Help me out, Otters - planning a vacation to Colorado

abrg923 · 06-14-09, 06:23 PM

Specifically, Estes Park, for next summer...we'd be staying in a Villa across from the Stanley Hotel, very close to the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Lots of questions...but we'll start with the basics.

#1.) If you've been there...what are the must-see/must-do things in that area?

#2.) The tentative plan is to fly from Indianapolis to Denver, then rent a car and drive the 90 minutes to Estes Park. However, from looking at the map, Boulder's a lot closer to Denver than I realized...would flying into Boulder be better? I've heard that DIA can be a nightmare...

#3.) Speaking of rentals, what can I expect for rates? This would be the first time I've ever rented a car, as well as the first time I've been on a plane since I was 5, which leads me to...

#4.) ...what can I expect at the airport in this post-9/11 world we live in? How early should I arrive, etc?

Many more questions in the weeks/months to come...

D.Pham00 · 06-14-09, 06:57 PM

2. Rental cars are generally anywhere from $30-40 per day. If you are renting for 5-6 days, a week rental might be cheaper. make sure you have enough mileage to , or if you aren't sure, get unlimited. also, make sure that the coverage you get covers the state(s) that you plan on going to. they will ask about insurance, check with your auto insurance company ahead of time, they might cover you for damages to the car. CCs like Amex and VISA Signature will cover the collision damage waiver if you pay with them.
https://www212.americanexpress.com/d...tBenefitDetail

D.Pham00 · 06-14-09, 07:02 PM

generally speaking, 2 hours early is recommended for domestic flights.

travelling on planes, these are prohibited items:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...ted-items.shtm

abrg923 · 06-14-09, 07:03 PM

The tentative plan would be to fly in on a Sunday, and stay Sunday/Monday/Tuesday, and then come back on Wednesday...so wouldn't be a week. Probably better off with doing the daily option, then. You mentioned asking about insurance...let's say hypothetically my insurance company (Progressive) doesn't cover that (I would think they would, but again, we're being hypothetical)...what then? I pay the rental company a deposit?

abrg923 · 06-14-09, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D.Pham00

generally speaking, 2 hours early is recommended for domestic flights.

travelling on planes, these are prohibited items:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...ted-items.shtm

Geez, I can't carry my meat cleaver and dynamite on? Guess we'll have to drive.

pedagogue · 06-14-09, 07:09 PM

Rental car insurance is a scam.

abrg923 · 06-14-09, 07:16 PM

And the alternative is...?

mndtrp · 06-14-09, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pedagogue

Rental car insurance is a scam.

Don't most insurance companies cover rental cars? I could swear they did.

abrg923 · 06-14-09, 07:21 PM

I think that's if your car breaks down or if you're in an accident - I'm not sure if it could cover in this instance. (Going on vacation and needing a rental)

Something to call and find out, I suppose.

D.Pham00 · 06-14-09, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abrg923

The tentative plan would be to fly in on a Sunday, and stay Sunday/Monday/Tuesday, and then come back on Wednesday...so wouldn't be a week. Probably better off with doing the daily option, then. You mentioned asking about insurance...let's say hypothetically my insurance company (Progressive) doesn't cover that (I would think they would, but again, we're being hypothetical)...what then? I pay the rental company a deposit?

if your auto insurance company doesn't cover it, then you can buy it through the car rental company. it's just that if your auto insurance company covers it, why pay more for the same thing?

Dr_Evil · 06-14-09, 07:28 PM

2) Fly into DIA. There are only little municipal airports in the Boulder area, nothing that has any kind of commercial flights to my knowledge.

4) DIA is pretty smooth as far as security goes. They have two main security check points, and a third you can walk to over the bridge to the A gates. On a non-holiday weekend, i've never waited more than 10-15 minutes at security

TomOpus · 06-14-09, 07:28 PM

Gonna take the tour of The Stanley? It's fun and interesting if you're into haunted hotels... or a Stephen King fan.

D.Pham00 · 06-14-09, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mndtrp

Don't most insurance companies cover rental cars? I could swear they did.

yes, most do. but it's always safest to check.

here's more info about the different types of insurance the car agencies usually offer:

http://www.insure.com/car-insurance/...ar-basics.html

Also, some rental companies require all drivers to be over 25, some will go down to 21, but it may cost more. just be ware of that if you have someone in your company that is under 25.

RichC2 · 06-14-09, 07:31 PM

I'm planning a trip for the Winter to northwest Colorado, will be looking for pointers myself

abrg923 · 06-14-09, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr_Evil

2) Fly into DIA. There are only little municipal airports in the Boulder area, nothing that has any kind of commercial flights to my knowledge.

4) DIA is pretty smooth as far as security goes. They have two main security check points, and a third you can walk to over the bridge to the A gates. On a non-holiday weekend, i've never waited more than 10-15 minutes at security

.

Nice...sounds good. Anyone have experience with the Indianapolis airport?

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomOpus

Gonna take the tour of The Stanley? It's fun and interesting if you're into haunted hotels... or a Stephen King fan.

Absolutely...I'm a massive King fan. We may even stay a night there...although it looks to be insanely expensive, so...not sure. But yeah, definitely taking the ghost tour and all of that, and probably eating there.

Sdallnct · 06-14-09, 09:00 PM

Ok I did a vacation in Estes Park and Colorado is my favorite place. Couple of things,

When you get there, ask the locals where to go in Estes Park. Personally I like the walking/hiking trails. But there is some great things to see just driving.

I have a pint glass from the Estes brewery. Hopefully it is still there. Have some local Brew...NOTHING better then Colorado Microbrew.

Rental cars...yes your auto insurance will cover. However, you might have a deductible involved, or you might have to pay for the damages to the rental car and then get reimbursed by your insurance company. Not likely, but it happens on occasion. Getting the insurance thru the rental company is WAY overpriced. But might be worth the piece of mind. Also there are different coverages. It might be worth to see how much the damage waiver is. That way you don't have to worry about them nailing you for some minor scratch. If you don't take any of the insurance (and because of the cost I generally recommend against it), carefully and I mean carefully look over every single inch of the car including the inside BEFORE you leave the rental car lot. Write down on the form every single scratch or nick no matter how minor. Even if the guy says "oh that is just wear and tear" write it down. For rental cars especially look for scratches on the bumper where people have bumped or slid their luggage. Also make sure the car doesn't smell. And I mean not at all. Most are now non smoking. If the person before you smoked either they or the rental car company may have covered it up with perfume crap which will wear off. And when you return it smelling like smoke they may blame you. Check the windshield for rock nicks and tires for anything out of the ordinary.

Also, be very clear on the gas issue. If they don't give you the car full, make sure they write down the accurate amount. Then make sure you know how to return it. Some REQUIRE you to fill up within so many miles of the rental center and you prove this by showing a receipt.

Make sure you take your camera. Estes Park is just beautiful!

abrg923 · 06-14-09, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D.Pham00

2. Rental cars are generally anywhere from $30-40 per day.

I've checked Avis, Enterprise, and Hertz so far, just plugging in for 3 days next week as a test...and the cheapest I've seen is $81 a day. What company can I get one for $30-40?

D.Pham00 · 06-15-09, 12:01 AM

on the topic of rentals, if you do happen to accidentally nick the paint down to the metal or plastic, go to the dealer and pick up some touch-up paint. i nicked the bumper one time with probably about a 1/2" nick from jumping the curb, got the touch-up paint, and they were none the wiser. doesn't mean it will save you, just that they won't draw their attention to a touched up spot as much as a 1/2" black spot on a white car.

Lunatikk · 06-15-09, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abrg923

I've checked Avis, Enterprise, and Hertz so far, just plugging in for 3 days next week as a test...and the cheapest I've seen is $81 a day. What company can I get one for $30-40?

Are you looking at economy class, or larger? I've rented economy for under $30 from Thrifty. Not sure where all they are located. If you do Hertz or Enterprise, make sure you use a coupon... there are lots of codes floating around the interwebs.

Venusian · 06-15-09, 09:28 AM

Alamo does "last minute" rentals for a lot cheaper than $80 a day. I just did a Thur-Mon in PHX for $100 total. Also did a week out of Denver last January for about $200 iirc.

Venusian · 06-15-09, 09:29 AM

also, some credit cards provide rental car insurance if you book with them...check with your cc

Venusian · 06-15-09, 09:30 AM

also, 2 hours early for a flight is...early. but if you haven't flown in a long time it might make sense to go early to make sure you aren't rushed. if you're checking bags you must be there at least 45 min before or they won't take the bag. That's your hard deadline.

marty888 · 06-15-09, 09:48 AM

I'm not a particularly athletic type, and I've only been astride a horse maybe 20 times in my life, but on my one and only vacation in Estes Park, we rented horses and spent a terrific day roaming along trails. One of my best travel memories....

Nick Danger · 06-15-09, 09:55 AM

There are two roads up to the peak on the Eastern side. Try to take them both. The road on the Western side is beautiful too.

DIA is an expensive airport. Expect to see a hefty landing fee tacked onto your ticket.

The bears are not tame animals. This is not Disneyland. They can run much faster than you, and they can tear you up with one blow. But you'll always see some idiot with a camera trying to get a close-up.

kuroiinu · 06-15-09, 10:17 AM

Budget and Thrifty are 2 of the cheaper on-airport car rental companies. Avis is the more expensive big brother of Budget, and Enterprise is always expensive. You can try off-airport companies if you are willing to tolerate the hassle.

Keep in mind that often the quoted price is only part of the story. Insurance can add quite a bit if you need it. And then there are all the garbage surcharges that airports and cities and states add on - travelers are easy targets for taxes.

I just came back from San Francisco, and here is what was added to my car rental:

Concession fee recovery: 11.1%
Tourism assessment: 2.5%
Transportation and facility fee: $17.50 per rental
Vehicle license cost: $1.30 per day
Energy surcharge: $1.03 per rental
and then 9.25% sales tax on top of that.

The total was about double the basic rental fee. In Denver, things might be cheaper, but probably not by much.

06-14-09, 07:09 PM	#6
pedagogue DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 26,187	Re: Help me out, Otters - planning a vacation to Colorado Rental car insurance is a scam.

06-14-09, 07:16 PM	#7
abrg923 DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Muncie, IN Posts: 4,876	Re: Help me out, Otters - planning a vacation to Colorado And the alternative is...? __________________ XBL Gamertag: Chibul PSN: chibul Wii Friend Code: 1585 4226 6573 5886 My DVDs My Countdown Counting down to: The day that never comes...

06-14-09, 07:21 PM	#9
abrg923 DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Muncie, IN Posts: 4,876	Re: Help me out, Otters - planning a vacation to Colorado I think that's if your car breaks down or if you're in an accident - I'm not sure if it could cover in this instance. (Going on vacation and needing a rental) Something to call and find out, I suppose. __________________ XBL Gamertag: Chibul PSN: chibul Wii Friend Code: 1585 4226 6573 5886 My DVDs My Countdown Counting down to: The day that never comes...

06-14-09, 07:28 PM	#11
Dr_Evil DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: the igloo Posts: 4,371	Re: Help me out, Otters - planning a vacation to Colorado 2) Fly into DIA. There are only little municipal airports in the Boulder area, nothing that has any kind of commercial flights to my knowledge. 4) DIA is pretty smooth as far as security goes. They have two main security check points, and a third you can walk to over the bridge to the A gates. On a non-holiday weekend, i've never waited more than 10-15 minutes at security

06-14-09, 07:28 PM	#12
TomOpus DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: FUN Diego, CA Posts: 17,833	Re: Help me out, Otters - planning a vacation to Colorado Gonna take the tour of The Stanley? It's fun and interesting if you're into haunted hotels... or a Stephen King fan. __________________ "Pear Pimples for Hairy Fishnuts!" My So-Called DVD Life (Profiler),A Fistful of Discs (DVDAf) My Countdown Counting down to: San Diego Comic-Con 2010 243 days 15 hours 11 minutes

06-14-09, 06:23 PM	#1
abrg923 DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Muncie, IN Posts: 4,876	Help me out, Otters - planning a vacation to Colorado Specifically, Estes Park, for next summer...we'd be staying in a Villa across from the Stanley Hotel, very close to the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Lots of questions...but we'll start with the basics. #1.) If you've been there...what are the must-see/must-do things in that area? #2.) The tentative plan is to fly from Indianapolis to Denver, then rent a car and drive the 90 minutes to Estes Park. However, from looking at the map, Boulder's a lot closer to Denver than I realized...would flying into Boulder be better? I've heard that DIA can be a nightmare... #3.) Speaking of rentals, what can I expect for rates? This would be the first time I've ever rented a car, as well as the first time I've been on a plane since I was 5, which leads me to... #4.) ...what can I expect at the airport in this post-9/11 world we live in? How early should I arrive, etc? Many more questions in the weeks/months to come... __________________ XBL Gamertag: Chibul PSN: chibul Wii Friend Code: 1585 4226 6573 5886 My DVDs My Countdown Counting down to: The day that never comes...

06-14-09, 06:57 PM	#2
D.Pham00 DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Stick out your tongue! Posts: 32,302	Re: Help me out, Otters - planning a vacation to Colorado 2. Rental cars are generally anywhere from $30-40 per day. If you are renting for 5-6 days, a week rental might be cheaper. make sure you have enough mileage to , or if you aren't sure, get unlimited. also, make sure that the coverage you get covers the state(s) that you plan on going to. they will ask about insurance, check with your auto insurance company ahead of time, they might cover you for damages to the car. CCs like Amex and VISA Signature will cover the collision damage waiver if you pay with them. https://www212.americanexpress.com/d...tBenefitDetail __________________ abrg: *whine whine* suprmallet: *why so serious?* Last edited by D.Pham00; 06-15-09 at 10:21 AM.

06-14-09, 07:02 PM	#3
D.Pham00 DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Stick out your tongue! Posts: 32,302	Re: Help me out, Otters - planning a vacation to Colorado generally speaking, 2 hours early is recommended for domestic flights. travelling on planes, these are prohibited items: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...ted-items.shtm __________________ abrg: *whine whine* suprmallet: *why so serious?*

06-14-09, 07:03 PM	#4
abrg923 DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Muncie, IN Posts: 4,876	Re: Help me out, Otters - planning a vacation to Colorado The tentative plan would be to fly in on a Sunday, and stay Sunday/Monday/Tuesday, and then come back on Wednesday...so wouldn't be a week. Probably better off with doing the daily option, then. You mentioned asking about insurance...let's say hypothetically my insurance company (Progressive) doesn't cover that (I would think they would, but again, we're being hypothetical)...what then? I pay the rental company a deposit? __________________ XBL Gamertag: Chibul PSN: chibul Wii Friend Code: 1585 4226 6573 5886 My DVDs My Countdown Counting down to: The day that never comes...

06-14-09, 07:31 PM	#14
RichC2 DVD Talk Legend Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 11,160	Re: Help me out, Otters - planning a vacation to Colorado I'm planning a trip for the Winter to northwest Colorado, will be looking for pointers myself __________________ Toshiba HD-A2 / Sony Playstation 3 60gb Xbox Live Tag: Gumai / PSN Tag: Seihaku

06-14-09, 09:00 PM	#16
Sdallnct DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Home again, Big D Posts: 10,116	Re: Help me out, Otters - planning a vacation to Colorado Ok I did a vacation in Estes Park and Colorado is my favorite place. Couple of things, When you get there, ask the locals where to go in Estes Park. Personally I like the walking/hiking trails. But there is some great things to see just driving. I have a pint glass from the Estes brewery. Hopefully it is still there. Have some local Brew...NOTHING better then Colorado Microbrew. Rental cars...yes your auto insurance will cover. However, you might have a deductible involved, or you might have to pay for the damages to the rental car and then get reimbursed by your insurance company. Not likely, but it happens on occasion. Getting the insurance thru the rental company is WAY overpriced. But might be worth the piece of mind. Also there are different coverages. It might be worth to see how much the damage waiver is. That way you don't have to worry about them nailing you for some minor scratch. If you don't take any of the insurance (and because of the cost I generally recommend against it), carefully and I mean carefully look over every single inch of the car including the inside BEFORE you leave the rental car lot. Write down on the form every single scratch or nick no matter how minor. Even if the guy says "oh that is just wear and tear" write it down. For rental cars especially look for scratches on the bumper where people have bumped or slid their luggage. Also make sure the car doesn't smell. And I mean not at all. Most are now non smoking. If the person before you smoked either they or the rental car company may have covered it up with perfume crap which will wear off. And when you return it smelling like smoke they may blame you. Check the windshield for rock nicks and tires for anything out of the ordinary. Also, be very clear on the gas issue. If they don't give you the car full, make sure they write down the accurate amount. Then make sure you know how to return it. Some REQUIRE you to fill up within so many miles of the rental center and you prove this by showing a receipt. Make sure you take your camera. Estes Park is just beautiful! __________________ Live Free. Dine Well. Drink good beer. Home Theater Build

06-15-09, 12:01 AM	#18
D.Pham00 DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Stick out your tongue! Posts: 32,302	Re: Help me out, Otters - planning a vacation to Colorado on the topic of rentals, if you do happen to accidentally nick the paint down to the metal or plastic, go to the dealer and pick up some touch-up paint. i nicked the bumper one time with probably about a 1/2" nick from jumping the curb, got the touch-up paint, and they were none the wiser. doesn't mean it will save you, just that they won't draw their attention to a touched up spot as much as a 1/2" black spot on a white car. __________________ abrg: *whine whine* suprmallet: *why so serious?*

06-15-09, 09:28 AM	#20
Venusian Moderator Join Date: Nov 1999 Posts: 34,633	Re: Help me out, Otters - planning a vacation to Colorado Alamo does "last minute" rentals for a lot cheaper than $80 a day. I just did a Thur-Mon in PHX for $100 total. Also did a week out of Denver last January for about $200 iirc.

06-15-09, 09:29 AM	#21
Venusian Moderator Join Date: Nov 1999 Posts: 34,633	Re: Help me out, Otters - planning a vacation to Colorado also, some credit cards provide rental car insurance if you book with them...check with your cc

06-15-09, 09:30 AM	#22
Venusian Moderator Join Date: Nov 1999 Posts: 34,633	Re: Help me out, Otters - planning a vacation to Colorado also, 2 hours early for a flight is...early. but if you haven't flown in a long time it might make sense to go early to make sure you aren't rushed. if you're checking bags you must be there at least 45 min before or they won't take the bag. That's your hard deadline.

06-15-09, 09:48 AM	#23
marty888 DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Times Square Posts: 11,743	Re: Help me out, Otters - planning a vacation to Colorado I'm not a particularly athletic type, and I've only been astride a horse maybe 20 times in my life, but on my one and only vacation in Estes Park, we rented horses and spent a terrific day roaming along trails. One of my best travel memories.... __________________ *Describing torture as "enhanced interrogation" is like describing child abuse as "enhanced discipline".* My DVD List at DVD Aficionado

06-15-09, 09:55 AM	#24
Nick Danger DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 10,362	Re: Help me out, Otters - planning a vacation to Colorado There are two roads up to the peak on the Eastern side. Try to take them both. The road on the Western side is beautiful too. DIA is an expensive airport. Expect to see a hefty landing fee tacked onto your ticket. The bears are not tame animals. This is not Disneyland. They can run much faster than you, and they can tear you up with one blow. But you'll always see some idiot with a camera trying to get a close-up. __________________ Not-shopping is not a moral act at this time. --Sally Singer, Vogue Magazine (2/19/09)

06-15-09, 10:17 AM	#25
kuroiinu DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: California Blue Posts: 3,376	Re: Help me out, Otters - planning a vacation to Colorado Budget and Thrifty are 2 of the cheaper on-airport car rental companies. Avis is the more expensive big brother of Budget, and Enterprise is always expensive. You can try off-airport companies if you are willing to tolerate the hassle. Keep in mind that often the quoted price is only part of the story. Insurance can add quite a bit if you need it. And then there are all the garbage surcharges that airports and cities and states add on - travelers are easy targets for taxes. I just came back from San Francisco, and here is what was added to my car rental: Concession fee recovery: 11.1% Tourism assessment: 2.5% Transportation and facility fee: $17.50 per rental Vehicle license cost: $1.30 per day Energy surcharge: $1.03 per rental and then 9.25% sales tax on top of that. The total was about double the basic rental fee. In Denver, things might be cheaper, but probably not by much.