamo             1-800-327-9633

     Avis Domestic             1-800-331-1212

 Avis International             1-800-331-2112

              Budget             1-800-527-0700

    Hertz Domestic             1-800-654-3131

Hertz International             1-800-654-3001

             National             1-800-227-7368

     Rent-A-Wreck             1-800-423-2158

             Thrifty             1-800-367-2277

In many locales, including most Islands large enough to support car rental, one can usually find independent local operators.
On some islands, there are only the independents.
If you just need a car for a couple of days, it may be better to make an arrangement with one of the indigenous taxi drivers. He'll most likely take you to some of the best spots that you might miss on your own.  At the very least, you will no doubt discover a really special eating place that you would have passed by.
(Even though it's operated by his cousin or aunt)

Hop on one of the local jitney busses, meet some Islanders, sing with them as they bounce along down the road.  Strive for spontaneity!  Emulate Lonely Planet travelers Justine and Ian.
(If you don't know who they are, return to top of page and rent from Hertz) <G>

If you're on New Providence, walk around Nassau drinking a "klick", (Kalik, the beer brewed on the island, with the alcohol content of wine) and leave the expensive cameras locked up.  Don't *even* bring the expensive (looking) jewelry along on the trip.  I promise you, the indigenous peoples will be impressed enough at the fact that you are wearing shoes without holes in them.  You'll be amazed at the hidden wonders that will unfold for you if you'll  "go with the flow".

The Proof: (Do ya s'pose this is a double entendre?)

A few years ago, I spent some time in St. Thomas, USVI.  Had a really cheap rental car, complete with dinged fenders.  During my explorations of the island's charms, I would regularly pick up hitchhikers, to the amusement of any passersby.  (The passenger door would not open, so they had to crawl in through the window.)
I'd take my instant new friends wherever they wanted to go, sharing my bottle of Cruzan (local) Rum as we drove along.  (I was younger and a lot more foolish then, drinking, even just a little bit, and driving don't mix.)  Absolutely breathtaking vistas and hidden beaches were my constant reward.  I never once felt threatened or in any danger.  (My attire was torn generic t-shirt, old swim trunks or shorts and sandals or barefeet.)  Not to mention a big smile and "hey mon, I'm down here on island time".  There was nothing else in the car, except for one of those disposable cameras.

One day,I stopped along the road to talk to a telephone lineman.  Had a nice chat, and left with a new copy of the VITELCO Telephone book.

Comments: jkamer@columbus.rr.com