Comparison shopping is the key to finding deals on everything, including rental cars. Lots of Web sites make it easy to compare rental car rates, so you’ll find the best deals on the Web.
Here are four handy tips:
First, decide what kind of car you want to rent. Compact cars are the least expensive, with cars of intermediate size in the middle, and SUVs at the top of the price range.
Second decide when. The best deals can be found at destinations where the demand is lower due to seasonal factors.
January is the cheapest time to visit New York City, San Francisco and Washington D.C.
Want to go to Dallas? Do it in February when the rates are lowest.
Make March your month for Los Angeles.
Got relatives in North Carolina? Visit in April if you’re planning to rent a car or hotel room.
May is the cheapest month for visiting Hawaii, Seattle and Atlanta, while June is the best month for visiting Phoenix and Salt Lake City.
Want to check out Graceland? Make it easy on your wallet by reserving your Memphis car and room in July, and be sure to save August for Las Vegas, which has more Elvis impersonators per capita than any other city.
September is the best time for a trip to New Orleans and, for those who aren’t skiers, October is the most inexpensive time to visit Breckenridge, Colo.
Spend November in Lake Tahoe or Reno and save by making a trip to the California wine country in December.
Third, take advantage of as many discounts as possible. Search the Internet for car rental discount codes and use them if you’re eligible.
Fourth, be sure to figure surcharges and extra fees into your comparison.

