Felicity Long
Travel sellers have watched with dismay as consumers continue to book later and later for their leisure travel. Here we are in July and I have friends not in the industry who still haven't decided where they want to go for their summer vacation.
Add to that the memories of amazing last-minute deals on offer last year, spurred by the economic downturn, and it is no wonder some consumers are adopting a wait-and-see attitude.
Although there may be some deals still to come on air and hotels in Europe this summer, after all, this year we also had the volcanic ash cloud to dampen enthusiasm for transatlantic travel, it might remain difficult to find an affordable rental car. Like last year, rental car companies have tightened their belts and reduced inventory, especially in Spain, but shortages also are being felt in Italy and France.
Savvy travel agents know that manual transmissions are the norm in Europe, which means that they also have to warn clients about higher premiums on vehicles with automatic transmissions - if they can find them.
On Hertz.com, for example, I found a weeklong rental to and from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport in August priced from $322.40 for an economy model, whereas the least expensive automatic I could find, available in a midsize elite model, cost about $1,256.
ArgusCarHire.com has warned its clients that its inventory of rental cars in Spanish resorts is dwindling fast, especially in Ibiza, Menorca, Mallorca, Alicante, Malaga and Murcia.
"We wouldn't like to see our customers disappointed, so to avoid a repeat of last summer's severe vehicle shortages, we're issuing all of our clients an email warning them about the current low availability situation," said Barry Malone, ArgusCarHire.com's brand manager.
Of course, some travelers avoid the problem altogether by opting for city stays, embarking on biking and hiking trips or - a perennial favorite in Europe - taking the train.