Holiday Autos Worldwide Car Rental

Car hire - WORLDWIDE from Holiday Autos (they also hire out Motorhomes and Vans see further down this page)

Holiday Autos offers the best fully inclusive car hire prices in over 4,000 rental locations UK and worldwide. Get cheap car hire quickly and securely online with holidayautos.co.uk, the experts in online car rental.

Holiday Autos is one of Europe's leading car rental companies, offers great deals to top European destinations including Paris, Rome, London, Edinburgh and Amsterdam. Renting a car through holiday autos gives you the chance to escape the crowds and enjoy the freedom to explore Europe at your leisure. We partner with only high-quality trusted suppliers, and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure that you have the best vacation car rental experience when you book with holiday autos!

Remember we have good rates on cars of all sizes to suit all needs - from small 'runarounds' to minivans and convertibles. So whatever the occasion, holiday autos has the car to match.

holiday autos offer car rental in numerous locations worlwide including: (subject to changes)

Antiqua, Argentina, Australia (Australian Capital Territory - New South Wales - Northern Territory - Queensland - South Auistalia - Tasmania - Victoria - Western Autralia), Austria, Aruba, Azores, Bahrain, Balearics ( Formentera - Ibiza - Majorca - Menorca), Barbados, Belgium, Bonaire, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Canary Islands (Fuerteventura - Gran Canaia - La Gomera - La Palma - Lanzarote - Tenerife), Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France (Corsica), Germany, Gibraltar, Gozo, Greece, Guadeloupe, Guernsey, Guyane, Hawaii, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Jersey, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithunia, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Martinique, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Nambia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, Oman, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Re union Islands, Romania, Saint Martin, Saudi Arabia, Sicily, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, St Barthelemy, St Lucia, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tobago, Tinidad, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom ( England - Isle of Man - Scotland - Wales), United States of America ( California - Florida - New York - Rest of USA - Western USA), Yugoslavia, Zimbabwe

Within those countries cars are normally available at major cities and airports.

and Book

Motorhomes Hire

Great news - we now offer motorhome hire. Experience the freedom of waking up somewhere new each day. With plenty of quality motorhomes to choose from in hundreds of worldwide locations you'll be spoilt for choice, wherever you're heading off to. Experience all the luxuries of home as you travel about in your motorhome

van hire - UK

Moving house? Car too small? Need more space? Our fleet of vans are on hand to help you out. We've a wide range of quality vans in 130 UK locations so there will always be one handy. We've vans to suit all needs. So, if you're moving everything but the kitchen sink or just a chair, we've the van for you. We aim to offer low-cost, easy-to-book van hire. Whatever your needs, you can be sure we can help you with all your van hire requirements.

From Aberdeen to Penzance, we have more than 130 pick-up locations across the UK including all major cities and airports.

We offer four different categories of vans; from small vans to larger box vans, so you can be certain we will have the right van for your needs.

Vauxhall Astra / Combo

Ford Transit 260/280 SWB

Ford Transit 350 LWB

Ford Transit 350 Luton w tail-lift

Reflective Vests and warning Triangles:

A reflective vest is complusory in France, Italy, Belgium and Spain - In Spain you must carry reflective vests for all occupants. You must also carry two warning triangles in Spain, most other countries one.

Driving in France:

General Driving Tips (some of this information supplied by Holiday Autos) Speed limits :
Built-up-areas: 31mph/50kmh outside towns: 56mph/90kmh priority roads and toll-free motorways: 68mph/110kmh toll motorways: 81mph/130kmh
Drink and driving: Blood alcohol limit is 50mg - barely 1 unit of alcohol.
Traffic on major roads has priority. Where two major roads cross, traffic coming from the right has priority as warned by the sign 'danger priorité à droite'. Where there is no sign, give way to the right.
Traffic on a roundabout has priority and signs saying 'cedez le passage' or 'vous n'avez pas la prioritè'. In some areas the old rule of traffic entering roundabouts having priority applies so be cautious where there are no signs
If a driver flashes his headlights in France, he is generally indicating that he has priority and you should give way. This can be confusing as in the UK it usually indicates that a car is usually indicates that a car is letting you out.
Stopping for someone waiting at a zebra crossing is a fineable offence for holding up traffic. The crossings indicate where is best to cross.
Do not overtake a tram when it is stationary with passengers alighting or boarding.
Traffic lights don't show amber after red. Flashing amber means continue with caution.
It is compulsory for front and rear seat occupants to wear seat belts if fitted.
Carrying hazard warning lights or a warning triangle is compulsory. It is recommended that visitors equip their vehicle with replacement bulbs. From July 2008 A reflective vest is also complusory (like in Italy Belgium and Spain - In Spain you must carry reflective vests for all occupants).
Driving in Britain
General Driving Tips (Some of this information supplied by Holiday Autos) Speed limits :
Built-up areas: 30 mph single carriage ways: 60 mph dual carriage ways: 70 mph motorways: 70 mph.
Drink and driving: Blood alcohol limit is 80 mg.
Drive on the left and only overtake vehicles on the right.
At roundabouts, traffic coming from the right has priority.
Make sure you understand about double and single yellow line. parking.
It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile when driving.
As long as you hold a full licence in your own country and have done so for at least a year, you can drive on British roads.
Motorways are shown by 'M' plus a number on signs. There are no toll charges to pay on British motorways except the M4 Severn Bridge into Wales, the Humber Bridge near Hull, the M25 Dartford Tunnel and part of the M6 (north of Birmingham).
Try and avoid the M25 'London Orbital ' and the M5/M6 in Birmingham during rush hour times (0800-0930 and 1630-1800) as these can be extremely busy
Driving in Ireland
Drive on the LEFT
Seat Belts:These must be worn at all times in the front and back of vehicles.
Mobile phones: It is illegal to drive a vehicle or motorbike whilst using a hand held mobile phone. Since September 2006 drivers caught using their mobile phones in a car. or about to use them face an automatic 60 fine and two penalty points on the driving licence. If the person does not pay the fine within twenty eight days the fine can be increased to up to 2,000 and penalty pointd doubled to four.
Drink and driving: Blood alcohol limit is 80mg
Foglights must only be used in fog or falling snow.
You must not use a horn between 11pm and 7am.
The 'give way' signs are red triangles with the point at the bottom and the words 'yield right of way' or 'geill sli'.

Driving in Spain

General Driving Tips (Some of this information supplied by Holiday Autos) Driving: Drive on the RIGHT Speed limits : Towns: 31 mph/50kmh, outside built up areas: 56-62mph/90-100 kmh, motorways: 74mph/120kmh

Drink and driving: Blood alcohol limit is 80mg - same as in the UK.

On uneven (odd) dates in one-way streets in towns, vehicles should be parked on the side of the road where the houses bear uneven numbers. On the side where houses bear an even number, parking is allowed on these dates.

Drivers in Spain who wear glasses must carry a spare pair with them at all times.

Motorists must carry a set of replacement bulbs.

Reflective vests are also complusory (like in France, Belgium and Italy) - In Spain you must carry reflective vests for all occupants).

You must also carry two warning triangles.

Stationary trams may not be overtaken when passengers are boarding or alighting.

Outside built-up areas, signal your intention to overtake by sounding your horn in the daytime or by flashing headlights at night.

It is compulsory for front and rear seat occupants to wear seat belts if fitted.

Driving in Italy

General Driving Tips (Some information supplied by Holiday Autos) Driving: Drive on the RIGHT Speed limits :Built-up-areas:
31mph (50kmh), outside built-up areas on secondary roads:
55mph (90kmh), main roads 68mph (110kmh), motorways: 80mph (130kmh).

Drink and driving: Blood alcohol limit is 80 mg.

A reflective vest is also complusory (like in France, Belgium and Spain).

Take care in city city centres like Florence and Rome. There are now charges for non authorised vehicles - similar idea to London congestion charge and because of inter-European co-operation the fines can be sent to the owners home, so foreign registrations will not help.

It is compulsory to use vehicle lights half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise.

On three-lane roads, the middle lane is reserved for overtaking.
No full beam lights allowed in built-up areas.

Driving in Greece

General Driving Tips (Some of this information supplied by Holiday Autos)

Driving:

Drive on the RIGHT

Speed limits :Built-up areas: 50kmh/31mph major roads outside towns: 80kmh/50mph major roads outside towns:100kmh/62 mph).

Drink and driving: Blood alcohol limit is 90mg.

It is compulsory to carry a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and warning triangle.

It is illegal to carry a can of petrol in a vehicle.

It is illegal to use a horn at any time in towns apart from warning of danger.

A motor vehicle parked at night on a public road must have the rear red light clearly illuminated.

Few petrol stations will accept credit cards.

Another car flashing its headlights at you generally means 'move over, I'm coming through'

Driving in Malta
General Driving Tips (Some of this information supplied by Holiday Autos)

In Malta,driving is on the left. There are speed limits of 64 kph on the open road and 40 kph in built- up areas. Comprehensive insurance is advisable. National or international driving licences accepted.

Drink and driving: Blood alcohol limit is 80 mg.

It is compulsory to carry a warning triangle.

Seat belts are compulsory in the front and, if fitted, in the rear.

Driving in Belgium

General Driving Tips (Some of this information supplied by Holiday Autos)
Vehicles drive on the RIGHT and overtake on the left.

Speed limits Built-up areas: 50kmh/31mph major roads outside towns: 90kmh/56mph motorways: 120kmh/74mph

Drink and driving: Blood alcohol limit is 50mg - barely 1 unit of alcohol

A 'blue zone' parking system operates in major towns. Discs are available from police, garages and tobacconists.

Seat belts are compulsory in both the front and rear

It is compulsory to carry a warning triangle.

Reflective vests are also complusory

Dipped headlights should be used between dusk and dawn.

Driving on side lights only is illegal.

Motoring offences attract an on-the-spot fine. An official receipt should be issued.

Do not park within 50 feet (15m) of a bus, tram or trolleybus stop or in the immediate vicinity of train and tram lines crossing the road.

Traffic entering roundabouts has priority except where signs say 'cedez le passage' or 'vous n'avez pas la priorité', where the traffic on the roundabout has priority

Please note that tha above information should not be relied on for accuracy as regulations are constantly changing in the countries quoted

Information about Holiday Autos

Holiday Autos is the world's largest leisure car rental broker. Founded in 1987, the innovative company revolutionised the car rental industry by introducing fully inclusive rental prices, and, a few years later, was among the first to enmbrace e-commerce by developing the website as a key distribution channel. Today more than 40% of business is transacted on-line.

The Holiday Autos Group operates through a mix of corporate offices, joint ventures and sales agents in 40 countries worldwide. In 2002 the group turnover was £ 154million.

In March 2003 Holiday Autos was bought by lastminute.com for £ 40 million. Company founder Clive Jacobs retains the position of chief executive and has joined the board of lastminute.com as vice chairman.

Information about lastminute.com

lastminute.com is Europe 's leading online provider of travel and leisure solutions. Based on the idea of matching supply and demand, it offers consumers last minute opportunities to acquire airline tickets, hotel rooms, package holidays, car hire, entertainment tickets, restaurant reservations and home delivery, speciality services, gifts and auctions.

Operating across multiple markets, lastminute.com has established approximately 15,300 supplier relationships and over 7.5 million subscribers to its weekly news letter.