Smarter Car Renting

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

•  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 Gilbert Arizona 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.

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

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Gilbert AZ Area Attractions

• Arizona Railway Museum (4.99 miles)
• Western International University (5.33 miles)
• Buckhorn Wildlife Museum (5.98 miles)
• Banner Baywood Medical Center (6.30 miles)
• Mesa General Hospital Medical Center (6.53 miles)
• Banner Desert Medical Center (7.19 miles)
• Chandler Regional Hospital (7.29 miles)
• Banner Mesa Medical Center (7.61 miles)
• Champlin Fighter Museum (7.79 miles)
• Painted Mountain Golf Villas (8.40 miles)
• Sun Devil Stadium - Frank Kush Field (11.10 miles)
• Arizona State University (11.13 miles)
• Wells Fargo Arena - Arizona State University (11.18 miles)
• Downtown Tempe (11.82 miles)
• Arizona Mills (11.81 miles)
• Tempe Diablo Stadium (12.72 miles)
• Rio Salado College (12.84 miles)
• Oceanside Ice Arena (12.84 miles)

Gilbert rental guide