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.
Deciding How the Return Journey Fits the Booking
The first decision is whether one booking covers both legs of your journey or whether the dates need to be split. Write down the departure day, the return day, and any flexibility around each. Note where the car should be delivered and collected, and whether that differs at either end of the trip. If another driver shares the responsibility, list their details alongside yours. Sketch the route in outline, including planned stops, so you can judge whether an estate or SUV suits the distance and the luggage you expect. When you ask for a quote, confirm the exact dates held, what happens if the return slips by a day, and which vehicle groups are open for the whole period.
Packing Notes for a Short Break
A short break starts with a simple list. Begin with passengers, then note each bag: how many cases, their rough sizes, and any extras like a pushchair, golf clubs or a boxed bicycle. If shopping or gifts might come back with you, leave a line in your notes for the return load. Decide whether a boot-sized load is enough or whether a people carrier makes the journey more relaxed for your group. Record your destination contact, such as a hotel or host, in case arrival details need checking. Questions for the team include which automatics are available, the delivery window on your first day, and how the collection is arranged once you are back.
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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.















