There’s so much to see and do in Washington, and there’s nothing like jumping headfirst into your adventures with a rental car. Here’s a bit of info to get you started. You can’t truly say that you’ve explored every nook and cranny of United States of America without checking out the state of Washington. While you’re here, be sure to call in to its capital, Olympia. This bustling destination is home to approximately 50,300 people.

You might have trouble scoring a parking spot right in front of these popular attractions, but trust us — they’re certainly worth a little stroll. The very best thing about heading to Washington is striking these off your bucket list:

• Pike Place Market (0.2 miles from the center of Seattle)
• Museum of Glass (0.6 miles from the center of Tacoma)
• Riverfront Park (0.4 miles from the center of Spokane)

Being in control of where and when you travel is a huge advantage of having your own rental car on vacation. Call the shots during your road trip around Washington and relish the freedom of visiting its most popular destinations at your own speed. Experience some (or all) of this place’s most renowned cities:

• Seattle (population of 684,500)
• Spokane (population of 213,300)
• Tacoma (population of 207,900)
• Vancouver (population of 172,900)

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

• Use our clever filter tool to point you in the direction of the hottest car rental deals around — then compare the prices
• Make sure you check your inbox for our Price Drop Alert. We’ll keep you in the know about all the hot deals cruising around your next vacation destination
• Before you get behind the wheel, check out both airport and non-airport pickup and drop-off locations to ensure you’re getting the cheapest deal around
• If you have room to move in your schedule, modify your dates to find cheaper prices on different days of the week
• No one enjoys getting stung with a late fee. Avoid paying for an extra day by ensuring your pickup and drop-off times are around the same time
• Some places reward you handsomely for paying upfront — keep a lookout for these penny-pinching offers
• Book as soon as your dates are confirmed. You’ll have the largest range to choose from the earlier you book.

Need something that won’t cost a small fortune? Say hello to the economy car. This small vehicle is the most popular category of rental car in Washington (and ideal if you’re traveling on a budget). Put gas in the tank for less and you’ll be easily getting about cities like Seattle and Spokane in no time.It’s always a good idea to take time out from the city, and if you do, you’ll be handsomely rewarded. With rocky coastlines, mountains, and forests to marvel at, Washington offers endless day trip opportunities. A bigger vehicle like an SUV or a four-wheel drive will give you and the gang more room and comfort for those longer scenic drives.

You’ll be pleased to hear that there’s a great range of both economy and luxury rentals in Washington. What you go with depends on your budget and what you’re planning to do. Specialty vehicles are hard to beat if you’re all about comfort and class. If you want to indulge yourself, why not pick a high-end SUV, or perhaps an upmarket medium-sized vehicle? Alternatively, if you just need something to whiz around town in as economically as possible, maybe go for a budget compact vehicle (or something else that won’t burn a hole in your pocket).

There’s no better way to discover Washington than from behind the wheel of your own rental car. But before you start the engine and speed off, it’s worth researching some of the road rules. Here are a few handy tips to help make sure your journey goes smoothly:

In Washington, you’ll have to keep to the right side. When exploring someplace new, it’s a good idea to rent a vehicle with automatic transmission. That way, you can concentrate on the road and not worry about gear changes.

In Washington, the maximum default speed limit outside a built-up area is 75mph. The minimum is 20mph. When approaching built-up areas, don’t forget that unless indicated otherwise, 20mph is the limit.

In most cases, your chosen car rental company will charge the fined amount to your credit card. Alternatively, the company may forward your contact details to local law enforcement agencies so they can send a fine straight to you.

Although there are a few exceptions, seat belts must be fastened in United States of America.

Like many places, regular cell phone usage is prohibited while driving a car in Washington. An exception applies for hands-free or Bluetooth functions. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road.

While behind the wheel in Washington, it’s illegal to have a BAC (blood alcohol content) of more than 0.08%. Planning to have a couple of glasses of wine with lunch or dinner? Consider grabbing a taxi or using a ride-sharing service.

Road rules in Washington allow drivers at a red light to turn into the lane closest to them, without having to wait for a green signal. Before turning, the car must stop completely and the driver must check that the way is clear before continuing on.