Don’t hurry, be happy

California by Jane Archer

Don’t hurry, be happy

Cheap petrol and open roads make driving an appealing way to travel

MILE upon mile of open road with plenty to see en route has made California the second-most popular state in the US for car rental among British tourists.

There are no industry figures to show the number of Britons who rent a car in the Golden State, but Suncars general manager John Briggs said his company carries about one-third the volume of Florida – still by far the top destination for British holidaymakers to the US with around 1.4 million visitors a year.

Hertz Europe vice-president leisure sales and marketing Bill Jones said California accounts for about 20% of Hertz US rentals from the UK.

However, the numbers are growing. “The market is maturing and people are realising there is more to the US than Florida,” said Holiday Autos managing director UK and Ireland Tony Seaman.

Everyone who goes to California is advised to rent a car. Petrol is cheap at just over 50p a litre and it is the best way to get around. “Los Angeles is massive – you need a car just to get around the city,” said Seaman.

He added, “You can go up the coast to Malibu or San Francisco, into the Nevada desert for Palm Springs or Las Vegas, or into Death Valley.”

Jones at Hertz said driving is the only way to enjoy the scenery and explore the state at your own pace. “California is a safe state to drive in. The highways are good, the pace is leisurely – the average speed limit is 55mph.”

A popular option is to take several days and drive Highway 1 between LA and San Francisco, according to Alamo marketing and sales executive Judy Gibbons.

Dollar managing director Marc Thornton added: “People need to be aware of the distances. We offer free one-way rentals, but most people pick up and drop off their car in the same location.”

Do you know the way to San Jose? Despite its vast network of freeways, California’s average speed limit is a sedate 55mph

The Harbour Freeway, Los Angeles