If your trip to Lugano is all locked in but your itinerary is a little on the empty side, we can give you a helping hand.Not far from the heart of the city, Monte San Salvatore is one attraction you might like to put on your to-do list. Parco Ciani and Pista La Resega are also not far away and worth taking the time to see.

If you’re after day-trip inspiration, we’ve got some suggestions. Sitting 22 miles away, Maggia is worth hopping in the car for. Cevio should be at the top of your list here. Fusio and Bosco Gurin are excellent attractions too. Located 40 miles away, Airolo is another popular choice. If you swing by, be sure to check out Sasso San Gottardo Museum, Ravina-Varozzei Ski Lift and Airolo-Pescium Gondola.

Nothing screams vacation like jumping in the car, blasting some tunes and cruising to the seaside. Lugano has some lovely beaches close by, so grab a book (and a kite if the wind’s up) and take a day trip to one of these well-known options:

• Argegno Beach (9 miles away).
• Menaggio Beach (16 miles away).
• Riva Bianca (16 miles away).

Rental cars are a terrific option for professionals who travel frequently. If your visit to Lugano is primarily for business purposes, you ought to know where the best business and convention centers are. Here are just some of the top ones:

• Palazzo dei Congressi (0.2 miles away).
• Lugano Exhibition Centre (0.6 miles away).
• Fondazione Monte Verita (16 miles away).

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

• Use our nifty filter feature to point you toward the hottest car rental deals in town — then compare the prices
• Arrange an email Price Drop Alert for your next exciting vacation destination. You never know what terrific deals will hightail it into your inbox
• Before you pick up your keys and hop behind the wheel, take a look at both airport and non-airport pickup and drop-off office locations to make sure you’re bagging the cheapest deal in town
• If your dates are not set in stone, try scoring a lower price by modifying the days in your search
• So you don’t end up paying late fees or for a whole extra day, try to keep your pickup and drop-off times as similar as possible
• Oftentimes companies reward you big time for prepaying — keep your eyes peeled for these kinds of deals
• Book as soon as your dates are locked in. The early bird catches the worm!

Whether you’re heading away by yourself or with some pals, CarRentals.com can help you find a suitable set of wheels for your Lugano adventure. A compact car is an excellent option if you’ll be spending a lot of time in the heart of the city. Affordable and with great mileage, these cars will take you here, there and everywhere quickly and easily. If you want to add some real pizzazz to your trip, have a look at our special category. We know you’ll find something that’ll turn a few heads! Got the little ones with you? A spacious full-size SUV will meet your needs.

For some people, owning a high-end vehicle is little more than a lofty dream. But renting your dream ride can easily be a reality! Imagine the feeling of cruising the open roads in a classy convertible, even if it’s only for a day or two. Or maybe you’re just after a cheap ride to get you quickly from point A to point B. Flashy or thrifty? Either way, one thing’s for sure — there’s a rental car to suit your style in Lugano.

When driving somewhere new, you’ll want to have a clear understanding of the local traffic rules. Here’s what you need to know to cruise around Lugano with ease:

In Lugano, you’ll need to stick to the right side. When visiting someplace new, it’s always a wise idea to rent an automatic vehicle. That way, you can concentrate on the road and save worrying about gear changes.

You shouldn’t have any problems finding a parking spot in Lugano. With plenty of places to leave your car, discovering the best of this destination is a cinch.

As the population of Lugano is only 26,400, you probably won’t have much difficulty with traffic congestion. However, main roads generally get busy in the rush hours before and after work, so you may want to avoid driving then.

Speed limits vary across the city of Lugano, but usually range from 50km/h to 120km/h. Most residential roads have a top speed of 50km/h unless stated otherwise.

Generally, your rental car company will charge the amount detailed on the fine to your credit card, including local taxes and surcharges. Otherwise, they may provide your contact details to local authorities, who’ll then issue a fine to your postal address.

As is the case in many places, regular cell phone usage is prohibited while driving a car in Lugano. However, there is an exception for hands-free or Bluetooth capabilities. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road.

When driving in Lugano, it’s a criminal offence to have a BAC (blood alcohol content) in excess of 0.05%. Thinking of having a couple of drinks over lunch or dinner? Consider booking a taxi or using a ride-sharing service.

It’s a big no-no to turn at a red light in Lugano. When you encounter one, enjoy a mindful moment until the signal turns green.

They are, so buckle up. Although, there may be exceptions for certain vehicles operated by public transportation networks.