We will be renting a car for our Northern Italy/Austria trip and were wondering if there were any big differences or problems with any of the companies? We would pick up in Venice and drop off in Milan (Malpensa). Also does anyone have experience with the size of the cars, we are a family of 4 2 adults and 2 small kids 8 and 4. Thanks.

You will have to pay a big fee to drop off in a different country. I believe you will also need a vignette for Austria and you will need an IDP for Italy. The cars will be smaller and trunks will not hold much. Depending on your itinerary, you may only want a car in Austria and train the rest of the time.

Well, since you are NOT dropping off in a different country, you shouldn't have to worry about drop off charges unless the rental company wants to charge a fee for dropping off in Milan.

You will need a Vignette for Austria if you plan to drive on the Autobahns but it isn't that expensive (E7.70 for 10 days).

http://www.austria.info/uk/how-to-ge...d-1134817.html

It's a good idea to have an International Driving Permit even if it's not a requirement. Basically, it's just a translation of your pertinent information. You can get them at any AAA office. You'll need 2 passport size photos which you can get at Walgreen's or at the AAA office.

http://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html

For 2 adults and 2 small children, depending on the amount of luggage you have, you should be fine with certain Economy or Compact cars. For a little more room, you might want to look at a small station wagon.

I've had very good luck with AutoEurope.com for car rentals. You can enter all your information on their website and see what is available at what price. They will show you how much luggage the car will accommodate, number of people, etc.

You might also want to contact Gemut.com by email or phone (number available on their website). They will work with you to find what you need.

With both Gemut and AutoEurope, if you book thru them, you will pay up front in US Dollars but you can cancel at any time and get a full refund.

>>>It's a good idea to have an International Driving Permit even if it's not a requirement.<<

It is a requirement in Italy.

I know. It's also required in Austria. But for others who might be reading this post, I wanted to tell them that IMO it's still a good idea.

Suggest a car with a trunk so luggage is not visible. Otherwise you substantially increase the risk of a broken window and no luggage. And don't leave anything visible in the car. In Some areas a locked car means there is something inside worth stealing, thus you are asking for a broken window. Depends where you park. In any case, never leave anything critical, like passport, in the car or trunk, locked or not.
You will need a highway pass for Austria, this is like paying a toll, but you MUST buy it before you enter the highway (autobahn) or you risk a Substantial fine. YOu buy it at the gas stations in town or near the highway.
AAA was fast and efficient for my Int Drv Permit, it is only good for one year, so plan accordingly.
There is a spectacular and architecturally significant cathedral in the old town of Mantua, just south of Verona, that is just stuffed with art, paintings and statues; free to get in, though I always put some euros in the collection box. Also a nice Palazzo Te nearby, 10 E to get in, and excellent.

The "highway pass" referred to above is the same as the Vignette.

Look into www.economycarrentals.com. It was cheaper Autoeurope.

You don't say when you plan to travel.
In winter, many mountain pass roads are closed for several months.