Smarter Car Renting

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

•  Leave Nothing Behind: At a road trip's end, we find we've accumulated souvenirs, kitschy mementoes, and piles of brochures from tourist attractions. These treasures prove you really traveled -- that it wasn't just some wacky delusion. When dropping off your rental car, carefully check every door pocket, drink holder and storage bin for these keepsakes. The rental car company sure doesn't have any use for them.

•  Book your reservation in advance. Rates can vary drastically, even for the same rental car in Santa Ana California. By booking your car early, you can avoid last minute rate increases. It can also help assure your desired vehicle-type will be available at high demand car rental locations.

•  Damaged: Always carefully eyeball your vehicle before leaving the rental agency, whether you're in Santa Ana 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.

Click here to see Santa Ana attractions

Santa Ana CA Area Attractions

• Coastal Communities Hospital
• Santa Ana Zoo
• Western Med Center Santa Ana
• William Howard Taft University
• Garden Grove Hospital & Medical Center (2.98 miles)
• Children's Hospital of Orange County (2.98 miles)
• St Joseph Hospital (3.08 miles)
• Spirit Life Bible College (3.29 miles)
• Orange County Museum of Art (3.40 miles)
• Fountain Valley Regional Hospital (3.78 miles)
• Angel Stadium of Anaheim - Anaheim Angels (4.12 miles)
• Hoag Health Center (4.40 miles)
• Fuller Theological Seminary (4.44 miles)
• Honda Center - Anaheim Ducks (4.58 miles)
• Chapman Medical Center (4.65 miles)
• Anaheim City Convention Center (4.89 miles)
• Irvine Museum (4.90 miles)
• Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center (4.96 miles)

Santa Ana rental guide