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
Decide early what you actually need to take, then write a list before choosing a car. Count the suitcases, holdalls and any separate items such as a cool box, walking boots or a folded pushchair, and note roughly how large each one is. If you plan to shop while away or bring back more than you take, mention that when you enquire, since it may shape which vehicle group suits the trip. Include the hire dates and destination in your message, and ask any open questions, such as whether roof bars are offered or how collection would work on your return day. A written packing list also helps you confirm nothing is forgotten when you set off.
Travelling With Children and Bags
If children are travelling, their requirements deserve their own checklist alongside the luggage. Note how many child seats or boosters are needed, the ages and approximate sizes of the children, and whether you intend to bring your own seats or ask about alternatives when booking. Record the number of bags per person, including small day bags that will sit in the cabin, and any items like a buggy or travel cot. Confirm the driver details and hire dates when you contact the team, plus where the car needs to be delivered or collected. Questions worth asking include whether the chosen vehicle group has the seating layout you expect and how the handover would work with young children present.
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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.