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Top 5 Vehicles to Rent for a Family Summer Vacation

August 13 2025

What criteria should you prioritize when choosing the right vehicle?
Renting a vacation car means considering several criteria that must adapt to your real needs.

  • Comfort and interior space: If you plan a long trip, seat ergonomics and the flexibility of the interior space are essential.

  • Fuel consumption and range: To save on your budget, you also need to look at the vehicle’s consumption and autonomy, especially for electric vehicles.

  • Ease of handling: Driving aids, visibility, or smooth steering — all these elements reduce fatigue on long journeys, allowing you to have a pleasant trip.

  • Practical features: Air conditioning, GPS, storage compartments, connectivity... These features let you travel with peace of mind.

  • Trunk volume: To store luggage, strollers, or coolers. When renting a family vacation car, checking the cargo space is a must!

What are the 5 must-have vehicles for your vacation?
Preparing your holidays and wondering which vehicle to choose for your family trip? Depending on your destination, the length of your stay, and your adventure spirit, CarGo! offers 5 essential vehicles to fully enjoy your getaway.

  1. The Family Station Wagon
    Traveling with the whole crew? Renting a family station wagon guarantees maximum space and comfort for large families. Its trunk easily fits all your suitcases, beach gear, or baby stroller. Driving it feels similar to a sedan, allowing comfortable long-distance travel. Plus, recent models often include many driving aids like lane keeping assist, rear parking sensors, and updated GPS. This vacation car rental is a timeless classic!

  2. The Camper Van
    Want to try a family road trip adventure? The camper van is an excellent choice! It transforms your vacation into a real journey to explore France or go abroad. Its main advantage is that you can stop wherever and whenever you want. Inside, it offers built-in beds, a dining area, and clever storage spaces. Everything is designed to provide maximum freedom and comfort so every stop is a true moment of relaxation. Plus, CarGo! offers recent vehicles in its 450 agencies across the country.

  3. The Minivan
    For large families, renting a minivan is a major ally. Available in 5- or 7-seat versions, it provides a spacious interior with configurable seats to fit your needs. This lets you create a more social living space without being cramped. Clever storage solutions help you bring all your luggage. Typically, rear-seat tablets are included to keep children entertained during the trip.

  4. The Motorhome
    The motorhome promises total freedom on vacation. Much roomier than a camper van, it includes a sleeping area, kitchen corner, and built-in bathroom facilities. With it, every leg of your trip becomes a unique experience as you can travel across France or stay at a campsite for several weeks. This rental is ideal for families planning long vacations or exploring multiple destinations while saving on accommodation. If you want advice on trying this option, CarGo! consultants are available to recommend compact, easy-to-drive models.

  5. The SUV
    Finally, renting an SUV will delight sporty families! It’s the perfect balance between comfort and robustness, capable of handling winding mountain roads or countryside tracks. Plus, its large trunk space easily holds everything you need for your vacation.

Practical tips for preparing your vacation car rental

When planning your vacation car rental, booking early is essential. Summer demand is high, so reserving as soon as possible ensures a wider choice of models and better rates. Also, check the included insurance. While liability insurance is always included, consider complementary options like deductible waiver or full coverage insurance to drive worry-free.

Before hitting the road, do a thorough vehicle inspection—check tires, windows, and accessories to avoid surprises when returning the car. For passenger comfort, consider fun accessories like rear-seat tablets to keep kids occupied. Lastly, always choose a vehicle that fits your actual needs; there’s no point renting a motorhome if you’re just heading for a short beach stay!

Whatever model you choose, renting a vacation car is ideal for families. Thanks to its extensive network of over 450 agencies, CarGo! offers a wide range of vehicles plus personalized support to help you make the right choice!