A summer getaway should be relaxing, but planning it might be exciting. One crucial aspect of all of this is finding the right vacation home; however, it can be hard to pull off if you put it off too long. Peak season means high demand, so you need to start early and be pragmatic. Whether you want a lakeside cabin, a mountain retreat, or a beachfront cottage, these are six ways you can get going to find a great summer vacation home.
1. Look at Off-Peak Weeks
Depending on where you’re going, early September or late May might feature lower demand for better availability and rates, particularly if you’re looking at a vacation home in the Bahamas. Also, booking a mid-week stay rather than a weekend might save you money, too.
2. Decide Your Budget and Amenities
Your dream vacation should include as many of the amenities and experiences as you want, but it still needs to stay within a healthy budget. Decide how much you’re willing to splurge on accommodations while considering additional charges, security deposits, and cleaning fees.
3. Try More Than One Rental Platform
Your summer getaway will wind up being in one set location, but you should check out multiple rental platforms to find it. Industry giants have lots of listings, but direct booking sites and regional rental agencies might have hidden gems or better deals.
4. Start Looking Early
The sooner you start your search, the more likely it is you’ll find an ideal vacation home for a price you deem reasonable. A lot of vacation rentals start doing summer bookings months ahead of the actual season, but this can still mean prime locations getting booked fast. To avoid price surges at the last minute and a narrowing supply of available options, you need to start looking by early spring or even the winter months when scheduling your summer vacation.
5. Trust Others
Previous guest reviews give you precious insight into how accurate property listings are, insight into the cleanliness and convenience of a vacation home, and impressions of their overall experience. If you have questions, contact property owners directly for more information. You might be able to negotiate discounts if you want a longer stay in one place.
6. Be Prepared to Act Fast
Once you find the vacation home that suits all your needs, don’t waste time booking it. Properties in high demand will disappear quickly, particularly for the most popular summertime destinations. Have payment details ready to go, and confirm the cancellation policies prior to securing the reservation. Look for properties with flexible booking options; these can be advantageous if your plans change.
Avoid the Stress
The right vacation home can be an integral part of your time away from life’s routine stress, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful process in itself. Start early, create a budget, try different platforms, and practice some flexibility with your dates. Doing this will help you find a great summer vacation home. Use online reviews, and reach out to owners. When the right place pops up, act fast to secure your spot. A little planning and careful strategy go a long way toward relaxing in your ideal summer vacation home quickly and easily.
