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.

•  Special Requests: Special requests can be noted at the time you make your Clearwater rental car reservation. Nothing too crazy, though. If you are in need of an infant or toddler car seat, navigation system, ski rack or more, be sure to make note of it when booking online. Keep in mind that requests are not guaranteed and additional fees may apply.

•  Many States, One Car: If renting a car for a longer road trip, check with the car rental companies in Clearwater, Florida to see if they have policies about crossing state lines that affect the final rate you pay. May be no effect, but don't assume you can crisscross the globe with unlimited mileage impunity. There may be a GPS tracker in the car!

Click here to see Clearwater attractions

Clearwater FL Area Attractions

• Bright House Network Field
• Clearwater Christian College
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium
• Morton Plant Hospital
• Dunedin Stadium (2.76 miles)
• Largo Medical Center (3.56 miles)
• Sun Coast Hospital (4.90 miles)
• Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary (9.01 miles)
• Tampa Bay Downs (10.87 miles)
• Northside Hospital & Heart Institute (11.41 miles)
• Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital (11.61 miles)
• Hubbard's Sea Adventures (12.88 miles)
• Palms of Pasadena Hospital (15.16 miles)
• Big Cat Rescue (15.49 miles)
• Great Explorations (15.59 miles)
• In the Breeze Ranch (15.78 miles)
• St Anthony's Hospital (15.79 miles)
• Tropicana Field - Tampa Bay Rays (16.03 miles)

Clearwater rental guide