Hertz data highlights the best days to save spring break travel, as demand spreads across multiple weeks in March and April, offering travellers more flexibility and savings opportunities.
Instead of one peak holiday period, demand is now staggered, with several high-demand days forecast across both months.
The rental company says top pick-up dates in April are expected to fall on April 9, April 17, April 23 and April 24, while March saw peaks on March 6, March 13 and March 27. At the same time, one in three Hertz customers is now renting specifically for road trips, highlighting a growing shift towards driving holidays.
The data points to a change in how travellers plan spring getaways, with flexible timing helping to ease congestion and reduce costs. Rather than crowding into a single week, families and groups are spreading trips across a wider window, potentially leading to smoother journeys.
While Thursdays and Fridays remain the most popular days to start a rental, Hertz says travellers looking to save money should consider picking up vehicles on Wednesdays or Sundays. These less busy days typically offer lower rates and better availability.
Warm-weather destinations continue to dominate spring travel plans, driven by sunshine, family-friendly attractions and ease of planning. The most in-demand cities based on rental data include:
- Orlando
- Los Angeles
- Phoenix
- Atlanta
- Las Vegas
- Tampa
- Honolulu
- Miami
- Denver
- Dallas
Booking habits are also evolving, with travellers reserving rental cars around 16 days in advance on average. However, Hertz advises booking at the same time as flights and accommodation to improve availability and secure better pricing, especially for high-demand vehicle types such as SUVs and vans.
The company also highlighted several ways to make the rental process smoother. Prepaying for fuel at pick-up can lock in prices and save time at return, while adding flight details to a booking allows the company to monitor delays and help protect reservations.
Travellers not flying into major airports can also consider neighbourhood rental locations, which may offer added convenience. For those needing flexibility, bookings can be modified through the Hertz app or website if plans change.
The findings suggest that spring break travel is becoming less rigid and more adaptable, with travellers taking advantage of extended travel windows, lower prices on off-peak days and the growing appeal of road trips.
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