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 Syracuse 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.

•  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 Syracuse 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.

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Syracuse NY Area Attractions

• Ali Brandi Stadium
• Beech Street Gallery
• Carrier Dome - Syracuse University
• Crouse Hospital
• Discovery Center of Science
• Everson Museum of Art
• Le Moyne College
• Minette Porcelain Wildlife
• Museum of Automobile History
• Ner-A-Car Museum of Syracuse
• Onondaga Historical Society
• P and C Stadium
• Parke S Avery Historical House
• St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center
• Syracuse University
• University Hospital
• Upstate Medical University
• War Memorial at Onecenter

Syracuse rental guide