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.
Mapping Out Your Arrival Day
What time do you actually expect to land or arrive on day one? Fixing that in your mind first shapes everything else, because an arrival-day itinerary usually depends on when the car is ready and how the first few hours unfold. Note down your arrival time, the address you are heading to, and any appointments or check-ins booked for that evening. If someone is expecting you, record their name and phone number so the plan can be adjusted if a delay occurs. You might also list the stops you hope to make between arriving and settling in, along with rough timings for each. Keep this schedule flexible, since travel rarely follows the timetable exactly, and leave gaps between commitments so a late start does not derail the whole day.
Preparing for a Longer Stay
A hire lasting a week or more benefits from a written outline rather than a loose idea. Start by drafting a day-by-day schedule covering where you intend to be, who you are meeting and which commitments are fixed rather than optional. Note the contact details for each place you are staying, including the person handling your booking, so any changes can be communicated promptly. Think about how many passengers will travel with you on each outing, plus the bags and equipment accompanying them, so you can request a suitable vehicle group. Where your plans involve visiting friends or family, ask them for addresses and arrival windows. Keeping this information in one document makes it easier to answer questions when arranging the hire.
Explore other car hire areas
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.