A rental car can give you the flexibility and independence to explore the Caribbean Coast on your own schedule. You can reserve an automobile through your travel agent or directly with the rental company. Travel websites (see Planning Your Trip ) are a good way to comparison shop and find cheaper rates. Prices change with seasons and demand if you are traveling in the spring, reserve a car well in advance, as availability is limited and prices are high. Smaller local companies advertise great deals along the strip, but they are often affiliated with a timeshare and ask you to visit their property for a sales pitch before taking advantage of their rates.

If you decide to rent a car in advance, consider picking it up at the airport, where many of the rental companies have offices. Getting your car at the airport will cut the costs of transport at the beginning and end of your trip. Most companies also have satellite rental offices along the strip or downtown.

• Avis (800) 331-1212 U.S., 883-0803 local, www.avis.com
• Budget (800) 527-0700 U.S., 884-4812 local, www.budget.com
• Dollar (800) 800-4000 U.S., 886-0775 local, www.dollar.com
• National (800) 328-4567 U.S., 886-0655 local, www.nationalcar.com
• Hertz (800) 654-3131 U.S., 884-4692 local, www.hertz.com

Read your rental agreement carefully, and thoroughly review insurance policies. Car companies in Mexico offer varying degrees of coverage for collision, damage, and liability (which can tack up to $30/day onto the rate). If you decide to buy insurance from the rental company, be sure to ask specifically what your coverage is if you are driving on an unpaved road. Inspect the car meticulously before leaving, and bring any damage, however small, to the companys attention to avoid being held accountable for it later.

Worldwide auto insurance is provided by many major credit cards when the card is used to pay for a rental. If you anticipate renting in Cancun, call the customer service number on the back of your credit card to verify your benefits while driving in Mexico.

Roads are generally well paved and easily navigable. That said, stay alert especially if this is your introduction to driving in a third world country. Do not assume that the traffic laws and implicit rules of the road in the States are observed in Mexico. To be safe, drive during the day. Highways are poorly lit, gas stations close at sundown, and the absence of a shoulder on the road means the occasional pedestrian may wander unexpectedly into your path. The government-owned gas brand, Pemex, has two types of gasoline, 87-octane unleaded and 93-octane premium. Most gas stations do not accept credit cards.

If you have car trouble during the day, the Green Angels are federally sponsored mechanics that patrol the highways from 8am to 8pm. Should you require their assistance, there is a nationwide 24-hour hotline: 250- 8221 OR 250-8555, extension 314. There is no fee for their services, but they charge for supplies such as oil and gas.