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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara? Consider adding a GPS navigation system to your rental. GPS provides turn-by-turn directions to a number of Santa Barbara attractions and businesses, and is offered by almost all Santa Barbara 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.

•  Special Requests: Special requests can be noted at the time you make your Santa Barbara 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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Santa Barbara CA Area Attractions

• Fielding Graduate Institute
• Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital
• Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
• Santa Barbara Carriage Museum
• Santa Barbara City College
• Santa Barbara Convalescent Hsp
• Santa Barbara Museum of Art
• Santa Barbara Museum-History
• Santa Barbara Zoo
• Tenet Healthcare Corp
• University of Santa Barbara
• Westmont College
• Pacifica Graduate Institute (7.65 miles)
• Carpinteria Valley Museum (11.33 miles)
• Seaside Park (25.49 miles)
• Ventura County Museum (25.68 miles)
• Vista Del Mar Hospital (25.91 miles)
• Ventura Visitors and Convention (26.02 miles)

Santa Barbara rental guide