Although there is probably no way to make the experience of renting a car completely headache-free, planning can eliminate a lot of the hassle. Here is a partial list of national and international rental car companies.

For more options and information on discounts, call a travel agent or visit Web sites such as www.orbitz.com, www.expedia.com or www.travelocity.com.

Advantage Rent-a-Car: 1-800-777-5500, www.arac.com

Alamo: 1-800-462-5266, www.alamo.com

Auto Europe: 1-800-223-5555, autoeurope.com

Avis: 1-800-331-1212 (domestic), 1-800-331-1084 (international), www.avis.com

Budget: 1-800-527-0700 (domestic), 1-800-472-3325 (international), www.budget.com

Dollar: 1-800-800-4000 (domestic), 1-800-800-6000 (international), www.dollar.com

Enterprise Rent-a-Car: 1-800-325-8007, www.enterprise.com

Europcar: 1-877-940-6900, www.europcar.com

Hertz: 1-800-654-3131 (domestic) 1-800-654-3001 (international), www.hertz.com

Kemwel: 1-800-678-0678, www.kemwel.com

National Car Rental: 1-800-227-7368 (domestic), 1-800-227-3876 (international), www.nationalcar.com

Payless Car Rental: 1-800-729-5377, www.paylesscarrental.com

Rent-a-Wreck: 1-800-535-1391, www.rent-a-wreck.com

Sixt: 1-888-749-8227, www.sixt.com

Thrifty: 1-800-367-2277, www.thrifty.com