by shawn Chatman,

Seasoned travelers know that to get the most out of a vacation, you need to plan. Even if you’re a free-spirited adventurer who likes to take things as they come, a rental car is a vacation must-have.

Consider the road requirements for these five fabulous U.S. destinations:

Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage, Image via Flickr Luke Jones

Rented wheels will help you take in more of Anchorage’s pristine wilderness than you could possibly see on foot. No trip to this northern town would be complete without a series of leisurely drives through some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, including the Mantuska Glacier, Mt. McKinley, and Seward Highway’s breathtaking coastal views.

Oahu, Hawaii

Hawaii, Image via Flickr puuikibeach

If you have the good fortune to visit Oahu, don’t limit yourself to Waikiki or downtown Honolulu. The third largest island in Hawaii, Oahu is famous for its stunning driving tours. Cruise the Manoa Valley rainforest and make a tourist stop at the University of Hawaii. Motor up Round Top Drive and explore Mount Tantalus, stopping along the way at Punchbowl Crater and The Contemporary Museum. Take a leisurely drive past the sea cliffs of the southeast coast and stop to rest and play at all the beaches and parks your heart desires.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod, MA, Image via Flickr rickpilot_2000

Cape Cod is notorious for its beautiful beaches, but that’s not all you’ll see as you motor through this Atlantic Ocean peninsula. Soak up the atmosphere in any of Barnstable County’s 15 quaint little towns. Drive to and photograph the lovely lighthouses of the upper, mid, and lower cape. Marvel at the many windmills, museums, and galleries dotting the landscape of this iconic Massachusetts destination.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Image via Flickr JefferyTurner

The cool comfort of an air-conditioned rental car will help you enjoy the cobblestone streets and southern charm of Georgia’s oldest city, Savannah, where temperatures hover in the 80s most of the year. Established in 1733, Savannah is the “Hostess City of the South,” offering history buffs a plethora of majestic national landmarks and five culturally rich historical districts, as well as a progressive art scene with galleries scattered throughout town. After cruising Savannah’s hot urban scenery, take a drive to the Tybee Lighthouse and chill out on the sands of Savannah Beach.

Portland, Oregon

Portland, Image via Flickr Allie_Caulfield

The largest city in Oregon, Portland is a quaint yet cosmopolitan city with something for everyone. Rich in culture and personality, visitors find a plethora of cultural and culinary experiences awaiting them in this diverse town. Rent a car and take a memorable drive across some of the city’s many unique and memorable bridges. Then, head to the iconic Mt. Hood Scenic Byway for an exhilarating drive through rainforests and farmlands of the old pioneer country.

It certainly would be a shame if you didn’t have a car to help you navigate all the delights that these vacation hot spots offer.  Whether you’re traveling north, south, east, or west, do yourself a favor and secure your rental car before your trip begins so you don’t miss out on a single thing.