Car rentals are apparently difficult to locate in rural areas. Part of my family lives far away and likes to save money on gas by sharing the six-hour drive with the rest of the family. Instead of putting miles on your vehicles, it makes sense to pool money for a 15-passenger van that way everyone fits in the same vehicle and no one risks damaging their own vehicle in any way. Nothing is likely to happen to your car, but sometimes you never know with winter weather and roads.

With so many seats available, the vehicle is spacious enough to accommodate an entire family, including suitcases and other luggage. Safety is always my concern. The news reports always show documentaries of unsafe rental vehicles, but I make sure the family asks about inspections between drivers. Rental vehicles are usually reliable; it’s best to be safe and ask the rental company about it. This is the best option for my family traveling here together.

I have relatives in later life who have difficulty moving. Their limited mobility is often an excuse for not wanting to drive or sit in a car for six hours. I can understand. I hate the drive as it is too much. However, that excuse can no longer be an excuse when van rentals are available specifically for people with disabilities. The vehicles have ramps for wheelchairs or scooter chargers. Additionally, some rental vans have the option of loading the passenger and/or driver into the vehicle. If you are a passenger, you can always ride shotgun. Everyone else loads in the back seat.

Now full-size trucks will obviously be roomier and provide more headroom for rear-seat passengers. Additionally, passengers with wheelchairs or scooters have more room to maneuver after being loaded into the vehicle. These days, limited mobility doesn’t mean relying on others to drive people places to run errands or attend a family gathering.

The adaptive equipment installed in these rental vans is easy for drivers and passengers to use. The good news is that the family does not have to travel far to use handicapped rental vans. If they want to rent for the day to run errands or a sporting event, they can throw the wheelchair in the back and ride at their convenience. I know it’s hard to drive five or six hours, but it’s worth it when you chip in and share the ride with a rental car.