Car hire for the Christmas holidays

Christmas is a time for getting together with loved ones and enjoying the festivities but this time of year often takes lots of planning and preparation. When it comes to getting from A to B and travelling to see family and friends, don’t leave things to the last minute.
Relying on public transport can prove a nuisance at the best of times, let alone during the busy Christmas period. If you don’t own a car or have access to one that’s suitable, then why not consider hiring one instead? 

Car hire for the Christmas holidays could be the ideal option - and a very practical Christmas present too! In this article, we discuss the reasons why many people choose to rent a car during the festive season by outlining its many advantages. Read on to find out more… 

Can you hire a car during Christmas?

The short answer to this question is yes, you absolutely can hire a car during the Christmas period. In fact, here at Rent Direct, we welcome returning customers year after year who rely on our rental cars, MPVs, and vans during the festive season. 

Reasons to hire a car for the Christmas holidays

So, why do people choose to hire a car during the Christmas holidays? Well, there are a number of reasons for this. Below we list six of the most common ones that may give you some inspiration for why a rental car might just prove a great option for you:

Reason 1 - Travel home for the holidays

If you need transport to travel home to visit family, hiring a car can give you the flexibility to make the journey on your own schedule - without having to rely on public transport! 

Reason 2 - Accommodate house guests

Christmas is a time for giving, so a hire car may not necessarily be just for you to drive. If you have friends or family staying with you over the holidays, having an extra vehicle can help transport more people and make getting around a lot easier.

Reason 3 - Christmas shopping trips

Make light work of Christmas shopping with an ample-sized hire car. SUV and MPV models can provide all the space needed for gifts and shopping bags in the run-up to the big day. Why not keep hold of your rental vehicle until the New Year and make the most of the January sales too!

Reason 4 - Festive day trips

If you have a large family or are hosting friends, a hire car can prove handy for festive activities like visiting Christmas markets. Whatever days out you’ve got planned, don’t leave the travelling to chance. 

Reason 5 - Avoid the crowds

It can get very busy and crowded on public transport the closer it gets to Christmas. Bus, train, or plane delays and cancellations can be especially stressful during the festive period when you have exciting plans in place - having a hire car can make for a stress-free holiday and time away.   

Reason 6- Visit relatives in remote places

The UK may be a relatively small place but it can sure feel like a chore to travel when friends and family are located in more rural and remote areas of the country. Not all villages are easily accessible by public transport, so renting a car may be your only option in some cases. 

What are the advantages of hiring a car?

A hire car isn’t just for Christmas! There are many advantages to renting a car at all times of year:

• Convenience - You can readily get a vehicle when and where you need it, without the costs and commitments of ownership. No need to rely on public transport either!
• Flexibility - You can choose different types of vehicles for different needs, as well as adjust the rental duration as required. You aren't tied to just one vehicle and have access to a whole fleet.
• Affordability - Renting a car short-term can be cheaper than ownership, especially for infrequent trips. You also avoid maintenance and repair costs which help keep motoring expenses down to a minimum. 
• Simplicity - The rental process is quick and simple. Enquire about any extra services offered with your package, as some rental companies offer pick-up and drop-off slots for added convenience.
• More space - Hiring means you can access larger vehicles like SUVs, MPVs, and vans that can accommodate more passengers and luggage for family trips or house moves.
• Choice - Why opt for one car for all occasions when you can be picky? Hiring a car gives you the choice of model based on your plans; why not pick a convertible for summer holiday getaways or a 4x4 for an off-road adventure - let the fun begin!
• Try before you buy - Long-term car rentals can serve as an extended test drive to try out various makes and models before purchasing your own vehicle.
• Reduce wear and tear - Taking your own car on a road trip or long journey can result in unnecessary wear and tear, as well as clocking up the miles. Hiring a car for those lengthy trips can in fact save you money in the long run.   

How much does car hire cost per day in the UK?

The amount of money it costs to hire a car per day depends on a number of factors, including duration, type of vehicle, and age of driver. Here at Rent Direct, our hire cars start from as little as £39.99 per day - but we can reduce our rental fees for those requiring long-term vehicle hire - speak to us to find out more.     

We can keep our prices low because, unlike many rental companies, we own all of our vehicles - so you won’t have to pay the middleman! For example, we offer a weekend special on small cars for just £75.99, and an introductory offer on car-derived vans at just £47.49 per day.  

Should I book my Christmas hire car in advance?

Due to popular demand, we recommend our customers book their hire car, MPV, or van, in plenty of time before Christmas. Not only does this ensure you are able to receive your first choice of rental vehicle, but that it is available for the length of time you need it.  

Top 10 Christmas driving songs

Once you’ve booked your hire car, MPV or van for Christmas, all that’s left to do is plan the playlist for the journey! To help, we’ve put together a festively fun list of 10 popular Christmas songs to sing along to while driving around the UK during the holidays - which one is your favourite? 

1. Fairytale of New York - The Pogues
2. All I Want for Christmas is You - Mariah Carey
3. Last Christmas - Wham!
4. Driving Home for Christmas - Chris Rea
5. Merry Christmas Everyone - Shakin' Stevens
6. Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney
7. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday - Wizzard
8. Mistletoe and Wine - Cliff Richard
9. Stop the Cavalry - Jona Lewie
10. Stay Another Day - East 17

Christmas car hire at Rent Direct

We love Christmas and we love matching our customers with the cars they need during the festive period. We’re proud to be a leading provider of rental vehicles in East Anglia with six branches across four counties in the region. Whether you want to hire a car for one day, one week, one month, or one year, we can help. Get in touch with us today to find out more. 

If you’re looking for Christmas holiday inspiration, then check out our blog all about the best winter getaways in the UK - we think they are brr-illiant!