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The Importance of Booking Your Christmas Car Hire Early

Redspot Car Rentals > Discover Travel Tips and Ideas > The Importance of Booking Your Christmas Car Hire Early

With the holiday season fast approaching, booking early not only means you get the vehicle you want for the right dates, but may also save you a lot of time and money.

Why Christmas Car Hire Is Different

Christmas in Australia means warm weather, backyard barbecues, beach escapes, and family reunions. But it also means peak travel season. Airports are packed, highways are busy, and car hire demand skyrockets.

While Santa’s sleigh is guaranteed, your holiday rental car isn’t — unless you book ahead. At Redspot Car Rentals, we see the same pattern every December: customers who book early get the vehicle they want at the right price, while last-minute travellers often pay more or miss out completely.

Here’s why booking your Christmas car hire early is essential.

1. Beat the Holiday Rush

Demand for rental cars during Christmas and New Year is the highest of the year. Families travel interstate, international visitors arrive, and locals book long-weekend getaways.

  • Airport locations fill fast: Cars at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth airports are often fully booked weeks in advance.

  • Popular vehicle types disappear first: SUVs, people movers, and utes are in high demand for families and road trips.

  • Regional locations get stretched: Smaller depots may have limited fleets, so availability is even tighter.

👉 Redspot Tip: Book at least 4–6 weeks before Christmas to lock in your preferred car type.

2. Save Money with Early Rates

It’s not just availability that changes — so do prices.

  • Dynamic pricing: Just like airlines, car hire prices rise with demand.

  • Last-minute costs: Waiting until Christmas week can mean rates jump by hundreds per day.

  • Early-booking advantage: Securing your vehicle in November (or earlier) can save you hundreds on a week-long hire.

👉 Redspot Tip: Compare vehicle types. Sometimes upgrading to a larger car booked early costs less than a last-minute compact.

3. Get the Vehicle That Suits Your Trip

Christmas travel is diverse:

  • Visiting family? You’ll want a people mover or SUV to fit everyone comfortably.

  • Heading to the beach? A hatchback or small SUV gives you boot space for surfboards and coolers.

  • Driving long distances? A sedan or 4WD offers comfort and fuel efficiency for road trips.

By booking early, you ensure you’re not stuck with whatever’s left.

4. Avoid the Christmas Travel Stress

The Christmas break is already a juggling act: gifts, family obligations, and holiday traffic. The last thing you need is scrambling for a rental car at the eleventh hour.

  • Peace of mind: Knowing your car is ready at the airport lets you focus on the trip.

  • Less queuing: Early reservations streamline the pickup process.

  • Plan better: Secure your rental first, then map out your Christmas road trip with confidence.

5. Travel Safer During the Festive Season

Christmas is one of the busiest times on Australian roads. More cars, more fatigue, and more distractions mean you need to drive carefully.

  • Plan ahead: Leave extra time for holiday traffic.

  • Stay calm: Don’t let road rage spoil your festive mood.

  • Rest often: Use roadside stops for coffee breaks — especially on long coastal drives.

  • Check your vehicle: With Redspot, every car is regularly serviced and safety-checked before you hit the road.

Redspot’s Christmas Travel Tips

  • Book now, not later: Treat your rental like flights — the earlier the better.

  • Pack light: More presents = less boot space. Choose a vehicle with extra luggage room.

  • Consider extras: Book child seats or additional drivers in advance (they often sell out during peak season).

  • Check office hours: Some depots close early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day — plan pickup/drop-off times carefully.

  • Think one-way trips: Flying into Sydney and out of Melbourne? Early booking guarantees smoother one-way availability.

Why Choose Redspot Car Rentals This Christmas?

  • Nationwide coverage: Airport and city depots across Australia.

  • Wide range of vehicles: From compacts for couples to SUVs and vans for families.

  • Competitive rates: Early booking secures the best deals.

  • Australian owned: Proudly supporting locals since day one.

Whether you’re flying in to visit family, escaping the chaos for a beach holiday, or hitting the road for an adventure, Redspot has your Christmas car hire covered.

👉 Book your Christmas rental today and tick one more thing off your festive to-do list.