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 Palo Alto 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.

•  Under 25? Everyone over 25 assumes you are an awkward and unpredictable risk behind the wheel. Ridiculous, you say, without taking your eyes off the road. But be sure to check with Palo Alto California car rental companies about their specific policies. Some agencies require the driver to be at least 25 while other rental companies may allow younger drivers to rent for an additional fee. Have more than one driver? Be sure to ask if additional charges apply for more than one person driving the rental car.

•  Car Types: When selecting a car type, remember it's not just about how cool you'll appear. The car selection page details show an average of how many people and how many pieces of luggage can comfortably fit in each car type. Pay attention to the specifics to be certain they meet your needs before booking.

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Palo Alto CA Area Attractions

• Institute Of Transpersonal Psychology
• Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
• Palo Alto Health Care
• Palo Alto Ski Club Inc
• Stanford Hospital and Clinics
• Sunken Diamond - Stanford University (1.12 miles)
• Taube Family Tennis Stadium - Stanford University (1.21 miles)
• Maples Pavillion - Stanford University (1.32 miles)
• Stanford Stadium - Stanford University (1.45 miles)
• Stanford University (2.33 miles)
• Menlo College (3.79 miles)
• Grant-Cuesta Nursing and Rehab (5.09 miles)
• Montessori Teacher Training (5.12 miles)
• Mountain View Health Care Center (5.36 miles)
• El Camino Hospital (5.36 miles)
• Kaiser Foundation Hospital - Redwood City (6.23 miles)
• Moffett Field Golf Course (6.26 miles)
• Cogswell College (6.53 miles)

Palo Alto rental guide