Smarter Car Renting

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

•  Car Types: When selecting a car type, remember it's not just about how cool you'll appear. The car selection page details show an average of how many people and how many pieces of luggage can comfortably fit in each car type. Pay attention to the specifics to be certain they meet your needs before booking.

•  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 Winter Haven 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.

Click here to see Winter Haven attractions

Winter Haven FL Area Attractions

• Cypress Gardens
• Polk Community College
• Southeastern College Assemblies of God (12.17 miles)
• Florida Southern College (13.60 miles)
• Polk Museum of Art (13.94 miles)
• Joker Marchant Stadium (14.35 miles)
• Lakeland Regional Medical Center (14.36 miles)
• Florida School of Preaching (14.41 miles)
• St Joseph Children's Hospital (14.47 miles)
• Family Fun Center (14.79 miles)
• Central Florida Surgi-Center (15.61 miles)
• Webber International University (16.98 miles)
• Disney Wilderness Preserve (19.03 miles)
• Sun 'n Fun Air Museum (19.15 miles)
• A World of Orchids (22.23 miles)
• Thomas Kinkade Gallery (23.26 miles)
• Orange Lake Country Club (23.36 miles)
• Boggy Creek Airboat Rides (23.47 miles)

Winter Haven rental guide