Absolutely! Don’t let our chatter concern you, more of an education thread so you’re more informed.
Driving in Italy is a breeze and safe with the exception of Napoli (avoid driving in that city). Best way to see the place, IMHO. GPS eliminates many of the driving challenges so it’s worth it if you’re not 100% comfortable. Heck, I’m totally comfortable driving in Italy and every time I’ve found myself in some situation where I blurt out “GPS would have been a good idea right here.” All part of the adventure.
Just got a notice from a collection company in California that the city of Parma has ticketed me for $461. They want the money or they’ll ding my credit. Go for it.
Wonder what you have to do in a car to get a $461 ticket?
Why would a collection company send you a traffic violation fine?
First, let your credit card know that you will contest it.
Second, send a letter to the collection company to provide the nature/notice of the violation.
I’m always booking through autoeurope.com, never had any problems with them. They work with respected companies (at least on this side of the ocean) like Avis, Hertz and Europecar and often get cheaper prices than renting directly from the latter companies themselves.
Prices really depend on the season and the traject, in high season it can be 100€/day while in low season the same car can be 15€/day.
I like auto Europe. Rented from them many times over the years. Last summer, after USAIR cancelled our flight, AFTER we took off, and we left the next day for a different arrival city, Milan vs. Venice, they were easy to deal with and make changes to our arrangements. Be careful with multi-country drop off charges. Saved a ton of money last Summer by dropping off rental car in San Remo and taking short train ride to Nice where we picked up 2nd rental.
I am also a fan of Auto Europe. Have rented from them many times.
Regarding an IDL - you absolutely must have it if renting a car in Japan. You cannot rent without it. That’s the only place I’ve ever been told it was necessary.