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.
How the right vehicle is confirmed
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
Your first decision is likely the boot space you will need, so start by listing what everyone plans to bring. Count the suitcases, holdalls, rucksacks and any extras such as pushchairs, golf clubs or a cool box, and note roughly how large each item is and whether it is soft or hard-sided. If passengers are sharing the car, ask each person to confirm their bags a few days before travel rather than guessing, since a running list is easier to adjust. Decide as well what stays in the cabin versus what goes in the boot, and note anything fragile. With this list ready, you can tell the team your dates, the number of travellers and your luggage total, and ask which vehicle groups suit your plans.
Arranging an Arrival-Day Itinerary
Once the car is booked, sketch out what the first day actually looks like so the schedule has room to breathe. Note your expected arrival time, where you plan to collect or receive the car, and the order of any first-day tasks such as checking in, shopping or picking up keys. Record the addresses and phone numbers of anyone you need to meet or call, including accommodation contacts, and note any check-in windows you must respect. If several people share the driving, list who is responsible for which leg. Writing this down lets you raise specific questions with the team in advance, whether about collection arrangements, timings or anything else still open before your hire begins.
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Things to check 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.