A rental car is a good form of transportation that will give you a lot of freedom. You will not be dependent of public transport schedules or taxi cabs. Learning how to rent a car in Washington DC is not difficult. You just need to be aware of what to look out for. This page has step by step instructions of what you can expect when searching for that rental car.

Washington, DC has many exhibits and attractions such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the International Spy Museum. Using a rental car to get from one or the other is the choice of many tourists. However it's not just tourists that use rental cars. http://www.rentalcarmomma.com/cities/washington-dc-new.htm

Washington residents can use rental cars to replace their own cars when it's in the shop or when they need to transport large cargo. If you are in Washington on business, a rental car can take you to and from your business meetings. The nationwide car rental agencies have many competitive rates and offers out there that can make it hard to decide which company to go with.

Make sure you are aware of hidden fees, age restrictions, and discounts before reserving a car. You don't want to go to the car rental counter unprepared because you might end up leaving with a higher rental rate than necessary. This page might help answer some of the questions you have regarding car rental.

SEARCHING THE NET: When looking for a good deal on a rental car in Washington, DC, it's recommended to go onto the internet. Look at the various rates that are being offered and which vehicles are available for rental. You can reserve a rental car by phone, online or in person. The benefit of booking your car online is that you can do it at your own leisure and in your own time. You are not bound by the hours of the rental car facility. Internet car rental companies are 'open' 24/7 and some even have special discounts and offers that are only available online. You can take your time to compare offers and rates without being harassed by a pushy salesperson trying to get you to commit to a certain rental car. If you are looking for an exotic luxury car, try searching for websites that specialize in this. Many of the major car rental companies offer different kinds of vehicles. You can find anything from compacts and minivans to luxury cars and pick-up trucks. Whichever kind of car you are looking for, by searching the internet, you should be able to find a wide variety.

COUPONS: The Internet is also where you can find many coupons for car rentals in Washington, DC. Websites like rentalcarmomma.com and retailmenot.com offer printable coupons, coupon codes and direct links to various websites. Make sure to check validity of the coupons before reserving your car and also read the small print on the coupons to find out about exclusions and/or restrictions. http://www.rentalcarmomma.com/cities/washington-dc-new.htm http://www.retailmenot.com/coupons/carrentals

AIRPORT PICK UPS: If possible, don't pick up your rental car from the airport. Try picking up your rental car at a local neighborhood facility. Not only is it cheaper, but you will also avoid any busy lines at the airport. Airport facilities are more expensive because they charge taxes and fees. http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/116640/article.html

PREPAYING GAS OR NOT: When you reserve the rental car, you can either choose to fill up the tank with gas or you can return the car empty. If you opt to return the car empty you will have to prepay for gas. Prepaying for gas is usually more expensive because car rental companies charge more for gas than you would pay at the pump. Also, if you return the car with the tank half empty, you still prepaid for a full tank of gas. Refueling the car yourself might be somewhat more inconvenient, but will save you some money in the end. http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=29&category=2

ADDITIONAL COSTS If you have kids that require child safety seats, you can save money by bringing your own seat. Car rental companies might charge anywhere from $5 - $25 for child safety seats. Bringing your own seat is cheaper. The same goes for other additional items like roof racks, GPS devices etc. The additional costs and fees for these items can add up.

PACKAGE DEALS: If you also need a hotel during your Washington visit, you might be able to get a package deal. Package deals give you the option of booking your hotel and car at the same time for a discounted rate. You can usually even add a flight to the deal. Package deals can be found on travel websites such as expedia.com and orbitz.com. http://www.orbitz.com/App/DisplayCarSearch6 http://www.rentalcarmomma.com/7 http://www.expedia.com/daily/cars/default.asp?rfrr=-361

WEEKEND vs. WEEKLY RATES: If you plan on visiting Washington, DC over a weekend, ask the car rental company about their weekend rates. Many companies offer discounted car rental rates during weekends. If you are planning on staying in Washington five days or more, make sure to ask about the weekly rates since these are often more favorable also. http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/116640/article.html8

EMAIL UPDATES: Keep up to date of car rental promotions, discounts and offers by registering your email on the website of the major car rental companies. Once you register, you will start receiving updates by email. http://www.enterprise.com/car_rental/intresImage.do?imageId=28443.4&key=996.en.US.......&page=HOM12