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.
Planning your arrival day
What time do you actually need the car on the first day? That single question shapes most of the rest of your planning. If you are arriving by train or meeting family before collecting the vehicle, note the exact hour you want to be on the road and any slots that follow, such as a check-in window or a booked table. Write down each stop in order, with an approximate duration for each, so you can see whether the day feels rushed or relaxed. It is also worth listing who will be in the car at each stage, since numbers often change between morning and evening. If your plans depend on a specific arrival time at any stop, record the contact number there so you can ring ahead if anything slips.
Comparing car sizes for the trip
How do you decide between a compact city car, an estate or a people carrier? Start by listing every passenger and every bag, then measure or estimate the largest items, such as a pushchair, golf clubs or a folded bicycle. Note each one's rough dimensions and whether it must stay accessible during the journey. Next, compare that list against the vehicle groups available and ask the team directly which group they would suggest for your combination, since they see these requests regularly. You might also consider whether an automatic or an executive saloon suits the driver's preference for the days ahead. If you are torn between two sizes, mention both when you request a quote and ask what the difference would mean for your dates and delivery arrangements.
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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.