Hertz short-term rentals make exploring Europe more affordable.

Every time we go to Rome, we hope to get to Tivoli. We've always wanted to see Hadrian's Villa and the Villa d'Este. But every time we look at the logistics of getting there, it's less appealing than just spending another day in Rome.

We either have to take public transportation, which is fine but involves some waiting, or we have to sign up for a tour, which means adhering to someone else's schedule.

But now, there's another option which seems vastly preferable. Hertz has introduced a new program that lets you rent cars for three, six, or nine hours. Unimaginatively called the 369 Program, it makes day trips from city centers or major airports easier and more affordable.

Photo: Flickr ZioDave

Southern California flea markets.

If you're planning a trip to SoCal and you like antiques - or just puttering around - set aside a Sunday morning to go scavenging in one of the area's incredible flea markets.

With 2,500 vendors, and 15 - 20,000 buyers, the Rose Bowl Flea Market is the big daddy of them all. There's something for everyone - vintage jewelry, furniture, fine art, comic books, retro clothes, you name it. And if you pay attention, you might see your favorite TV or movie star.

Admission is based on entry time. If you're a serious collector, pay $20 and show up at 5:00AM. If you're more interesting in people watching and maybe picking up an interesting trinket, show up after 9:00AM and pay $8. But be forewarned, the later you show up, the farther away you'll have to park.

Photo Flickr: Californian Em

Wine, Internet, and song in the heart of Sorrento, Italy.

We've had the good fortune to visit the Amalfi coast several times. If you haven't been because you're intimidated by the hair-raising coastal road and the crazy local drivers, go anyway. The area is easily explored by ferry.

One of the most likeable towns is Sorrento, which is a little more cosmopolitan than Amalfi and Positano, which is also quite charming. Sorrento's magnificent cliff-top location overlooking Vesuvius and the entire Bay of Naples and its colorful central plaza make it a favorite British getaway.

Since we'd been there in 2007, last year, we had the luxury of having no agenda at all. So we put our traveling companions on the train to Pompeii and just strolled the lovely streets, many of which are pedestrianized. After picking up San Marzano tomato seeds, herb and spice mixtures to jazz up our spaghetti, and limoncello, we were ready to rest our feet.