Smarter Car Renting

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

•  Book your reservation in advance. Rates can vary drastically, even for the same rental car in Modesto California. By booking your car early, you can avoid last minute rate increases. It can also help assure your desired vehicle-type will be available at high demand car rental locations.

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

•  Fear of the Unknown: Unfamiliar with the streets of Modesto? Consider adding a GPS navigation system to your rental. GPS provides turn-by-turn directions to a number of Modesto attractions and businesses, and is offered by almost all Modesto 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.

Click here to see Modesto attractions

Modesto CA Area Attractions

• Central Valley Surgery Center
• Doctors Medical Center
• Great Valley Museum
• John Thurman Field
• Memorial Hospitals Association
• Modesto Junior College
• Oak Valley District Hospital (11.03 miles)
• California State University - Stanislaus (11.04 miles)
• Sierra Railroad Dinner Train (11.94 miles)
• Emanuel Medical Center (12.44 miles)
• Office Shaped Like Bulldozer (13.69 miles)
• Lathrop's Crashed UFO (20.57 miles)
• Harlequin House Art Center (26.38 miles)
• Community Medical Center (26.95 miles)
• Children's Museum of Stockton (27.25 miles)
• King of the Windmills (27.31 miles)
• Mission Accomplished Bible Clg (27.61 miles)
• Saint Joseph Medical Center (28.00 miles)

Modesto rental guide