Itinerary/rental car questions

[lattemomof3]

We will be in San Diego 1 night (Embassy Suites), do Sea World the next day, then stay in Carlsbad at West Inn & Suites that night. The next day we'll do Legoland, then drive to Anaheim to stay at Embassy Suites south that night, the next morning we'll head to DLR, staying 4 nights at DLH. Which day do you recommend getting a rental car? We could take a cab from Embassy Suites downtown SD to Sea World. Would you just get a rental at the airport when we arrive and keep it until we get to Anaheim, or take cabs and get a rental near Sea World or Carlsbad? We have never rented a car before! Is it easy to get to the spots on our itinerary? DH is a little nervous about driving. Would it just be easier to take cabs and then the Amtrak to Carlsbad and then to Anaheim, or do you think this adds to the trip length too much? TIA!

 

[bumbershoot]

Does Amtrak actually stop in Carlsbad?

Where are you flying out from? I assume you're flying into SD. One-way rentals (if you're renting it in SD but flying out of the Anaheim area and would turn in the car in the Anaheim area) are much more expensive.

Renting a car is pretty easy. Make sure you have unlimited miles, decide if you want to pre-pay to re-fill the gas tank or if you want to save money but take more time to find a gas station *just* before you get to the airport, and check with your insurance company (and/or credit card you use to pay with) to see if you need to get the extra insurance. That extra insurance is the big "gotcha" for newbie car renters...make sure you know what your own car insurance offers.

Will you have carseats for kids that will be a pain in the cabs, if you go that route?

 

[lattemomof3]

We're flying out of Denver to SD airport, then on the way home, flying out of John Wayne. Did'nt think about checking insurance, will do that! Still trying to decide which option has less hassle.