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

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

•  Many States, One Car: If renting a car for a longer road trip, check with the car rental companies in Newark, New Jersey 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 Newark attractions

Newark NJ Area Attractions

• Downtown Newark
• Essex County College
• New Jersey Historical Society
• New Jersey Institute of Tech
• Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
• Newark Museum
• University Hospital
• New Jersey Health Care System (2.97 miles)
• Seton Hall University (3.41 miles)
• Clara Maass Medical Center (3.53 miles)
• Bloomfield College (4.15 miles)
• New Jersey City University (5.41 miles)
• Trinitas Hospital (5.57 miles)
• Kessler Institute for Rehab (5.92 miles)
• Bayonne Medical Center (5.92 miles)
• Saint Barnabas Medical Center (6.53 miles)
• Christ Hospital (6.99 miles)
• Newport Centre (7.57 miles)

Newark rental guide