2 Weeks - Car Rental

[zacno]

June 2010 my family will be taking a trip to CA. As my husband will be in Reno for a few days at the end of June, me and my 2 sons will fly out to meet him there.
We want to rent a car in Reno and return it in San Diego. We want to go to Yosemite, SF, Monterey, and other stops down the coast. How soon should I be looking to rent the car and any ideas on how to get the best deal?
Any ideas or past experience advice would be appreciated. Lisa

 

[CPT Tripss]

I don't think you can make a reservation more than a year out. That said, it's never too early to reserve a car (once the companies will allow you). I usually reserve and cancel many times before a trip like you are taking. I shop on a regular basis using all the codes I can find . . . if I get a better deal than I have, a new ressie and then cancel the old. I probably spend hours shopping, but I have saved significant amounts.

As DH will be in Reno before you and DSs arrive, will he need a car then? If not it may be a better deal to rent from a non-airport location.

If you want to stay in the park at Yosemite, make those ressies early too!