Demand to outweigh supply of rental cars in 2010

This summer saw many visitors to Spain and Portugal affected by the shortage of rental cars available due to the recession and next summer looks set to follow down the same route. The Costa del Sol in Spain and the Algarve in Portugal were particularly affected and the same places are likely to suffer the same fate next year. The recession in Europe led to many car rental companies having to cut their fleets down in order to see out the tough economic times, which in turn led to many holidaymakers not being able to organise car hire.

Major resorts and popular holiday hotspots were the most affected and experts have warned the same situation will occur in 2010. Bookings made at the last minute were the least likely to work out and booking as far in advance as possible is the only way to secure a rental car. The poor weather in England during the summer months led to many last minute holiday bookings, which only added to the problem.

Usually booking at the last minute would enable you to get a good deal but the opposite happened this year with last minute bookings costing at least double the original price of the rental car. Popular airports such as Malaga and Faro were badly affected as many people landed for their break and expected to organise their car hire when they arrived only to find there were no cars left. By booking in advance in 2010, not only can you guarantee a better price but it is the only way to guarantee getting a car.