Fitting a family into a rental car is part puzzle, part strategy. The right vehicle size, a simple “trunk math” plan, and a few space savers turn every check‑in and scenic stop into a breeze. Use these tips before you book your Orlando MCO car rental or that big‑city pick‑up in Miami car hire—and arrive organized from mile one.
Trunk Math: What Really Fits
- Midsize sedan: Two to three carry‑on rollers plus a soft duffel; a stroller usually means folding down part of the rear seat.
- Compact SUV: Three to four carry‑ons plus a stroller, especially if at least one bag is soft‑sided.
- Full‑size SUV or minivan: Four to six carry‑ons, a stroller, a soft cooler, and space left over for groceries or souvenir bags.
Think volume, not just count. Hard cases waste corners; soft duffels and packing cubes create a clean “wall” that lets the hatch close easily. Put heavy items low and forward near the seatbacks, then tuck jackets and pillows around gaps to prevent shifting.
Space Savers That Work
- Use packing cubes labeled by person—hand each traveler a color.
- Choose a compact stroller and a fold‑flat cooler.
- Adopt a “two‑bag” system: an overnight grab bag and a day‑use tote. Everything else stays packed.
- Seatback organizers keep snacks, wipes, and headphones off the floor.
Pick‑Up Strategy & Timing
If day one is hotel‑only, ride‑hail from the airport and collect the car the next morning. In Los Angeles, that might mean booking your LAX car rental for 9 a.m. instead of midnight—less stress, same sightseeing. For East Coast arrivals, a morning JFK car rental avoids late‑night queues with tired kids.
Safety & Comfort
- Install child seats first, then load luggage.
- Keep a small first‑aid kit, a roll of bags for trash, and a spare outfit per child within reach.
- Print or download directions; dead zones happen on scenic routes.
- Assign a “snack captain” so the driver can focus.
Smart Budgeting
Weekday pick‑ups can be cheaper than weekend starts, and city locations sometimes beat airport rates. Vegas road trip on the calendar? Compare an airport start with a mid‑strip arrival and book the size you need using our LAS car rental. Headed for Texas Hill Country or a barbecue stopover? Choose an early pick‑up with your Austin Airport car rental so you can get out of town before rush hour.
Why Book with Hola Car Rentals
Travel with fewer “what‑ifs.” Hola Car Rentals offers an All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage, maximum liability coverage on selected itineraries, free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up, and cashback on tolls. Families love transparent pricing and quick comparisons across brands—no surprises, just the right car at the right time.
Ready to pack smarter and go farther? Choose your dates and reserve in minutes with Hola Car Rentals—starting with your Orlando Airport car rental or the big‑city stop that kicks off your adventure.
Load Like a Pro
Build the trunk from the back seats outward: heaviest bags flat and low, stroller wheels down on one side, then cubes and soft items filling the roofline. Close the hatch once midway to check clearance and reshuffle before the final load—this avoids slamming on delicate hinges.
Clean Returns, Zero Stress
Keep a foldable tote as a “last‑day bin” for car trash, toys, and scattered snacks. Top off the tank near the airport, photograph the dashboard for fuel and mileage, and keep the receipt. A tidy car and quick photos help you breeze through inspection with kids in tow.
Picking the Right Class
Car categories vary by brand, but the sweet spot for most families is a midsize SUV: room for strollers, easier loading height, and better visibility. If you’re carrying sports gear or a travel cot, step up one class; for city‑only trips, a compact SUV often fits garages that full‑size models won’t.
