Smarter Car Renting

Here are car rental tips from the road trip-seasoned editors of RoadsideAmerica.com:

•  Damaged: Always carefully eyeball your vehicle before leaving the rental agency, whether you're in Escondido or East Podunkville. The last renter may have pulled in after a meteor shower! Prior scratches, dents, and other vehicle damage can cause extra headaches and costs if not noted before you leave the rental car lot. If you see any damage on the car's exterior and interior before you leave, make sure it's noted on the rental car papers, and point it out to an agency employee. This will resolve any questions that could arise when you return. And avoid meteor showers.

•  Credit Cards for Pick-Up: Many agencies require a credit card upon pick-up. Yes, Opie, we live in that kind of world. So make sure you are in good standing with your "plastic." Call the car rental agency in Escondido before arrival or verify in the rental policy and rules to see which forms of payment they accept.

•  Fear of the Unknown: Unfamiliar with the streets of Escondido? Consider adding a GPS navigation system to your rental. GPS provides turn-by-turn directions to a number of Escondido attractions and businesses, and is offered by almost all Escondido car rental agencies. The GPS helps you navigate like some mythical Greek God of Navigation! You can also add your own portable GPS on your handy windshield sucker, but remember to take it all with you when you turn in the car at the end of your trip.

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Escondido CA Area Attractions

• California Pacific University
• Escondido Civic Center
• Ferrara Winery
• Lawrence Welk Museum
• Palomar Medical Center
• San Diego Archaeological Center
• Westminster Seminary California
• California State University - San Marcos (4.92 miles)
• Old Adobe Fine Art (5.02 miles)
• Old California Restaurant Row (6.38 miles)
• Palomar College (6.61 miles)
• Cleveland National Forest (7.28 miles)
• Pomerado Hospital (8.55 miles)
• Rancho Buena Vista Adobe (11.00 miles)
• Tri-City Medical Center (13.10 miles)
• San Diego Polo Club (13.26 miles)
• LEGOLAND California (13.31 miles)
• San Dieguito Hospital (13.33 miles)

Escondido rental guide