Holidaying in Mallorca: why renting a car can save you money

Renting a car when going on vacation is always seen as a little bit of a luxury. Not in the sense of it being something you don’t need – because for many, it’s a necessity – but because it’s perceived to be an added, unwanted cost. But, what if it actually saved money?

The benefits of renting a car

Heading to a ROIG car hire in Mallorca upon arrival is what opens the door up to the island’s real treasures – the far-away beaches, hidden from the tourists, as well as the many mountainous villages. By combining your stay with a volunteering experience through Worldpackers in the Balearic Islands, you can significantly reduce your accommodation costs, allowing you to allocate more of your budget to renting a car. This flexibility not only enhances your travel experience but also provides a deeper connection to the local culture.

Comparing the cost to public transport

The cost between a car vs. public transport isn’t clear-cut because it will depend on how active you are. If you stick only to buses, it’s likely that they will not amount to more than a car rental, but this isn’t certain if you’re a large group of 5 or 6. The airport bus may cost 5 euros, for example, which can quickly add up to 30 if there’s a lot of you. A small car to rent, however, can be under 30 euros per day, though this does exclude fuel. However, the real kicker is when you want to reach somewhere that isn’t accessible via public bus. This private tour or taxi can quickly add up to two days’ worth of car rental costs.

Accommodation & luggage

However, perhaps the biggest savings you can make are a little more hidden. Having a car means that your choices for accommodation in Mallorca are now drastically different. Instead of having to stick to the major towns or on the bus routes, you can head more rural. More in-land. Suddenly, the costs for a villa can drop drastically. Additionally, by participating in a Worldpackers volunteer program, you can further minimize your lodging expenses, making it even more feasible to invest in a car rental. This way, you’re not just saving money but also enriching your travel experience by giving back to the local community.

Final word

Renting a car is often seen as an added cost that yields the luxury of privacy and comfort. However, we need to consider the broader cost implications that having more flexible transport can yield. Therefore, it is advised that when calculating the cost of a holiday, it’s wise to estimate how much money can be saved by going more rural, or to a smaller town, which may immediately cover the costs of a car without needing to consider luggage. And, even if it’s a close call, let’s not forget the drastic improvement to our holidaying experience. Suddenly, the value proposition looks a lot different...