Island’s End #671, Hatteras Island, North Carolina
A January 7th USA Today article which examined the optimal times to book a range of vacations, from cruises to European trips, found that the best time to book a vacation rental home is early – at least 6 months in advance.
“Vacation rentals tend to offer great value, especially for larger groups looking for a kitchen for cooking and extra space to spread out,” reported Christine Sarkis of SmarterTravel.com. “Best of all, they come in all shapes and prices, providing hundreds of ways to build a dream vacation within budget whether you’re headed for a mountain lodge, an oceanfront cottage, or an urban condo.”
Shooting Star #685, Salvo, North Carolina
According to TJ Mahony, CEO and co-founder of SmarterTravel’s sister site FlipKey, in popular destinations, you’re better off starting your rental search at least six months in advance, as being the early bird ensures the best selection and the best homes.
On Hatteras Island and the Outer Banks, where the majority of vacation rental homes can be booked up to 51 weeks in advance, booking early is key since the demand for summer and shoulder season vacations is high.
Surf or Sound Realty on Hatteras Island has found that booking early ensures that guests retain the best selection of amenities that are suited for their vacation needs. “Our homes offer a wide variety of amenities, from game rooms and theater rooms to handicapped
South Beach #306, Rodanthe, North Carolina
accessible features and oceanfront to soundfront locations,” says Ann Wood, Beachhouse.com client and Marketing Director of Surf or Sound Realty. ”Every family is different, and has their own unique personalized interpretation of the perfect vacation. By booking early, our guests have a wide selection to choose from, and can find the vacation rental home with the amenities that best fit their idea of a dream vacation home.”
Vacation rental home websites, like www.Beachhouse.com, are also making it easier for web browsers to search by specific amenities, price ranges, and locations, and get a thorough description of the home through photos, interactive floor plans, and customized brochures.