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 New York 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.

•  Special Requests: Special requests can be noted at the time you make your New York 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.

•  Many States, One Car: If renting a car for a longer road trip, check with the car rental companies in New York, New York to see if they have policies about crossing state lines that affect the final rate you pay. May be no effect, but don't assume you can crisscross the globe with unlimited mileage impunity. There may be a GPS tracker in the car!

Click here to see New York attractions

New York NY Area Attractions

• A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour
• Adventureland
• American Girl Place
• Barnard College
• Barneys New York
• Baruch Performing Arts Center
• Bloomingdales
• Bowling Green Park
• Carnegie Hall
• Cathedral of St. John the Divine
• Central Park
• Central Park Zoo
• Century 21 Department Store
• Chinatown
• Chrysler Building
• City College of New York
• Columbia Presbyterian Hospital
• Columbia University

New York rental guide