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.
Finding a car to suit the trip
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 Bags
If children are in the party, their requirements deserve a list of their own. Note how many travel seats are needed, the ages they apply to, and who is responsible for fitting each one before departure. Count the bags separately from the adults', since a family of four can easily bring a pushchair, a changing bag and a small case each, which adds up quickly in the boot. Record any items that must stay within reach during the drive, such as snacks, toys or medication, so they are not buried among the cases. If grandparents or friends are joining for part of the trip only, say so when you enquire, because it affects the seat count. These details help the team suggest the right vehicle group.
Packing for a Short Break
A weekend away is easiest to plan once you know exactly how long you will be gone, so settle the dates first. Ask each traveller to lay out their clothing and belongings a day or two ahead, then decide together what stays behind. Write a shared list of the cases, holdalls and any extras like a cool box or folding chair, and note the rough size of the largest piece. Check whether your accommodation offers laundry, which might reduce what everyone packs. Keep valuables, documents and chargers in one small bag that travels in the cabin rather than the boot. When you request the car, mention the number of travellers, the bag count and the hire dates, and raise any question you still have about vehicle groups.
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What to confirm on the phone
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.















