Sensation of freedom and lightness, sunny roads, well-packed luggage… This is the definition of vacation! But before getting there, you have to plan everything, choose the destination, book your accommodation, organize your trip… And possibly rent a vehicle suitable for your vacation. Before closing the suitcases, it’s better to make sure that the vehicle you rent will meet the requirements of your trip. We explain everything you need to keep in mind to rent your holiday car with complete peace of mind.
Choosing the right rental car during the holidays
Using a car rental during the holidays is often the best way to travel with a vehicle adapted to your trip. It is therefore important to take the time to carefully choose your vehicle.
The size of the vehicle
To start, you will need to take into account the number of passengers and the volume of luggage. This may seem obvious, but many find themselves cramped within the first few kilometers. A compact car may be enough for a couple, but for a family with children and a stroller, it is better to opt for a sedan or an MPV with a more spacious cabin and a larger trunk.
The type of vehicle
In the city or on the coast, a small city car that is easy to park is perfect. Sedans also do the job if you are traveling with many people. Conversely, mountain roads or country paths sometimes require a more robust, even elevated vehicle. An SUV or a 4×4 then provide better driving comfort.
The engine and fuel consumption
For long distances, an intermediate model, neither too light nor too thirsty, is often the best compromise. About a hundred horsepower is generally enough to drive comfortably without straining the engine. It is also useful to take a look at fuel consumption because the kilometers fly by quickly on vacation. As for the gearbox, it’s a matter of preference; some prefer manual transmission to keep control, others opt for automatic, which is more relaxing when driving a lot.
Think about all the accessories you need
Before hitting the road towards your vacation, it is useful to think about accessories that can make the trip easier and safer. Some equipment is available for rent during booking or on site. To avoid forgetfulness or last-minute fees, it’s better to consider them before leaving.
For children, car seats (baby, child, or booster) are often mandatory depending on the age and the destination country. It is therefore essential to book them in advance, especially in high season, especially if you pick up your vehicle once you arrive at your holiday destination. Make sure to provide the exact weight and age of your child to receive a suitable seat.
In terms of safety, it is important to ensure that the vehicle is equipped with the items required by the regulations of the place where you are staying: reflective vest, warning triangle, first aid kit, sometimes even a fire extinguisher and a beacon light. Not all are necessarily provided by default, hence the importance of checking the regulations and requesting them from your agency when you book the vehicle.
To transport your luggage or bulky equipment, adding a roof box, a trailer, or a bike rack can be useful. These options prevent cluttering the interior space, which is very appreciated during long trips. It is also a wise choice if you want to travel with your rental vehicle and dismantle the devices once you arrive to drive lighter daily during your stay.
The GPS remains a very useful accessory, even in the age of smartphones. You can reserve a GPS or a vehicle natively equipped with this device if you want to avoid using your phone to navigate your trips. This way, you avoid additional costs related to the internet connection needed to update your routes. You can also choose to use your smartphone with an offline navigation app. Just remember to download the maps before departure.
Sign a contract that meets your real needs
Before taking the wheel, one last step awaits you: signing the rental contract. This document, often dense, deserves your full attention because it precisely outlines your rights, your obligations, and the associated fees for your rental.
Start by checking the mentioned rates. These must correspond to what you booked online, with no last-minute surprises such as additional insurance or a service already paid for. If a supplement seems unjustified to you, report it immediately to the agency.
Then look at the conditions for handing over and returning the vehicle. In some cases, you can return your vehicle to a different arrival agency than the departure one, return the vehicle outside opening hours, and must respect a certain fuel or battery level for electric vehicles… These details are sometimes charged extra, just like adding a second driver or renting to a driver under 25 years old.
Also pay close attention to the clauses on authorized kilometers. Some offers display a limited mileage, with sometimes high fees in case of exceeding it. And regarding destinations, if you plan to cross borders, make sure this is allowed in your contract.
The question of insurance is also fundamental. The civil liability is systematically included, but you can opt for additional guarantees (theft, damage, reduced deductible). Remember to check what your credit card already covers before adding an insurance option to the rental contract.
Before signing the rental contract, conduct a complete inspection of the vehicle, inside and out, with photos as evidence. This way, you avoid any later disputes.
