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 Alhambra 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.

•  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 Alhambra California 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.

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Alhambra CA Area Attractions

• Alhambra Hospital Medical Center
• San Gabriel Valley Medical Center (1.84 miles)
• Garfield Medical Center (2.05 miles)
• Lombardy Road (2.78 miles)
• California Institute of Technology (2.86 miles)
• Huntington Memorial Hospital (2.94 miles)
• California State University - Los Angeles (2.97 miles)
• Kidspace Children's Museum (3.00 miles)
• Colorado Street Bridge (3.10 miles)
• South Lake Avenue (3.10 miles)
• Heritage Square Museum (3.23 miles)
• Marlinda Convalescent Hospital (3.41 miles)
• Pasadena Civic Auditorium (3.43 miles)
• Pacific Asia Museum (3.57 miles)
• Pasadena Museum of Art (3.60 miles)
• Plaza Las Fuentes (3.79 miles)
• Robinson Memorial (3.79 miles)
• Norton Simon Museum of Art (3.84 miles)

Alhambra rental guide