These are a few things you should know before you hire a car in Spain:

* What's included in the price and what ISN'T. You can come across some amazing looking prices but when you look at the detail you find that they don't include unlimited mileage, local taxes or insurances.

You may not be doing much driving in which case unlimited mileage may be unnecessary but insurances are a must and do add up. We usually found these cheap looking prices were really not cheap at all and could be regarded as a pretty underhand and misleading tactic.

Make sure all of these are included in the rental:

Third party insurance.
Airport fees.
Breakdown cover.
All local surcharges.
Loss/collision damage waiver.
Unlimited mileage.

* Air-conditioning is important.

It may sound obvious but DO check that the cheap price you have found applies to a car with air-con. Temperatures in the summer can often be in the 30's sometimes the 40's (over 100 degrees fahrenheit).

* Book ahead.

Don't just arrive at the airport in Spain and go to the car hire desks. They are often incredibly busy and chaotic with long queues and stressed staff. It is far better to have a reservation with a reference number so at least you know they will have a car waiting and if they don't have your requested car they will have to upgrade you for free. You also tend to get a better deal by booking ahead.

* Don't penny-pinch.

Some of the models in Spain differ from those in Northern Europe. We had an experience where the boot was far smaller than the same model of car we owned in England. Do consider the large amounts of luggage you will have and maybe go for the next size up and just treat yourself rather than traveling round on your holiday like a sardine. The price difference is usually small.

* Child seats.

You can hire these as an extra for about