Family Vacation

Question

Hi. We will be going to Destin and Orlando in December. We are going to fly and rent a car. It will be 2 adults and 3 kids, 7,3,and 6 months.

I have a few questions if someone could help out?

1. I would want to rent/borrow baby items for the beach like floaties, wagon, life vest, stroller, baby playpen etc. Is there an easy place to get all of this or is it just a lot of looking around?

2. When renting a car, is there a way to request car seats?

3. When picking up a rental car, how much of a hold for a car (it says a carry or similar) for 2 weeks will i need? We don't really use credit cards so dont have a high spending limit on them.

4. When returning a rental car, do I need to speak with someone or check in with someone or is there just an easy drop off place? Will I need to make sure that they will be open before my flight leaves?

Those are my biggest questions, if you can answer them I'd appreciate it. Thank you!

Answer

It sounds like you're planning a wonderful family vacation to Destin and Orlando! I’m happy to help answer your questions. Here are some detailed responses to help you with your planning:

1. Renting/Borrowing Baby Items for the Beach

There are a few companies in both Destin and Orlando that specialize in renting baby gear, including beach items like floaties, wagons, life vests, strollers, and playpens. This will save you from having to bring all of those bulky items with you. Here are some suggestions:

Baby's Away: They offer rentals of baby gear like strollers, car seats, cribs, high chairs, wagons, beach gear, and more. You can place an order in advance and have items delivered to your hotel, rental property, or vacation home.
Destination Baby: Another great service for renting baby equipment, including beach gear and other necessities. They also offer delivery services to where you’re staying.
Local Beach Gear Rentals: For beach-specific gear, there are rental services in Destin and Orlando that rent out items like umbrellas, chairs, and coolers. Many of these also offer delivery to your accommodations.

These services typically make it easy to get everything you need, so it’s not too much of a hassle. You can either order online before your trip or ask the hotel if they can help arrange rentals.

2. Requesting Car Seats When Renting a Car

Yes, most rental car companies offer car seats as an optional add-on when you book your rental. Here’s what you can do:

When making your reservation, look for the option to add a car seat. Most companies will have different seat options for infants, toddlers, and older children.
Ensure that you specify the number and type of car seats you need when booking. This is typically done through the "extras" or "add-ons" section when booking online.
If you’re concerned about availability, you can always call the rental car company directly to confirm that they will have car seats available for your trip.

Just keep in mind that car seat rentals usually come with an additional daily fee, so it’s important to check the cost before confirming the booking.

3. Rental Car Hold for 2 Weeks

When you pick up a rental car, most companies will place a hold on your credit card to cover any potential damages or incidentals during the rental period. The amount of the hold depends on the rental company, the type of car you’re renting, and the payment method. Here's what you can expect:

The hold is usually between $200 and $500, but it can vary. It’s typically released once the car is returned in good condition.
If you’re using a debit card instead of a credit card, the hold might be higher, and it could take a few days after you return the car for the hold to be released.
Since you mentioned not using a credit card with a high limit, you could try using a debit card or a pre-paid card, but be aware that some rental agencies may place a larger hold on those types of cards. You might want to call the rental company ahead of time to confirm their policy and make sure the hold won’t exceed your available balance.

If you're uncomfortable with the hold, consider calling the rental company in advance to see if they offer any alternative payment methods, such as a deposit.

4. Returning the Rental Car

Returning a rental car is typically straightforward, and most companies offer convenient drop-off locations. Here’s what you need to know:

Drop-off Process: Many rental car locations, especially at airports, have an easy drop-off process. You can simply drive up to the designated area, unload your belongings, and leave the keys in the car or at the rental office. Some locations also offer “key drop” boxes if the office is closed.
Check-in: At some locations, a rental agent might briefly check the car for damages and confirm the fuel level, but this is typically quick.
Check Hours: Yes, you should confirm the rental car location’s hours of operation to ensure that it’s open when you return the car. If you're arriving outside of normal business hours (for example, early morning or late evening), make sure they have a drop-off procedure in place.
Final Payment: When you drop off the car, make sure to ask for a final receipt that shows you were not charged for any extra damages or fees.

In most cases, returning the car is a simple and quick process. If you’re renting from an airport, the return locations are usually clearly marked, and you’ll be able to drop the car off and head straight to your flight.

With these tips, you should be well-prepared for your trip! Let me know if you have any more questions. Safe travels and enjoy your vacation!