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.
Sketching an Arrival-Day Itinerary
What does the first day of your trip actually look like? Writing a rough itinerary before you request the car helps you pin down the dates and hours you need. Note the time you land or arrive, how long you expect to spend collecting baggage, and the addresses you plan to reach that day in the order you intend to visit them. If the day includes a scheduled check-in, appointment or meeting, record its time and the contact number for the person expecting you. Add a note of any stops for supplies or rest along the way. This outline also shapes your questions for the quote, such as whether collection or delivery suits your arrival time better, and it gives the team clear dates to check availability against rather than a vague window.
Keeping Companions in the Loop
Who else needs a copy of the plan? When several people are travelling, sharing the details early avoids confusion on the day. Send your companions the hire dates, the vehicle group you have requested, the collection or delivery point and the driver's contact number. If different passengers arrive separately, note each person's estimated arrival time and how they will reach the meeting point. Agree who holds the booking reference and who speaks to the hire team if plans change. It also helps to circulate the itinerary, including any booked events or addresses, so everyone can spot clashes before they become a problem. If someone in the group might also drive, mention this when you enquire so the team can confirm what details they need, and keep a shared note of any questions still waiting on an answer.
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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.















