How to pick the right rental car for a family holiday
If you’re planning on using a rental car for your family holiday, it’s a very good idea to do some research beforehand. The car you drive could significantly affect how smooth and stress-free (or otherwise) your holiday is. Ideally, spend time thinking carefully about how your family will use the vehicle day to day. Here’s a guide to what you should consider, and how you can pick the perfect rental car for a family holiday:
1. Consider the size of your family
This may sound obvious, but it’s still worth bearing in mind when you start researching car leasing – the size of your family will impact the kind of car you need. There’s a bit more to this consideration than the simple number of seats you need, though. Start by considering the number of people travelling, but do not stop there. A compact hatchback may technically have five seats, but that does not mean it will be comfortable for two adults, three children, child seats, holiday bags, and souvenirs – especially if you’re travelling a long way, or going on a road trip that will involve multiple hours in the car. Further, if you have teenagers, remember that they may need almost as much space as adults – maybe more if they bring a lot of stuff! Here’s our top tips for managing a road trip with teens.
For families of four, a medium hatchback or small SUV may be enough for a short break. For five or more people, an estate car, large SUV or people carrier is usually a better choice. If grandparents or friends are joining you, look at seven-seater options, but check whether the rear seats leave enough boot space when in use.
Check the luggage capacity
Luggage space is one of the most common things families underestimate. Suitcases, pushchairs, travel cots, beach gear, sports equipment and food bags can fill a boot very quickly. A car that looks spacious in photos may not cope once every passenger has packed for a week away.
Before booking, check the listed boot capacity and look at reviews or images of the exact model where possible. If you are collecting the car at an airport, remember that all your luggage needs to fit safely inside without blocking the driver’s view. Don’t assume that bags can simply sit on laps, as this is uncomfortable and unsafe on longer journeys.
Think about child seats and safety
If you are travelling with younger children, check the rental company’s policy on child seats in advance. You may be able to hire them, but availability is not always guaranteed, especially during school holidays. Taking your own seat can be cheaper and gives you confidence that it fits your child correctly.
Look for cars with ISOFIX points if your child seat uses them. You should also consider safety features such as parking sensors, reversing cameras, lane assistance and automatic emergency braking. These can be particularly useful if you are driving an unfamiliar vehicle on unfamiliar roads.
Match the car to the destination
Your destination should influence your choice. For city breaks, a smaller car is often easier to park, cheaper to fuel and simpler to manoeuvre through narrow streets. For rural holidays, a higher driving position and more robust vehicle may be useful, particularly if you will be using country lanes or staying somewhere remote.
If you are heading to the mountains, check whether the car has enough power for steep roads and whether winter equipment is required. In some colder destinations, snow chains or winter tyres may be compulsory at certain times of year, so confirm this before you travel.
Decide between manual and automatic
Many UK drivers are used to manual cars, but automatic vehicles can make holiday driving more relaxed, especially in heavy traffic or on unfamiliar roads. If you’re planning a road trip in the USA, bear in mind that most of the options you’re offered may be automatic. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though – when you’re driving on the opposite side of the road and familiarising yourself with new driving environments and rules, an automatic can reduce the number of things you need to think about.
Compare the true cost
The cheapest headline price is not always the best deal. Look at what is included, such as mileage limits, additional driver fees, insurance excess, breakdown cover and fuel policy. A low daily rate can become more expensive than you might expect once extras are added.
Pay close attention to the fuel policy. “Full to full” is often the fairest option, as you collect the car with a full tank and return it full. Also check whether there are charges for crossing borders, driving on toll roads or returning the car to a different location.
Book early and inspect carefully
Family-sized cars are in high demand during school holidays, so booking early gives you more choice and better prices. When collecting the vehicle, inspect it carefully and photograph any existing damage. Check the tyres, lights, fuel level and mileage before leaving.
All in all, choosing the right rental car for a family holiday is about more than picking a model you like. By focusing on space, safety, comfort and the needs of your trip, you can make family travel easier, calmer and far more enjoyable.
