We are heading to San Sebastian and planning on going to Santillana and back. We have an 18 month old and will try to pack light, but she sleeps well in a car. Would we be better off renting a car or taking a combo of train/buses? If we do get a car should we get all the supplemental insurance? Thanks for any insight.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, usa
44 posts
We have taken 5 trips to Europe and rented cars everytime (with kids!). In my opinion, this is the only way to go. Tip: Ask for a car with a trunk if possible to avoid theft risk (luggage visible). Do not park the car where your gut tells you it will get towed (it will...take if from me) even if your hotel tells you its OK - they suddenly don't speak English when you find it is missing the next morning. Our credit card covered extra insurance but call and ask! Only one of my two cards had the insurance program. We used Europcar and Sixt with great success. The only country we had trouble driving in was England (darn wrong side of the street thing...such a pain) :)
Posted by
OP
Raleigh, NC, USA
3 posts
Thanks Nichole- That helps. We have been before, but not really sure what to expect with a child. Have you ever rented their car seats for infants? We are planning on taking our own since the car seats that we have rented in the states were junk.
Posted by
Lake Forest
2 posts
We had a long,wonderful car trip in this area last year.Take your own carseat; the peace of mind is worth it.Do get a car with a trunk, but never leave anything in the car unless you have to, as theft from cars is common."Madrid and Beyond" is a tour planning company that was of great help to us; they provided maps and an intinerary, made hotel reservations, and arranged car rental.Realize that most cars there are manual; you have to ask for an automatic transmission.Either make sure your credit card has full coverage, or get the extra insurance; that is important.Have good maps.Take some sort of soft pack so you can carry your baby part of the time,because many streets,walks are stone and sometimes you can't use a stroller.Take a stroller, too,of course,for parks and paved city sidewalks and museums.You WILL get lost at least once each day, and asking for help and sorting it out is just part of the fun. The Basque people in this lovely area are friendly, and you will enjoy your visit.