Which vehicle should I hire for windsurfing?

By Jon Vickery

If you're heading overseas on a windsurfing holiday, you will undoubtedly be carrying a large quantity of equipment.

In this instance, a hire car will be just what you need. But which car should you book?

It is worth asking yourself how many people are in your party and how much equipment you will be transporting. For those heading away to windsurf, it will be apparent that you need a larger vehicle, preferably one equipped with a roof rack or adequate storage. For this reason, we offer 4x4 vehicles and people carriers that will prove perfect for your needs.

As well as storage, safety is an important concern. Just because the rental company allows you to hire a car that is too small for all your equipment, it does not make it legal to drive it. Do not attempt to overpack any vehicle you hire that could make your visibility difficult. The last thing you need is to be stopped and given a ticket when on holiday. Worse still, overpacking your vehicle could lead to an accident if visibility is poor.

When it comes to choosing a rental vehicle, there are few things you should remember to check:

✔ Check your car and make a note of any damage, however small. The last thing you need is to be charged for damage that you haven't caused.

✔ Read your contract carefully. If you don't you could miss important details, and it will be too late once you have signed.

✔ If you do have to pay for damage on your vehicle, make sure you get a receipt that shows how much any repairs have cost.

✔ Ensure that, before driving your car, you have a spare wheel/tyre and the equipment needed to change your wheel if you were to suffer a puncture.

✔ Ensure you clarify the amount and type of excess charge that applies to your car hire insurance.

✔ Before you depart, make sure that you understand the rules on fuel. Most rental companies use the standard arrangement that the car you hire will have a full tank and you will return it that way. It is worth checking this out to make sure there are no misunderstandings.

✔ Make sure that the car you are provided with is the one you have paid for.

Remember to book your airport parking, airport hotel and airport lounge with HolidayExtras.com.