· Under 25? Some companies do not rent to drivers between 21 and 25. Check the Web site’s rental policy page to see if the company will rent to you, so you won’t have a surprise when you arrive.

· While price is important, so is a variety of vehicles. Choose a company that offers vehicles from all manufacturers, both domestic and foreign. Consider selecting a roomy vehicle rather than just a compact. The additional price will be worth it and will add to your vacation or business trip.

· Equally important is to check the company’s roadside assistance program. While some companies provide in-house roadside service, it is better to select one that utilizes a vehicle manufacturer’s roadside assistance program.

· Traveling with Children -- First and foremost, if you will be taking a young child with you, request a child seat in advance.

· When including children on a vacation, bring playthings to keep them occupied. Picture books, noiseless toys and favorite cuddly toys will make the trip enjoyable for all. And if your children enjoy music, bring along music players with headsets to keep their toes tapping.

· Let your kids help you select which attractions to visit, during the months and weeks before your vacation. Have them help you request travel brochures from various chambers of commerce. When the brochures arrive, let the young ones select their favorite tourist destinations. The kids’ input will make them feel a part of the trip planning. Hang an oversize calendar on the wall and have them help plan the travel itinerary, making note of the hours and days the attractions are open. Make sure they understand the budget limits, so they can decide which tourist attractions (such as an amusement park) are “must visits” and which ones are worth omitting.

· Especially when traveling with young children, keep your driving periods reasonable. Hours-long trips with no stops can be stressful not only to the adults but to kids. Whenever possible, select picturesque, interesting routes where you can stop and enjoy the scenery and other attractions.

· Take a trash bag and zip lock bags. They will come in handy for garbage, keeping toys clean and collecting souvenirs. Extra soap and toilet paper will come in handy at public restrooms.

· While many families like to start each day’s journeys at the break of dawn, it might not be a good idea if it means waking up the kids too early. Better that the parents get up early, and take care of the non-essentials and let the little ones wake up on their own as they hear the activity of their parents getting ready.

· When traveling, eat at the same time of the day your kids are accustomed to at home. Bringing along a familiar tablecloth or fruit bowl will make the meals more “homey”.

*Tips courtesy of Fox Rent A Car.