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.

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

•  Damaged: Always carefully eyeball your vehicle before leaving the rental agency, whether you're in Staten Island 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.

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Staten Island NY Area Attractions

• College of Staten Island
• Historic Richmond Town
• Jacques Marchais Tibetan Muse
• South Beach Psychiatric Center
• St Vincent's Catholic Medical Center
• Staten Island University Hospital
• Staten Island Zoo
• Wagner College
• Bayonne Medical Center (6.15 miles)
• Trinitas Hospital (6.18 miles)
• Keansburg Amusement Park (8.88 miles)
• Coney Island (8.92 miles)
• Runaway Rapids Water Park (8.99 miles)
• Astroland Amusement Park (9.03 miles)
• New Jersey City University (9.28 miles)
• Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (9.36 miles)
• Edison Memorial Tower (9.96 miles)
• Governor's Island (10.05 miles)

Staten Island rental guide