Choosing the right rental car for your vacation

Not sure how to choose the right rental car for your vacation? Here’s how you can make a choice:

• Don’t just look at the rental rate – include fuel costs, insurance, tolls, and potential parking fees
• Larger vehicles provide more legroom and luggage space but may be harder to maneuver or park in tight city streets

Whenever you’re planning a vacation, there are a number of different things you need to consider. One of those things is choosing the perfect rental car. Whether you’re a couple honeymooning in the Florida Keys or a large family about to embark on a cross-country road trip, this article will shed light on how to make a decision when determining your vacation vehicle.

Factors to consider when renting a car

There are a few different factors to consider before choosing a vacation car rental. While most people will often shop around to get the best value for their dollar, you should consider factors like:

Pickup location

• Renting directly at the airport is convenient, but it often comes with premium location fees.
• Off-airport locations may be cheaper, but factor in the cost and time to get there.
• Consider one-way rentals if you plan to start in one city and return in another (check for drop-off fees).

Rental duration

• Longer rental periods may be cheaper as rental companies offer lower rates for longer periods, making them more cost-effective than daily rates.
• For multi-day drives, look for features like cruise control to make hours behind the wheel easier.
• Check the mileage allowance – some rentals have unlimited mileage, others may charge for every extra kilometer or mile.

Vehicle type

Make sure your vacation car rental suits your trip:

• Compact cars for city driving and easy parking.
• SUVs for off-road or mountainous terrain.
• Convertibles for scenic coastal drives.
• Minivans for group or family travel.

If you plan to drive in winter conditions, ask about winter tires or four-wheel drive.

Vehicle size

• Larger vehicles provide more legroom and luggage space but may be harder to maneuver or park in tight city streets.
• Smaller vehicles are often more fuel-efficient and cheaper to rent, but space can be a trade-off.

Type of trip

• Urban travel: Opt for smaller, more agile cars for easier navigation and parking.
• Road trips: Prioritize comfort, luggage space, and good fuel range.
• Adventure travel: Check ground clearance and off-road capabilities.

Budget

• Don’t just look at the rental rate – include fuel costs, insurance, tolls, and potential parking fees.
• Sometimes paying a little more for a reputable company or better insurance coverage can save you money and stress later.

Choosing the best rental car for a city break

Some cities are more car-friendly than others. While the vast highways of the US are better suited to larger SUV-type vehicles, it’s unlikely this type of vehicle will cut it on the backstreets of Rome. If you’re planning to explore a new city, it’s likely that you’re only looking for something to get you from A to B. In this case, opt for something smaller and more compact, maybe a 1.2-litre, suited to fuel and parking efficiency. Alternatively, if you’re exploring a walkable city, why not use public transport? Not only is this an eco-friendly way of travelling, but you’ll get to see more of the city up close.

Choosing the best rental car for honeymoons

So, you’re planning your honeymoon and you want to travel in style. Many rental companies offer a variety of premium vehicles that will enhance the memorability of your honeymoon. Just imagine driving along Route 66 in a soft-top Mustang or cruising behind the wheel of a bright orange Lamborghini.

Choosing the best rental car for an adventure holiday

If you’re planning an adventure holiday, it’s more than likely that you’ll be travelling as part of a group. It’s also likely you’re going to need plenty of storage space for any skiing, snowboarding or rock climbing equipment you’ll have. Consider renting a people carrier or van with additional roof storage or a camper van rental. That way you’ll have plenty of storage space, as well as a place to sleep, enabling you to save money on accommodation.

Choosing the best rental car for your family holiday

Looking for reliable car rentals for family vacations? Opt for something spacious and durable. Maybe you’re travelling with a baby, and you need ample room for a car seat? Many rental companies will be able to point you in the right direction in terms of family vehicles, while minivans may be a great option if you’re planning a family vacation with lots of passengers. As a side note, if you are travelling in a large group, why not look into adding additional drivers to the rental agreement as a means of splitting up the driving?

Choosing the best car rental for multilocation holidays

If you’re planning on visiting a number of different locations during your vacation, you’ll need a rental vehicle to suit a variety of different terrains. It may be the case that you’ll be exploring urbanised cities as well as the great outdoors. If this is the case, why not hire a hybrid vehicle to enjoy the best of both worlds? If you’re unsure of what type of vehicle to rent, contact the rental company for advice. Make decisions on the type of location you’re visiting, the terrain, how long you’ll be driving for, the passenger number and type.

The benefits of renting a car on a family vacation

1. Have a spacious trip: A rental lets you choose a vehicle big enough for your whole family – with room for luggage, strollers, and souvenirs. Spacious interiors mean fewer complaints about cramped legs and more comfort on long drives.
2. Try something new: Renting is a chance to drive a vehicle you’ve never owned – whether that’s a sleek SUV, a hybrid, or a minivan with every gadget imaginable. Kids often love the novelty of a “new” car, making the trip more exciting from the start.
3. Keep the miles off your car: Avoid adding hundreds (or thousands) of miles to your personal vehicle, which helps maintain its value and reduces wear and tear. No worries about returning home with a car that suddenly needs servicing after a long journey.
4. Flexibility and freedom: Go wherever you want, whenever you want – no relying on bus timetables or expensive taxis. Easily adjust plans if the family decides to spend an extra day at the beach or explore a nearby town.
5. Time saving: Direct routes save hours compared to waiting for public transport connections. Load up the car once and keep everything with you, instead of juggling bags on trains or buses.
6. Access to remote attractions: Perfect for reaching national parks, countryside villages, or hidden beaches that aren’t served by public transport. Lets you base your family in quieter, more scenic locations away from crowded tourist hubs.
7. Savings: For larger families, a rental can be more cost-effective than buying multiple train or bus tickets. You can shop around for the best rental deal, and even cook for picnics or store groceries in the car to save on meals out.