If you've never hired a car on holiday, I'd recommend you give it a try. Even if you're in the loveliest resort, wouldn't you like to explore your destination a little more?

You can't beat the sense of freedom that comes with being able to go where you want, when you want.

I'm happy to use public transport when I'm away, but for some places, it just can't get you where you want to go.

On my most recent holiday to the Canaries, we wouldn't have been able to get to the volcano in the south of the island, because the (otherwise very comprehensive) bus network doesn't go there. Nor would we have been able to get to the highest point on the island, with amazing views and thin air.

With our lovely Skoda - excellent visibility and very manoeuvrable: ideal for twisty, turny mountain roads - we popped to the beach on the way home from an afternoon in the capital. And we were able to pop to that capital just for the afternoon.

And then of course there's the little matter of getting to and from the airport. If you've booked a package, transfers may be included, but if yours is the last drop-off from the coach it might take a couple of hours longer to get to where you're staying.

But of course, you don't need to book a car for the whole holiday. You can wait until you've settled in and relaxed for a few days before taking to the road, or just hire a car for a specific trip.

I booked our car with www.rhinocarhire.com, which offered the cheapest rate (£121 for 10 days, if you're wondering). The company was voted Best Car Hire Website in 2010, and offers cheap car rental at over 25,000 locations worldwide. Booking online was straightforward, and Rhino sent timely reminders with clear instructions.

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