Just booked our rental car last weekend for our upcoming cruise on 10/9. Spent several hours researching fares online at both Budget and
Avis.
1. go to Mousesavers.com and look for coupon codes. I used a
Walmart code available to everyone and was able to save some money.
2. don't assume that just because 1 company is cheaper one way that that company will be cheaper going back the other direction. We were able to save $20 by renting with Avis from TPA (tampa) to Port canaveral (3days mini van). However, Avis was over $60 more than Budget for our return trip from the Port to TPA and was only offering us 300 free miles (2 days mini van).
3. Check and recheck the mileage allowed, Budget seemed to be always unlimited mileage...Avis was not, they had a great rate listed but upon close inspection the rate included No Miles

A quick call to Avis was necessary to secure a rate only $14. more for unlimited miles.
4. go ahead and make your reservations now but check them from time to time...My Budget rate had dropped $20. since the last time I checked.
Jennifer