When is the best time to book a car?

[tchrrx]

We need to rent a car for a few days to get from MCO to Vero Beach, then to the cruise port. We need the car at the end of May. Should I go ahead and try to book it now?

Also, DH is convinced that our luggage won't fit in a regular car and that we need to upgrade to an SUV. We will probably have three suitcases and three carry-ons, but I think we can make it fit since we can put some in the back seat with DD. What do you think?

 

[wdwrich]

I usually find the best deals on rental cars about a month before the date I want.

Depending on the size of your luggage pieces, you may be able to fit in a "regular" car by putting some stuff in the back seat. I typed "regular" in quotes because you didn't indicate which class of car and there are various sizes of cars available, from tiny economy size all the way to large full size cars.

 

[msjprincess]

I always book it as soon as I book my airfare. I then keep checking for better deals and cancel and rebook if I have to.

 

[OKW Lover]

Right now is the best time to book a car. Once you've got it booked at whatever good rate you find now, keep checking (weekly if not more often) as you get closer to your travel date. If you see a better rate just rebook then.

 

[Greysword]

Jeff is correct, the best time to book is NOW!

Car rentals can be cancelled up to the day of rental, so as soon as you know you are going somewhere, book a car with your favorite places. Then as you start your planning, keep an eye on rental car prices. if you find something better, make a new booking then cancel the old.

Sometimes, then best prices are far in advance, so locking in a price now may be the best discount you'll find, depending on when and where you go.

As for vehicle size, I generally book a full size at accommodate as much luggage as we could take (large checked bag each and carry-on bag each). Impalas have enough trunk space to hold a lot, and sometimes hold more than smaller SUVs. In addition, many times you could be upgraded for free (or an incremental fee less than booking) to a mid SUV (Acadia, Explorer, Durango, etc), depending on availability at arrival. however if you book National, a mid sized car is fine, as you'll likely find something that meets your needs on the Emerald Aisle.

Good luck!