Cancun is a favorite vacation destination for its top-notch beachside resorts. But did you know it’s also a great base for day trips? Many travelers opt to stay at the same all-inclusive resort during their whole stay. But staying put means missing out on the Riviera Maya coastal region’s lush landscapes, historical attractions and charming small towns. Consider renting a car to explore nearby destinations at your own pace, with no need to change hotels. Here are the best day trips from Cancun.

Fabulous Day Trips from Cancun

Puerto Morelos

38 km. / 24 mi. / 38 mins.

Looking for a quick escape to an authentic beach town? This fishing town offers a laid-back escape with fresh seafood restaurants and easy access to coral reefs. Snap a selfie with the famous leaning lighthouse, search for spider monkeys in the Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin Botanical Garden, or arrange for a boat to take you on a snorkeling tour to access the second-largest reef in the world. A big advantage of having a car is being able to explore the Route of the Cenotes, a road that starts in the city and leads to several freshwater sinkholes. The cool, shaded waters of these swimming spots provide a respite from the harsh sun. Check out as many as you’d like at your own pace.

Playa del Carmen

68 km. / 42 mi. / 1 hr. 5 mins.

Want to break up your resort routine? Head about an hour down the coast to Playa del Carmen. A town with a seemingly endless array of beachside buzz, it’s the perfect place to have brunch, souvenir shop on the colorful Fifth Avenue and catch a sunset at the beach. For a more family-focused adventure, Xcaret Park offers activities such as snorkeling, a coral reef aquarium, aviary and butterfly pavilion. More adventurous travelers can check out the Rio Secreto, an underground river with turquoise waters and impressive mineral formations. >> Recommended hotels in Playa del Carmen

Cozumel

114 km. / 71 mi. / 3 hr. 1 min. (including ferry ride)

You’ll find turquoise waters, powdery sand and an away-from-it-all magic during a stay on Cozumel, the 29-mile-long island off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. While cruise ships like to stop here, the resorts away from the town center of San Miguel can be blissfully mellow, and include a number of all-inclusive options.  >> Recommended hotels in Cozumel

Tulum

131 km. / 81 mi. / 1 hr. 52 mins.

Tulum’s bohemian vibes, white-sand beaches and proximity to a biosphere reserve make the city an adventurous alternative to Cancun’s sprawling hotel zone. Check out walled Mayan ruins right on the beach, go for a dip in the Gran Cenote and grab a coffee in town at one of Tulum’s many specialty cafés. Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a protected natural area featuring guided birdwatching tours, snorkeling and boat tours along a Mayan canal.

Valladolid

156 km. / 97 mi. / 1 hr. 50 mins.

Need a break from the beach? The walkable city of Valladolid makes for a charming escape. Here you’ll find an array of museums, old churches and pastel-colored colonial houses. Your first stop should be the former San Bernardino of Siena convent, a sprawling building constructed in the 1500s set against a large park. Then, stroll down the Calzada de los Frailes, a cobblestone street full of colorful houses, shops and restaurants. Head to Valladolid’s main park to check out the San Servacio church or the San Roque Museum. Squeeze in a visit to the folk art collection at Casa de los Venado, or learn more about the techniques to make traditional clothing at the MUREM museum. To cool off, take a dip in the Zaci cenote, conveniently located right in the city center.

Chichen Itza

200 km. / 124 mi. / 2 hr. 20 mins.

One of the most popular day trips from Cancun is to Chichen Itza, an archaeological site featuring Mayan ruins. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts structures including the Pyramid of Kukulcan and the Temple of the Warriors. If you’d like to learn more about the site’s history, guides can meet you at the entrance and provide a private tour. One of the benefits of driving to Chichen Itza in the early morning is that you can beat the tour buses and lines and explore the surrounding region at your own pace. Round out your afternoon with a refreshing dip in the Ik Kil cenote before heading back to your hotel in Cancun.

Related:

• Can You Drive a Rental Car into Mexico?
• Beware of This Car Rental Insurance Gotcha in Mexico

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When renting a car, it’s important to know what insurance you already have. Rental car companies will try to sell you coverage with an insurance product called Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). But do you need it?

Supplemental coverage typically includes collision insurance that protects the rental car itself. There’s also liability insurance in the event you cause damage to another person’s property or injury to another person.

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But neither of these policies cover accidental death benefits and emergency medical expenses for all passengers in the rental car. To fill this gap, rental car companies sell another insurance product called Personal Accident Insurance (PAI).

What is Personal Accident Insurance in a Rental Car?

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) covers accidental death and emergency medical expense benefits to the renter and all passengers in the rental car. PAI is typically lumped together with another product called Personal Effects Coverage (PEC), which can bring the total additional cost to $5-11 per day, depending on where you are renting, plus taxes and fees.

If you rent from any of the major rental car companies, the PAI option will be fairly similar because the coverage itself is provided by third-party insurers:

• AvisBudget Group: Avis, Budget, Payless
• Enterprise Holdings: Alamo, Enterprise, National
• Hertz Global Holdings: Dollar, Hertz, Thrifty

It’s important to know is that this insurance may duplicate coverage you already have through your health insurance and life insurance policies, and your personal policies are likely to be the primary coverage. This means that your own policies will typically pay out first, and when the policy limits have been reached, the PAI will kick in.

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Typically, the medical coverage limit is usually around $3,500 and the ambulance benefit $150. Typically the death benefit is $175,000 for the renter and $17,500 for the passenger.

The Risk of Not Buying PAI When Renting a Car

What happens if you don’t have health insurance or life insurance and you decline the PAI? In a nutshell, if there is an accident, you or your estate will be responsible for paying medical costs for everyone in your rental car.

Related:

• Ultimate Glossary of Car Rental Terms
• Should You Buy Car Rental Insurance?

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With more than a dozen theme parks, including Disney World and Universal Studios Florida, Orlando can keep you busy for weeks. But the inland city is also a good starting point to visit many destinations, set between the Gulf of Mexico’s waters and the Atlantic Coast. Here are the best road trips from Orlando.

Fabulous Road Trips from Orlando

Saint Augustine

104 miles / 1 hr. 35 mins.

Among the road trips from Orlando, a jaunt up to St. Augustine is one of the best ways to get your fill of history. This coastal city, founded back in 1565, is considered the oldest continually inhabited city in the country. One of the main attractions here is the massive 1600s-era Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. Scaling the 219 steps of the Saint Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is also a must for the panoramic views of the city and ocean.

Clearwater

105 miles / 1 hr. 43 mins.

If hitting the beach is your main objective, head west for the white sands of Clearwater. Situated on a barrier island, Clearwater offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. It also boasts plenty of beachfront accommodations and restaurants, so you’ll never have to stray too far from the water. Clearwater is also close to St. Petersburg, a city home to art institutions including the world-famous Salvador Dalí Museum.

Anna Maria Island

126 miles / 2 hr. 8 mins.

With its white-powder beaches and no-high-rise ambience, Anna Maria Island is a sleepy Old Florida experience. The barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast is hidden in plain sight, too. It’s easily accessed by way of a bridge west of Bradenton. While Anna Maria doesn’t have a wide range of hotels, there are excellent options in Holmes Beach. And there are more choices a short drive into Bradenton, or on Longboat Key to the south. >> Recommended hotels on Anna Maria Island

Miami

235 miles / 3 hr. 26 mins.

With its world-renowned art scene, exclusive clubs and fine dining scene, cosmopolitan Miami needs no introduction. However, there’s more to the city than just trendy bars and expensive condos. Stroll through the sprawling Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an estate whose crown jewel is a huge outdoor area with intricate European-style landscaping. Head to Calle Ocho — a key spot in the “Little Havana” neighborhood — to try authentic Cuban cuisine. Visit Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum featuring colorful murals from some of the world’s leading street artists. And, last but not least, no road trip to Miami is complete without taking a leisurely drive through the world-famous South Beach neighborhood, home to some of the city’s hottest clubs, restaurants and iconic Art Deco-style hotels. >> Recommended hotels in Miami

Everglades National Park

265 miles / 4 hrs.

Note: The park has three different entrances. Travel times are based on how long it takes to get to the Shark Valley Visitor Center.

If you’re craving an adventure off the beaten path and away from crowds, a road trip down to Everglades National Park is the perfect remedy. Hop on an airboat, a flat-bottomed vessel used to navigate The Everglades’ marshy waters. Walking along paths such as the Anhinga Trail also provides a chance to spot animals including alligators, fish, birds and turtles.

Savannah, Georgia

280 miles / 4 hr. 8 min.

Looking for a road trip with a heaping dose of Southern charm? Head about four hours north to Savannah, Georgia. This city is full of picture-perfect brick and cobblestone-lined streets featuring historic homes and oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Spend an afternoon browsing the chic boutiques and gift stores in the historic River Street district. >> Recommended hotels in Savannah

Augusta, Georgia

397 miles / 6 hrs.

Most famous as the home of golf’s Masters Tournament, the town of Augusta has plenty of year-round appeal. That’s thanks to its charming downtown, canals, and a riverwalk that lies along the low-key Savannah River. There are great restaurants and shops, and Augusta has some fun ways to get around, too. Petersburg boat tours run through the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, or take the Historic Trolley Tour of Augusta.  >> Recommended hotels in Augusta

Related:

• The Best Luxury Hotels in Orlando
• The Best Hotel Pools in Orlando

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With companies like Avis, Hertz and Enterprise selling chunks of their fleets curing the coronavirus pandemic, many used car lots now contain vehicles that may have had a previous life as a rental car. These cars can often be a great deal, but you need to do your due diligence. Here’s how to find out if a used car was ever a rental car.

Check the Vehicle’s History

The first way to check whether a used vehicle had a past life is to check its history online.

First, find the unique vehicle identification number (VIN) of the car you’re looking to buy. This 17-character code serves as the key to unlocking the car’s history. The seller should be able to give you this number, or you can look for it on the car’s windshield or interior.

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Next, choose a website to look up the rental’s history. Some popular options are Carfax, AutoCheck, VehicleHistory and VinCheck. Some of these sites charge a fee for the report, while others are free. Paying more typically provides a more comprehensive picture of the car’s history and an assessment of whether it is worth buying.

Should You Buy a Former Rental Car?

Whether you should buy a rental vehicle depends on several factors, including but not limited to:

Price: Is the vehicle significantly cheaper than other used cars on the lot? With many rental companies downsizing their fleets, you still need to check the vehicle report to make sure the car is priced fairly based on its history.

Age of the vehicle, mileage and warranty: A vehicle may have racked up significant miles from over its short lifetime. Or, it could be a lightly-used vehicle. Again, look at the vehicle report to assess whether the deal is as good as it seems. Also, consider the type of warranty offered with the used vehicle.

Maintenance history: Has the car needed significant repairs or does it have any other known issues? Non-rental cars can also have issues, such as having been in a fire or flood.

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Special features: Rental cars tend to be standard, without tons of bells and whistles. Don’t expect to see top-of-the-line vehicles with a ton of upscale options. A used rental vehicle might not be the best option if you’ve got your heart set on special features like leather seats or a sunroof.

Where to Buy a Former Rental Car

It’s always best to compare prices, warranties and car selections. Very often, rental companies often offer attractive financing options, low, “no-haggle” prices, comprehensive warranties and the option to test drive the vehicle for several days.

Avis Car Sales: The used car arm of Avis allows you to search the make, models, styles and prices of cars available near your home.

Hertz Car Sales: In the wake of Hertz’s bankruptcy, Hertz Car Sales locations have temporarily closed. Plans to reopen these locations remains uncertain.

Enterprise Car Sales: Enterprise is another good place to land a good buy, especially considering that it has a section of its website dedicated to 2020 models.

Sixt Car Sales: Finally, Sixt sells a range of brands, including higher-end names like Cadillac and Jaguar.

Related:

• How to Snag a Used Rental Car for Dirt Cheap
• Long-Term Car Rental Deals

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From Patagonia’s snow-tipped peaks to the sweeping Atacama Desert, Chile provides one of the most unforgettable road trip experiences on the planet. Whether you plan to spend weeks driving along this 2,670-mile-long country to soak in every bit of scenery or just want to plan a quick beach getaway after a week of meetings in Santiago, having a car is the most convenient way to see this unforgettable South American country. Here are 10 things you need to know about renting a car in Chile.

Essential Tips for Renting a Car in Chile

Book your rental from home.

It will be cheaper to book your car before you get to Chile. The further ahead you reserve your car, the better the chance of landing a deal, especially if you ask AutoSlash to track your reservation for price drops.

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Get an International Driving Permit (IDP).

If your driver’s license is written in English, an International Driving Permit is a good idea. It’s inexpensive and easy to get an IDP, which basically is just a translated version of your driver’s license, but you need to apply before you leave on your trip. You can get this booklet through the American Automobile Association (AAA), but the process must be done weeks in advance of your trip.

Pay in Chilean pesos.

Your rental car company may use a service called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which allows you the option of paying in your local currency when swiping an international card abroad. However, this means an unfavorable exchange rate compared to the one your own bank would use. Always go with local currency when given the option.

Budget for a large deposit.

If you plan to rent a car in Chile, make sure the card you are using has sufficient credit or funds for a hefty deposit. Rental car deposits can often exceed $500, depending on the location, which does not even include the estimated rental costs. Be sure you have sufficient funds to cover not only what you plan to spend on renting the car, but also the deposit.

Crossing borders requires advance planning.

If you plan to take a rental car from Chile into Argentina, do not just show up at the border with your passport and hope for the best. Make plans to cross the border several days in advance. The process requires applying for permits and paperwork, which will typically cost an additional $100 or more. Be sure to notify the rental car company that you intend to cross into Argentina when you book your vehicle to confirm the timeframe and find out if there will be additional charges.

Time it right.

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, remember that the seasons are opposite in Chile. December and January tend to be the best months to visit Patagonia, whereas winter starts in June. Chile has different climates depending on the region, so make sure you pack accordingly.

Watch out for toll roads.

Santiago has several toll roads that collect payments electronically, and they can be confusing. Be sure to ask the rental car company about how to pay for these tolls before getting on your way, or you could be looking at an even more puzzling process of figuring out how to pay those fines later.

Understand how collision coverage works.

Chilean rental car companies may include a collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) in the rental price. Or they may offer these options at an additional cost. This coverage may still require you to pay a deductible of hundreds of dollars. Alternatively, you may have the option of choosing a higher tier of coverage with a lower deductible. Also, know that if your credit card provides primary car rental insurance coverage in the U.S., it may not cover you internationally. Read the fine print before renting a car in Chile to understand what your financial responsibility would be in the event of an accident, even if you accept the CDW or LDW.

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Check age requirements.

Car rental companies in Chile tend to have different minimum age requirements for renters. Some companies require drivers to be 22 or 23, while others may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee and require a higher deductible.

Be wary of inclement weather and road conditions.

The weather in Patagonia can be unpredictable, especially in the winter months. Keep an eye on weather warnings, and avoid driving in inclement weather. Also, think twice before venturing on unpaved roads. While the views may be spectacular, off-roading in a rental car can be a one-way ticket to voiding your rental agreement and paying fines if the car is damaged or becomes stuck. If you want to veer off the beaten path, it’s a good idea to rent from a company that specializes in off-road vehicles that can handle the tough terrain rather than trying to steer a sedan down gravel roads.

Related:

• Do You Need an International Driving Permit?

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Should you trust your rental car in the hands of a valet at a hotel, restaurant or casino? It’s a dilemma most of us probably wouldn’t think twice about until it’s time to hand over the keys. The short answer is it can be risky to let a valet park your rental car.

With most rental car companies, only authorized drivers are eligible to operate your rental vehicle. Allowing anyone else to drive is a violation of the rental car agreement. However, it’s not always that easy to avoid using a valet. Sometimes there is simply no other parking choice near a hotel or venue.

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Here’s what to keep in mind when considering whether to valet park a rental.

Check The Fine Print of Your Rental Agreement

Letting a valet park your rental car is risky. That’s because of how most rental companies decide who is allowed to use the vehicle. In theory, letting any unauthorized driver take the wheel of the vehicle could land you on the Do Not Rent List.

Rental car companies require customers to specify who will be driving the vehicle in advance. All additional drivers’ names and license information is added to the contract. These people are known as “authorized drivers.”

Authorized drivers have express permission to drive the car while under a rental agreement. Rental companies often allow renters to add a colleague or domestic partner free of charge. But typically charges a fee for each additional driver.

Rental car companies do this to ensure that the car will be in good hands. They usually check to make sure any additional people using the vehicle have a clean driving record.

Who is Responsible if a Valet Damages a Rental Car?

While travelers valet park their rental cars every day without thinking twice, accidents can happen.

If a valet happens to cause damage to a rental car, the best-case scenario is that the establishment will take responsibility for the costs. If the valet service refuses, you as the rental car customer likely will be on the hook for the damages. Even if the valet service covers the expense, you can still be in trouble with the rental car company if they find out an unauthorized driver was behind the wheel.

Allowing an unauthorized driver behind the wheel can also void any loss damage waiver (LDW) coverage or insurance purchased through the rental car company. In fact, as Progressive Auto Insurance points out, your personal auto insurance company might not cover the damage if an unauthorized driver is involved. That could leave you to cover the repair bill on your own.

In the worst case scenario, an unauthorized valet driver damaging your vehicle could mean that you are not only on the hook for damages, but also end up on the rental car company´s Do Not Rent list for letting an unauthorized driver use the car.

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At the end of the day, handing over your rental car to a valet does carry some level of risk. The question is whether it’s a risk you are willing to take.

Clarify Rental Terms Before Signing

We should mention here that while we hope this information is useful, it should not be taken as legal advice. If you have any doubts about what your insurance would cover potential damage to the rental car due to valet parking, it’s always best to ask the rental car company for clarification ahead of time.

Related:

• Should You Buy Car Rental Insurance?
• What to Do if You Have an Accident in a Rental Car

The post Should You Let a Valet Park Your Rental Car? appeared first on AutoSlash.

Many travelers head to Vegas for the bright lights and excitement of the Strip. Others merely use the entertainment Mecca as a launch pad to explore. The best road trips from Las Vegas explore the iconic national parks in the desert Southwest.

Road trippers need to decide whether to pick up their rental car at Harry Reid International Airport or downtown Vegas. Either way, be prepared for some of the highest rental car fees in the nation.

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Wherever you’re heading, be sure to leave time to swing by the Hoover Dam. It’s only a 45-minute trip from downtown Vegas and an easy stop on your way to other destinations on this list. You’ll approach the dam when you’re near the Nevada-Arizona border. You can take in the views or enjoy a guided tour of the Dam and the power plant. It’s free to walk or drive across Hoover Dam and the Colorado River Bridge. But there is a charge for parking, admission to the visitor center and tours.

Fabulous Road Trips from Las Vegas

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

16 miles / 20 mins

Looking for a quick and easy daytrip from Las Vegas? Consider Red Rock Canyon, which is less than a half an hour driving west from the Strip. It’s a fantastic place, essentially a maze of canyons and peaks, ledges and chimneys, chutes and gullies leading to surprises around every wall. Red Rock Canyon offers a 13-mile scenic drive and more than two dozen hiking trails. The views are gorgeous, especially at sunset.

Zion National Park, Utah

171 miles / 2 hrs. 45 mins

Hop on Interstate 15 North just west of the airport, and follow it all the way across the Utah border before taking exit 16 for Utah Highway 9, which will lead you to the southern entrance of the park. Stay on that road, or Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, for stunning views of the entire valley as you make your way east. Or, make your way to one of the shuttle stops for the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and enjoy a stres-free view of the park as you wind your way through canyons and cliffs. You’ll find observation spots and entrances to hiking trails along either route. If you can stay a day or two, opt for popular (but strenuous) hikes like The Narrows, Angels’ Landing, or Emerald Pools. >> Recommended hotels near Zion National Park

Death Valley National Park, California

157 miles / 2 hrs. 48 mins.

Despite its unfortunate moniker, Death Valley is worth a visit for its stunning Mojave Desert landscape and bragging rights of being at the lowest elevation in North America. Although Death Valley is in California, the closest major airport is in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the fastest way to get there is also the least scenic. For a prettier drive, head west on NV-160 to Pahrump, then take NV-372 which heads south and turns into CA-178 at the state border. This scenic route goes into the Sierra Nevadas and turns north on CA-127 through Deadman Pass. From there, it’s 25 mils to Death Valley Junction, where you can take CA-190 west 38 more miles to the national park. Be sure to gas up before heading into Death Valley, as you do not want to run out of fuel there. >> Recommended hotels near Death Valley National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

260 miles / 4 hrs.

Despite its name, Bryce Canyon is not technically a canyon—but that doesn’t make its towering red rock formations any less stunning. Head north on Interstate 15 as if you were going towards Zion, but stay on the interstate until you reach Utah State 20 highway, which takes you towards the park. You can enjoy most of the dramatic vistas in Bryce Canyon from your car, or explore one of the easy day hikes like Navajo Loop or the Queen’s Garden Trail. If time allows, catch a sunset at Sunset Point for an unforgettable evening.

The Grand Canyon, Arizona

273 miles / 4 hrs. 15 mins.

If you’re picking up a rental car on the Las Vegas strip or at Harry Reid International Airport, take highway 93 south from Las Vegas to Interstate 40 east to Arizona Highway 64 north. When you arrive at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, head to the visitor center at the Grand Canyon Village to get oriented. From the village, you can get on the Bright Angel Trail. Be forewarned that it’s about nine miles to the bottom of the canyon so the experience isn’t for everyone. >> Recommended hotels near Grand Canyon National Park

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Antelope Canyon, Arizona

280 miles / 4 hrs. and 30 mins.

Take Interstate 15 away from the city again, and follow Utah state highway 9 and Arizona state highway 389 east along the Utah-Arizona border. Back on US Highway 89 you’ll pass Lake Powell, another popular road trip destination from Vegas. You may want to book a tour in advance–Antelope Canyon is a popular tourist destination and they fill up quickly. For the best views of the light beams falling along the canyon walls, visit midday in summer, but be warned you won’t be the only one looking for that perfect canyon photo. Visit from November to March to avoid the crowds.

Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

362 miles / 5 hrs. and 15 mins.

Through fossils and a colorful landscape known as the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest National Park offers a glimpse of ancient geological history in Eastern Arizona. Located along I-40 and the path of the former Route 66, the park has plenty of places to stop to see petrified wood, quartz, and Triassic fossils, as well as the Painted Desert Visitor Center and the Rainbow Forest Museum. To stay nearby, your best bets are in Holbrook or, farther out, Winslow. >> Recommended hotels near Petrified Forest National Park

Related:

• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) Car Rental Guide
• The Best Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip
• How to Find Cheap Gas Wherever You Are
• How to Plan the Perfect Road Trip in a Rental Car

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Set in New Mexico’s high desert next to the Sandia Mountains, Albuquerque is known for its stunning landscapes. If that’s not enough to lure you in, the city’s unique Old Town architecture and museums will entice. Plus, as a cultural hub of the American Southwest, Albuquerque is also a short drive to some of the region’s most interesting cities and sites. Here are the best road trips from Albuquerque.

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Fabulous Road Trips from Albuquerque

Santa Fe

64 miles / 1 hr.

Want to make a quick escape to Santa Fe, one of the Southwest’s most atmospheric cities? You’ll get there in an hour from Albuquerque via I-25 N. Or you can take the longer, more scenic Turquoise Trail, which officially kicks off on the historic Route 66, where you’ll find a musical road that plays the song America the Beautiful as you pass over the rumble strips going 45 miles per hour. After that, take NM 14, which winds through beautiful landscapes and charming little towns. In Santa Fe, the city’s downtown plaza is utterly enchanting, with historical buildings that house shops, restaurants, and over 250 art galleries. The city’s rich Native American history is woven throughout the city. The best way to spend a weekend in Santa Fe is on foot, meandering through the remarkable Spanish Pueblo-style architecture that the city is known for. >> Recommended hotels in Santa Fe

Bosque Del Apache Wildlife Reserve

95 miles / 1 hr. 30 mins.

Just an hour and a half south of Albuquerque along I-25 S, you’ll find Bosque Del Apache Wildlife Reserve, a 57,331-acre bird lover’s paradise. Tucked between the Chupadera Mountains to the west and the San Pascual Mountains to the east, the reserve is a great place to get out in nature. Expect to see cranes, geese, ducks, and other migrating waterfowl throughout the year. But the main draw is the annual migration of Sandhill Cranes in the fall.

Bandelier National Monument

103 miles / 1 hr. 45 mins.

Head northeast from Albuquerque along I-25 N to get to Bandelier National Monument. This is New Mexico’s rocky canyon and mesa country. Bandelier National Monument preserves historic Ancestral Pueblo settlements—dating back 11,000 years—and scenic lowlands around the Rio Grande River. The Upper Falls on Frijoles Creek is a popular hike, no matter the season. And if you camp in the park, you’ll get a spectacular glimpse of the Milky Way in the night sky.

Taos

133 miles / 2 hrs. 30 mins.

Two-and-a-half-hours north of Albuquerque via I-25 N and NM-68 N is Taos. Tucked in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos is a year-round destination, with skiing in the winter, and hiking, fishing, and biking in the summer. In town, be sure to visit Taos Pueblo, a multistory adobe complex inhabited by Native Americans for centuries. Taos is also an artsy destination: The city’s many galleries, shops, museums, and festivals showcase regional artwork. >> Recommended hotels in Taos

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Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

208 miles / 3 hrs. 6 mins.

Through fossils and a colorful landscape known as the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest National Park offers a glimpse of ancient geological history in Eastern Arizona. Located along I-40 and the path of the former Route 66, the park has plenty of places to stop to see petrified wood, quartz, and Triassic fossils, as well as the Painted Desert Visitor Center and the Rainbow Forest Museum. To stay nearby, your best bets are in Holbrook or, farther out, Winslow. >> Recommended hotels near Petrified Forest National Park

White Sands National Park

225 miles / 3 hrs. 30 mins.

A bit farther afield, White Sands National Park is a three-and-a-half-hour drive south of Albuquerque along via I-25 S and US-380 E. But it’s absolutely worth the trek. White Sands National Park is one of nature’s greatest wonders. Massive wave-like dunes of gypsum sand rise from the heart of the Tularosa Basin. Hike the extensive trails, pack a picnic, and try your hand at sand-sledding.

Related:

• How to Find Cheap Gas Wherever You Are
• How to Plan the Perfect Road Trip in a Rental Car

The post The Best Road Trips from Albuquerque appeared first on AutoSlash.

It’s hard not to find something to love in Phoenix, Arizona, a sprawling city set against a stunning backdrop of desert and mountains. Phoenix combines some of the best restaurants and shopping the Southwest has to offer along with unique outdoor activities. Visitors can hike Camelback Mountain for spectacular views of the city and be ready for dinner at one of Scottsdale’s chic restaurants in just a few hours. Along with all the fun things to do within city limits, Phoenix is also an excellent gateway for some of the best road trips in the entire country. Here are the best road trips from Phoenix.

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Fabulous Road Trips from Phoenix

Tucson

115 miles/1 hr. 45 mins.

Hop on I-10 E and explore Tucson, Arizona’s second-largest city in the Sonoran Desert. One must stop is Saguaro National Park, which contains the largest cacti in the country. Tucson also has a variety of cultural attractions including the Pima Air & Space Museum, Trail Dust Town and the San Xavier del Bac mission.

Sedona

116 miles/2 hr.

One of the most scenic routes in Arizona is up to the desert city of Sedona. With its breathtaking red cliff rock formations, Sedona is all about taking a moment to appreciate nature. The city is close to the trails of Red Rock State Park and natural waterslide in Slide Rock State Park. Sedona’s downtown is home to boutique hotels, art galleries, artisanal markets and restaurants with views of the surrounding canyons. >> Recommended hotels in Sedona

Grand Canyon National Park

229 miles/3 hr. 40 mins.

The most well-known natural attraction in Arizona — and perhaps the entire country —  is the expansive Grand Canyon. Head up I-17 and follow the signs for the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. Most visitors enter the park through the South Rim entrance, which is closer to Phoenix. However, there is also a longer route to the North Rim of the canyon that takes about six hours and features a scenic drive. Due to its higher elevation, this area closes for the winter. The North Rim is usually open between mid-May and mid-October each year. On the way to the Grand Canyon, stop in Flagstaff and the small city of Williams, home to the Route 66 Museum.

Petrified Forest National Park via Route 66

256 miles/3 hr. 50 mins.

This Route 66 road trip takes you through a good chunk of Arizona to the Petrified Forest National Park in the northeastern part of the state. The park features unique petrified wood and sweeping views of the Painted Desert. While overnight stays are not allowed in the park itself, the nearby town of Holbrook features several hotels. Note that this is the longer, scenic route that passes through Flagstaff and cuts east on Route 66, arguably the holy grail of U.S. road trips. >> Recommended hotels near Petrified Forest National Park

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Las Vegas, Nevada

300 miles/4 hr. 45 mins

There may be no better way to prepare for a road trip to Vegas than to sit back and savor the quiet of Arizona’s desolate desert roads. The road between Phoenix and Las Vegas on US-93 is pretty barren, with the exception of one key destination — the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River between Arizona and Nevada. But the real fun happens once you arrive in Vegas. Besides casinos, Vegas is also home to world-class shows, exquisite fine dining and the vintage charm of Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. >> Recommended hotels in Las Vegas

Related:

• Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) Car Rental Guide
• The Best Hotel Pools in Phoenix
• The Best Luxury Hotels in Scottsdale

The post The Best Road Trips from Phoenix appeared first on AutoSlash.

Looking for a cheap car rental? Your Costco card—the one you use to buy 36-pack rolls of toilet
paper and boxes of breakfast cereal large enough to feed your high school graduating class—can also be a passport to car rental discounts.

Costco Deserves Its Reputation for Car Rental Deals

At AutoSlash, we spend a lot of time analyzing car rental pricing. We compare rates, factor in memberships, and crunch the numbers on discounts and deals. Our conclusion: If you’re not a Costco member, you’re missing out on a wealth of great car rental discount codes that very often beat every other rate out there.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental

As a test, we pricechecked a rental car with a pickup in New York City at a major car rental company on a summer weekend from Friday to Monday. The price for an economy vehicle? A whopping $413.97. Then we took that same weekend rental and applied the Costco discount code. Poof!—the rate magically dropped to $313.29. That’s a savings of more than $100 just for entering a little discount code.

Even if you never shop at Costco, you should strongly consider joining the club, since the $60 annual membership fee can easily pay for itself after just one car rental.

Sometimes Costco’s Best Car Rental Deal Can Be Beaten

Costco has partnerships with Avis, Alamo, Budget and Enterprise—so it often delivers multiple deals for you to compare. But Costco does not have partnerships with other major brands like Hertz, Dollar, Payless, Thrifty and National. It also does not support reputable discount brands like Sixt.

In addition, Costco does not support prepaid rates, which may be significantly lower than the “Pay Later” rates offered. To know for sure if you’re getting the best price, you would need to do a bigger search—or better yet, ask AutoSlash to do it for you.

The bottom line is that Costco offers fantastic deals but there’s a caveat: If you rely exclusively on Costco, you’re never going to be 100-percent sure you’re getting the best deal because there is a limited pool of rental car brands and types of bookings. Why limit yourself?

It always makes sense to comparison shop before you book. When you ask AutoSlash for a quote, we will always search for the best rates and factor in memberships you have at organizations like AAA and shopping clubs like Costco not to mention all the publicly available coupons and discount codes. We recommend that you join clubs like AAA and Costco and then let us search for the very best rate, taking all of your profile information into consideration. That’s how you can be confident that you’re getting the best price possible.

More About Booking a Rental Car Through Costco

Here’s more to consider when booking through Costco:

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• Costco does not support picking up at one off-airport location and dropping off at another off-airport location.
• Using the Costco discount code waives the additional driver fee when renting from Alamo, Avis, Budget and Enterprise, but only in the U.S.
• Renting overseas? Costco offers car rentals in Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S., including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. AutoSlash, meanwhile, can search for car rental deals worldwide.

Note: If you reserve a rental car with a Costco discount code, you will need to show your membership card when you pick up the car. If you can’t provide proof of membership, you can be denied the discount.

Related:

• Snag a Costco Discount at These 4 Rental Car Companies
• Is the Costco Anywhere Card the Best Way to Pay for a Car Rental?

The post Your Costco Card Can Score a Cheap Car Rental appeared first on AutoSlash.