When snowbirds head north, some rental car prices go south
March 3, 1997 (CNN) -- With spring's advent, various birds begin their northward migrations. Thanks to one particular species, the snowbird, you could save on your next rental car. During the winter months, car rental companies build their fleets in warmer regions, like South Florida. That's so droves of snowbirds interested in seeing the sights won't have to hoof it around town. But as spring approaches and the snowbirds fly home, demand for rental cars shifts back to the North. The migratory byproduct is big savings for travelers going the same direction, because rates can hit rock bottom. For example, National Car Rental's "Great Florida Drive Out" offers mid-size to luxury cars, starting at about $20 a day, or $90 a week. Here's how it works: You pick up the car in any of 15 Florida locations and drop it off in any of four dozen or so cities in the Northeast or Midwest. The offer is good from April 1 to June 30, but be sure to read the fine print first. Other major car rental companies offer similar rates. Prices usually include unlimited mileage -- and you won't have to pay extra fees for leaving the car in a different city. That, after all, is the idea. To find out more about this migration, ask your travel agent about car rental "repositioning rates." And remember, what goes around, comes around. When the snowbirds migrate South again next fall, you'll find similar deals. This time, heading from those cold Northern cities to sunny Florida. 
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