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.
Planning an Arrival-Day Itinerary
What happens in the first few hours after you arrive? Sketching this out beforehand saves a scramble later. List the places you need to reach, in the order you expect to visit them, and note any fixed times such as check-in windows, appointments or collection points. Record addresses and phone numbers for each stop, plus a contact name where one exists. If your plans depend on picking up other travellers, write their flight or train details alongside the itinerary so connections stay visible. Think about where the car needs to be at the end of the day and whether that differs from the start. Anything still uncertain, such as whether a stop has parking or step-free access, can be checked with the venue directly. Mention your itinerary when requesting a quote if it raises questions about vehicle choice.
Packing for a Short Break
What are you actually taking with you? A short list made in advance answers that without stress. Write down each suitcase, bag and loose item, then estimate the dimensions of the largest pieces so you can weigh up whether an estate or people carrier suits the trip better than a compact option. Note anything awkward, such as golf clubs, a pushchair or a bike rack, since these often decide the vehicle group. If several people share the car, allocate bags by name so nothing gets left behind at stops along the way. Record your departure and return dates at the top of the list, and flag anything you plan to buy and bring home. Sharing the full list with the team helps the quote reflect your real needs.
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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.















