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 Fairhope 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.

•  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.

•  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.

Click here to see Fairhope attractions

Fairhope AL Area Attractions

• Thomas Hospital
• Arthur R. Outlaw - Mobile Convention Center (13.19 miles)
• Charlotte Conde Museum House (14.13 miles)
• Mobile Museum of Art (14.22 miles)
• Mobile Civic Center (14.22 miles)
• Phoenix Fire Museum (14.23 miles)
• Gulf Coast Exploreum (14.24 miles)
• Museum of Mobile (14.24 miles)
• Tanger Outlet Center (14.36 miles)
• Oakleigh House Museum (14.52 miles)
• National African American Archives (14.55 miles)
• Uss Alabama Battleship (14.64 miles)
• Mobile Medical Museum (15.60 miles)
• University of South Alabama Children's and Women's Hospital (15.98 miles)
• Mobile Infirmary Medical Center (16.08 miles)
• Bragg-Mitchell House Museum (16.17 miles)
• University of South Alabama Medical Center (17.47 miles)
• Tillman's Corner Community Center (17.59 miles)

Fairhope rental guide