Smarter Car Renting

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

•  Fear of the Unknown: Unfamiliar with the streets of Muscle Shoals? Consider adding a GPS navigation system to your rental. GPS provides turn-by-turn directions to a number of Muscle Shoals attractions and businesses, and is offered by almost all Muscle Shoals car rental agencies. The GPS helps you navigate like some mythical Greek God of Navigation! You can also add your own portable GPS on your handy windshield sucker, but remember to take it all with you when you turn in the car at the end of your trip.

•  Many States, One Car: If renting a car for a longer road trip, check with the car rental companies in Muscle Shoals, Alabama 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!

•  Damaged: Always carefully eyeball your vehicle before leaving the rental agency, whether you're in Muscle Shoals 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 Muscle Shoals attractions

Muscle Shoals AL Area Attractions

• Helen Keller Hospital (2.78 miles)
• Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital (3.99 miles)
• University of North Alabama (4.63 miles)
• Health South Florence Surgery (6.08 miles)
• Valley Surgery Center (6.39 miles)
• Children's Museum of the Shoal (6.68 miles)
• International Bible College (8.11 miles)
• Northwest Sports Med and Rehab (16.70 miles)
• Haleyville Health Care Center (36.68 miles)
• Parkway Medical Center (37.86 miles)
• David Crockett State Park (37.95 miles)
• Athens-Limestone Hospital (38.43 miles)
• Athens State University (38.95 miles)
• Decatur General Hospital (39.92 miles)
• Martin Methodist College (46.92 miles)
• Bradford Health Services (49.11 miles)
• Magnolia Regional Hospital (50.17 miles)
• Northeast Mississippi Museum (51.29 miles)

Muscle Shoals rental guide