Tips for Hiring a Car Over Christmas

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Christmas is one of the most special times of the year — and also one of the busiest. Whether you’re visiting family, heading off on a winter escape, or chasing a bit of winter sun, hiring a car over the festive season is a brilliant way to travel comfortably and with complete flexibility.

But because it’s one of the busiest times of the year, a little organisation goes a long way. To help you find the right car at the best price — and avoid any last-minute surprises — we’ve put together a complete guide with all the essential tips for hiring a car this Christmas safely and easily.

A complete guide for hiring a car over Christmas

In this article, you’ll find all the top tips you need to book your Christmas car hire quickly, smoothly, and with confidence:

1. Book in Advance

Christmas, much like summer, is one of the peak periods for car hire. That means:

• Prices rise as the holiday season approaches
• The more popular models sell out quickly, especially family cars, SUVs and automatic cars.
• Smaller offices or highly touristy destinations often run out of cars weeks in advance.

Booking between 4 and 8 weeks in advance is ideal. With platforms like CarJet, you can compare prices months ahead, making it easier to secure the perfect vehicle at the best price.

2. Be Flexible with your pick-up and drop-off times

Sometimes adjusting your pick-up or return by just a few hours can make a big difference in price. For example:

• Collecting your car on the morning of the 23rd instead of the afternoon of the 24th is usually cheaper
• Returning it on a Monday rather than a Sunday can also lower the cost.
• Avoiding bank holidays such as the 25th or 1st of January makes the process a lot easier and may also help you avoid queues.

If possible, try a few different combinations before booking. At Christmas, even a small change can lead to significant savings.

3. Choose the Right Type of Car for Your Trip

Not all destinations have the same conditions over Christmas, and choosing the right vehicle can make your trip far more enjoyable. Here are some tips:

For cities and short distances

A compact car is ideal : easy to park, economic to run and normally the most affordable option. Perfect for city breaks or visiting family.

For longer journeys

Larger models, such as SUVs, offer major comfort, especially if you’re travelling with suitcases or filling the boot with gifts!

For snowy destinations or rural areas

Choose a bigger car with winter tyres. In countries like Germany, Switzerland, Austria, or northern Italy, winter tyres may be compulsory at this time of year. Don’t worry — cars hired in these destinations are already equipped for winter conditions.

4.Check What’s Included in the Final Price

During the busy Christmas season, it’s common to find attractive rates that don’t include the essentials. Before booking, make sure you check:

• Mileage: Unlimited or capped?
• Fuel policy : Full to full is usually the most convenient option.
• Included cover : look carefully at which insurance is already part of your booking. You can always add extra cover if you want more peace of mind.
• Late pick-up conditions : Important if you’re arriving on a late-night flight.

5. Make Sure You Have the Necessary Documents

Before you start your trip, ensure you have everything you need:

• A valid ID card or passport.
• A valid driving licence. Check in advance whether you need an International Driving Permit.
• A credit card in the name of the main driver. Most companies require this so double-check the conditions.

CarJet: The Easiest Way to Compare and Book Your Hire Car this Christmas

Hiring a car during a busy season like Christmas is much easier with a transparent and reliable platform. CarJet simplifies the process by comparing offers from hundreds of companies in seconds, always showing the final price to avoid surprises. You can filter results by vehicle type, fuel policy, insurance cover, or extras, helping you find exactly what you need.

The booking process is straightforward: enter your destination, dates, and pick-up and drop-off times. CarJet then shows all available options, sorted by price. Once you’ve chosen the right vehicle, simply enter your details and select the cover you want. Within minutes, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the essential information: company policy, fuel rules, driver requirements, and collection details.Everything is quick, easy and free from small print.

Hiring a car through CarJet comes with personalised support from start to finish. If you have any questions before, during, or after your booking, you can contact the team on +34 964 830 995, via our customer service, or through our virtual assistant. It’s a quick, safe, and transparent way to secure the best car at the best price during this busy season.

Conclusion: Hiring a Car at Christmas is Easy with Good Planning

Christmas is a wonderful time to travel, but it does require a bit more organising. Booking early, choosing the right vehicle, checking your cover, and planning your routes will make your trip much smoother.

If you want to compare options quickly, find great prices, and book clearly and securely, CarJet helps you see the best deals from hundreds of hire companies.

That way, you can spend the festive season enjoying your trip, stress-free!