The best thing to do initially is to find three or four car rental companies in the local phone book or the internet of course. Spend some time carrying out this task because in some respects it the most important if you want to locate the best car rental deal.

It is always a good idea to check out if the car rental agency is running any special deals at the time you phone as you could save yourself quite a few dollars. One point worth checking when you contact the car rental office is whether they are have any arrangements with airlines or hotels where a further discount may be available.

Pickup and collection conditions vary between companies so choose one that best suits your circumstances.

It's nice having a large car, the comfort can't be beat but it comes at a cost so if you are on a budget, stick to what you need.

Reserving the vehicle of your choice is a good idea but depending on the car rental company you decide on using, it can come at a price.

Car rental doesn't have to be expensive and if you are looking to keep the cost down here are some more ideas which may help.

When getting a car rental check for available upgrades at no charge, you'd want the best deal so you'd want the best car and to do this, you should go pickup your car early in the morning. The reason for this is that most people that hire economy cars don't return them until they have to which means you may just get a more luxurious car instead at no extra charge.

Try getting an internet car rental as these types of rentals offer internet only discounts. If you are really smart you can supply the car rental company with just your budget and let them sort the rest out for you, now that makes it really simple.

When you return your car, make sure the tank is full as you don't want to pay the fuel surcharge if the rental company has to fill it up.

Fly-drive vacations are becoming more popular, also a rise in fly-drive plus hotel package where all you have to allow for is meals. Just go and check out the packages at you local or internet travel agency.

Often car rental companies will give a discount on a rental if you have frequent flyer discounts which they will exchange. Although it is more cost effective to just fly with your frequent flyer discount, if it's going to expire anyway, why wait?

Just remember, the discounts are there but you must ask as they won't be offered so don't be shy because you will gain nothing from it.