Renting a car abroad for your holiday
Are you planning a holiday abroad and thinking about transport? If you want to enjoy the feeling of freedom without being tied to a fixed timetable, choose independence on four wheels. Choosing the right car rental company for your holiday is the key to a trip on your own terms — and, most importantly, without stress.
With a rental car from a reliable car rental company, you can forget worries about the technical condition of the vehicle and hidden fees. We will show you what a holiday car rental company should offer so that your only concern is what to pack in your suitcase.
But be careful. Summer is just around the corner, so you should not delay choosing your rental company and car any longer. Rental fleets are getting booked up quickly, so make sure you still have a good selection to choose from. So how do you choose the right car rental company and the right car for your holiday, so you can enjoy your well-deserved break to the fullest?
What should a good car rental company for a holiday abroad offer?
After years of experience, we know that when people look for options for renting a car abroad for their holiday, they often start from the wrong end. First, they choose a car. Then they look for rental companies that offer it. Only after that do they check the specific terms, including whether the company actually provides short-term car rental abroad.
Because we see the same questions every year, we have prepared a simple process to help you do this step correctly. We believe it will save you time, nerves and money.
Tip: Are you not just looking for a holiday car, but a longer-term partner? Then take a look at our complete article on choosing the right car rental company for any life situation.
What should you do before comparing car rental abroad prices?
At first glance, it may seem best to start by comparing specific rental prices. The problem is that these are often only starting prices, which are later increased. Before you start choosing the car itself, you should follow these steps.
- Prepare a rough plan for your holiday. Before choosing a car, clarify a few basic points. In particular: how many people will be travelling, how much luggage you will have, when you need the car, where you are going, which countries you will drive through, and how many kilometres you will need.
- Check the rental company first, then choose the right car. Find out which rental companies allow travel to your destination, and do not forget the countries you will pass through. In some countries, the insurance may not be valid, or entry may be completely prohibited, and you could face large penalties. Also look for price lists including surcharges, because many rental companies that seem attractively priced charge high fees even for driving just a few kilometres across the border. Fortunately, reviews can also tell you a lot.
- Book well in advance. Summer is the peak season for car rental companies, as renting a car for a holiday is one of the most common reasons people hire vehicles. A few days before your departure, 90% of rental fleets in Prague may already be booked. Larger multi-seat vehicles are usually in particularly short supply.
With us, the price you calculate in the calculator below is final. We believe in a fair approach. We follow a simple rule: we treat our clients the same way we would want to be treated elsewhere.
What should you watch out for before signing a holiday car rental agreement?
From experience, we know that many offers look significantly cheaper at first glance. But then come unpleasant surprises, which often feel like unfair practices used by low-cost rental companies. So what should you focus on when renting a car for your holiday?
- Hidden fees for driving abroad are a fairly common tool that can increase the attractive price that drew you in by hundreds or even thousands of crowns.
- It is disappointing that many large chains do not guarantee the car you selected in the catalogue. Instead, you receive a car from the same category, which may be considerably smaller, even though the rental company classifies it in the same group. Unfortunately, where you put your luggage is often not their concern.
- Unreasonably high fees for an additional driver are also common. At the same time, a rental company should be glad that you are thinking about safety on a long journey to the seaside and have someone to share the driving with.
- You may have already stated in your order that you want to take the car to the seaside, but the operators at international rental desks may still act surprised. You then find out that you are only entitled to a few hundred kilometres per day and that every extra kilometre will cost you dearly, or that the total mileage limits are relatively low. You can increase the mileage for an additional fee, but being afraid of every detour is not exactly pleasant, is it?
- And then there are deposits and blocks of unreasonably high amounts on credit cards. In many cases, you can only dream of them accepting a debit card or cash.
Why go on holiday with a car from Taggart?
At Taggart, you can count on the fact that the price you see in the price list also applies when renting a car abroad for your holiday. Our price is final and automatically includes:
- travel abroad with no surcharges,
- a second driver,
- 24/7 assistance services and insurance,
- unlimited mileage — simply choose the tariff without a mileage limit.
Where can you go with a rental car from Taggart?
With our cars, you can travel almost all across Europe without worry. Our insurance is valid throughout the EU, with the exception of Bulgaria, Romania and Greece. Outside the EU, you can also travel to Switzerland, Monaco and the United Kingdom.
Choose the car that will be the best option for your holiday
Our fleet consists of more than 500 vehicles with an average age of 11 months. For longer holiday journeys, we always recommend renting a sufficiently spacious car so you can enjoy a comfortable trip.
For couples and smaller families, we recommend cars such as the Škoda Scala or Hyundai i30. They offer excellent fuel consumption, enough space for two or three passengers and their luggage, and they are also available for holiday rental abroad at a great price.
For families with children, space is essential. You need room for luggage, a pushchair, toys and inflatable loungers. This is where more spacious vehicles such as the Škoda Octavia Combi come into play.
We also think of larger groups, which is why we offer holiday rentals of vehicles such as an 8-seater minibus. Not only can you travel in one vehicle and enjoy more time together, but you can also reduce travel costs. You save on fuel for a second car and avoid buying two sets of motorway vignettes.
Frequently asked questions before renting a car for a holiday abroad
What happens if I have an accident or breakdown abroad?
Above all, stay calm — you will not be alone. All our vehicles have comprehensive accident insurance valid throughout Europe and 24/7 assistance service. Just call our helpline and we will immediately help you arrange towing, a replacement vehicle or accommodation if needed, so you can continue your holiday.
Do your cars have motorway vignettes?
Yes, every one of our cars automatically has a valid Czech motorway vignette. Foreign motorway charges, such as those in Austria or Slovakia, or tolls in Croatia, are paid by the client, but we will gladly advise you before your trip on where and how to buy them online in the most convenient way.
How does the deposit work when travelling abroad?
The deposit serves as security and its amount depends on the vehicle category. With us, you do not need a credit card for it. You can also pay the amount in cash, in CZK or EUR, directly when collecting the vehicle. With us, there are no advance payments.
What is the mileage limit for trips abroad?
We offer two tariffs, but for holiday trips we clearly recommend choosing the “no limit” tariff, which applies to rentals longer than 6 days. This way, you do not have to nervously watch the odometer during your journey or calculate how much an interesting detour might cost you.
What if my child gets sick and we have to cancel the holiday?
We know that life is full of surprises, and we fully understand these situations. If you let us know in time, in accordance with our standard cancellation terms, we will move your reservation to another date without any problem and without any penalties, or cancel it if needed.
Can you deliver the car to the airport or train station?
Of course. We offer vehicle delivery anywhere in Prague, including Václav Havel Airport and the main railway station. Your holiday can start the moment you step off the train or plane, without unnecessary travel by public transport with luggage.
Do you guarantee a specific car with a large boot for a family?
Yes, and this is one of the ways we differ from large international chains. There, you often only reserve a “vehicle class” and do not know until the last minute what car will be left for you. With us, you reserve a specific model. If you book a spacious Škoda Kodiaq for your holiday, you will drive away in a Škoda Kodiaq.