Avoiding unnecessary stress and staying safe are paramount to a great vacation, so when we’re considering renting a car, it’s a good idea to consider these tips:

1. Sometimes it just makes sense to rent a car. Why put hundreds of miles of wear and tear on your own car when you can rent a brand new car that might be even more spacious and comfortable than the one in your driveway?

2. Whether renting for the entire trip or just at your destination, make sure to get a car that meets your needs. Most people associate car rentals with bland sedans, but experts say that minivans and SUVs make up almost 20 percent of the vehicles offered by car rental companies.

3. Regardless of the time of year, it’s a good idea to always book your rental car well in advance; the earlier, the better. This is especially true during the summer and holiday seasons. Booking early may save you money – and also makes it more likely that you’ll get the car that best fits your needs.

4. Check for special rates on the Internet. Visit car rental sites like Avis.com, Enterprise.com, Hertz.com or Budget.com, or go to portals like Expedia.com. There are usually special deals, like “Free Saturdays,” or other deep discounts that change frequently.

5. When you get a quote over the phone or on the Internet, make sure it reflects all fees and taxes. Some rental car companies may “unbundle” many fees, meaning that the daily rate initially quoted may grow significantly, based on airport fees, taxes, etc., so ask for “full cost pricing” up front.

6. Remember, rental car companies expect cars to be returned with a full tank of gas, so most rental car companies will charge you a fuel service fee if you return your vehicle with less than a full tank. To avoid these charges, it’s a good idea to fill up before you return the car to the rental lot.

7. Remember to plan so that you can travel safely. If you are traveling with infants or young children, bring the appropriate child safety seats. If you cannot bring your own, some rental car companies may offer both child safety and booster seats upon request, so call to learn if these seats can be provided and if so, if there is an extra cost for use. Once at your destination, gather all the info you can at the rental counter. Many car rental companies provide information on local driving regulations, tourist destinations, hotels and can suggests local radio stations for news, traffic and weather reports.

8. If you discover that there is a problem with the rental car, contact the rental company immediately.  I once noticed a problem with a rental before I even drove the car off the lot.  Another time, I experienced such awful customer service that I spoke to the manager in person and then contacted the rental company home office.  I was able to take advantage of a free car rental for my troubles.

9. Remember that even when renting a car, defensive driving and common sense are the keys to a successful road trip, so drive safely, keep your doors locked and always try to avoid situations which may turn disastrous.

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