Smarter Car Renting

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

•  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 Rockford before arrival or verify in the rental policy and rules to see which forms of payment they accept.

•  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 Rockford Illinois 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.

•  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.

Click here to see Rockford attractions

Rockford IL Area Attractions

• Burpee Museum-Natural History
• Discovery Center Museum
• Ethnic Heritage Museum
• Family Medical Center
• Frame Shoppe-Gallery
• H Douglas Singer Mental Health Center
• Magic Waters Waterpark
• Midway Village and Museum Center
• OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
• Riverfront Museum Park
• Rockford Art Museum
• Rockford College
• Rockford Memorial Hospital
• Swedish American Hospital
• Swedish Historical Society
• Time Museum
• Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum
• Van Matre Health South Rehab

Rockford rental guide