Matching a hire car to your passengers and luggage
Tell the team how many people will travel and how many cases, buggies or bulky bags you expect. Seating and boot space are separate questions. Say whether you need an automatic or are happy with a manual, and mention any child seat request early so it can be checked before you are quoted. Include details for every driver who may take the wheel.
Picking a suitable car
Start with the journey and pick the car to match it. Smaller cars are suited to city driving and short stays, automatics make local driving easier, estates and SUVs give more room for luggage, and people carriers are a better choice for families or small groups. The range available includes the Fiat 500, VW Golf, Ford Focus Estate, Ford Focus Automatic and Hyundai i10 Automatic, subject to dates, driver details and availability. The precise make, model, transmission, seating, payload and licence position are confirmed when you are quoted, so treat the vehicles listed as a guide to the kind of hire on offer rather than a guaranteed reservation of a particular model.
Travelling With Children and Their Luggage
Should the trip involve young passengers, a little preparation goes a long way towards a smooth day. List each child alongside their age, since this determines what seating they may need, and note who is responsible for fitting any child seats you bring yourselves. Count the bags too, including small rucksacks, toys and snacks, as these often take up more room than expected once everyone is aboard. If pushchairs or travel cots are coming, record their folded dimensions so you can discuss the space they require when enquiring. It also helps to plan the timings around naps or meals, and to pack a change of clothes within easy reach. Sharing this information with the other adults before the hire date means everyone knows what is being brought and nothing essential is discovered missing at the last moment.
Sharing the Itinerary With Fellow Travellers
A journey goes more smoothly when everyone knows the plan, so take a moment to write it down and circulate it. Start with the dates and the collection point, then list each stop in order, including any bookings, appointment times or addresses you will need on the day. Share the itinerary with your companions and invite corrections, since a passenger may remember a detail you have missed, such as an extra pickup or a detour for a forgotten item. Agree who holds the contact numbers for anyone meeting you along the way, and decide in advance how the group will communicate if plans change mid-trip. If companions are bringing their own luggage or equipment, ask them to confirm sizes and quantities before the booking is made, so the vehicle discussion covers the full load.
Explore other car hire areas
Last checks before booking
Before you confirm the hire, check the key details: vehicle availability, driver requirements, mileage, insurance, delivery or collection arrangements and any extras you have asked for, along with driver age, licence history, the deposit, the insurance excess and any travel abroad. A clear request gives the date, the length of hire, the rough route, the delivery or pickup address, the expected passengers or load, and any particular requirements that might affect which vehicle is suitable.