Best rental options for 8?

[cadenleesmom]

Do you think 2 cars would be enough room with luggage for 8 people (6 adults & 2 children)? I am debating if we should get 2 cars or 1 car and 1 minivan.

Thanks!

Becky

 

[auger]

I am in the same boat, except that we have 8 adults.
My plan is to book whatever ends up being the best deal.
Right now, I have 2 minivans booked with Budget, since I got a pretty great rate about a month ago.
But I also have two reservations with national, selecting from the emerald aisle in the hopes of two cars that will be better on mileage, but still have enough room for everyone.

I would advise figuring out how much luggage you anticipate having on the trip with you.
Then check out what size trunk space the different rental cars have and make your decision from there.
For example, I know that malibus and Chrysler 200s have really good trunk space, and we have crammed a lot of suitcases in them before!

Also, if the kids are in car seats, what will be easier to get them in and out of; car or minivan?
I would lean towards trying for a minivan and a car, giving plenty of room for the people and the luggage.
But if there is a substantial cost savings, I would not hesitate to book two cars with good trunk space.

 

[Ranger111]

National and Alamo both rent 8-passenger minivans, specifically -- meaning if you reserve one, that is what you get..

Never been in one, and from my research Honda and Toyota are the only makers, so you could check them out on the dealership lots if you are really interested.

Of course minivans don't have tons of internal luggage room -- there is always the roof rack, of course.

Often times 15- or 12-passenger vans are available. I drive our girl's soccer team in one all the time. They are a bit clunky, not the most luxurious, but you'd have plenty of room and they do have a sort of holiday feel about it with all the people inside and all the room.

Not that tough to drive, costs are usually up there though. Just an example -- for my four-day rental in the middle of April, Alamo wants about $600 (total) for a 15-passenger van. I always consider renting one, because the minivan I usually rent is pretty crowded, but the price would have to get down quite a bit lower than that for me to do it.