In this episode: An adventure along Turkey's famous Emerald Coast, the ancient city of Antalya, and tales of hotel-hopping. Recorded 4/29/22 in Antalya, Turkey
Apr 30, 2022·edited Apr 30, 2022Liked by Christopher Elliott
I just got back from Portugal which was great by the way. I wanted to tell a story that shows that some of us are paying attention. I picked up a rental car at the Lisbon airport (Enterprise run by Guerin). After I checked in paid etc they sent me down to pick up my car in a garage which is very typical. I was told where to get my car and was a bit skeptical when I wasn't given any kind of paperwork regarding the condition of the car. So I took pictures of the car from all sides as there appeared to me that the car had been in a hail storm. Fast forward 12 days later I dropped off the car in Porto. The drop off is in the light of day and this guy is going over the car with a fine tooth comb. He was aggravating me he was doing so much writing. A couple of rims were scratched and a piece of plastic in the rear was slightly separated from the car. Of course they noted what I had seen as for the dings etc from what looked like a hail storm. Anyway the guy inside wants to speak to me. He notes all this damage to the car and I'm really pissed by now. I told the guy that I treated the car like it was my own and did no damage to the car and any damage to the car was there when I picked it up and had pictures to prove it. I complained there was no inspection done in Lisbon either. So the guy gave me an email and I sent him the pictures I had that actually showed the stuff they were trying to charge me for were done before I picked up the car in Lisbon. I also told them that they would need to prove there was an inspection report in Lisbon and that they looked at all these areas before I picked up the car and can prove there was no damage. I stated I would challenge any charge to me for damage as I had proof via pictures that any damage to the car was done previously. I havent heard anything -but regardless it pays to protect yourself even when you think you might be wasting your time. I always take a picture of the gas tank level too especially when returning the car when no one is there. I was in Pisa and the rental company claimed I didn't return the car full and wanted to charge me 84 euros. My picture of the full tank ended that claim too. Its tough enough to travel these days but you can't let your guard down once with anyone.
Going to Peru this week but was postponed from 2020 so hardly counts. The one I’m a little concerned about is Iceland and Scandanavia in September. I’m driving throughout Scandinavia and I booked all my stuff last year except of course gas. I just checked it’s in the $6/gallon range right now which is about what I just paid in Portugal. Im going no matter what. You only live once and when your dead you’ll be dead a long time.
I just got back from Portugal which was great by the way. I wanted to tell a story that shows that some of us are paying attention. I picked up a rental car at the Lisbon airport (Enterprise run by Guerin). After I checked in paid etc they sent me down to pick up my car in a garage which is very typical. I was told where to get my car and was a bit skeptical when I wasn't given any kind of paperwork regarding the condition of the car. So I took pictures of the car from all sides as there appeared to me that the car had been in a hail storm. Fast forward 12 days later I dropped off the car in Porto. The drop off is in the light of day and this guy is going over the car with a fine tooth comb. He was aggravating me he was doing so much writing. A couple of rims were scratched and a piece of plastic in the rear was slightly separated from the car. Of course they noted what I had seen as for the dings etc from what looked like a hail storm. Anyway the guy inside wants to speak to me. He notes all this damage to the car and I'm really pissed by now. I told the guy that I treated the car like it was my own and did no damage to the car and any damage to the car was there when I picked it up and had pictures to prove it. I complained there was no inspection done in Lisbon either. So the guy gave me an email and I sent him the pictures I had that actually showed the stuff they were trying to charge me for were done before I picked up the car in Lisbon. I also told them that they would need to prove there was an inspection report in Lisbon and that they looked at all these areas before I picked up the car and can prove there was no damage. I stated I would challenge any charge to me for damage as I had proof via pictures that any damage to the car was done previously. I havent heard anything -but regardless it pays to protect yourself even when you think you might be wasting your time. I always take a picture of the gas tank level too especially when returning the car when no one is there. I was in Pisa and the rental company claimed I didn't return the car full and wanted to charge me 84 euros. My picture of the full tank ended that claim too. Its tough enough to travel these days but you can't let your guard down once with anyone.
Enjoying this entire new dimension to your series, particularly with addition of your sons. Photos are enticing to want to travel with you as guide!
Always love your photos, great compliment to your other content. Thanks.
One emotion to express: Envy!
Going to Peru this week but was postponed from 2020 so hardly counts. The one I’m a little concerned about is Iceland and Scandanavia in September. I’m driving throughout Scandinavia and I booked all my stuff last year except of course gas. I just checked it’s in the $6/gallon range right now which is about what I just paid in Portugal. Im going no matter what. You only live once and when your dead you’ll be dead a long time.