I live a scant two hundred eighty miles from Las Vegas, a relatively easy four to five hour drive, albeit a boring one of which the highlight is the world's tallest thermometer in Baker. I stopped driving to Las Vegas years ago, opting to fly there instead. A fifteen minute trip to the airport, less than an hour flight and I am stepping out of the plane at McCarran International Airport, welcomed to Las Vegas by the sounds of slot machines. Now that I am in Las Vegas I have the same questions as do those who travel thousands of miles to get here - how do I get to my hotel and once there, how do I get around town?

Like any other airport at a major travel destination, there are several transportation options. The most used is probably my first choice - a rental car.

Almost all major (and some not so major) car rental companies have offices in the area. Some are at the airport in the baggage claim area, along with free phones to call others. Some are a short, free shuttle bus drive away near the airport. Others have offices in or near most hotels. I always make a reservation, usually via the Internet, and have found the rental fees competitive, even a bit less than renting cars in other major cities.

There are usually plenty of discounts, free days, free upgrades; all you have to do is look for them. Even if you book your car on-line, it is still worth a call (toll free for most) to see if there are any other discounts available, such as AARP, Auto Club, Military, Government Employees, etc. My sister-in-law even got a Girl Scout Leader discount from Avis some years back.

For example, last year I reserved a standard size car at the rate of $28 a day via the company's web page (10% off for using the web page). I called the 800 number and asked if there were any other discounts available. It seems there were several categories of discounts but the largest at the time was for the Auto Club. I asked if there were any free upgrades available and she sent me a coupon for it. I ended up with a better car at a rate of $22 a day. The moral of the story is if you do not ask, you do not get. The worst thing that could happen by doing a little research and calling is that you won't get a discount, upgrade, etc., although it has been my experience that I get them about 80% of the time.

Here are some hints when renting a car in Las Vegas, or anywhere else (any rates or prices I list are not necessarily what you will be charged).

The first is the collision damage waiver (CDL). For a hefty price they will be happy to sell you either full insurance or insurance to cover your personal insurance's deductible. The insurance rates vary, based on the company, what car you rent, sometimes your age, etc. Most rates start in the area of $20 a day. This rate works out to be more than $7000 a year. The rental companies make a ton of money selling this insurance and instruct their counter people to get people to buy it. This is done by the clerks relating horror stories and sometimes making outright threats about what can happen if you crash, even if it is not your fault. One of the threats is that they will charge you the full rental price for every day your crashed car is being fixed and not available to be rented.

Most personal car insurance policies will cover driving any car, even rentals. Commercial policies usually cover the vehicle on the policy and no others. Check with your insurance agent to make sure of your coverage before declining the rental CDL.

Some credit cards (usually Gold, Platinum or what ever metal is currently in vogue) cover all damage to rental cars and some just cover your deductible. Again, check with them to be sure of what your options are.

Even if you do not have a personal car insurance policy, you might be able to purchase a short term one through a local agent that has cheaper rates than the rental companies offer.

Rental companies on or near the airport charge an 8% tax based on the rental fee; everyone who comes from the airport is supposed to pay this tax. Since most people renting cars at or near the airport have just flown in, the tax is almost always added into your bill without asking. If you are not coming from an airport, tell them and they should deduct the charge from your bill.

If you are unhappy with the airport tax and want to take a cab to your hotel and then rent a car you might end up paying more for cab rides than the airport tax.

Most rental cars come with a full tank of gas. If you do not return it at the same level they fill it for you, usually at more than the going rate. The last time I was in too much of a hurry to fill the tank before returning the car, the rental company charged me $3.25 a gallon when the nearest gas station was charging $.98 for the same gallon of gas.

Some companies will try to sell you a "Purchase A Tank of Gas" also known as "We'll Fill It Up For You" plan. With this option you do not fill it up before you bring it back. Whether you use one gallon or bring it back on fumes, it does not matter. If the book says the car has a twenty gallon gas tank, you get charged for all twenty gallons at their rate. Does this sound like such a good deal?

Always try to get your reservation confirmation in writing or at the very least get a confirmation number and the name of the person you spoke to. Sometimes the rental company will not have the model you reserved and will want to charge you more for an upgrade. Do not agree to pay the additional charge! Politely remind them you have a confirmed reservation at a certain price. Stand firm and they will give you the upgrade for free.

If you do not care to stand in lines and be harangued by clerks about insurance, most companies have a rapid processing system, similar to Alamo's Quicksilver. Once you arrive at the rental office you go to a machine in a separate room, stick in the card that has all the needed information (car reserved, credit card info, etc.) and you will be driving off in your rental car within minutes without dealing with an employee, unless you choose to do so.

Look over the car before you drive away. Take note of what the gas gauge indicates; if it is not on full, make sure it is noted on your contract. Note every scratch, dent, broken light lens, torn upholstery, etc. Make sure any and all damage is listed on the contract. This will save you a lot of grief when you return the car.

Most importantly, do not drive if you have been drinking. While Las Vegas Metro (Police) can give tourists a lot of breaks for minor infractions, driving while intoxicated is not one of them. If you plan on doing a lot of drinking, maybe a rental car is not for you; cabs or other forms of transportation would be a better idea. You want to have fond memories of your trip to Las Vegas, not those of waking up in the hospital or spending time in jail.

Drive safely and good luck on your next trip to Las Vegas.