TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

5 Mosaics in the United States Worth a Visit

5 Mosaics in the United States Worth a Visit

I live in Barcelona, which means I’m surrounded by gorgeous mosaics.

In fact, millions of tourists from around the world flood into Barcelona each year to visit some of the world’s most famous mosaic landmarks. You can probably name a few off the top of your head if you know about famous artist Antoni Gaudí, from Sagrada Familia to Casa Batlló to Park Güell.

But Gaudí isn’t the end-all of mosaic genius in the city.

My favorite mosaic around is actually The Kiss or El Beso by Joan Fontcuberta. Located near the Barcelona Cathedral, it depicts an intimate kiss that’s made up of 4,000 rectangular tiles. Each tile includes a photograph that was submitted by local residents that showcase their favorite ‘moments of freedom’. From the methodology to the final product, it’s a very meaningful piece of public art to me.

I may be spoiled by art in Barcelona, but you don’t need to cross the Atlantic to enjoy a beautiful mosaic.

The US is home to dozens of sprawling, drool-worthy mosaics. Many are found in our most stunning basilicas and cathedrals—but not all. Some of the best works of mosaic art are designed for public enjoyment (and are even found in strange places), meaning you may have run into them without even realizing you were staring at a mosaic from a famous artist.

Ready to count down the best mosaics in the United States? Here are my top six picks, including a handful of options from the New York City subway.

6 of the best mosaics in the United States

New York City subways, New York City

From William Wegman’s ‘Stationary Figures’ (Courtesy of MTA)

I’m obsessed with the artworks commissioned for the New York City subway for one reason: the juxtaposition.

Seeing world-class art surrounded by things like urine, rats, dirty food, and impatient commuters is the daily reality of life in New York City. And there’s nothing like being gently caressed by a delightful mosaic before having to dodge a pile of vomit.

If you’ve used the MTA often, you’re already aware that many stations have their names carefully laid out in mosaics that make it easy to see which stop you’re at. But many also have ornate mosaics from acclaimed artists, including Chuck Close and Yoko Ono.

These are my favorite picks for the best mosaics giving hope to those cruising through the guts of the city:

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Philadelphia

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Spanning three lots on Philadelphia’s South Street, the Magic Gardens are a large-scale folk art and gallery space. The project comes from mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar who has slowly built up the project since he purchased the lots in 1968.

Today, the Magic Gardens sprawl over 3,000 square feet and were designed to be explored on foot.

There’s also a gallery space that showcases works from artists from around the world. Beyond the grounds, you might also spot Zagar’s works dotting the city. His works are large-scale, creating a labyrinth for guests to wander through.

Venice Cafe, St. Louis

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

In Saint Louis, you can find a similar project at Venice Café. The bar is covered in eclectic mosaic designs, along with diverse works of art from the owner and other local artists. The result is a small-scale menagerie that serves up cold drinks and offers live music almost every night.

(Pro tip: the upstairs bathroom is the stuff of Saint Louis legends—but the downstairs might actually be cooler.)

Various mosaics by Primo Caredio, San Francisco

Courtesy of Beach Chalet

I’m sure you’ve heard of the Secret Mosaic Staircase (or heard of it before), so let me steer you in a new direction: a series of mosaics depicting life in San Francisco by Primo Caredio.

The mosaics are showcased alongside grand murals from Lucian Labaudt. You can see both art forms showcased inside Golden Gate Park’s Beach Chalet and Park Chalet in the visitor centers. Though not nearly as flashy as those mosaic staircases, they’re gorgeous, historic, and perfectly integrated with the murals.

The Map of the Grand Canyons of La Jolla, San Diego

Courtesy of the National Recreation and Park Association

One of the largest mosaics I’ve ever heard of in the United States, this San Diego project is a celebration of the ocean, marine life, and our relationship to the seas.

This absolutely massive project covers 2,200 square feet in Kellog Park, La Jolla. Using over 100,000 tiles, artists finished the project back in 2020 to celebrate the late oceanographer Walter Munk.

The interactive mosaic includes QR codes that let visitors learn more about the aquatic species depicted in murals, from orcas to sea snakes to jellyfish. If you’ve seen a mosaic in the city dubbed ‘THE MAP’, this is what they’re talking about.

Mosaic Tile House, Los Angeles

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

This indie project from artists Cheri Pan and Gonzalo Duran is reminiscent of the folk mosaics that you’ll see in Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens and the Venice Café in Saint Louis. But Mosaic Tile House isn’t quite an art installation – it’s a lifestyle.

You can also purchase works from both artists—or wander through their menagerie of a home on Saturdays between 12-3 pm. Except for the roof, every single inch is covered in colorful tiles.

5 Places to See Wildflowers in Texas This Spring

When I think about Texas, I think about thick cuts of red meat and big belt buckles.

I see flashes of rodeo shows and hear crooning country music. I think about the bats that haunt the city of Austin, then the Dallas Cowboys football team.

I have never once thought of wildflowers when imagining the Lone Star State.

But Texas’s sprawling size isn’t just for longhorn cattle and their drivers—it’s also one of the US’s best places to watch wildflower blooms in spring.

And with so many scenic highways, byways, and roadside attractions crisscrossing the state, it’s not hard to see them. So long as you know where to find bluebonnets, winecups, wild petunias, paper flowers, tulips, and more, you can string together a spring road trip for the ages.

These are my top five picks for enjoying wildflowers in Texas. If you want to dive even deeper, I suggest looking at the Texas Highways’ Wildflower Drives selections. (Along with in-depth information on road names and byways, it also has adorable hand-drawn maps!)

Top 5 places to see wildflowers in Texas

Bluebonnets around Highland Lakes and Blackland Prairie

Texas bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush wildflowers at sunset (Getty)

I’ve heard more and more tales of Texas’s gorgeous bluebonnets over the last few years, which is what inspired me to write this article. If you’re also into elegant, tall stalks of indigo flowers, you can find them statewide. I suggest focusing your bluebonnet hunting in the Highland Lakes area, along with Blackland Prairie.

You’ll see stretches of bluebonnets in and around these Highland Lakes spots:

  • Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park
  • Longhorn Cavern
  • Inks Lake State Park (includes other flowers like Hudson flax)

But don’t forget about the Blackland Prairie region in Washington County. You can see a sea of bluebonnets in these areas each spring:

  • Around the city of Independence (State Highway 105 is ideal)
  • Around Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site
  • Around Chappell Hill Historic District
  • Between Corsicana and Athens

Winecups in Hill Country

“Purple Poppy Mallow”, also known as winecups (Getty)

Delicate, violet winecups are another favorite for natualists in the Lone Star State. Like bluebonnets, you’ll notice these dotting Texas’s grasslands and savannahs. But you can find scores of winecups in Western Hill Country.

The best place to see winecups is between Llano and Cherokee, which lies west of Inks Lake State Park. Or you’ll be in Western Hill Country, instead, you’ll notice fields of winecups just south of Vanderpool.

Neches River rosemallow and trailing phlox in East Texas

Trailing phlox (Getty)

The famous pinelands of East Texas are home to famous state-specific flowers: the Texas trailing phlox and the Neches River mallow. I haven’t heard of either of these small flowers before, but you can find scores of each in the Pinewoods Native Plant Center, an Austin State University project.

This 42-acre area was created to preserve and propagate endangered native species, including the Neches River rosemallow and Texas trailing phlox.

Blackfoot daisy and paper flower in the Panhandle

A Blackfoot Daisy, Melampodium leucanthum, in bloom in Texas (Getty)

Did you know that Texas’s panhandle includes plateaus that rise as high as 4,500 feet? Unsurprisingly, you’ll find unique flowers in Texas’s panhandle compared to other regions. I’d personally love to see the blankets of black-and-yellow blackfoot daisies, along with those delicate paper flowers. Both are easy to find in and around the Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

The whole shebang in and around Lyndon B. Johnson State Park

Texas Pink Primrose (Getty)

Can’t decide which wildflower road trip tickles your fancy? You can find interspersed flowers in and around Lyndon B. Johnson State Park between Luckenbach and Johnson City. The grasslands are home to more than 400 wildflower species, including those famous bluebonnets, scarlet sage, and primrose.

GetYourGuide Just Launched a (Very Sexy) Solo Tour in Paris

I have very strong opinions on Paris.

I’ve personally avoided the City of Love like a plague for two reasons.

One, I don’t want to spoil my perfect image of Paris; I’m happy enough with the highly imagined worlds presented in shows like Emily in Paris.

Two, Paris is expensive—a little too expensive for what I imagine I’ll get out of the experience. At least, at this point in my life. I have a specific vision for how I’d like to visit Paris, and I’m nowhere near the point of bringing that vision to fruition.

So, I’ve stayed away from Paris. Not permanently, but just until the right moment presents itself.

And that ‘right moment’ might be now thanks to a shiny new offer from GetYourGuide, especially for solo travelers with a specific vision of what a trip to Paris should be like.

GetYourGuide is taking a new approach to the City of Love, taking the charge in a new direction to rename Paris the ‘City of Self-Love’.

That’s exactly what it sounds like; GetYourGuide is offering the chance for a few solo travelers who are comfortable in their skin to take their relationship with themselves to the next level. Plus, the platform is also offering a few cool opportunities for solo travelers in and around Paris.

(Full disclosure: the self-love course is only for women, but the rest of the solo tours are open to any traveler.)

A self-love course in Paris, you say?

Marie Morice

No need to beat around the bush: the self-love course available from GetYourGuide is a masterclass in the art of self-pleasure. Don’t worry—it’s being hosted by one of France’s premier authorities on sex positivity, Marie Morice.

Morice is a sexologist and life coach. She has hands-on experience (forgive the pun) teaching the average person how to foster a healthy relationship with themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally.

From what I can tell, this class is about self-expression and confidence just as much as it is about the arts of pleasure—so don’t worry about broaching any heavier, more intimate topics in front of a group of strangers.

Here’s what Morice says, “As a Clinical Sexologist and Sex Coach, I created ‘The Pleasure Atelier: A Parisian Guide to Self-Love’ to help women reconnect with their bodies and feminine energy, overcome limiting beliefs, and embrace self-pleasure with confidence.”

Again, her class is only open to female solo travelers—sorry boys! And you must sign up alone; no bringing friends along, as this journey is designed to be entirely personal.

It starts with a coffee and pastry meet-and-greet, followed by a discussion, group activities, journaling, lunch, and private shopping that’s designed to encourage self-expression.

The course is called ‘The Pleasure Atelier: A Parisian Guide with Marie Morice’. It will last four hours with limited availability between April and July. You can apply for this masterclass starting in late April; you enter by submitting your email address.

What about other solo tours in Paris?

Private cruises on the Seine (GetYourGuide)

I hope I haven’t alienated any male readers—especially if you’re planning to explore Paris solo. While the masterclass above is intended for women, GetYourGuide is rolling out an extensive solos-only list of tours around the City of Love.

The idea is to empower solo travelers to invest in their personal journey, meet others, and maybe even fall in love.

For a limited time, you can nab a 15% discount on these solo-only GetYourGuide tours in Paris:


Top 6 Cities for Solo Travel in Asia

Many Americans are skipping out on European adventures to head to Asia.

Asia is an increasingly popular continent for solo travelers who want to drop off the map for a more mind-blowing and cultural experience.

Though you’re probably thinking about the tropical beaches of Thailand or the bustling markets in India, Asia is the world’s most populous continent—which means wonders really do abound.

Unlike a solo trip to Europe, you won’t have nearly as many options to hop on a train and land in a different country within a few hours. That means you need to be more selective when looking for a suitable solo travel destination.

With 49 countries to sift through, it’s a lot of work to find the perfect landing spot for solo travel in Asia.

That’s probably a good thing if you like to study up on potential new adventures—but it might be daunting if you’re looking for an easy adventure as a green solo traveler.

This massive continent has dozens of distinct cultural experiences waiting for you. If you’re heading out on your first solo trip around Asia, try out these destinations. They’re gorgeous, safe, and have well-trodden tourist tracks for you to hop on.

Best cities for solo travel in Asia at a glance

  • Best budget stop: Chiang Mai, Thailand
  • Splurge-worthy destination: Singapore
  • Best eats: Taipei, Taiwan
  • Most unexpected culture: Varanasi, India
  • Chillest vibes: Kyoto, Japan
  • Big-city wonders: Chongqing, China

Best cities for solo travel in Asia

Best budget stop: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Phra Singh Waramahavihan Temple in Chiang Mai (Getty)

Thailand is one of the most accessible destinations for solo travel in Asia thanks to its well-rounded tourist infrastructure.

Despite the fact that Thai culture, language, and customs are very different than Western sensibilities, locals are renowned for their patience and hospitality. You’ll notice that Chiang Mai has a particularly welcoming atmosphere and highly affordable prices that younger travelers will appreciate.

Despite its low prices, you’ll be able to put together the trip of a lifetime. From its dozens of temples to its wildlife sanctuaries to its traditional sak yant tattoo artists, you can sample the very best of Southeast Asia in this jungle outpost.

Just be prepared to trade off those tropical beaches—Chiang Mai is squarely landlocked. Despite the lack of beaches, I had a great time during my two-month stint in Chiang Mai.

Here’s where to stay in Chiang Mai and what to do.

Splurge-worthy destination: Singapore

Singapore (Getty)

Singapore is high on my bucket list—but I can never seem to wrap my mind around the nation-state’s soaring price tags. If you’re a solo traveler with money burning a hole in your pocket, look no further.

Singapore isn’t just Asia’s top destination for solo travelers—I think it’s one of the best in the world.

First, because the city is walkable. Second, it’s dotted with wonders like oxygen-producing tree sculptures and canals so clean that otters crisscross through them. Third, it’s also home to larger-than-life establishments like the Sands, which is home to the world’s highest rooftop infinity pool. Fourth, it’s a cultural mishmash that includes traditions from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other groups. Five, it’s incredibly safe.

I could keep going with those highlights—just know that you’ll be paying a good amount to really dig into Singapore’s finest wonders.

Here’s where to stay in Singapore and what to do.

Best eats: Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei (Getty)

Just like in Singapore, you can expect a modern but traditional experience in Taipei. This city has a comprehensive public transportation system (which I was able to navigate despite not speaking or reading Mandarin), along with a safe and friendly atmosphere.

But you might be wondering how Taipei beats out other Asian cities in terms of food. That’s thanks to its extensive night markets, which offer products from cosmetics to bags. But the real star is street food galore.

While you can find delicious eats all around the island, Taipei’s night markets let you sample Chinese cuisine, Japanese delights, and indigenous favorites like smoked meats. Plus, all the best fusion foods you could dream of in East Asia.

Here’s where to stay in Taipei and what to do.

Most unexpected culture: Varanasi, India

Ancient Varanasi city architecture and Ganges river ghat at sunset (Getty)

I studied religion in India and didn’t make it to Varanasi—which is pretty criminal. I’ve always kicked myself for not making it up to Varanasi, which is located in Northeast India near Kolkata.

If you’re a solo traveler who wants to dive straight into the heart of Hinduism, head to Varanasi. As one of the world’s most popular spiritual destinations, you’ll be able to see the main sites easily, from the Ganges River to the Durga Temple.

Let me be clear: Varanasi isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a pilgrimage site for Hindus across the world—and there are just over one billion practicing Hindus out there, for context. It’s dirty and hectic, along with being highly sacred. As a student of culture, that’s a highly compelling combination for me.

Ready to unlearn everything the West taught you about faith? Varanasi has many hands-on lessons to teach you. 

Here’s where to stay in Varanasi and what to do.

Chillest vibes: Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, alley in old town (Getty)

Did my description of Varanasi spook you? I hope not—along with Singapore, Varanasi is high on my bucket list. But if you’re not up for a paradigm shift, I understand.

If that’s the case, I suggest you head to Kyoto. Kyoto is considered Japan’s most traditional city. It’s home to over 2,000 temples, which curate a Zen-like atmosphere.

You can explore those temples at your own pace, along with actual Zen gardens and traditional experiences like tea ceremonies and lessons on kimonos. Nature lovers will also have plenty to enjoy, as Kyoto is known as the City of Flowers thanks to its irises, hydrangeas, and cherry trees.

Here’s where to stay in Kyoto and what to do.

Big-city wonders: Chongqing, China

Skyline of Chongqing (Getty)

Over the last year, I’ve seen more and more social media travel accounts covering the insane, Tron-like city of Chongqing. This massive city, located in the center of the country, is now the focal point of China’s largest municipality population with over 22 million inhabitants.

And how does the city manage such a massive population? Technology and gargantuan skyscrapers.

The city is basically a multi-level maze that I’ve seen described as a 3D city. There are mezzanine levels (or ‘ground floors’) that start at the ninth floor. Many skyscrapers have shops up until the 7th floor, at which point they convert into residential buildings.

Though you’ll need to be comfortable getting around with some Mandarin (not many people speak English), you won’t forget this solo trip for the rest of your life. I guarantee it.

Here’s where to stay in Chongqing and what to do.

Step-by-Step Packing Guide for a Two-Week Trip (Carry-Ons Only!)

We tend to learn the most important packing lessons the hard way.

I’ve felt the sting a few times. From banking on being able to find contact lens solution at my destination to forgetting to pack extra-warm socks, those little mishaps can go a long way in tanking our vacation vibes.

To make things more complicated, every person needs to pack according to their specific needs and preferences.

For example, I’m perpetually cold, so I need to be careful about packing extra layers (and those fuzzy socks). I also pack extra cosmetics, which require special leak-free solutions like latex balloons.

Even as a minimalist packer with a set of tried-and-true hacks, I’m still prone to messing up my final packing list.

That’s not a huge deal for a weekend getaway—but for a week-long or two-week-long trip, those little mistakes can have a serious impact on our level of relaxation and joy.

Want to avoid (packing) disaster for your next trip? Use this step-by-step packing guide to nail your carry-on setup for those more trying two-week trips.

No wasted space. No unneeded items.

(If you’re looking for great travel products to add to your arsenal, start here.)

How many pairs of X, Y, and Z will I need?

Let me start off by saying this list won’t tell you how many pairs of pants, shirts, and panties to pack.

The goal of this list is to teach you how to think about packing from a holistic perspective. After all, you’ll need more than clothes. Using this advice, you can put together a crack packing list no matter the length of your trip or the size of your luggage.

For the purposes of this article, I’m sticking to a two-week trip with a single carry-on suitcase because that’s a pretty normal average for a traveler like me. Now onto the fun stuff!

Step-by-step packing guide for a two-week trip

Step #1: Research the weather

Just because you booked a trip to a tropical beach doesn’t mean Mother Nature will abide. The same is true in vice versa for skiing trips and Arctic adventures.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that you know what the temperature will be like based on what it should be—research weather forecasts for your actual travel dates.

If it anticipates rain, you need to pack for rain. The same for cold fronts, heat waves, and typhoons. Here’s my first packing guide rule: never pack your carry-on wishfully.

Step #2: After weather, focus on activities at your destination

From hiking to yoga classes to cooking courses, your final packing list should be guided by the weather and your immediate travel plans.

Even if you plan on taking it easy by visiting museums, exploring bars and restaurants, and otherwise soaking up culture, look into the traveler experience at your destination.

For example, Porto, Portugal is one of the most popular European destinations for American travelers—but the city isn’t the most walkable thanks to its unique stone sidewalks. Those cute flats or more formal loafers might not be a good match, even if they’re normally comfortable.

Step #3: Splurge on space for your true necessities

I don’t go anywhere without my little travel pillow. (It’s technically a plushie, but we don’t need to get into that.) I won’t sleep unless I have the pillow, and there’s no point in going on a trip if I’ll be an insomnia-ridden zombie for most of it.

Before you start tossing aside your favorite pieces of clothing, be honest with yourself about what items are absolutely necessary for your trip to be a physical success.

For example, a sleep apnea apparatus should be your prime focus if you need one to sleep. Or if you’re a remote worker like me, maybe that’s a laptop stand that lets you work from anywhere.

Step #4: Don’t forget about your bag

Are you starting to pick up on my (packing) drift? Clothes might be the last thing you think of when packing, and that’s totally fine.

Along with your necessities (from pillows to laptop stands), think about what you’ll use as a day bag—this apparatus will be your war pony as you explore cities, cruise the seas on catamarans, and more.

My partner and I usually split one bag between us (and he packs it into his carry-on, ahem) that we know is the right size and is comfortable.

I recommend going with backpacks because they’re more comfortable for long days spent walking and you can switch them between you and your partner. Baggu is also one of my go-to’s because they’re tiny foldable totes that let you expand your carrying space when in a jam.

Step #5: Pack your most basic and comfortable pieces

Basic? And comfortable? That might not sound like the most attractive packing list for someone who has been planning their getaway for months and months. That’s doubly true if you’re heading to a fashion capital like Hong Kong or Milan.

Still, I recommend refining your wardrobe down to the most basic and comfortable pieces. No, they don’t need to be boring or low-quality. But they do need to be mix-and-matchable so that you can optimize your clothing combinations. And they must be comfortable if you want to look good while also feeling good.

Remember, the farther from home you wander, the less likely you’ll have the energy to put together Carrie Bradshaw-caliber looks every day. (You’ll probably be battling jet lag and constipation.)

Step #6: Choose ONE nice piece—you don’t need any more

I know I just recommended sticking to your most basic and comfortable pieces, but that doesn’t mean you need to look like a ragamuffin.

Keep it casual for those normal travel days, but also pack that one special piece in your carry-on. You’ll wear it more than once on a two-week trip—and, I promise, it’s okay to re-wear things on vacation.

Here’s my logic. First, that nice piece doesn’t need to be a full outfit. It might be a swanky pair of boots or a nice overcoat. (I also pack a tiny vial of my nicest perfume—that’ll church up any outfit.) The goal is to have some flair without using up too much precious carry-on space. Second, it’ll give you the freedom to buy something nicer at your destination, and then show it off for a dinner date or show.

Step #7: Pack three times to eliminate the unneeded items

This is my personal packing guide take for two-week trips: keep at it. The first round of packing will inevitably have some dead weight. You’ll probably take away a few unnecessary items during the second round of packing.

But, as they say, the third time is the charm. That third packing round is usually when I get cut-throat about my final list—and it’s rarely done me wrong.

7 Tips to Avoid Car Rental Scams Abroad from a Rental Expert

Want to rent a car on your next vacation?

Buckle up—the process isn’t nearly as intuitive as you’d think.

While booking a car rental in the United States isn’t usually too confusing, that’s not the case when we leave the country. Those contract terms become even more lengthy and complicated. The fine print gets really tiny. Sometimes, we can’t even communicate properly with car rental agencies due to language barriers.

I’ve lived through a reel of car rental misfortune, from failing to get the keys out of a busted self-rental kiosk in Bergen, Norway to facing a no-show at the rental kiosk in Warsaw, Poland.

Once, my partner and I parked our rental moto in an illegal spot… only to have it towed away by the rental company in Formentera, Spain.

That last one was our fault—but not the first two examples. In those cases from Norway and Poland, we faced a few obstacles before we finally got the keys to our rentals. Those small delays didn’t have a resounding impact on the trip aside from a few headaches.

In reality, the biggest danger when renting cars abroad is a long contract with a few scams hidden inside, which are designed to overcharge the unsuspecting renter.

If you feel a little nervous about renting a car on your next vacation, you’re not alone. If you want to minimize the surprises you face and avoid car rental scams, keep reading.

I’m sharing seven key pieces of advice from the rental authorities at Rental Center Crete, which has been around since 1975 and is currently headed by CEO Harry Anapliotos.

Not only will these tips help you avoid scams before signing up for a rental contract, but they’ll also help you spot a good rental company from a dud.

7 tips on how to avoid car rental scams abroad

Tip #1: Don’t pick up your rental at the airport

Just like with exchanging dollars for another currency, you’re going to overpay at the airport. from additional fees to tax hikes. If you’re flying someplace remote, you might not have much recourse—especially if the nearest car rental agency is fifty miles away.

But if you’re heading to a city or more suburban area, you should be able to find a car rental agency nearby. At best, you can take a shuttle to find a rental agency that doesn’t have those airport fees.

But even if you pay for a taxi ride to the nearest agency, you still might save more than you would if you picked up from the airport.

Tip #2: Know your insurance options—at the rental company and beyond

I almost always pay for the heftiest insurance policy because I’m a bit of a worry wart. That being said, Anapliotos advises taking a close look at what the rental policies cover.

Though the coverage might be good, the prices might be exorbitant compared to other options.

Before you pay an arm and a leg for a mid-range policy, check to see if your credit card provider or your personal car insurance offers rental coverage. Anapliotos also recommends looking into third-party insurance policies—just do so ahead of time so you’re not stressing out at the rental counter.

Tip #3: If you’re driving long distances, check your mileage limitations

Always, always, always look for a mileage cap. Even if you plan on staying in a relatively small area for the duration of your trip, you might be excited to learn about a day trip.

But taking a longer drive could result in added charges. My partner and I almost exclusively opt for policies that include unlimited mileage because it helps us stay mobile in case we get excited about a destination that’s farther away.

Tip #4: Go for the full-to-full fuel policy

On top of opting for unlimited mileage, I also recommend going for the full-to-full policy. Anapliotos explains that this is usually the fairest policy in that it only requires you to pay for the fuel that you’ll use.

By contrast, full-to-empty policies usually involve hefty add-on charges because an agent needs to ‘service’ the car by refilling the tank.

Tip #5: Ask about add-on fees—they’re more common than you think

While we’re on the topic of add-ons that you shouldn’t pay for (like extra mileage and an empty fuel tank), Anapliotos recommends looking into add-on fees. These are sometimes added on arbitrarily and are usually a sign of a rip-off, from charging more for a GPS system or for additional drivers.

Before you sign your rental contract, ask the agent what types of add-on fees will be charged. These really run the gamut, from young drivers to child seats.

Tip #6: Inspect your car like it’s your job

This should go without saying, but you could be held responsible for any damage from the previous driver that went unnoticed. The best way to avoid car rental scams abroad is to not pay for someone else’s bad behavior.

Always make sure to inspect your car like you’re being paid to do it. I recommend taking a close look at the interior, as well—I’ve found more nicks inside than outside my rental cars.

Do the same for things like dog hair and cigarette smoke. You could be charged for having a pet in the car (which you usually need to pay extra for) or for smoking in the car (which is usually forbidden).

Tip #7: Always book in advance

This tip should also go without saying—but you really need to book your car in advance. First, this ensures that there’s a car in the lot for you to drive away. Second, it lets you pick out the right car for your needs. Lastly, you’ll get a much better price.

According to Anapliotos, prices rise the closer to the date that you book, just like flights.