Where to go on vacation with your family in Ukraine and how to plan your trip

Q: Can I reserve a car in advance?

Yes, you can reserve a car for your desired date in advance. Booking early allows you to choose your preferred car class and be sure it will be available on the day you need it.

Q: Can the lease term be extended if plans have changed?

Yes, the rental period can be extended provided that the vehicle has not been reserved by another customer. To do so, simply contact the manager in advance.

Q: Is it possible to travel outside of Kyiv or the region?

Yes, you can drive outside of Kyiv and travel around Ukraine. The terms of the trip are agreed upon when the rental is arranged.

Q: What should you do in case of a breakdown or an unexpected situation on the road?

In the event of any technical malfunction or force majeure, please contact our customer support team. We will promptly assist you in resolving the issue or offer a replacement vehicle.

Q: Do I need to pay a deposit when renting a car?

No, renting a car from ProCars does not require a deposit. All vehicles come with full insurance coverage, making the rental experience as convenient and safe as possible for the customer.

Q: Can I travel abroad in a rental car?

Yes, you may leave Ukraine provided you have made prior arrangements and have the necessary documents.

Q: Can I rent a car with a driver?

Yes, we offer car rental services with a professional driver. This option is ideal for business trips, events, or transfers and is available upon request.

Q: Is it okay to let someone else drive while traveling in a rental car if the driver is tired?

Yes, but only if that person is listed as an additional driver in the rental agreement. This is important for insurance coverage: in the event of an accident or other incident, insurance coverage applies only to the drivers listed in the documents. Therefore, if you plan to share the driving, you should add an additional driver right away before your trip.

Traveling around Ukraine in a rental car is a way to see the country without rushing and without restrictions. When planning a trip with your family, you want maximum freedom: no rushing the kids, no waiting for transportation, no worrying that something will not go according to schedule. The family moves at its own pace, stops where it wants, and that's how a vacation where everyone feels comfortable is born.

Why traveling with your family in a rental car is convenient and cost-effective

Traveling with children requires flexibility, and renting a car allows you to move at your own pace. But in addition to comfort, there are practical advantages that make families increasingly choose to rent a car rather than use their own. First, it saves on maintenance. You don't need to prepare your car for a long trip, undergo additional inspections, or worry about unexpected expenses during the trip. The technical condition of a rental car is the responsibility of the rental company, which eliminates a lot of unnecessary hassle. Second, your own car does not wear out. Long journeys, luggage, different roads - all of this affects the car. Renting allows you to keep your car for work and everyday life, and choose something that is really suitable for traveling. You can also choose a car that is not “whatever is available,” but one that suits the format of the trip itself. If you are planning to travel many kilometers, you can choose a more comfortable model; if you are planning an active vacation, you can choose a car that feels confident on different roads; and for trips with a large family, you can choose a car with a spacious interior. This gives you the freedom not to tailor your trip to the car, but rather to choose the vehicle that suits your plans. In addition, there is an option to pick up the car in one city and return it in another. This opens up more routes, especially when you want to combine several regions and not return by the same road. And last but not least, support and insurance are already included. If something happens on the road, there is someone to help. This is important for families: less stress, more peace of mind. Thus, a rented car allows you to focus on the trip itself and relaxation, rather than on technical issues and repairs that often accompany long journeys in your own car.

How to plan a family trip around Ukraine

To make your vacation enjoyable, it's best to prepare a little in advance. Below is a simple checklist that will help you calmly decide how to plan a trip around Ukraine, taking into account the interests of the whole family.

Start with a conversation: sit down together and discuss what everyone wants from their vacation: the sea, mountains, castles, cities, peace and quiet in nature, or entertainment. Children can be given the right to “vote” for ideas or draw pictures of how they imagine their vacation. This way, everyone will feel involved in the planning, and the trip will be perceived as a joint effort, rather than “mom and dad decided.”
Choose the season and format of your vacation: summer - sea, lakes, active walks. Autumn - Carpathians, castles, bright landscapes. Winter - festive cities, ski resorts, cozy hotels. Spring - parks, small towns, first trips to the mountains or the forest. Once you know which season and format your family likes, it is much easier to decide how to plan your travel route and not have to rush between random options later.
Determine the dates, duration, and budget: think about how many days you can realistically allocate, and immediately set aside one “slow” day without a strict schedule. Write down an approximate budget: travel, car rental, fuel, accommodation, food, entertainment + a small reserve for force majeure. This will help you avoid a situation where your route covers three regions, but you only have enough money for one.
Make a draft itinerary, but don't fill it in completely: mark the start, finish, and key points on the map: cities where you want to stop, interesting places along the way, places to stay overnight. Estimate the distances, taking into account how well the children tolerate the road: some are fine with 3-4 hours in a row, while others get tired after an hour. Planning a car trip should be flexible: it is better to leave room for spontaneous stops than to rush everyone on a strict schedule.
Think about your children's needs and special conditions: if your child has allergies or dietary restrictions, it is better to think at home about where to eat, what to take with you, whether there is a supermarket nearby or a kitchen in the apartment. It is worth considering sleep patterns, walks, and the time when children usually get tired. This makes it easier to choose a departure time and avoid situations where “the child is asleep, and we have to check out.”
Book accommodation and essentials in advance: even if you like spontaneity, it's better to fix the basic points: where you will spend the night and where you will definitely stay for more than one day. This is especially important if you are traveling during peak season or with a large family.
Leave room for surprises and simple pleasures: even the best plan should not turn your trip into a marathon. Leave time to just sit in the park, have a picnic, pop into an unexpected museum, or stop in a village with a beautiful view. Often, it is these small moments that are most memorable, rather than another “must-see” location on the list.

When you have a rough route, a well-thought-out season, a budget, a few fixed points, and some room for improvisation, a family trip around Ukraine becomes not a chaotic rush, but a peaceful adventure where everyone understands what to expect and everyone has a say in the trip.

Preparing your car for a family vacation

When it comes to a rental car, most of the technical hassles fall on the rental company, but that doesn't mean you can get behind the wheel without looking at the car at all. Before leaving, you should think of yourself as an attentive passenger who checks that everything is ready for a family trip. First, check the basics: does the car have a first aid kit, emergency stop sign, vest, jack or wheel repair kit, tow rope? This is usually included in the standard equipment of a rental car, but it is better to make sure so that you don't have to look for a solution on the side of the road with children in the car. If the company offers a jump starter, that's a nice bonus, especially for winter trips. Next, do a quick visual check: look at the tires to make sure they are not bald, check that the lights and indicators are working, and ask the manager about the last service. There is no need to delve into the technical details, as this is the rental company's responsibility, but it is more reassuring when you are confident that the car is truly reliable, not just in words. A car seat is mandatory for traveling with children. It is more convenient to rent a child car seat along with the car - this is not a formality, but a guarantee of safety. If you plan to travel to an unfamiliar region or make detours, it makes sense to rent a GPS navigator - this way, your route will not depend on mobile internet. It is better to keep items that add to your comfort on the road handy in the passenger compartment rather than somewhere deep in the trunk:

a small first aid kit with basic supplies;
water and light snacks;
napkins and a change of clothes for children;
a power bank for phones and navigators.

Before leaving, check that the space in the trunk and cabin is organized correctly. It is better to leave items that may be needed on the road on top or closer to the seats so that you don't have to move everything to the side of the road. Luggage that is not needed during the day can be stored compactly in the back. The less cluttered the interior, the more comfortable everyone will be, especially children: they calm down faster when there is no fuss with things around and every little thing is in its place.

Where to go on vacation with your family in Ukraine: summer, winter, and off-season

The choice depends on the atmosphere you want to experience. Sometimes a family is looking for peace and quiet, sometimes for activities. Ukraine offers many options, and a car makes them accessible even for weekends.

Lviv and the castles of Lviv region

Lviv creates a mood at any time of the year. In summer, you want to walk through the old streets, visit museums, and look for places with the best coffee or desserts. In autumn, the city becomes almost theatrical: warm colors, calmer tourist flows, and a feeling of comfort at literally every step. In December, Lviv turns into a real Christmas location - fairs, lights, music, and very atmospheric evenings. So if you are planning a trip for New Year's or just want a winter fairy tale, this city never disappoints. The castles of Lviv region are a separate adventure. You can see several of them in one day: Olesky with its ancient history, Pidhirtsi, which looks like a movie set, and the peaceful Svirzh Castle with a beautiful lake nearby. Children enjoy the process of traveling between castles: it's like visiting different eras within a single trip. The road between them is short and picturesque, making this destination particularly convenient for a family trip.

Carpathians: Bukovel, Yaremche, Slavske / Synevyr

The Carpathians are about changing moods depending on the season. In summer, you want to walk along forest paths, stop at waterfalls, and discover small routes that are even suitable for children. June is especially pleasant, when the weather is stable and the mountain air is fresh and light. In autumn, the Carpathians become warm in color, and in October, the slopes look as if they have been specially painted - and this is a great time for leisurely car trips. In winter, the region takes on a completely different character. Bukovel and Slavske attract visitors with their slopes, ski lifts, and winter entertainment, so if you want to be active, there are plenty of options. Yaremche and the Synevyr area, on the other hand, are quieter places: walks, scenery, Hutsul cuisine, and a Christmas atmosphere. The roads are usually well cleared during this season, and many hotels are open year-round, starting on January 1, so traveling here in winter is hassle-free. The Carpathians are great because you can plan a route to suit any mood - a short family trip, a few days' journey, or a whole week's vacation with children and easy transfers between attractions.

Kyiv: museums, parks, and entertainment for children

Kyiv is ideal for short family trips when you want a change of scenery without long journeys. By car, it is easy to combine several locations in one day: take a walk in a large park, visit a museum, see an interactive exhibition, or take a short trip to Mezhyhiria. Children enjoy spaces where they can move around and explore, such as the Science Museum, landscape parks, or modern children's hubs. Adults appreciate that the capital has many cafes, green areas, and places for recreation and entertainment in any weather. If you are wondering where to go for a weekend with your family, Kyiv is a truly universal option: there is always something new to discover, even for those who have visited the city more than once.

Odesa region and the sea

In summer, the question often arises: where to go on vacation with the family to the sea? The advantage of a car is that you don't have to stick to one beach - you can easily drive around the coast and choose the place that suits you best. In June, the weather is already warm, there are fewer people, and the sea is pleasant for children. July is the peak of the heat and the longest day. In August, the water is warmest, so children can swim for a long time without feeling cold. In the Odesa region, it's easy to mix up your vacation: some people like quiet villages and long sandy beaches, while others prefer to be close to the city, the waterfront, entertainment, and cafes. Some families like the “mobile vacation day” format: mornings in a quieter place and evenings in Odesa for a walk. This way, the road does not become boring, and every day has its own mood.

Shatsky Lakes and outdoor recreation

This is a great option for families who want peace and quiet and the most natural vacation possible. Lakes, pine forests, and clean air create an atmosphere in which it is easy to slow down and take a break from the pace of city life. It is pleasant to walk along the paths along the lakes, swim, have picnics, or take short trips between local locations. If you are wondering where to go on vacation in the fall, the Shatsky Lakes are a great option. For example, in September or early October, the weather here is still mild. There are significantly fewer tourists than in the peak of summer, and nature looks especially peaceful. This is a case where space and silence work better than any entertainment: children enjoy the water and nature, and parents get the opportunity to truly relax.

Tips for a comfortable trip with children: what to take

Children's moods change quickly on the road, so it's best to have things on hand that will help you get through any situation without stress. If you're wondering what to take on a trip with children, pay attention to simple and practical details. It's useful to have with you:

a favorite toy, book, or small game to keep them busy on the road;
a supply of water and baby food that does not need to be heated;
diapers, wet wipes, and a light blanket for babies;
children's medicines that you use regularly (plus bandages);
a change of clothes “just in case”;
a small pillow or travel headrest to make it more comfortable for your child to sleep in the car;
garbage bags or several zip-lock bags for used wipes or small trash;
dry wipes or a towel in case something spills;
a small thermos with warm water (convenient for formula or tea);
a tablet or phone for watching cartoons;
a light blanket or shawl if the air conditioning seems cool to the children.

For older children, you can take another “lifesaver” - headphones or audiobooks on your phone. This works better than cartoons at full volume in the cabin. After packing, it is worth thinking about how to arrange everything: everything you need quickly should be close at hand, not deep in the trunk. This saves energy and makes the trip much more relaxing for the whole family.

How to choose a rental car for a family trip

When choosing a car for a trip, it is worth assessing the amount of luggage, the number of passengers, and the terrain you plan to drive on. If you don't have much luggage and the route is within one region, a hatchback will suffice. For longer trips, combining several cities, or traveling with children's things, a sedan or station wagon is more convenient. A pickup truck will come in handy if you are planning an active vacation, taking equipment with you, or going to the mountains, where you need more ground clearance and luggage space. It is also worth looking at the rental conditions: what is included in the insurance, what are the mileage limits, can you return the car in another city, and are the costs of additional options included. These are small details, but they help avoid surprises on the road. If the trip is long, it is important that the interior is comfortable: enough legroom, normal ventilation, quiet interior, comfortable seats for children. With such a car, it is easy to cover even long distances and not feel tired after the first few hours. Ukraine has many interesting places that reveal themselves in a different way when a family travels by car. It offers flexibility, freedom, simple joys, and the opportunity to see more. Whether it's summer or winter, April or February, there is always a route that will give you new experiences. Just try such a trip once, and you will understand how convenient a family vacation can be when everything depends on your own pace and desires.