🚗 1. Start With the Type of Trip You’re Taking
Not every car fits every travel style. Consider your purpose:
City Breaks (Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Athens)
- Best option: Small or compact car
- Why: Easier to park, lower fuel consumption, fits narrow streets
Long-Distance Road Trips (Portugal, Italy, Spain, USA)
- Best option: Sedan or midsize car
- Why: Comfort, trunk space, better engines for highways
Mountain or Rural Areas (Austria, Switzerland, Crete, Madeira)
- Best option: SUV or crossover
- Why: Strong engine, higher clearance, stability on uneven roads
Beach Destinations (Greek islands, Cyprus, Canary Islands)
- Best option: Economy or compact
- Why: Cheap to run, easy to maneuver around narrow resort road
🧳 2. Consider Your Luggage and Passenger Needs
Many travelers choose a car based on price, not space — and regret it later.
Ask yourself:
- How many suitcases will you bring?
- Do you need stroller space (for families)?
- How many passengers will sit in the back?
Rule of thumb:
If you have 3–4 adults or large suitcases → choose at least a compact or midsize car.
Small city cars often have tiny trunks and weak engines, especially on islands with hills.
⚙️ 3. Engine Power Matters More Than You Think
A cheap 1.0L engine can be enough in flat areas, but abroad it might struggle.
Choose a stronger engine if:
- You’re visiting mountainous regions
- You’re driving long distances
- You’re carrying a lot of luggage
- You’re renting in hot countries (air conditioning reduces power)
For places like Madeira, Crete, Tenerife, or Italy’s Amalfi Coast — avoid the smallest engines.
🚘 4. Automatic vs Manual Transmission
Automatic
- Perfect for cities and mountains
- Easier for unfamiliar roads
- More comfortable in traffic
Manual
- Cheaper
- More commonly available in Europe
- Better control on winding roads
If you only drive automatic at home → never rent a manual abroad.
💸 5. How Car Size Affects Total Cost
Choosing the wrong car size impacts several costs:
Fuel
Small cars use far less fuel — important on expensive islands.
Insurance
Bigger cars and SUVs often mean higher insurance and deposit amounts.
Parking
Large vehicles are harder to park in old European towns.
Tip:
If you want to save money → choose a compact car unless your route requires more power.
🛡 6. Safety and Insurance Considerations
When choosing a car, check what safety features it includes:
- Parking sensors
- Rearview camera
- ABS & ESC systems
- Lane assist
- Emergency braking
For narrow island streets and busy tourist areas, these features make a big difference.
Insurance tip:
Consider getting WUG (Wheels, Undercarriage, Glass) insurance in countries with gravel roads or steep hills — like Greece, Portugal, and Cyprus.
🌍 7. Match the Car to the Country’s Road Conditions
Every country has unique terrain.
Here are quick examples:
Italy
Narrow streets → choose compact
Mountain roads → choose stronger engine
Greece
Islands have hills and gravel → choose compact or small SUV
Big cities → compact car for parking ease
Portugal (Madeira / Azores)
Steep climbs → avoid small engines
Better choose automatic
USA
Long distances → choose comfortable sedans or SUVs
Fuel is cheap → size is less important
✔️ 8. When to Upgrade Your Rental Car
Consider choosing a bigger or better car if:
- You’re traveling with kids
- You expect long road trips
- You’re visiting regions with difficult roads
- Your Airbnb/hotel is in a remote location
- You want extra comfort and safety
✨ Final Tips Before Choosing a Rental Car Abroad
- Think about the destination first, not the price
- Check luggage capacity in liters, not photos
- Read driving reviews for your destination
- Book early during summer or holidays
- Confirm whether toll roads exist (e.g., Portugal, France, Italy)
- Avoid the absolute cheapest option — it usually means low power
Choosing the right car ensures comfort, safety, and a stress-free trip from day one.
🚘 Ready to Choose Your Car for the Perfect Trip Abroad?
Traveling abroad becomes easier and more enjoyable when you pick the right rental car for your journey.
👉 Find the ideal vehicle for your next adventure at veruscars.com and book at the best available price.
Safe travels — and enjoy the ride! 🌍✨
