Vehicle rentals enable vacationers or business travelers to get around when they leave their own vehicles at home. Driving across the country can take days. But hopping a flight and then renting a car at the airport ensures that travelers have the convenience of getting around town of their own accord. That’s not where vehicle rentals end, however. People can rent recreational vehicles as well.

The following is a generalized guide of what to expect when renting a car or an RV.

Car rentals

Most national rental car agencies operate under a standard set of rules. Small auto rental companies may have more relaxed standards. Enterprise Rent-A-Car, a leading car rental company in the United States and Canada, says to expect to need the following:

A valid driver’s license with a photo;

Proof of a car insurance policy, or purchase of the rental company’s insurance;

A credit or debit card (check acceptable forms of payment with the company of choice); and

A driver who is at least 25 years of age in the United States or age 21 in Canada. Young drivers may be ineligible to rent, or may have to pay a young driver’s fee.

Large rental companies often offer a wide range of vehicles, from economy cars to pickups and SUVs. Prices vary based on the size of the vehicle. Renters can shop around to find prices that meet their budgets.

Each company has its own rules on mileage restrictions, use of toll roads and fueling up before returning the vehicle. Renters should go over policies carefully to avoid extra charges.

RV rentals

Those who want to experiment with different RV models and gain experience behind the wheel before making a purchase can turn to RV rentals. The RV resource Go RVing says RVs can be rented at local RV dealerships and national chain outlets. Certain campgrounds offer on-site RV rentals, and peer-to-peer rentals also are growing.

Certain rental companies may offer rental orientations. Whether on video or in-person, the orientation will show the essentials of RV rentals and travel. In addition, most will provide an assistance guide that offers tips on safe driving, entering and leaving campgrounds and operating the RV, according to Cruising America.

Most RV renters do not have a cache of equipment available, so rental companies frequently offer provision kits for an additional fee. These kits may include everything from pots and pans to bed linens and pillows.

There are various ordinances that may restrict the use of RVs, including capacity maximums and age limits. Like other rental vehicles, the minimum age to rent an RV in the U.S. tends to be 25. Rental companies may place restrictions on traveling across borders to Mexico or Canada. Check international travel rules prior to signing on the dotted line.