I'm planning a trip for December taking the entire family. There will be 8 of us. We plan to fly into Schiphol then rent a vehicle and drive to Germany. I am having a tough time finding an 8 or 9 passenger van. I tried NOVA, Travelocity, and Expedia as well as the major rental companies. All I've found for a 9 psgr van is a quote of $1700 for 9 days. Strangely enough, the next size down, a 7 psgr van, is less than half the price. I'd kind of hate to leave the wife at home, but unless one of you folks can give me a better solution, she's out.

I have a 9 passenger van reserved with Sixt for May. They quoted me a price of about $600 for 6 days with pick up in Paris. You may want to try them.

Keep in mind that most 9 passenger vans have very limited luggage space. You would not want to pick up the van and then not be able to fit the luggage in! You may want to consider two vehicles. I'd speak to someone at the rental place to see what they think about the luggage capacity.

margy

Are there two of you who can drive? If so you will be better off renting two mid-sized cars.

As margyb says, a 9 passenger van won't have enough space luggage for 8.

2 cars will cost less.

plus w/ 2 cars everyone won't be joined at the hip 24/7. While you are touring if 3 or 4 people want to see some castle and others need to rest/relax for a day or shop or see another town - you can manage it.

I once rented vans in Amsterdam for many years - you may well want to contact the Amsterdam Tourist Office for a list of local van rentals which could be cheaper - there are many including Oukebus, Kuperus, Adams -

It used to be, i haven't rented in some time, that over 8 passengers required a chauffeurs license - check that as well.