Green travel resorts are basically environmentally friendly properties that have owners who are dedicated to the green movement. They are enthusiastic to initiate programs to save water, energy and reduce excessive waste that is otherwise generated in luxury hotels. Even though such properties require a higher level of initial investment, green resorts are aware that going green is in the benefit of the property and the earth at large in the long term.
Contrary to general belief, a green property can add all the savings that it gets in energy, water and recycling towards its bottom line. Energy management systems like fluorescent bulbs, linen cards, light out cards, motion sensors and more add to the savings at the end of the day.

The top 10 green travel hotels in California have been listed here if you would also like to contribute to the green movement and opt for an environmentally friendly hotel or resort.

1.    Green Travel Resorts in California: Pelican Cove Inn, Cambria

Located just across Moonstone Beach, this luxurious hotel offers cooked breakfast in the morning, wine in the afternoon and each evening meal is accompanied by dessert. A spacious lounge where you can enjoy the fireplace in one of the large cozy sofas is always at your disposal. A part of a line of hotels that pride themselves in gardening, this hotel also features a specific kind of garden. Toiletries are provided in dispensers to avoid the increasing landfills. An organic kitchen is maintained to ensure that the vegetables that you consume are completely fresh and clean.

2.   Green Travel Resorts in California: Terranea (LA’s ocean Front resort)

Dedicated to energy saving with its energy saving fluorescent lighting and low voltage devices, this resort claims a saving of 3 watts per square foot. Dimmers and motion sensors are used everywhere to ensure as much saving as possible. This resort also has a ‘Destination Earth’ taskforce that initiates and implements new conservation ideas.

3.    Green Travel Resorts in California: Post Ranch Inn

Among the cliffs of Big Sur, this inn is a romantic destination that showcases its commitment to the green movement by using solar energy, providing low flow shower heads, use of industrial size equipment to wash linen, maximizing natural light in design and the use of organic and recyclable products.

4.    Green Travel Resorts in California: Gaia Napa Valley Hotel

This property should be applauded for being the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified gold property. Here the tiles and carpets are recycled and the wood is harvested from mangled forest. But this property is as luxurious as any other in terms of the comforts that it provides its guests.

5.  Green Travel Resorts in California: Bardessono

Located in the middle of California’s wine country, this modern hotel has also bagged the LEED platinum award. Spanning about 6 acres, Bardessono has organic herb gardens, drought tolerant foliage, and recycled stone and salvaged walnut furniture. All grey and black water is recycled and used for irrigation.

6.    Green Travel Resorts in California: Blue Marble Spa

Hyatt’s first eco friendly property, the Blue Marble Spa is located at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay. The property has been named Blue Marble based on the look of the earth from space. The menu of the resort is in digital format and all the skin care products used in the spa are organic in nature. Spa linen is dyed using organic dyes with the use of eco friendly processes too.

7.    Green Travel Resorts in California: Keystone Resort

Among the many green initiatives of Keystone are recycling and energy saving. The property has also partnered with the National Forest Service in order to raise money for various conservation projects.

8.  Green Travel Resorts in California: Forever Resorts at Lake Don Pedro Marina

Dedicated to the green movement for many years, all the properties of Forever Resorts are certified as green. This property has a lake with a surface area of 13000 square acres of water and 160 miles of shoreline that the resort helps in maintaining.

9.  Green Travel Resorts in California: Radisson Hotel at the LA Airport

A certified green hotel, the Radisson at the LA airport has been awarded Green Seal’s Silver Level certification under the GS-33 Environmental Standard for Lodging Properties.

10.    Green Travel Resorts in California: Historic Sand Rock Farm

A few minutes away from Pacific Coast Highway 1, this is a simple bed and breakfast retreat that is dogged about its environmental approach. Member of the Green Hotels Association, this retreat is extremely elegant.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Fall is almost here and Napa Valley is getting ready for the cooler season of the year. Once the summer heat is over and school has started again, the daily routines quickly take over the family life again. But what if you want to break out of those routines for a weekend, yet can’t spend much money on a trip? Fox Rent A Car recommends to visit Napa Valley in October and go to some of the free family events! There are many events and parades happening, and we know which ones you and your family will love.

Napa Valley Free Family Events: Yountville Days Parade and Festival

October 3, 2010, 11 am to 4 pm
The City of Yountville, just a few miles north of Napa, CA will hold its 33rd Annual Yountville Days Parade & Festival on the first weekend in October. Gather anywhere between the Veterans home and Washington Street at Yountville Park, this will be the route for the parade. At the park, you and your family can find delicious foods and beverages, and lots of fun and entertainment. This is the first free family event in Napa Valley in October, so have fun!

Napa Valley Free Family Events: Calistoga’s Annual Rockabilly Roundup

October 10, 2010, 1 pm – 9 pm
If your family loves rockabilly, this is the place to go! Calistoga is about 8 miles north of St. Helena, CA in beautiful Napa Valley. The atmosphere and surrounding are just perfect for the 5th Annual Rockabilly Roundup at Calistoga’s Pioneer Park. Local rockabilly bands, such as Los High Tops, the Buckshot Boys, Missfire & The Detonations, and many others will play and make your afternoon and night!

Napa Valley Free Family Events: St. Helena Hometown Harvest Festival and Wine Auction

October 16, 9am – 5pm
Get your family members out of their beds early on October 16 for the St. Helena Hometown Harvest Festival on Oak Avenue and Tainter Street. The event starts with a fun run to wake you up. Later on you can watch the Pet Parade and then stroll through the booths that present local foods and crafts, wines and music and much more. Also, see what you can get at the Wine Auction!

Napa Valley Free Family Events: Hometown Halloween Parade

October 30, 2010, 1pm – 3pm
Its one of the biggest Halloween parties of the region! Kids, adults, pets, stores – everyone and every place celebrates the Halloween day, enjoys a great costume contest, and takes part in a safe trick or treat game at all merchant stores in Napa downtown. The pet costume contest starts at 1pm, the parade at 2pm. What a great way to spend the afternoon with lots of fun for little or no money.

Napa Valley Free Family Events: Downtown Calistoga Halloween Parade

October 31, 2010, from 6pm
Dusk comes over downtown Calistoga on Halloween day, and its time to gather at Lincoln Avenue for the annual parade! Join as a spectator or just to watch the costumes, you will for sure have lots of fun. Afterwards, stop by at the haunted house at Monhoff Center. The tour is not for free, but the benefits are donated to local causes. Afterwards, enjoy some refreshments at the fairgrounds and be ready for the costume contest. Spooky Halloween!

Fox Rent A Car wishes you a great October and lots of fun in Napa Valley. Whether you are interested in wines, music, parades or simply enjoy people gathering for a special local event – you will get all of it in Napa Valley, for free.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

When you are driving trough North California or taking a vacation here, you must know the great places to dine. But equally important also is to know the right places to eat while you are sightseeing or when you want to catch a quick bite so that you can always savor the food on a vacation. Here are the top 10 foodie spots in Northern California.

Top 10 Foodie Spots in Northern California: Renata’s Creperie

If you are looking for some delicious local food, then this is the place to be. The crepes are exotic and covered with fresh fruits and your choice of sauce too. Whether it is the plain and simple scrambled eggs or the innovative black forest ham, you can expect to get the maximum satisfaction from each bite. Some great items on the menu include ‘Tender Lovin’ Chicken’, ‘Crepe Normandy’ and ‘Righteous Babe’. You also get great salads and soup here.

Top 10 Foodie Spots in Northern California: Forte Frozen Yogurt

A haven for someone who loves yogurt, the warmth of the ambience and the service does not melt the frozen wonder! From a large variety of flavors to unconventional and traditional toppings, this place is filled with luscious and exotic fruits and yogurt. See yourself go ballistic over blueberries, kiwi fruit and cherries.

Top 10 Foodie Spots in Northern California: Toni’s Courtyard Café and Bakery

If you love a sandwich meal, then Toni’s is the place to visit when you are in the Northern part of California. The secret of Toni’s success lies in the fresh ingredients that are used every single day. In addition to sandwiches you can also expect to find interesting salads, sweet potato fries, focaccia, coffee and cookies. Try the California Scramble for breakfast or the Classic Turkey with Potato Salad and the Tuscan Chicken for lunch.

Top 10 Foodie Spots in Northern California: In-N-Out Burger

Nothing beats a good sumptuous burger when you are looking for a quick bite but do not want to compromise on the taste. Founded in 1948, this chain of burger outlets is headquartered in Irvine. You can get your pick of cheese burgers, hamburgers and the Double-Double too. The French fries are made to perfection and the drink is always chilled to the right temperature.

Top 10 Foodie Spots in Northern California: Pho Thiên Long

For some oriental cuisine, try the Vietnamese selection for a change at Pho Thiên Long. Try the Bun Vermicelli Noodles with shrimp and beef and you are sure to come back for more of this interesting cuisine. You can also always choose from a range of sauces that include Chili Garlic Sauce, Hoisin or Sarachi.

Top 10 Foodie Spots in Northern California: Toukies

Northern California has something for everyone and with so many people turning vegetarian these days, Toukies offers a great variety for those who want their greens fresh. The yummy garlic bread with broccoli will make you fall in love with the vegetable once again. The avocado, alfalfa sprouts and tomato sandwich is something to talk about too. Try their Thai coconut curry or lasagna or enchiladas or the Hawaiian Stir Fry and you will not be disappointed.

Top 10 Foodie Spots in Northern California: Diamondback Grill

For some delicious American barbecue and grill, Diamondback Grill is the place to go to. The garlic fries and the sweet potato fries are so good, you would do a lot to get a portion of these. The grilled cheese, burgers and salads may sound extremely run of the mill but the taste is extraordinary and great.

Top 10 Foodie Spots in Northern California: Pea Soup Anderson’s

One of the most memorable places to go to if you are driving on your way back from a holiday, not many forget Pea Soup Anderson if they have been here before. Fresh croissants, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon and just the right amount of mayo can make a perfect Californian breakfast. The split pea soup is a great favorite among the regulars, so don’t miss it if you are here for lunch.

Top 10 Foodie Spots in Northern California: Angelini’s Italian Restaurant

No top 10 list is complete without a mention of some Italian restaurant. But Angelina’s is not just another Italian restaurant. The warmth of the place along with the service shall have you floored, and maybe you will check this place out even more than once?

Top 10 Foodie Spots in Northern California: Screamin’ Mimi’s

To finish it off, there is Mimi and her unique and alluring desserts. Here you can find over 300 ice creams and about 8 sorbets to choose from. Make your own creations if you want to and unleash the creativity or just opt for one of Mimi’s concoctions and savor them!

Enjoy your meal at one of our Fox Rent A Car recommended eateries and let us know how you liked it!

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Who could imagine that just a short drive from San Francisco over the Golden Gate Bridge, lies Muir Woods with all its resplendent beauty? The old-growth redwood forest of Muir Woods National Monument are also covered under the aegis of The Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It is considered to be the best tree lover’s monument across the country.
Some of the tallest trees also called the mammoth trees that thrive in California and South Oregon can be seen here. The 550 acre woods are names after the famous naturalist John Muir, also founder of the Sierra Club.

Muir Woods – Getting there

Sponsored by Marin Transit and the National Park Service, Route 66 is probably the best way to get to Muir Woods without navigating through the maddening traffic. While it can also be reached via the Golden Gate, this is a relatively more well known route among those who have been to this location earlier and likely to be more congested. A round trip costs $3 for an adult while the elderly, children and people with disabilities need to pay only $1. There are bus transit connections from San Francisco, Sausalito, Northern Marin County and ferry connections from San Francisco as well.

Muir Woods – Timing

Muir Woods are open for all from 8am in the morning till sunset. Therefore the time of closure depends on the time at which the sun is expected to set that evening. It is a good idea to plan to arrive before 10am in the summers, failing which postponing the visit after 3pm is recommended.

Muir Woods – Cost

Entry for adults costs $3 and the same is free for children under the age of 15.

Muir Woods – Activities

Hike Dipsea Trail – This trail that runs from visitor’s center to Cathedral Grove is easy and paved into a loop. The walk is covered amidst some of the oldest redwood trees that are sometimes more than 250 feet tall. Branch off into the Dipsea trail and then towards the Ben Johnson cutoff to catch a view of Mount Tamalpais. If you do not take the Ben Johnson cutoff you can go right up to the Stinson Beach.
Salmon Spawning – In the redwood Creek you will be able to see both coho and steelhead salmon. Their mating dance is an amazing thing to watch with tail flapping in the rainy season.
Biking on Mount Tamalpais – Since these woods sit at the base or lower levels of Mount Tamalpais, you can choose the nearby Elridge trail in the Mount Tamalpais State Park if you are so inclined. Once at the top you can get the most mesmerizing view of the Marin Headlands and the bay.

Muir Woods – Flora and Fauna

While there is a fair amount of flora and fauna that lies within the forests, most of these are dominated by the large and awe inspiring trees. The Stellar Jays do tend to lay their claim on the attention that is due to them. The numerous beautiful ladybugs clustered together by the thousand can generally be seen on the horsetail ferns. The banana slug intrigues and disgusts everyone alike.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Driving in and around the Bay Area means a lot of time that needs to get spend in the car and you can be sure that the kids are likely to get upset and want some place to go to where they can enjoy without being confined to their seat. If you have planned a trip that involves a fair amount of riding in the car, make sure that you accommodate adequate number of stops on the way to keep the little ones happy. Here are some of the great places that you can visit when you go to San Jose or pass through the area towards your destination.

Kids Fun Places in San Jose: Children’s Discovery Museum

The angular purple building is impossible to miss if you are riding in the area. This is not a museum that your kids will get bored in as you go through exhibit after exhibit that is displayed. This is one place where they can get involved and explore the various exhibits that have been put in. Your kids can prod, poke, tinker, pull and test as they give went to their curiosity and creativity. And there are enough displays for your kids to remain busy for a significant amount of time.

Kids Fun Places in San Jose: Happy Hollow Park and Zoo

This was a park that was later converted into a zoo from a private collection of animals and birds. The Happy Hollow Park and Zoo entry fee is extremely affordable for the amount of fun that it offers to the whole family. Enjoy the rides, the food, the puppet theatre and other entertaining attractions of the zoo and park. In the meantime, the designated driver can even catch a lazy snooze under a tree or a walk on the pathways as the kids have some safe fun.

Kids Fun Places in San Jose: Raging Waters

The largest water park of Northern California, Raging Waters is a 50 acre space that has millions of gallons of water fun packed in one place. There are high speed rides, water slides, rafts, wave pools, the lazy river and interactive play areas as well. Some major attractions include The Dragon’s Den, a 35 feet bowl ride and the Dropout, which is a 7 story vertical drop. Not enough fun? What about the High Extreme – the park’s couple tube ride. There is also Neptune’s Fury that is a four person raft ride with a 60 foot drop. For the younger ones there are splash pads, water playgrounds and smaller slides too.

Kids Fun Places in San Jose: Tech Museum of Innovation

For the older kids, the Tech Museum of Innovation can prove to be a bewitching area. If you want your pre-teens to wonder at the marvels that technology can provide, you must get them here for some solid entertainment and learning. The 132,000 square feet of live technology covers four themes. There is the Hackworth IMAX Dome Theater and the space also includes workshops and labs. Obviously you also have an upscale café and a retail store from where you can get some nice gifts and other Silicon Valley items.

Kids Fun Places in San Jose: Alum Rock Park

The park may not seem like a typical place meant for the kids, but if you want to expose your children to the wild side of nature and let them explore, then this is a place that you must include in your plans. The 720 acre Alum Rock Park allows you many activities like bicycling, horseback riding and trails. There is the popular Eagle Rock and the hike to the north Rim is also extremely interesting. Get your kids some family time in the nature, show the flora and fauna to your kids and they will just love the variety.

Fox Rent A Car wishes you a safe and comfortable drive in the San Jose area! Do you have any spots that your kids just love to stop at when you are close by in San Jose? Tell us about it, parents and drivers will love you for your tips!

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

With the summer season started, many fishers are heading out to get some good-sized catches and to relax in the nature. But where should you go to if you live in Northern California? Fox Rent A Car knows it! Have fun at the best fishing places in Northern California.

Fishing places Northern California: Clear Lake

Clear Lake has some records to its name. Not only is it the largest freshwater lake in the state of California, it also has been awarded to be the number one lake of the nation for bass fishing! You will find a good amount of largemouth bass here, as well as channel catfish, bluegill and crappie. Best time to come is from March through June and in September and October. Save the date for your fishing trip!

Fishing places Northern California: San Joaquin River Delta

San Joaquin River Delta is an ideal place for fishing. Five important rivers meet here and build a huge delta. This delta has been connected through artificial channels, so the total water ways add up to more than 1,000 miles! The delta is known to be one of the nation’s best bass fisheries. However, be careful since there are huge tidal fluctuations that you have to be prepared for. On the other hand – the fish that you can catch here is just as huge as those fluctuations, so good luck!

Fishing places Northern California: Lake Oroville

Lake Oroville is a beautiful 15,500-acre lake in Northern California. All year long you can catch decent-sized spotted and largemouth bass, which may not have record sizes, yet the sheer number is a fishermen’s dream.  The most action takes place in the four arms of Feather River, North, idle, West and South forks. You can come here for fishing all year long, yet best times are April and May, as well as September and October.

Fishing places Northern California: East Park Reservoir

Northwest of Sacramento, you can go for some great fishing at East Park Reservoir, which is open year-round. Especially in the spring time the size of bass gets big, yet there is less bass in the summer months, which can get very hot. If you come here for fishing in the summer, come very early or late afternoon, or what do you think about a night fishing trip? Other fish that you can find here include bluegill, catfish and crappie fish.

The Fox Rent A Car team wishes you a sensational summer and great fishing trips. What are your favorite fishing places in Northern California, and when is the best time to go there? Have a great catch!

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

After we already presented good and cheap golf courses in Seattle and Las Vegas, we are now heading to the San Francisco Bay area. At our three locations in San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland are plenty of golf courses you should give a try. Fox Rent A Car presents 9 of those courses that you will love!

1. Lincoln Park Golf Course San Francisco

Lincoln Park Golf Course offers a well-maintained ground with a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge! If you just can’t see this bridge often enough, this is your Golf Course of choice.

2. Harding Park Golf Course San Francisco

Harding Park Golf Course does have quite some history and if you go there, you may even see some celebrities! It is a municipal park and you should definitely go there, especially when the grounds are dry.

3. Golden Gate Park Golf Course San Francisco

This golf course does not have the golf-pro atmosphere, but rather allows you to relax, chill and to just enjoy your game. Beginners and medium players will feel very comfortable practicing their skills on this course.

4. Montclair Golf Course Oakland

Montclair offers double the entertainment! Hit a bucket of balls on the golf driving range, or enjoy the nine hole par 3 pitch and putt course. No matter how much time you have in Oakland, you will spend it well in this place.

5. Metropolitan Golf Links Oakland

A driving range and 18 holes is what expects you at Metropolitan Golf Links in Oakland, CA. Despite its size, this place is welcoming and affordable, so definitely something you should check out.

6. Alameda Chuck Corica Golf Complex Oakland

This place offers you a lot of entertainment for the buck! It has three courses that you can discover and you will not have to spend a lot of money for a whole day of golfing. What else do you want?

7. San Jose Municipal Golf Course San Jose

San Jose Muni Golf Course offers flat, well-maintained and beautiful holes, as well as a two-story driving range. It is relatively easy to play and therefore a very good spot for beginners.

8. Rancho Del Pueblo Golf Course  San Jose

Rancho Del Pueblo offers nine rather easy holes and is a good place for those of you who either like to play a smooth and fast game, and also is great for beginners! The golf course is very affordable and you will actually get more for your money than you thought.

9. Santa Teresa Golf Club San Jose

In the South corner of San Jose you will find yourself at Santa Teresa Golf Club, where you can chose between a long course and a short course, both of them at great affordable rates. The greens are very well maintained and it’s a great spot for you and the whole family.

Not all places mentioned here? Let us know what other golf courses you can highly recommend and where our readers should go to. Have a lot of golfing fun at an affordable price!

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Northern California history – what are you thinking of when you hear those words? Mostly, your thoughts will cover Woodstock, eventually Alcatraz and of course the Golden Gate bridge. This is quite a good beginning, but there is more to see! Fox Rent A Car today presents you the most historic places in Northern California.

Historic Sites in Northern California: The Presidio in San Francisco

The Presidio is located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and for more than 200 years presented a strong and military station. The Presidio was in the hands of the Spanish and of Mexico, and now belongs to the United States. In 1994, the Presidio could retire, yet even today it is the place for the annual Memorial Day Parade in San Francisco.

Historic Sites in Northern California: The Tribune Tower in Oakland

In the 1920’s the 21-story Tribune Tower in Oakland was built. Until 1989 it was home to the Oakland Tribune, but now provides office and condominium space. Despite its age, the Tribune Tower belongs to the tallest buildings in Oakland and proves itself to be one of the city’s most important landmarks.

Historic Sites in Northern California: Old St. Mary’s Church in San Francisco

Since 1854, Old St. Mary’s Church has been in use and except for a break of three years after the big San Francisco earthquake in 1906, this building got used permanently. Even though the building was not destroyed from shaking, it got burned to the ground, even the church bells melted! Today, it serves Chinatown and Nob Hill and is a must-see of Califoria’s Historical Landmarks!

Historic Sites in Northern California: Old Sacramento State Historic Park

Old Sacramento State Historic Park is one of the most important sites of the city, when you plan on visiting the old landmarks. Among others, it hosts the city’s oldest remaining firehouse and the Big Four House. A must see and host to several museums, carriages and historic trains!

Historic Sites in Northern California: The Dutch Windmill in San Francisco

The Dutch Windmill is also located in the Golden Gate Park and its construction began and ended in 1902. The purpose of this windmill was to ensure a constant water supply for the city and it is only thanks to this construction, that the Golden Gate Park was created around it. Even though the windmill got restored in the 1980s, it desperately needs another restoration very urgently.

You see, there are quite a few other historic landmarks in Northern California that you should see when you are around. Plan a whole day or even more to stroll around in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, there is so much more to see! Enjoy your trips and send us some pictures!

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

WIN A FREE CAR RENTAL FOR JULY 4th HOLIDAY!!!

Leave a comment on this post and win a complimentary three day rental
overthe July 4th weekend from Fox Rent A Car!

It’s easy… Here is all you have to do.  Simply comment on  this post and tell us your most funny and hilarious July 4th story in 200 words or less. The story can be about you, your  family, your friends and any funny or compromising situation that any of you have been involved in over a July 4th  holiday. This could be a story that you have been telling each other for the last several years, and it always comes up over the July 4th holiday. Share your story with us and it may be chosen as the best one posted. We look forward to hearing from you.Win a Rental Car for 4th of July!

Requirements of participation:

1. Participants cannot be employed by Fox Rent A Car.

2. Leave a comment on this blog with a short story (up to 200 words), about your funniest event on a 4th July.

3. Promotion ends on June 24, 2010 at 12.00 PM PST

4. Winner will be notified by email on June 26, 2010 and have to respond within 48 hours with the complete contact information. If we do not receive a response within this given period, we will select another winner.

5. Winner will be selected for originality and creativity by the Fox Rent A Car Marketing Department and therefore may be subjective.

6. Available Cars: Economy through Full-size cars and intermediate SUV.

7. Fox Rent A Car will give out 1 (one) rental car to the selected winner for a rental period of 3 days. (Fees, taxes, and optional insurance are not covered by the promotion and have to be paid by winner)

8. Pick up date must be anytime from July 1-31, 2010 at any of our Fox Rent A Car locations.

9. Fox Rent A Car Standard Policies apply.

What are you waiting for?

Make us laugh really hard and win a free rental car for the 2010 4^th of July Weekend from Fox Rent A Car!

If you are visiting San Francisco, one of the places you have to go to is Alcatraz. There are several tour companies that offer cruises to The Rock and you should not miss out on this adventure. The official website to book tickets from is Alcatraz Cruises, prices range from $26 for the “basic” Alcatraz tours, to up to $58 for the combination ticket for Alcatraz Island and Angel Island. Today, we have prepared a list of 10 things to do to get to Alcatraz when you want it, and to fully enjoy the tour.

1. Book well in advance: You can book tickets up to 90 days earlier. We recommend to book them about one month in advance, especially during the summer season and if you book for a family or larger group.

2. Take the Early Bird Tour: The first tour to Alcatraz Island starts at 9.00am from Pier 33. It is a day less to sleep in, but well worth it since you can stroll over an almost empty prison island. The later you go, the more packed it will be, or you even have to rush to get the last ferry back to the city. Parking around Fishermen’s Wharf is expensive and rare, so you may simply want to take public transport from your hotel, or ride the Cable Car.

3. Take advantage of the Audio Tour: you will already purchase it with your ticket and audio tours are available in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese Dutch and Mandarin. Former prisoners and guards tell their stories and explain Alcatraz Island from their point of view, and you will hear about living at Alcatraz. For those who prefer to read those routines, check out this Facebook page.

4. Talk to people who work there: Eventually, you run into a former inmate or guard and who else can tell you amazing stories that hardly anybody else will hear?

5. Dress accordingly: It is San Francisco, and Alcatraz is about 15 minutes from the Coast by ferry. Cold gusts can quickly ruin the outside activities, such as walking on the island to other buildings or simply enjoying the view over the city. Remember – you can always take the jacket off, but you won’t be able to buy one when it gets too cold or windy.

6. Stroll around The Rock: See as much as you can, walk everywhere you can (and is allowed). Go and see the kitchen, the guard’s cells, the garden and the housing for the guards and their families. Much is burned down, yet there is still a lot to see and learn.

7. Study the breakout of Frank Morris and the brothers John and Clarence Anglin: Try to imagine how desperate they must have been to get through this breakout. The famous Escape from Alcatraz with Clint Eastwood may be a good preparation for this trip.

8. Plan enough time for visiting: Getting to, through and from Alcatraz will easily take you 4-5 hours. Take something to eat and drink with you to avoid the tourist prices on the ferries.

9. Get souvenirs: It may sound kitschy, but there is so much fun stuff to buy for yourself and loved ones that it would be too hard to just walk by.

10. Watch out for the birds: Alcatraz Island is home to thousands of seagull, so pay attention where you step and what is above you.

With a little planning, Alcatraz will become one of the most memorable San Francisco tours you have done in the City by the Bay. Even though the Alcatraz prison is closed for almost 50 years now, you can feel the cold and stiff atmosphere of a prison that hosted the toughest and dangerous inmates. Later on, let us know how you liked it! We are excited to hear your stories.

Enjoy your trip!

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.