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
Begin by deciding how many days the trip covers, because that determines what goes in the boot. Write a packing list per traveller rather than one general list, noting cases, holdalls, coats and any extras like pushchairs or sports gear. If two people share a large suitcase, record it as one item with two owners so nothing gets miscounted. Note which bags are soft-sided and which are rigid, since that distinction often matters when you describe your luggage to the team. Anyone travelling with fragile or oddly shaped items, such as a guitar or a set of golf clubs, should add those to the list with a brief description. Sharing the list helps confirm whether an estate or people carrier suits your group.
Choosing Around Driver Preferences
Think next about who will actually be behind the wheel, since driver preferences shape the vehicle group you request. Some drivers prefer an automatic; others want a familiar size, whether that means a compact city car or something larger. If two named drivers will share the journey, ask each one what they are comfortable with and note any points they disagree on, such as whether an estate or SUV is wanted. Record each driver's details early, including anything the team will need when you enquire, and mention any preferences about collection or delivery points. Where preferences clash, decide which takes priority for the main part of the trip and note the compromise, so you can explain your reasoning clearly when confirming the booking.
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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.















