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.
Planning Luggage for a Short Break
Before you ask for a quote, sketch out what your short break will actually involve. Note the dates you would collect and return the car, then list who is travelling and what each person intends to bring, from suitcases and holdalls to pushchairs or golf bags. If any item is unusually shaped, measure its length, height and depth and write the figures down, since this information is useful when discussing vehicle groups. Consider whether you might pick anything up on the way home, because an extra bag or two can change the picture. A dated list lets you answer the team's questions quickly, and you can ask directly which vehicle group suits your luggage rather than guessing at sizes over the phone.
Factoring the Driver into Your Choice
The person doing the driving deserves a say in the booking. Some drivers strongly prefer an automatic, while others are happy with a manual, so settle that question before you enquire rather than after. Note down any other preferences as well, such as a wish for a higher seating position, extra room in the back for passengers, or a boot that swallows everyone's bags. It also helps to record who else might drive during the hire period and whether they have any particular requirements. When you send your enquiry, include these details alongside your dates and delivery or collection arrangements. The team can then confirm which options match the driver's preferences, and you can raise any remaining questions before the booking is finalised.
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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.















