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

•  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.

•  Special Requests: Special requests can be noted at the time you make your Goleta rental car reservation. Nothing too crazy, though. If you are in need of an infant or toddler car seat, navigation system, ski rack or more, be sure to make note of it when booking online. Keep in mind that requests are not guaranteed and additional fees may apply.

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Goleta CA Area Attractions

• University of Santa Barbara (0.44 miles)
• Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (0.50 miles)
• Tenet Healthcare Corp (3.65 miles)
• Santa Barbara Convalescent Hsp (5.08 miles)
• Santa Barbara Museum-History (5.59 miles)
• Fielding Graduate Institute (5.71 miles)
• Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (5.95 miles)
• Santa Barbara Museum of Art (6.38 miles)
• Santa Barbara City College (6.85 miles)
• Santa Barbara Carriage Museum (7.06 miles)
• Santa Barbara Zoo (8.22 miles)
• Westmont College (8.80 miles)
• Pacifica Graduate Institute (13.37 miles)
• Carpinteria Valley Museum (17.07 miles)
• Seaside Park (31.10 miles)
• Ventura County Museum (31.31 miles)
• Vista Del Mar Hospital (31.60 miles)
• Ventura Visitors and Convention (31.66 miles)

Goleta rental guide