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.
Packing for a short break
Deciding what to bring on a short break often comes down to how many people are travelling and how long you will be away, so it helps to make a list before choosing a car. Note the number of suitcases, holdalls and smaller bags, and if you are travelling with equipment such as golf clubs, a pushchair or walking gear, record their rough dimensions too. Think about whether anything could be left behind or condensed, and mark the items that definitely need to travel. If you expect to pick up shopping or extra luggage on the return leg, mention that when you enquire, since it may influence which vehicle group you consider. A written packing list also means you can share precise details with the team rather than estimating on the spot.
Choosing around driver preferences
Who will be behind the wheel is another decision worth settling early. If several people plan to drive, list each driver's details, including any preferences such as an automatic gearbox, and note whether everyone needs to be registered on the hire. Some drivers prefer a higher seating position, which might point towards an SUV, while others favour a compact car for tighter roads or parking. If the main driver has particular requirements, perhaps for comfort on longer stretches or for a specific trim level, record those too. You can then ask the team which vehicle groups match your dates and preferences, and whether collection or delivery suits your arrangements better. Having this information sorted before you request a quote makes the whole enquiry smoother and helps avoid follow-up questions later.
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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.