Now you can at Porsche Sport Driving School. Learn to drive like a pro behind the wheel of a Boxter, Cayman S or 911 Carrera as you circle the 2.5-mile track at screaming fast speed. Potential students should be happy to know that a full 80% of time is spent in the car, while classroom instruction is led by former race car drivers.

Although it’s not required in all countries to rent a car, getting an international driving permit isn’t a bad idea. It provides a familiar and recognizable form of identification if you’re stopped by the police. Permits are available for $15 from the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Check insurance coverage and age restrictions before reserving a car abroad. Some credit card companies do not offer insurance for rentals in some countries, such as Jamaica and Italy. While international rental car companies may impose restrictions on older drivers. Also, some options common in the United States, such as unlimited mileage, are not always available.

If you’re renting in another country, find out if you can choose between prepaying in U.S. dollars or paying in the local currency, then compare the two rates. Remember that if you opt for the local currency, then pay with a U.S. credit card, you may be charged a conversion fee.

Be aware of more strictly enforced fuel policies. Some companies will hit you with a top-off fee unless you show them a receipt form a service station near the rental office. Pass on the option of returning the car with less than a full tank unless you want to pay a steep premium over gas-station prices.

Consider booking through a foreign car rental company when travelling abroad. Not only can you find better deals, but you can help support the local economy. Try DanDooley (which specializes in Ireland) or TigerCarRental (37 countries, including many in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East). You may even get a broader selection to choose from.

Airport locations are often required by law to add local and state surcharges. One industry consultant estimates that airport fees can hike the cost of renting a car by 25-45%. To make sure you don’t pay more than you have to, try reserving in a city center or suburban location.

Perhaps a lighthouse might interest you. Check out Thimble Shoals lighthouse, purchased by a private citizen from the Coast Guard. An Amendment to the National Historic Preservation Act in 2000 made it possible for people to bid for eligible lighthouses if the Coast Guard could not find a state, city or nonprofit organization to take over ownership and upkeep. The Coast Guard is currently holding auctions online for about 200 lighthouses all over the country.

Carova Beach, Outer Banks, NC
Location: 27 miles southeast of Virginia Beach

Part of what keeps this area so underdeveloped is the lack of paved roads; Highway 12 stops north of Corolla. Four-wheel-drive is a must, as the only route to this 12-mile stretch of beach is a ride on the sand or a primitive system of dirt roads connecting vacation homes in the wooded interior. Drive slowly to see the wild mustangs that roam the protected dunes.

Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel Island, Fla.
Location: 27 miles southwest of Fort Myers

The secret’s out about the beauty of Sanibel Island’s beaches, but you’re sure to find a stretch of sand to call your own when you make the quarter-mile trek to Bowman’s Beach. Sanibel Island is also regarded as one of the best shelling spots in the country and offers minimal development and few amenities, though Bowman’s does have one thing no other Sanibel beach has: barbecue grills.