The festive season is the perfect time for families to get together, travel, and make memories. Whether you’re visiting relatives, heading to a winter getaway, or just going on a road trip, finding the right rental car can make all the difference. Family travel can be challenging without the right vehicle, so here are some essential tips to help you choose the best family-friendly car rental for your holiday adventures.
1. Choose a Car with Plenty of Space
Space is key when travelling with family. From luggage and gifts to prams and other essentials, families tend to need more room than solo travellers. When choosing a rental car, look for vehicles that offer a spacious interior and a good amount of boot space. SUVs, estate cars, and MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles) are popular choices for families because they can comfortably accommodate extra bags, winter gear, and larger items. An SUV, for instance, often provides plenty of legroom, a high seating position for great visibility, and enough storage for bulky winter coats and travel essentials.
2. Consider Safety Features
Safety is always a priority, but it’s especially important when travelling with children. Modern rental cars often come equipped with advanced safety features that can give you peace of mind on the road. When booking, check if the vehicle has features such as rear-seat ISOFIX points for securing child car seats, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and airbags throughout the car. It’s also worth asking the rental company if they offer winter tyres or chains for added safety if you’ll be driving in potentially icy or snowy conditions.
3. Entertainment Options Make a Big Difference
Long drives can be tough for younger family members, so it’s helpful to have some entertainment on hand. Some family-friendly rental cars come with in-built DVD players, Wi-Fi, or USB ports for charging tablets and phones, which can be lifesavers on extended trips. While these features might not be essential for a shorter journey, they can be a great bonus on long drives, helping to keep everyone entertained and happy.
4. Don’t Forget the Comfort Factor
Comfort is vital when travelling for hours at a time, especially with children. Look for vehicles with adjustable seats, air conditioning, and heating controls in the back for rear passengers. It’s worth checking with the rental provider if the car has features like heated seats for extra cosiness, which can make winter travel much more enjoyable.
For those travelling with very young children, it might be a good idea to choose a car with a smoother suspension to help ensure a gentler ride, reducing the chance of travel sickness.
5. Make Sure There’s Easy Access
When travelling with small children, easy access to the car can save you a lot of hassle. Sliding doors on some MPVs can make it easier to get kids and car seats in and out of the vehicle, especially in tight parking spaces. Large, wide-opening doors on SUVs are also ideal for families as they allow plenty of space for managing luggage and ensuring everyone is buckled up safely.
6. Check for Flexibility with Booking and Add-Ons
During the holidays, rental companies may offer family-friendly packages or additional services, like including child car seats or roof racks, which can be helpful for extra luggage. These add-ons may come at an extra cost, so it’s good to check the options available and factor in these potential fees when booking.
Lastly, the holiday season is a busy period for travel, so it’s wise to book your car rental in advance to secure the best options for your family.
Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday Journey
Choosing a family-friendly rental car can take the stress out of your holiday travel. By selecting a vehicle with space, comfort, and safety features, you’ll be well-prepared for a smooth and enjoyable journey. Happy travels!
