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 Kirkland 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.

•  Book your reservation in advance. Rates can vary drastically, even for the same rental car in Kirkland Washington. By booking your car early, you can avoid last minute rate increases. It can also help assure your desired vehicle-type will be available at high demand car rental locations.

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

Click here to see Kirkland attractions

Kirkland WA Area Attractions

• Northwest College
• Qwest Field - Seattle Seahawks (2.07 miles)
• Redhook Ale Brewery (3.65 miles)
• Overlake Hospital Medical Center (4.45 miles)
• Meydenbauer Center (4.80 miles)
• City University (5.12 miles)
• Bank of America Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion - University of Washington (5.54 miles)
• University of Washington (5.66 miles)
• University District (5.80 miles)
• Marian Gould Gallagher Law Library (6.25 miles)
• Northgate Mall (6.35 miles)
• Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park (6.63 miles)
• Luther Burbank Park (6.81 miles)
• Summit At Snoqualmie (7.13 miles)
• Viretta Park (7.46 miles)
• Woodland Park Zoo (7.47 miles)
• Lake Union (7.88 miles)
• Ballard-Fetherston Gallery (7.93 miles)

Kirkland rental guide