Vacation rental cars for US travelers

A rental car can turn a good trip into an easy one: sunrise at Haleakalā, a slow drive along the Icefields Parkway, or a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra without watching the last train. It isn't the right call everywhere. In compact cities with strong transit, a car can cost more in parking and stress than it saves in time.

RoamPlanned does not rent cars or take payment for them. If you ask us to look into a rental, we treat that as part of planning your trip. When you're ready, you book and pay the rental company, or a partner site, under their terms.

Renting in the US vs. abroad

In the United States, a valid US driver's license is usually enough. Drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee, and some companies set a minimum age. If you're heading to Hawaii or a national park, check hours, fuel stops and any road restrictions for the routes you have in mind, such as the Road to Hāna in Maui.

Outside the US, rules vary by country. Many places expect you to carry your US license and, in some cases, an International Driving Permit. Confirm the official entry and driving rules for your destination before you go. Manual transmissions are more common abroad than in the US, so request an automatic if you need one, and book it early in busy months. Watch for local details that don't show up on a US rental: low-emission zones, toll transponders, limited downtown driving, or restrictions on taking a car across a border.

Insurance basics

Rental companies typically offer their own protection products, often described as a collision damage waiver or similar. The name, what's covered and what's excluded change by company and by country. Some credit cards and some travel insurance policies include rental-car coverage, but only in certain situations, and usually only if you follow their rules, such as paying with that card or declining a specific waiver at the counter.

We don't sell insurance and we can't advise you on which option fits your trip. Read the rental agreement and any policy documents carefully, and ask your card issuer or insurer if you're unsure. If you'd like a travel insurance quote for the trip as a whole, check that box on a trip request so we know to look into it with you. Checking the box does not buy a policy or add a charge.

Airport pickup vs. city pickup

• Airport pickup is the simplest after a flight: you walk to the counter, sign, and start driving. Counters often keep longer hours, which helps on late arrivals. The tradeoff is that airport locations can add a concession or facility fee, and a long international flight plus an immediate drive is tiring.
• City or hotel pickup can be closer to where you're staying and sometimes avoids the airport fee. You'll need a transfer or transit from the airport, and hours may be shorter, so late-night arrivals can be a poor fit.

Some travelers sleep off a long flight, then pick up the car the next morning. That can be a calmer start in places like Costa Rica or Banff, where the first stretch of road is long or the weather can change quickly.

Destinations where a car makes sense

These guides are a good starting point if you're deciding whether to rent:

• Maui is a classic fly-and-drive island. A car makes the Road to Hāna, Haleakalā and the quieter coasts much easier than relying on tours alone.
• Oahu is more flexible. Waikiki works with walking, transit and day tours, but a car helps if you want the North Shore or east-coast beaches on your own schedule. See also Maui vs. Oahu.
• Costa Rica rewards a car if you're moving between regions. Some roads are unpaved, distances take longer than a map suggests, and it's worth reading the rental agreement on off-road use and insurance.
• Banff is built for scenic drives, including the Icefields Parkway. In winter, check road conditions and whether you need experience with snow or mountain driving.
• Lisbon itself is often easier on foot, by transit or with a day tour. A car is more useful for trips to Sintra, Cascais or the wider coast, where parking in the city center can be tight. Our Lisbon and Cascais itinerary is a useful sample.

In dense cities such as New York, Paris, Rome, London and Tokyo, most visitors do better without a car.

Rental car FAQ

Do I need to book a rental car through RoamPlanned?

No. Checking Rental car on a trip request just tells us you'd like help comparing options. It doesn't book a car or add a charge. When our partner search is live, you can also look up cars on this page and complete a booking on the partner's site.

Is it better to pick up at the airport or in the city?

Airport counters are convenient after a flight and often stay open later, but they can include an airport fee. A city or hotel location is sometimes closer to where you're staying and may avoid that fee, though you'll need a way there from the airport and hours can be shorter.

Does checking Travel insurance quote or Rental car add a charge?

No. Those boxes only record what you'd like us to look into. We don't take payment on this site, and a policy or rental is only purchased if you choose one with the provider and pay them directly.

What should I know about rental car insurance?

Rental companies often offer their own protection products, and some credit cards or travel insurance policies include rental-car coverage in certain situations. What's included varies, so read the rental agreement and any policy documents, and ask your card issuer or insurer if you're unsure. We don't sell insurance and we can't tell you which option fits your trip.