With more people choosing to explore the UK instead of heading abroad, staycations are firmly back in fashion. Whether it's the Lake District, Scottish Highlands, or the Cornish coast, there’s no shortage of stunning destinations right here at home. But planning a successful UK getaway means making smart choices, especially when it comes to how you get there. For families, groups, or even couples, the decision between hiring a minibus or a car can have a big impact on comfort, convenience, and cost. At Skipton Self Drive, we offer a wide range of vehicles to suit all types of holidays, including spacious 9-seat MPVs and versatile estate cars and SUVs.
Hire Vehicle vs Own Car
Hiring a vehicle for your staycation offers a number of practical advantages over using your own. First, it avoids putting unnecessary mileage and wear on your personal car, especially if you’re planning a long trip. You can also choose a vehicle that’s better suited to your holiday plans, whether that’s extra seats, a bigger boot, or better fuel economy. For those whose everyday car is compact or ageing, hiring gives you the chance to drive something more comfortable and reliable. And if you’re travelling in a group, a hire vehicle means everyone can travel together, rather than taking two cars and doubling the fuel and parking hassle.
Meet the 9‑Seat MPV
If you're heading off with extended family, a group of friends, or just need plenty of space for luggage, a 9-seat MPV like the Ford Tourneo is an excellent choice. Designed with comfort in mind, this vehicle provides ample room for passengers and kit alike. It’s perfect for those bringing along everything from camping gear to paddle boards. Despite its size, it’s surprisingly easy to drive and can be driven on a standard Category B UK driving licence, so there’s no need for special qualifications. With a high driving position and well-thought-out layout, it’s ideal for longer road trips where space is all important. Best of all, you only need one vehicle for the whole group - saving on coordination and fuel.
Estate Cars & Compact SUVs
For smaller groups or families, a larger car may be all you need. Estate cars, such as the Volkswagen Passat Estate, are a fantastic option if you want to combine good luggage capacity with the comfort of a car. With a smooth ride and excellent fuel efficiency, estates are suited to motorway cruising as well as winding countryside roads. Compact SUVs, like the Kia Sportage, offer additional height and road presence while still being easy to park and manoeuvre. They’re perfect for those travelling with children too. With competitive hire rates and both manual and automatic options available as well.
Cost & Practicality
Choosing the right vehicle isn’t just about space though, it’s also about budget and practicality. Hiring a 9-seat MPV from Skipton Self Drive offers great value when split between passengers, especially compared to taking multiple smaller cars. Estate cars and SUVs start at £42.50 per day, depending on hire length, making them super cost-effective.
Fuel consumption should also be considered. While minibuses use more fuel overall, the cost per person may work out cheaper when shared between a number of people, up to 9 to be exact! Importantly, all the vehicles mentioned can be driven on a standard UK licence.
Which Vehicle Fits
Your choice of vehicle really depends on your holiday plans. If you're off to a festival, bringing bikes, or travelling with a large family, the 9-seat MPV offers unbeatable space. For a week in a holiday cottage with the kids, an estate car might provide the ideal balance of boot space and fuel economy. Meanwhile, if your route includes country roads, hills, or a mix of terrain, a compact SUV provides a little extra grip and visibility without compromising on comfort. Think about your luggage, the number of people travelling, and where you're going to help guide your choice.
Final Thoughts
Still unsure which option suits you best? Start by asking yourself a few simple questions:
- How many people are travelling?
- Will you need space for bulky items like tents or pushchairs?
- Are you driving through towns or into the countryside?
Once you’ve got a clear idea, visit our vehicle pages to compare your options. At Skipton Self Drive, we’re here to help you choose the right hire vehicle for your trip, whether it's for a relaxing holiday, a family adventure, or even a business road trip. Give us a call on 01756 792911 or book directly through our website to get your summer staycation off to the perfect start.
Book your next vehicle today by contacting our team on 01756 792911 or book online here.
