Travel Tips: Car Rentals

How to Get a Free Upgrade

If you want to score a gratis first-class seat, swanky suite, or high-end rental car, you can't rely on luck alone. Here are a few easy ways to ...more

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Vote Now for Budget Travel's Readers' Choice Awards!

It's our third annual Readers' Choice poll. Readers weighed in on our blog, Facebook, and Twitter with their nominations—now you have until 10 p.m. EST on May 31 to vote on the winner. We know you have strong opinions on travel—here's your chance to share them!
5 Road-Tested Tips From an RV Rookie

We sent an RV novice out on the open road with nothing but a few good friends and a self-contained hotel room on wheels. She logged plenty of bumpy miles on her maiden voyage through North Carolina's Outer Banks—so you don't have to. Here is her story—and her advice.
6 Foreign Car-Rental Fees to Watch for on Vacation

Car companies in Europe don’t think you’ll fight arcane charges in a different language—or time zone. Here’s how to steer clear of the worst ones.
10 Most Useful Travel Websites

Many sites make lofty promises, but few deliver. From booking a flight to tracking frequent-flier miles, we scoured the Internet for 10 essential websites.
Peer-to-Peer Car Rentals

If you can get past the nagging feeling that loaning a car to a stranger is crazy, peer-to-peer rental makes sense. Owners earn cash on an idle asset; borrowers save money and skip the car-rental counter.
Which Garmin GPS Unit Is Best?

You ranked Garmin as the best GPS brand in our inaugural Readers' Choice poll. So we decided to create a little friendly competition between three of its devices, awarding top honors based on performance, cool features, value, and looks.
Are Paid Travel Membership Clubs Worth It?

Turns out, sometimes spending money can actually save you money—if you know where to look.
Video: How to Rent a Hybrid

Booking a hybrid rental car can be a big hassle. To boost your chance of scoring one of these green rides, follow Budget Travel's advice in four easy steps.
Wheel Deals

Average rates for compact cars at U.S. airports are rising—which means it's time to get creative to find savings.
Secret Routes to Savings

If you're willing to go one way, you can score big in shoulder season.