Car hire for large party

[EcosseDibb]

We always get a car when we go, and usually just book about 4/5 months out. Next year however we're going as a party of 12 () and looking at car hire options at the moment.

When is the best time, price wise, to book car hire - is it like flights where the earlier you book the cheaper is it (generally speaking) or does it not really make much difference?

I'm looking at just getting two people carriers, which is what we usually get, and then we have some flexibility to go different places and split up if we choose to, but some of the group would rather just have a big van. I've no problem driving the bigger van but not many places seem to be quoting prices for it at the moment. Are there any companies who specialise in the bigger 12/13 seaters?


Thanks!

[DFCH-Andy]

Prices for the 12 / 15 seaters tend to be released around 11 months in advance. Book as early as possible with a company who offer free cancellations and amendments and then monitor the price. Everytime the price drops, get them to amend to the cheaper price. That'll give you 11 months of getting the best possible price.

Just remember that theme parks charge $20 to park a vehicle so having two vehicles will add to the cost.

Also, take in to consideration the luggage capacity. You won't get 12 people and all the luggage in to a 15 seater so you might want to consider a smaller vehicle for 24 hours at the start and end to help transport luggage. You then return the smaller car to a local office so no need to return it to the airport.

oh, did I mention I offer free cancellations & amendments?

[7SeasSailor]

DFCH-Andy has given the best advice that anybody can give.

[EcosseDibb]

Originally Posted by DFCH-Andy

Prices for the 12 / 15 seaters tend to be released around 11 months in advance. Book as early as possible with a company who offer free cancellations and amendments and then monitor the price. Everytime the price drops, get them to amend to the cheaper price. That'll give you 11 months of getting the best possible price.

Just remember that theme parks charge $20 to park a vehicle so having two vehicles will add to the cost.

Also, take in to consideration the luggage capacity. You won't get 12 people and all the luggage in to a 15 seater so you might want to consider a smaller vehicle for 24 hours at the start and end to help transport luggage. You then return the smaller car to a local office so no need to return it to the airport.

oh, did I mention I offer free cancellations & amendments?

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Thanks Andy, I'll keep an eye out for those coming out in the next couple of months in that case

We're staying on site at Disney so won't need to worry about parking costs there and we're at HRH for the first 4 nights so wouldn't be picking the car up until the last day there - it sticks in my throat having to pay "theme-park" rates to park the car at an already expensive hotel.

[DickyP]

We did the same when 11 of us travelled as a mass family holiday. Had the 15 seater and booked a second car for flex and to allow people to escape!

If you all agree to go to the same place then all in one, if you want to split and do different things then you have the option. If you reckon most of the time it will be all as one the perhaps use taxi / uber for those wanting to do different things. The last thing you want to do as the drive is be the one ferrying everyone around to different locations.