Spring and summer 2026 are bringing a new wave of travel and mobility. One trend that stands out this season is that travelers are reserving rental cars earlier than ever. In the Sub Rosa Rent a Car fleet, including the Dollar and Thrifty brands, bookings are seeing a significant increase compared to previous seasons. What is driving this growth, and why are travelers securing their vehicles so early? Here are the key reasons behind this trend.
1. Prices Are Rising - Earlier Than Ever
One of the main reasons for early bookings is the increase in seasonal prices. As demand rises, rental car rates climb, especially for popular dates such as holidays, weekends, and peak tourist weeks. Travelers planning ahead want to avoid last-minute high costs, which is why many are booking as early as February and March.
2. Travelers Are Planning Earlier Than Before
Traveler behavior has clearly shifted - people are planning their vacations well in advance. The reasons include:
- Ensuring the right vehicle for family or group needs
- Securing a specific class of vehicle (e.g., SUV or electric car)
- Planning routes and activities ahead of time
Booking a rental car has become an essential part of trip planning - travelers want to be confident that transportation will be ready as soon as they arrive at their destination.
3. Greater Choice and Flexibility
Early reservations give travelers access to a wider selection of vehicles and additional services, such as GPS, child seats, extra drivers, and even the newest car models. During peak season, vehicles in mid- to high-class categories are often the first to sell out.
4. Contactless Pickup and Digital Reservations
Digital tools and contactless pick-up options have made renting simpler and safer. Travelers no longer need to spend time at the counter - they can book online, receive confirmation by email or SMS, and pick up their car without waiting. This convenience is especially appealing as trip planning becomes more detailed and precise.
5. EU Travel and Seasonal Flows
With liberalized borders across the European Union, mobility is easier than ever. Croatia, as a popular spring and summer destination, is attracting more visitors from Germany, Slovenia, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland - travelers who often book months in advance to secure transportation as soon as they arrive.
