Travel Adventures:
CAR RENTALS

by Joel Moran

"In June of 1998 I found myself in the Casablanca, Morocco airport at 10 pm and a lengthy wait until my 7 am departure back to the States. After a quick scope of the airport I realized not only was there no decent space to crash out (let alone stretch out), but several intimidating characters were eager to see where I would end up for the night. Summoning the logic that's accessible only to those faced with an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous night's "sleep", I had a brainstorm. I browsed the car rental stalls until I found a young man who seemed willing to barter. After a good deal of haggling, I managed to score a safe place to sleep: the back seat of a rental in a fairly secure airport lot. For about $8 US I was escorted to the Ford Escort that would become my night's accomodations. I was not given the car keys (I wasn't going anywhere), but merely set up my blankets and travel alarm clock and locked myself in. The money went directly into the vendor's pocket, and I had an inexpensive and secure night's sleep! Try this option when in a country with a relatively low cost of living and the airport scene is too scary." 

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The Budget Traveller's Guide to Sleeping in Airports has been online since 1996

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