Smarter Car Renting

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

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

•  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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Tampa FL Area Attractions

• Adventure Island
• Big Cat Rescue
• Busch Gardens
• Carol Morsani Hall
• Downtown Tampa
• Florida Aquarium
• Ford Amphitheatre
• Henry B. Plant Museum
• Houlihan's Stadium
• In the Breeze Ranch
• James A Haley Veterans Hospital
• Legends Field - George M. Steinbrenner Field
• Lowry Park Zoo
• Raymond James Stadium - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Ruskin Seafood Festival
• St. Pete Times Forum - Tampa Bay Lightning
• Tampa Bay Downs
• Tampa General Hospital

Tampa rental guide