Book Dutchess County car rentals from $57

With almost endless glorious highways and inviting open roads, many travelers choose to turn their Dutchess County vacations into self-drive tours. If you're planning an unforgettable road trip, you'll want to know which cities to put on your itinerary. Explore some (or all) of this place's most famous cities:

• Poughkeepsie (population of 30,400)
• Wappingers Falls (population of 5,600)
• Haviland (population of 3,600)
• Rhinebeck (population of 2,600)

Here are our top tips on how to hop behind the wheel of a rental car with some savings in your pocket:

• Our terrific filter tool will soon become your new bestie. Compare the biggest bargains from all of the top car rental companies quickly and easily;
• Arrange an email Price Drop Alert for your next exciting vacation destination. You never know what awesome bargains will whiz into your inbox;
• Before you pick up your car keys and hop behind the wheel, check both airport and non-airport pickup and drop-off outlets to ensure you're getting your hands on the best deal in town;
• You can often save a pretty penny if your travel plans are flexible. Look at different days and dates and see what savings you can score;
• Pickup and drop-off times typically need to be the same or very similar (e.g, both 11 a.m.) or you could be required to pay for another full day;
• If you're in the mood to save a few dollars, pay right away and drive away with some of the thriftiest rates around;
• It's best to book as soon as your vacation dates are locked in. You'd hate to miss out because you left it too late!