The number of Britons hiring cars on foreign holidays is on the rise, according to a poll.

Of those taking a trip overseas, 38 per cent said they had rented a car this year, the poll by travel agent www.sunshine.co.uk found.

In contrast, just 19 per cent of holidaymakers had hired cars for overseas breaks last year.

The main reason given for the increase was that holidaymakers had more money to spend on holiday add-ons in 2011. Those polled also cited the ability to get to and from the airport under their own steam as a reason.

Of those who had used a car abroad this year or in 2010, 79 per cent felt it had enhanced their holiday, but 6 per cent reckoned it “wasn’t worthwhile”.

As many as 52 per cent considered they would probably hire a car for a trip abroad in 2012.