Rental car for 9
 

We are traveling in Italy for 2 weeks with 9 of us: grandparents, parents, 4 tall teenage kids and another single adult. I found a giant van that holds 9 but apparently with luggage it will not fit all of us. Any suggestions? Should we also rent a compact car? Cancel the giant van and rent 2 medium size sedans? It was tough enough booking places to stay! We are starting in Rome and ending in Rome. Thanks so much.

You'll probably need a van like the Ford Galaxy (look at the Kemwel listings) and a sedan. In addition, you will have to establish strict baggage allowances for everyone.

Trust me, you want two cars, each for 4 1/2, I guess. Seriously, a giant van lumbering on Italian roads would be a definite liability. And all of you may not want to travel to the same place at the same time, so two vehicles would give you a little flexibility. We always use AutoEurope with good results.

autoeurope.com

Where are you going? You might be better off traveling by train or bus.

How many of you will be drivers? Just the parents or the grandparents, too?

In your circumstances, I would rent two minivans, with the emphasis on mini -- 5 passenger vehicles. That way you don't all have to do the same thing every day, and you have a bit of space for luggage. This assumes you are not just taking a road trip (if it's Tuesday . . . .), in which case you would be better off taking the train, since the drivers are going to be too busy to see anything.

By the way, I don't think the kids will be able to drive your rental, so that may need to be oonsidered.

rent two cars or two mini vans - and limit EVERYONE to one 21 inch rollaboard or medium-sized duffle each, plus a personal item (Handbag/small day pack/camera case).

Otherwise even IF you have 9 or 10 seats in the two vehicles - you won't fit everyone's luggage.

I'd also probably go with two smaller "mini-vans." Luggage tends to take more space than you think and with 9 people - WOW, that's a lot of luggage options. If you're starting in Rome, you might look at this article on rental car agencies in Rome - it also has the airport connections if that's where you're beginning your trip - http://tinyurl.com/car-rome .

Do make sure you have your IDP - http://tinyurl.com/Italy-IDP - as they are required for US drivers. Since you'll have multiple drivers, each driver will need their own IDP. When driving, always have your US valid State license, your IDP, and your passport so you can avoid problems at one of these - http://tinyurl.com/traffic-stops .

As you'll be starting and finishing in Rome, you have to be aware of the ZTL's. With TWO cars, the fines could really add up. Might look at this article for explanations and maps - http://tinyurl.com/Rome-ZTL . Good Luck!