The Glove Box Blog from Argus Car Hire

Countries Where You Can’t Smoke with Children in the Car

Fiona Hilliard — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:53:23 +0000

This week, the Welsh government is launching a high profile campaign to stub out smoking in cars with children on board, but you might be shocked to learn that right now in some countries, it is already illegal… Canada: Smoking while anyone under 16 is present in the vehicle is banned [...]

UK Snow Update: Drivers Urged to Be Careful On the Roads

Fiona Hilliard — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:16:36 +0000

Drivers across the UK are being warned to take care when battling against freezing conditions today. Authorities have deployed gritters around the country to tackle the weekend’s heavy snow, but in some areas, roads have had to remain closed due to dangerous ice. The Met Office is continuing to warn drivers about icy [...]

Malev Airlines Goes Bust

Fiona Hilliard — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:59:29 +0000

Another day, another European airline goes bust. Today it’s Hungary’s national carrier, Malev that has been forced to leave its passengers stranded on the tarmac. Like Spanair, Malev is reacting to an “unsustainable” financial situation. Malev is a member of the Oneworld airline alliance which includes American Airlines and British Airways. Recently, debts have mounted [...]

Five Travel Writers Worth Following on Pinterest

Fiona Hilliard — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:34:39 +0000

Argus Car Hire is now on Pinterest. Give us a follow now – and while you’re at it, check out these expert travel pinners too. We’re addicted already: 1. Kirsten Alana: Kirsten Alana is a New York based travel writer and photographer. Her website, Aviators and a Camera showcases her traditional [...]

Spanish Government to Take Legal Action Against Spanair

Fiona Hilliard — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:16:42 +0000

Spanish airline Spanair stranded 20,000 passengers as well as visitors looking to pick up car hire in Spain over the weekend when they ran out of financing options. Grounded: Spanair flights The Barcelona-based airline announced unexpectedly that it was ending operations, leading to 647 flight cancellatons. In the meantime, UK low cost airlines, EasyJet [...]

Portuguese Air Traffic Contollers Announce Strike Plans

Fiona Hilliard — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:34:43 +0000

Anyone who has booked car rental in Portugal in February may have to put up with delays or cancellations to their flights next month. NAV air traffic controllers and ground operations staff have announced that they will be going on strike as a form of protest against the austerity measures and the tri-party agreement which [...]

Best Surfing Beaches in Australia

Fiona Hilliard — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:25:57 +0000

In honour of Australia Day we thought we’d bring you a round-up of the best surfing beaches in the Land Down Under. Better organise your Sydney car rental now so that you can hit all those beaches free as the wind with your surfboard…oh, and we didn’t pick these beaches for their funny [...]

Insider’s Guide to Sydney’s Mardi Gras

Fiona Hilliard — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:05:55 +0000

We’ve scarcely packed away the tinsel, but in Sydney, they’re already digging out the sequins and feather boas in preparation for the city’s annual Mardi Gras celebrations… Think Sydney’s Mardi Gras and flamboyant, flashy and fun should come to mind. And if that’s what you’re into, then you were born for Sydney Mardi Gras. [...]

Top 5 Ugly Travel Bloggers

Fiona Hilliard — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:47:23 +0000

Wait. Before you recoil in horror, by ‘ugly’ we mean: Utterly Gifted Lucrative Young Travel Bloggers. So, as you can see, any travel blogger appearing on this list should feel honoured. That includes you: 1. Melvin Boecher 2. Brendan van Son 3. Matthew Kepnes 4. Anil Polat 5. Paul Steele So who are [...]

Road Trips Go Head to Head: Trans-Canada Vs Route 66

Fiona Hilliard — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:28:14 +0000

Real driving enthusiasts know a holiday isn’t just about how many historic sights you can tick off, how good the hotels are or how good the grub is along way. For a real driving holiday, what really matters is the road. Long, winding, tricky, taking you into the mountains, speeding you along through the bush, [...]

Ten Laugh Out Loud Travel Bloggers: Part Two

Fiona Hilliard — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:40:20 +0000

We thought we’d brighten up your Wednesday by introducing you to five more class clowns from the travel blogging community. So without further ado… 6. Iain Mallory ( Mallory on Travel) Don’t expect sugar-coated travel tales from real life action man Iain Mallory. Through his blog, Mallory On Travel, he has fine-tuned [...]

Ten Laugh Out Loud Travel Bloggers: Part One

Fiona Hilliard — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:57:55 +0000

Today is Blue Monday, said to be the most depressing day of the year. That’s no way to start the week. Take your mind off all things January and have a laugh with our pick of the web’s funniest travel writers. Oh, and don’t forget to check back in with us on Wednesday to [...]

US Embassy Issues Thailand Travel Warning

Fiona Hilliard — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:35:43 +0000

The US Embassy in Thailand has sent an emergency message to US citizens, warning of a possible terrorist attack in Bangkok. According to the message, “foreign terrorists may be currently looking to conduct attacks against tourist areas in Bangkok in the near future.” It is urging people to exercise caution in public areas that are [...]

What to See in Edinburgh in 2012

Fiona Hilliard — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:24:44 +0000

As Edinburgh shakes off its hang-over from last week’s wild Hogmanay celebrations, Saul Malpass brings us a round-up of what visitors to the city can look forward to over the coming year… Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a destination that should be on any traveller’s `must-see’ list. A gateway to the north-east coast of [...]

Strikes Cancel London and Madrid Flights

Fiona Hilliard — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:54:06 +0000

Keep a close eye on arrivals and departures information if you’re flying with Iberia and set to pick up Madrid car hire or London car rental. Today’s strike by Iberia pilots has led to flight cancellations between London and Madrid. Four London-bound flights and four Madrid-bound flights have already been cancelled. These eight flights also [...]

Would You Buy A Car from Michael O’ Leary?

Fiona Hilliard — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:29:58 +0000

No doubt, there have been lots of people over the years who have wanted a piece of Michael O’ Leary… Well, now’s the chance to go for it. He’s selling his limo. Fittingly for the Ryanair boss, it’s on sale at a bargain basement price. Back in January 2011 (a whole year ago) the Irish Times [...]

High Winds Cancel Flights at Edinburgh, Glasgow and London Airports

Fiona Hilliard — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:08:56 +0000

Passengers can expect lengthy delays and cancellations in UK airports today as a winds of up to 100mph continue to batter the country. Queues at Edinburgh car hire desks look to be unavoidable over the next few days. Edinburgh airport is the worst affected, while Heathrow, Gatwick and Glasgow airports have also cancelled flights [...]

Five Best New Years Eve Beach and City Parties

Fiona Hilliard — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:20:47 +0000

Ready to turn up the heat and party? Combine the beach and the city with our countdown to the five hottest destinations to ring in 2012… Miami, Florida This coming New Year’s on Miami Beach is set to be an absolute corker. As New Year’s Eve falls on a Saturday night, some of the [...]

London Tube Strike Update

Fiona Hilliard — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:29:25 +0000

The strike by London Underground workers planned for Boxing Day WILL go ahead, causing travel chaos for football fans and shoppers. The news comes following today’s high court decision against stopping the walk outs. London Underground (LU) had argued that the Aslef drivers’ union broke the law by balloting employees who will not be working [...]

Boxing Day London Tube Strikes Latest

Fiona Hilliard — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:26:32 +0000

London’s Boxing Day Tube strikes planned for next Monday by members of transport union Anslef are hanging in the balance today. London Underground is approaching the High Court today to seek an injunction, but it’s not looking too hopeful – similar moves have failed in the past. Last week, members of Anslef voted to strike [...]

On the Road Adventures: Travel Writer Liz Borod Wright in Seville

Fiona Hilliard — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:50:41 +0000

Last October, travel writer Liz Borod Wright and her young family embarked on an epic adventure that would see them criss-crossing the Atlantic from the United States to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon and then on to the Algarve and finally the sizzling southern Spanish city of Seville. When we last heard from her, Liz had [...]

The World’s Most Dangerous Road Trips

Fiona Hilliard — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:27:01 +0000

What could be more relaxing than a road trip? Trundling along at your own pace. Taking in local sites and areas of interest. Perhaps livening things up by popping into a teashop for a scone. But there some road trips that just drip with danger. Routes so notorious and deadly, that you are almost [...]

Revealed: Michael O’ Leary’s CV

Fiona Hilliard — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:50:27 +0000

As we all know, Michael O’Leary and Ryanair’s PR machine are no strangers to a bit of self promotion. A little bragging here, a hint of embellishment there has seen the airline through some tough times. We’re not knocking it – it’s just that lately when it comes to Michael O’, it [...]

Snow Falls in Europe at Last

Fiona Hilliard — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:48:18 +0000

Winter holidaymakers rejoice! It’s snowing in Europe, FINALLY. It may be one month behind schedule, but today marked the first day of proper snow in the Alps. The French Alps were the first to feel the effects but the snow is gradually drifting west. Major snowfall is expected on Wednesday and Thursday across much [...]

Winter Weather: Are You Ready?

Fiona Hilliard — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:22:52 +0000

December is here and to prove it, there’s a definite chill in the air. Wherever you’re travelling over the coming weeks, we want you to arrive safely. Follow our winter driving tips and you’ll be ready to tackle whatever weather comes your way… Be prepared: Skiing in Austria? Check weather reports before you hit [...]

Where to Find the Cheapest Caffeine Fix in Europe

Fiona Hilliard — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:26:14 +0000

They say the price of a cup of coffee is one of the best indicators of a city’s overall price index. So if you’re curious to find out Europe’s cheapest city break destinations, it makes sense to have a nosey inside their cafés. Fortunately for us, the good people at TravelBite.co.uk have gone to the trouble of presenting [...]

Heathrow Strike: List of Affected Airlines

Fiona Hilliard — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:04:09 +0000

Anyone due to pick up car hire Heathrow airport should be aware that airport authorities are currently working with the UK Border Agency and airlines to see how best they can minimise the impact of the November 30th strike on passengers. Those concerned can keep up to date through the airport’s Twitter account, [...]

Winter of Discontent at Portuguese and UK Airports this December

Fiona Hilliard — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:16:36 +0000

You have been warned… Portugal is gearing up for more flight disruption. So if you’re planning to escape the cold in the Algarve and you’re renting a car in Faro, you should keep in mind that pilots unions intend to carry out industrial action on December 9th. TAP Portugal has already released a statement [...]

Airport Strikes to Hit Passengers Bound for Liverpool and Portugal

Fiona Hilliard — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:31:46 +0000

Picking up Faro car rental tomorrow? Beware - delays and cancellations are on the horizon as a general strike has been scheduled for Portugal for tomorrow, November 24th. According to its website, the Portuguese carrier TAP is now no longer accepting reservations for flights scheduled for November 24th. TAP says it is making every effort [...]

London Fog: Flight Update

Fiona Hilliard — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:52:10 +0000

Thousands of passengers and travellers picking up car hire London are enduring a second day of delays and cancellations as fog continues to wreak havoc in London. Heathrow Airport and London City Airport are still playing catch-up today on flights that were forced to be suspended yesterday. On Sunday, a total of 58 incoming flights [...]