Plan your trip
How to hire a car or campervan
Getting the right vehicle at the right price without the counter upsell.
How to hire a car or campervan
Getting the right vehicle at the right price without the counter upsell.
The guidance below is deliberately practical. It is the short list of things that change the outcome of a trip, rather than a general overview you could find anywhere. Read it once while planning and again the week before you travel.
What to know
The points that make the most difference, in rough order of importance.
- Book early; prices rise close to the date
- Photograph the vehicle before leaving the bay
- Decline counter insurance only if yours genuinely covers it
- Campervans need overnight parking planned in advance
Quick reference
- Plan thisThree to six weeks out for most trips
- Book aheadAnything capacity-limited or permit-based
- Verify locallyRules and prices change; confirm on arrival
- Budget impactVaries by region and season
Related guides
Other guides in the same section.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important thing to know about how to hire a car or campervan?
Book early; prices rise close to the date.
How far ahead should I plan this?
For most trips, research this three to six weeks before you travel, and sooner if anything involved has limited capacity or requires a permit.
Does this differ by country?
Yes. Rules, costs and norms vary, so treat this as a general framework and confirm the specifics for your destination before booking.