The best hire vehicles for winter getaways with friends or family

Christmas is just around the corner, and the festive feeling is definitely in the air. Town centres are lighting up, Christmas markets are opening, and many of us are getting ready for winter outings, family visits or much-needed breaks before the New Year. Whether you are heading to a cosy countryside cabin, loading up for a big shopping trip or gathering the family for a festive weekend away, the vehicle you choose can make the whole experience much more enjoyable.

Winter travel comes with its own set of challenges. There are bulky coats to squeeze in, bags of presents to hide from curious eyes, and more luggage than you ever expected to bring. Add darker afternoons, colder roads and unpredictable weather into the mix, and suddenly the choice of hire vehicle becomes an important part of planning your festive season.

At Intack Self Drive, we see an increase in both daily hire and flexi hire bookings at this time of year, especially from people who want extra space and comfort for their Christmas plans. So if that’s you, this blog is all about how the right vehicle makes the journey feel smoother, safer and much more festive from start to finish!

Choosing the right vehicle for your festive getaway

Choosing the best hire vehicle for Christmas travel is all about matching the type of trip you are planning with the space, comfort and practicality you need. Winter journeys often involve more passengers, more luggage and more unexpected extras than usual, and the colder weather adds its own challenges too. Whether you are heading to a weekend at the Christmas markets, planning a festive family visit or escaping to a cosy cabin in the countryside, picking the right vehicle can make your journey far smoother and more enjoyable. Below are some of the most popular options at this time of year and the reasons they work so well for winter travel.

Multi-seaters for family Christmas trips

Travelling as a group always feels a little more special during December. Whether you are heading to a Christmas market, visiting relatives or taking a festive day trip somewhere new, a car that can fit everyone in with some room to spare makes everything easier. We've got plenty of daily car hire options that are spacious enough for families, friends and all the winter layers that come along for the ride. You can spread out, keep the heating on, enjoy the Christmas playlist and arrive together without the hassle of coordinating several cars.

We've got a great selection of cars and vans that have generous boot space, which is ideal if you have gifts to transport or plan to return home with bags of shopping. When the weather turns cold and the days get shorter, that extra comfort and visibility make a noticeable difference to the journey.

Small vans for the practical Christmas jobs

December always seems to come with a list of tasks that your everyday car struggles to handle. Collecting a real Christmas tree, picking up large presents, moving furniture for visiting guests or stocking up before hosting the big day all require a bit more room. Daily van hire is perfect for these jobs because it offers a clear, spacious load area that keeps everything tidy and secure.

This is especially helpful when you are dealing with items that are muddy or messy, such as trees or outdoor decorations. Instead of trying to squeeze them into the back of a car, a van gives you the freedom to load everything easily and keep your interior clean for passengers later in the week.

Electric vehicles for peaceful winter escapes

If your winter getaway is more about relaxing than rushing around, our electric vehicle hire is a surprisingly festive choice. EVs offer a smooth, quiet drive that feels particularly cosy on frosty mornings, especially when the heating and demisters warm the cabin instantly. If you're a couple or a smaller group heading to festive markets or a weekend getaway, an electric vehicle adds a calm, comfortable feel to the journey.

Our EVs have excellent winter features such as heated seating, efficient windscreen clearing and reliable handling in cold conditions. If your destination has charging facilities, an electric vehicle can make your Christmas trip feel smooth from start to finish.

Festive getaway ideas that pair perfectly with a hire vehicle

A roomy winter vehicle opens up plenty of possibilities. Christmas markets are far easier when you have space to bring back bags of local treats and gifts. Countryside cabins feel even more magical when you can pack warm clothing and supplies without worrying about space. Visiting relatives becomes less stressful when everyone and everything fit comfortably into one vehicle. Even a simple winter day trip to the Lakes or the Yorkshire Dales feels a little more special when the car is warm, spacious and ready for whatever the weather brings.

If you are planning a festive trip and want a vehicle that is spacious, comfortable and ready for winter driving, our team at Intack Self Drive can help you choose the perfect option, whether that's daily hire or flexi hire. Whether you need a multi-seater for family celebrations, a small van for seasonal errands or an electric vehicle for a peaceful winter escape, you can explore the full range online or speak to our team on 01254 57811. We are here to help you enjoy the season from the moment you set off!