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.

•  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.

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

Click here to see Apple Valley attractions

Apple Valley MN Area Attractions

• Minnesota Zoo
• Underwater Adventures (7.58 miles)
• Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (8.11 miles)
• Fort Snelling State Park (9.50 miles)
• Edinborough Park (9.83 miles)
• Hyland Lake Park Reserve (10.06 miles)
• Sibley House (10.40 miles)
• Fairview Southdale Hospital (11.61 miles)
• Raceway Park (12.13 miles)
• Downtown Bloomington (12.20 miles)
• John H Stevens House Museum (12.23 miles)
• Valleyfair Amusement Park (12.56 miles)
• Mystic Lake Celebrity Palace (12.99 miles)
• Canterbury Park (13.70 miles)
• Macalester College (13.75 miles)
• University of St. Thomas (13.75 miles)
• William Mitchell College of Law (14.12 miles)
• Chain of Lakes (14.18 miles)

Apple Valley rental guide