What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, the saying goes. How cool that you can drive a Cadillac for a weekend, then turn it back in for someone else to worry about the maintenance.



Las Vegas has branches of most of the nationally known rental car companies. Those companies are realizing that Las Vegas is all about fantasy and so most of them offer a wide variety of high-end cars. Want to drive a Dodge Viper or a Porsche Carrera? They're here. Have something else in mind? In Vegas it should be fairly easy to find the cool ride you crave. (Of course, if you'd rather save your money for the gaming tables, more economical models are on hand.)

Las Vegas has more car rental companies on hand than most other cities. The national companies are all here to meet your travel needs, as well as some privately owned companies. Both types can be acceptable, just be sure to read the fine print in the contract. Do they offer insurance and road service? Is there pricing reasonable for the ride you want? Check all this information online before you arrive. You don't want any surprises.

Fortunately, you can check all this information and even book your car before you get anywhere near the airport. Deals are easy to find: Airlines and hotels often have relationships with car rental companies. Sign up for email notification and soon you'll be receiving lots of information about deals that can save you big bucks. I recently signed up for email notifications for .

To save even more money, try to book a weekend trip: You can save up to half of your car rental cost. There are often weekly specials, too, so it pays to check often online. Last week's special may not be around but has been replaced by an even better one.

Be sure to ask your employer if the company is affiliated with a rental car company. Government employees, military personnel and large companies can often get discounts. Automobile clubs also are good places to check for deals. Another good place is with Las Vegas' Visitor and Convention Bureau. It is a clearing house of information you'll want before you leave for your trip.

Also be sure to ask anyone you know who's been to Vegas about their car rental experience. From what company did he or she rent his or her car? Did he or she get any deals? Did they have a good experience? Learn from their experience to make your dream ride even better.

See, it's easy to live your dream as a high roller. Your trip to Las Vegas will be even better by splurging on the wheels. You will have a trip you won't soon forget.