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.
Choosing Around Driver Preferences
Note down what the named drivers actually want before you request a vehicle group. Some drivers strongly prefer an automatic; others are content with either. Ask whether anyone in the household refuses to drive a manual, since that single answer can narrow the options considerably. Record who will be behind the wheel on which days, whether the hire covers one driver or several, and whether any driver has a preference about seat height or boot space for specific luggage. Write these preferences alongside the dates and the delivery or collection point, so the whole picture travels together when you enquire. If preferences conflict, note the compromise each driver has agreed to, and flag any request that is essential rather than merely a preference, so nothing important is lost in the exchange.
Packing for a Short Break
What will you actually bring? A short break often works to a simple list: one main bag per person, plus a few shared extras. Note how many travellers there are, the size of each suitcase or holdall, and any additional items such as a pushchair, cooler box, golf bag or folded walking gear. Check whether your accommodation offers laundry or storage, since that may affect how much you pack. Record any fragile items separately and decide whether they need to travel in the cabin rather than the boot. If children are coming, list their bags and toys individually so nothing gets left behind at departure. Keep the final tally with your trip dates, ready to mention when you describe your needs.
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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.















