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7 great money-saving tips from vroomvroomvroom.com: what families should look for in a car rental and what rental companies will never tell you.

Renting a car when you’re on an extended family holiday isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.  Especially when you’re traveling with young kids in tow and even more so if those children are under 10. But there are a few more things to consider when making your booking to ensure a smooth ride for the whole family.

Car Size Matters

The first thing you’ll need to come to terms with is that when it comes to family travel, size really does matter. A family of four is going to have at least four pieces of luggage so make sure there is ample room for bags and bodies. We hope you won’t need any extra room for body bags, but if you’re concerned, go supersize on your rental choice if you can afford it.

When choosing your rental vehicle also consider ‘luxury’ items that will make your trip more pleasurable. We recommend the Toyota Sienna for the sheer joy that only copious amounts of cup holders can bring to a road tripper.

Child Seats

If the ankle biters are still in the food-flicking, drink-dribbling age bracket (and note that for some offspring this has been known to extend far into the double digits… past the sweet sixteen even), then it’s likely you’ll require a car seat. Be sure to inquire about this when making your booking as most car companies will charge an extra fee. If you’re bringing your own, you’ll need to ensure it fits in the model you’re hiring. Oh, and since it’s in your interest to return the vehicle in the same, unstained state it was given to you, you might want to pack a picnic blanket or large towel to cover the upholstery on the back seat. Believe us - this will pay off.

Pickup at the Airport

Don't make it hard on yourself. If you’re traveling interstate or from overseas, be sure to check that the pick up location is near the airport. Getting a bus after a long flight is the last thing you’ll want to deal with if you have a grouchy, sleep-deprived toddler. If it’s a little further away, send Mom ahead to get the paper work happening while Dad herds the rest of the family.