Adventures in Travel - A Trip to the Ozarks ----The Beginning posted 7/15/2008 6:27:20 PM | 2 kudos what's this?     report abuse

BandTMom

After a month of planning, the reservations are made, bags are packed, and we're ready for our trip to Branson, MO. All that was left was to pick up the rental car at the airport.

We pulled into long-term parking and jumped the tram for the terminal. Once inside, I looked for the counter. Hmmm, curious. Alamo customers are to go to the bus loading area.

Outside we boarded a bus that would take us to our new, but short-termed, car. We headed out of the airport and to the office....right across the street from my boy's daycare. Sheesh, I could have parked there for free if I'd had known, but no worries.

I approached the counter with a big smile, reservation paper and debit card in hand.

"I'm sorry ma'am, but we can't rent you a car without a major credit card." The smile slid off my face and landed on my shoe.

W
T
F

My reasons for not having a credit card are personal, but excuse me for not contributing to the debt of this nation. This was totally ridiculous. Choking back my anger, we exited the building, got back on the bus and made our way back to the airport. The bus driver cheerfully informed me, "Good luck on getting a car. I hear everyone's out." Awesome. Thank you for contributing to the well being of my day.

First stop was Enterprise as I have rented from them before WITH my debit card. No dice....no cars. The nice man behind the counter told me to try Budget.

This time I cautiously walked up to the counter. Did they have cars? Yes! Could I have one? Yes....for $300.00 since weekend rates weren't in effect yet.

I could feel the tears build as I wondered how I was going to explain to my son why we were going to have to cancel our long awaited vacation. But there was no need. These people were fantastic! The manager overrode the computer and gave me the lower rate...$129.00. Now that I could live with. I am a Budget fan for life.

The car was a white Nissan Vesta...cute as heck and a joy to drive as I was to find out.

We left the airport cheering and after almost missing my interstate exit, we were on our way.

The Ozarks awaited us.

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Blogs by BandTMom: Someday A Prayer for my Friends MD Magic - Part Three MD Magic - Part Two MD Magic Adventures in Travel - A Trip to the Ozarks----The Hotel Adventures in Travel - A Trip to the Ozarks------The Journey Adventures in Travel - A Trip to the Ozarks ----The Beginning ~ Why ~ And Sometimes I Cry ~ Something Different ~ I Wait for You ~ Peace ~ The Moon ~ A Special Gift ~ The Fool ~ Learning to Love ~ The Herd ~ Lost at Sea ~ llusions? ~ Love ~ The Nature of the Mind ~ Karma ~ A Light in the Darkness, Buddhist style Raising a Child in the Bible Belt