Holiday Car Hire

Welcome to your one-stop online guide to book:

 * Holiday Car Hire
 * Airport Car Hire
 * Car Hire abroad

British motorists have always enjoyed taking their cars abroad and since the opening of the Channel Tunnel many more have headed to mainland Europe. Infact one in seven British motorists take their cars to Europe each year (over 3 million).

Millions more hire a car once they reach their holiday destination, giving tourists freedom to explore and travel where, when and what they want – giving them a whole new way to experience a country.

HOLIDAY CAR HIRE ABROAD

At a time when driving is increasingly tedious, frustrating and repetitive, holiday car hire abroad is a great way to put the fun back into motoring. Driving along the tree-lined avenues of France, stopping at chateaux and vineyards; chasing the setting sun across the boundless Australian outback; cruising with the surf on America's West Coast; or simply hiring a run-around to search out secluded beaches on a Greek island. These are what classic Car Hire Holiday memories are made of.

CAR RENTAL ABROAD

Think about the sort of driving you're planning to do before booking a car. If you intend to cover short distances on minor roads on an island holiday, the smallest cheapest car may be adequate. But if you're planning more ambitious journeys with a lot of motorway driving then it could be worth upgrading to a larger, more comfortable hire car. Hire cars in the US are generally bigger than at home, but due to the low price of petrol a larger model can still be cost effective.

If heading off to a hot climate, don't underestimate the benefit of air conditioning. Opening windows to try to cool down can be counterproductive when it's really scorching, as the inflow of hot air is both dehydrating and fatiguing. Don't worry if you see a small amount of water dripping from beneath an airconditioned hire car when you park it - this is quite normal after a hot drive.

CAR HIRE ADDED EXTRAS

It's reassuring to know that your hire car is equipped to look after you if you have an accident. Confirm when making your booking if you want to have such features as airbags and anti-lock brakes.

Car hire companies should be able to supply you with a child seat, but agian it's worth checking when you book. These can work out expensive to hire, so despite the inconvenience it can pay to take along your own seat with your luggage.

If heading where snow is likely, it will also be neccessary to specify whether you need a car equipped with snow tyres.

Dissabled drivers may need to book well in advance to obtain a hire car fitted with hand controls. Holiday Car hire companies in America are usually well equipped in this respect, but be prepared to have to get the hang of controls which differ from those you are used to in the UK.

Make sure your hire car includes a recovery service in the event of a breakdown. If you're planning to drive into remote areas, particularly in the US, it can make sense to hire a mobile phone in case you need to call for assistance.

Don't neglect to keep an eye on the oil, screenwash and tyre pressures just because it's a hire car. follow the maintenance given by the Holiday car hire company. Buying a decent road map at the outset of your journey can save endless frustrating wrong turns and hold ups.