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.
Packing for a Short Break
The first decision worth settling is how much luggage your party will actually bring, since that shapes which car group makes sense. Before requesting a quote, note the number of suitcases, holdalls and smaller bags, along with their rough dimensions and whether any item is unusually long or bulky. If you are travelling with golf clubs, a pushchair or a bicycle box, write those measurements down too, because the team can then advise on an estate or people carrier rather than leaving it to guesswork. Also record how many passengers are coming and whether anyone needs extra legroom. If a roof box or child seats are involved, mention these when you enquire, as they may affect which vehicles can be offered.
Keeping a Flexible Day Plan
A loose itinerary often works well when you have a hire car for several days, but it helps to write the fixed points down before you confirm dates. List any booked appointments, family commitments or check-in times that cannot move, then mark the days that are genuinely open. If you plan to collect the car partway through your trip, note the handover time and where you would like it delivered or collected from. Think about who else might drive, and have their details ready if you want them added. Questions worth asking the team include whether the dates you have in mind are available, what happens if your plans shift by a day, and which vehicle group suits both your passengers and your bags.
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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.















