These sisters couldn't find a rental car, so they're driving around Newfoundland in a U-Haul

Two sisters visiting Newfoundland unable to find a rental car have decided to go for the next best thing:renting a U-Haul moving van to tour the island.

Gail Bridgeman, who lives in Australia, and Karen Burke of Ontario had their trip to Newfoundland booked for over six monthsbefore arriving.However,a mix-up with their rental car provider left them without a vehicle.

"I thought everything was fine, then I got back some information saying our car was available months ahead of the expected date," BridgemansaidFriday.

Bridgeman and Burke aren't the only travellers who have faced difficulties getting a rental car in the province.

The uncertainty of travel at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted some rental agencies to drastically reduce their fleets, leading to demand exceeding supply across Newfoundland and Labrador and other provinces.

Tourism Minister Steve Crocker saidin February travellers should book carsmonths in advance to make sure a vehicle is reserved for them ahead of Newfoundland and Labrador's Come Home Year festivities.

The sisters decided to rent a U-Haul in order to secure a vehicle for their trek across the Avalon Peninsula although they didn't get what they were expecting once they got here.

"They promised us a small vehicle. And when we arrived to pick up the vehicle they told us the only one that was available was actually 30 feet in length," Bridgeman said.

Rental carsfor the time the pair are in the province cost over $1,100 per week, according to Expedia, while a 20-foot U-Haul van costs about $320 plus 89 cents per kilometre.

The sisters took the van to stays in St. John's, Bonavista and Clarenville, where they were able to upgrade to a 20-foot van that made for a slightly smoother ride.

"We feel like we're almost in a Maserati at this point," Bridgeman said with a laugh.

But while their mode of transportation may have been unconventional, Burke says it didn't hold them back from enjoying Newfoundland to the fullest.

"We love your province. We've just met really beautiful people. It's all been wonderful," she said.

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