Hertz reveals 2026 U.S. spring travel trends
New Hertz travel insights reveal how spring break travel is shifting, with travelers embracing more flexible timing and longer windows for their getaways.
Instead of a single peak spring break week, Hertz data shows several high-demand periods across both March and April, opening up more opportunities for families and groups to travel and save. Additionally, one in three Hertz customers is currently renting specifically for road trips and driving vacations, reflecting renewed interest in travel by car.
Spring break is no longer limited to one defined week. Hertz data reveals that travelers are heading out throughout March and April, with top pick up days forecasted to be April 9, April 17, April 23 and April 24. In March, the most popular pick up days were March 6, March 13 and March 27. This staggered demand points to smoother travel experiences for families and groups hitting the road.
Thursday and Friday remain the most popular pickup days for spring travel, but Hertz data shows that starting a rental on a Wednesday or Sunday offers a better chance at lower rates.
Travelers can also join Hertz Gold+ for free to access member‑only rates and skip the rental counter.
Warm-Weather Cities Continue to Lead
Sunshine, family‑friendly activities, and ease of planning keep warm‑weather destinations at the top of travelers’ lists. The top spring destinations based on rental car demand are:
- Orlando
- Los Angeles
- Phoenix
- Atlanta
- Las Vegas
- Tampa
- Honolulu
- Miami
- Denver
- Dallas
Travelers typically reserve rental cars 16 days in advance for spring trips but booking the car at the same time as flights and hotels can improve availability and support cost savings. Early bookings also provide access to a wider selection of vehicles – particularly SUVs and vans, which are among the most booked options this spring as travelers prioritize space for kids, luggage, and gear.
Tips for a Faster, Smoother Car Rental Experience
- Locking in your gas price. At Hertz, you can prepay for refueling at pickup to lock in pricing to avoid sticker shock at the pump AND save time at return.
- Adding your flight information to your car rental reservation. Our team actively monitors flight delays and cancellations, and adding your flight information can help protect your reservation.
- Booking at a neighborhood location. If you’re not flying into an airport, Hertz has thousands of convenient neighborhood locations across the country.
- Modifying your reservation on the Hertz app or Hertz.com if your travel plans get disrupted and you need to make changes.
- Joining Hertz Gold+ (it’s free!) to skip the counter and go straight to your car when you land. This benefit can be a huge time-saver, especially after flight delays.
*Data as of March 30, 2026
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