Message: Leaving for France on Saturday and still trying to get the car rental thing straight-- one question that has me concerned is -- how big a car do you have to rent to have a trunk large enough to handle a couple of big suitcases. There are just two of us, so the size of the interior doesn't have to be large, but what about trunk space? I hate to have to rent a mid-size just to get a large enough trunk. I am very concerned about theft. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Kathy, <BR> <BR>As a rule of thumb cars are smaller in Europe. What we would think of as a compact size car here, would be considered a mid-size there. <BR> <BR>Since there's only two of you do what we do, if two bags don't fit in the trunk, stick one in the back seat! :^) <BR> <BR>

Rent the largest that is below a "premium" rate -- with all of the mojors, there is a fairly clear jump in price at this point. Normally, it is called a "mid-sized" car -- but terminology varies. Below the point where the price really jumps, just ask for the largest that you can get. Be sure to reserve before leaving the US -- if that is your home location.

And it is not too late to go out and buy smaller suitcases. I have scarcely never met any one who wasn't ecstatically happy they decided to go with two smaller suitcases, instead of one big one. Seem exorbitant? They sell this kind of stuff for under $30 at K-mart, Wal-mart, etc. <BR> <BR>My unflagging recommendations: your largest bag not to exceed 22" or eight pounds (weight when empty), and your second bag can be almost as large, but should not weigh more than eight OUNCES when empty (i.e., small-to-mid-sized nylon duffel bag). <BR> <BR>And I think there is no mistake taking a third bag (totally empty) the same as the second bag - - for "acquisitions" - - en route! <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Some of the car rental websites (check the majors) give diagrams of number of passengers and number of suitcases each car size can accomodate...but I think you'll need about the third level up from smallest which is generally equivalent to a 'compact' in the US. I certainly understand why you don't want luggage in view in the back seat as this would invite a break-in.

Kathy-we have always had a problem with rental cars overseas. Things have gotten better since we gave up our suitcases and have now traveled using rolling duffle bags.Seriously,my husband and I always had the worst arguments overseas when receiving our rental cars because no matter what size we chose-our luggage never fit. Since going into the softsided rolling duffles,our vacations have improved 100%. You are able to "cram" more stuff into them,they fit anywhere,easy to pull and you purchase a lock for security.Everyone in our family has their "own color" and then is responsible for their own.You can get really decent ones at Target,TJ MAXX,JC Penneys,etc. for about 50-100 dollars. <BR>Our clothes come out fine and they are sure alot easier to use for taxis and trains overseas.

Let's get specific. Before you run out & replace suitcases, exactly what size are your talking? How big? <BR> <BR>Don't have experience with car rental in France. Do know in Italy you most definitely need to be able to fit ALL your luggage in the trunk --- others could advise the feasibility of placing excess luggage in the back seat. Doesn't sound like a good idea to me. <BR> <BR>One more thing, if you're leaving on Saturday, don't you have to be nailing down your car rental pretty quick ??? <BR>

The European cars don't usually have large trunks. I'd recommend that you rent a Renault Scenic, or another monospace, as they call. The trunks are larger, and it's a good car, not too big, and not too difficult to park and maneuver. Besides, the back seat is collapsible, if I'm not wrong, so you'll have more room in the trunk. <BR> <BR>I wouldn't, by any means, place the excess of luggage in the back seat. <BR> <BR>Surlok <BR>

I believe that the Citroen Xsara Picasso is your ideal car. It's a compact monospace, and the trunk capacity is up to 2218 liters ( sorry, don't know how to convert it to the American measurement system). <BR> <BR>I hope there's one available for you to rent it. It's a great small car! <BR> <BR>Surlok <BR> <BR>

Someone asked how large the suitcases are-- I just measured them-- they are about 34" (including wheels) X 22" by about 10" deep. We will also have a couple of very small, soft carry-ons, which should be able to be stuffed anywhere.

Rex had the best answer. But we each will do what suits us. We started with the large 'pullmans' 30" jobs. On our first trip to europe I just about killed myself pulling the cases up to the 3rd floor. So we have down sized over the years to two 26" soft sided suitcases with wheels and one 20" carry on.

Hi Kathy. I posted an answer on another thread , but said thread has now sunk below the seas of this board : - ) So once again: <BR> <BR>You mention you are concerned about theft; sounds like you want to put everything out of sight, if possible. <BR> <BR>With two suitcases of the size you're describing, you will need a Ford Mondeo (Contour) at the very least. In some countries they call this a mid-size, in others a full-size car. <BR> <BR>The problem isn't just the size of the trunk, but the dimensions and the shape of same. Two trunks of the same volume but different dimensions wouldn't necessarily accomodate the same size and number of bags. <BR> <BR>I once suggested to another reader that if you're really concerned, go to a car dealership on a slow day, taking the bags with you. Ask to be allowed to try out various sized car models so as to find what size and shape trunk is the minimum required. You could also do the same thing with a neighbour or friend's car. A 'picture' is worth a thousand posts. <BR> <BR>A thought: I accept that the amount of stuff you're taking is what suits you, fair enough. But...can you and your spouse get by with 1 32" bag (to store 'hanging' clothes such as blazers, jackets etc.) but substitute 2 smaller bags for the other 32" bag? (You could use these for stuff that can be rolled.) This would give you more flexibility, since you can maneuvre the 2 smaller bags ( or 3) to fit spaces that one big bag would not. <BR> <BR>Good luck, and let us know how you fared.

Don't worry too much about the size of the boot, as long as you go for a mid range car you will be o.k. <BR>The cars here in Europe are generally smaller than the US. However if you picture a Chrysler Neon, generally everything is around this size. I drive a slightly smaller car and will get two cases in my boot/trunk. Avoid cars such as Clio/Corsa/Sciento because you won't get your hand luggage in the boot! <BR> <BR>Have a good trip,

The reason I suggested to placing extra luggage in the back seat is because we typically drive from the airport to our hotel and drop off the our luggage. Even if our room isn't ready, any hotel I've ever stayed at will gladly hold your luggage. Since we're usually exausted from our overseas flight it's no big deal because we don't stop along the way. <BR> <BR>Now, if we change hotels we do the same thing. We'll pack the car and drive to our next desitination and immediately drop off the luggage. If we make a short stop along the way for whatever reason we just lock the car. We have NEVER had a problem. Some may say we're lucky but frankly I don't see what the big deal is, it's not like we're driving for two weeks with luggage in the back seat of our car. <BR>It will definately save you some $$. I just booked our car for a trip to France this fall and the difference between compact and midsize was about $300. That's pretty steep if you ask me. We did decide to go with the mid-size but I can see where a lot of people might not.

Kathy, <BR>When my wife and I go to Europe, its for at least a month and half. Therefore,we take the same size suit cases you mentioned. The Citroen saxo mentioned above is a monospace car that has approx.14.4 square ft of hidden storage space as do most cars that size. It has about 42 square feet loaded to the ceiling. The problem is when loaded to the ceiling your luggage is exposed for all to see. The Magane Classic has 18 sq.ft-more than ample-do the arithmetic and you'll probably fine either will do the job. I might add that your suitcase size is not much of a problem if using a rental car as opposed to training it.