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 Bags
If children are in the party, a little preparation before you request a car can shape the whole trip. Note their ages and whether they need child seats, boosters or neither, and check whether you will bring your own seats or expect to discuss options with the hire team. Count the adults and children separately, since a family of six with two in child seats has different needs to a group of six adults. List what each child will have, from pushchairs and travel cots to activity bags and snacks, and note whether the pushchair folds or stays fixed. Write down the dates you need, including any school run or nursery pickup that falls within the hire period, so the booking covers every leg rather than only the main journey.
Packing for a Short Break
For a weekend away, it often helps to draft a packing list a few days in advance and then trim it. Start with the essentials, such as clothing for each day, toiletries and any medication, then add the extras like chargers, walking boots or a cool bag. Note the type and number of bags you plan to use, since two medium cases and a holdall present a different picture to four large suitcases. If you are taking sports gear, a bicycle rack item or a folded buggy, record its rough dimensions so you can describe it accurately when asking about vehicle groups. Keeping the list on your phone means you can update it as items are added or dropped, and share it with anyone else travelling.
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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.