One of the most important decisions when renting a car from Alamo, Enterprise, or National at STT is whether it has enough luggage space for your family. Here is a guide to choosing a rental car with adequate cargo room for your St. Thomas trip.
Estimate Your Luggage
Before choosing a vehicle, estimate how much luggage you will have:
- Per person: 1 large suitcase + 1 carry-on is typical
- Family of 4: 4 large suitcases + 4 carry-ons + personal items
- Beach gear: Cooler, beach chairs, umbrellas, snorkeling gear
- Child gear: Stroller, car seats, diaper bags
Cargo Space by Vehicle Type
Economy Car
Very limited cargo space — suitable for a couple with one small suitcase each. Not recommended for families.
Compact Car
Limited trunk space — suitable for a couple with carry-ons. Not recommended for families with lots of gear.
Midsize Sedan
Moderate trunk space — suitable for a couple or small family with moderate luggage. Not ideal for beach gear.
Full-Size Sedan
Generous trunk space — suitable for a family of four with suitcases. Limited room for beach gear beyond what fits in the trunk.
Standard SUV
Good cargo space with rear seats up, excellent with seats folded. Suitable for a family of 4-5 with luggage and beach gear.
Full-Size SUV
Excellent cargo space even with all seats occupied. Ideal for large families with lots of luggage and gear.
Minivan
Best cargo space of all. Seats fold flat for maximum room. Ideal for families with strollers, coolers, and lots of beach equipment.
Jeep Wrangler (4-Door)
Moderate cargo space behind the rear seat. Better than the 2-door but still limited for families with lots of gear.
Tips for Maximizing Cargo Space
- Pack in soft-sided bags instead of hard-shell suitcases — they conform to space
- Use packing cubes to organize and compress clothing
- Consider shipping beach gear ahead or renting it on the island
- Remove unnecessary packaging and boxes
- Plan to do laundry mid-trip to pack less clothing
Beach Gear Considerations
Beach gear takes up significant space. A family cooler alone can fill a trunk. Consider:
- Bringing a collapsible cooler instead of a rigid one
- Renting beach chairs and umbrellas on the island
- Bringing inflatable items that pack small
The Bottom Line
For a family of four with luggage and beach gear, a standard SUV or minivan from Alamo, Enterprise, or National is the minimum recommended. If you have a larger family or lots of equipment, upgrade to a full-size SUV or minivan.
