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.
Picking a suitable car
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 will your first few hours after landing actually involve? That question is worth answering before you request a car, because an arrival-day plan shapes the vehicle you choose and the timings you give the team. Write down your flight or train arrival time, then work out when you would realistically collect the car or want it delivered, adding room for delays rather than assuming everything runs to schedule. Note each stop you expect to make that day, whether that is a supermarket, a relative's house or your accommodation, and record the addresses alongside them. If someone is meeting you, keep their phone number to hand. If plans are still loose, say so when enquiring, since a flexible start time may influence which vehicle group and delivery slot can be confirmed for you.
Sorting Luggage for a Short Break
Before settling on a vehicle group, spend a moment listing what you will actually bring for a short break. Count the suitcases, holdalls and smaller bags, and note roughly how large each one is, since three medium cases and three large ones are different propositions. Add anything awkward such as golf clubs, a pushchair or a set of skis, and mention whether any passenger will need extra legroom. Once you have that list, include it with your enquiry dates so the team can talk through whether a compact car suits your trip or an estate, SUV or people carrier would serve you better. If you are still deciding between luggage options, ask for a quote on two vehicle groups and compare the prices before booking anything.
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Last checks 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.