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.
Travelling with children and luggage in mind
Travelling with young children usually means more to carry than the passenger count suggests. Before requesting a quote, jot down how many adults and children will be in the car, the ages of the children and the number of child seats or boosters required. Then list everything that travels with them: pushchairs, travel cots, high chairs, changing bags and toys, noting roughly how much space these take up compared with how they sit at home. If your dates are flexible, mention that too, since it widens the choice of vehicle groups. Ask the team about delivery or collection arrangements when you enquire, and raise any questions about seat fittings so they can be answered before the hire begins.
Packing for a short break
A short break can still fill a boot, so it is worth listing what you plan to take before choosing a car. Think through the number of nights away, whether you are packing soft bags or rigid suitcases, and any extras such as a cool box, walking boots, a folded bike or a pushchair. Write down rough dimensions for the largest items and count the total bags per person, including hand luggage. If you expect to shop before returning, allow a line in your list for that too. When you ask for a price, share the dates, the passenger count and this packing list, and the team can talk through the vehicle groups, from compacts and automatics to estates, SUVs and people carriers.
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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.















