Grab a one-way rental car to Arizona for $5 a day

The ultimate road-trip incentive is back. Hertz is offering one-way car rentals to Arizona from California and other Western states for $5 a day. It’s a great excuse to take off, explore somewhere you’ve never been and save a bundle.

The deal: I like this deal because it appeals to my sense of adventure on a shoestring. I used this promotion in the spring for a 13-day road trip that covered more than 3,400 miles. My car rental cost: $65, excluding gas and tax. Who can beat that?

This Drive for $5 offer allows you to pick up an economy or compact car at locations in California, Colorado or Utah and drive as much as you want (unlimited mileage) as long as you drop the car off in Arizona. The deal is limited to 14 days, but you can take advantage of this offer more than once. Use the code “DRV5” when making a reservation.

When: The offer is good for car rentals Aug. 18 to Oct. 12.

Tested: I checked online for availability during the Labor Day weekend and found a rental I could pick up at Los Angeles International Airport at 10 a.m. Sept. 2 and return at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) at the same time on Sept. 6. How you get back to California is up to you.

Contact: Hertz, (800) 654-3131