Taking a vacation can be great, but a crowded hotel can really put a damper on your plans. High rates and loud families may make your trip a whole lot more stressful than you planned. If you’re looking for an alternative to an expensive hotel, beach home rentals can give you the privacy, comfort, and price you’re looking for. After all, 62% of survey respondents stated they would choose to stay in summer vacation rentals because their rates are typically cheaper than those of hotels. Plus, when you book your beach home rental through us, you’ll know you’ll be staying at a high-quality property. But before you start booking your beachfront condos for the summer, you’ll probably want to follow these five tips. They’ll let you get the most out of your condo and will help guarantee a fun vacation for the whole family.

Book early

While you may have been able to get a room at a big hotel with very little notice, the same cannot be said for a rental condo. Some vacationers come back every year, so they’ll book their trips right after they finished their last one. And for the most part, summer rental bookings will start to heat up after the first of the year. Keep in mind that it’s never too early to book; in fact, the earlier you book, the better selection of properties and dates you’ll have to choose from. It will definitely pay off not to dawdle. Otherwise, you may not be able to secure a booking.

Consider off-peak

Sometimes, you have to take a vacation when you can get the time off, and this may fall during a popular time of the year. If you book early enough, that won’t be a problem. But if you’re looking to beat the crowds and save a bit of money, you may want to try to take a vacation in late May or early June, rather than in July or August. Alternatively, taking a vacation after Labor Day weekend has passed may be a good option. It can be difficult to coordinate schedules during an off-peak time, but if you can swing it, it may be worth it!

Read reviews

The internet can provide you with extremely valuable information about a given property or rental company. Take a look at listings on reputable review sites or some customer testimonials before you commit to a booking. While some reviewers may be prone to exaggeration, most are looking to help future travelers by providing an honest look at a beach home rental. They may not give you a complete picture of a property, especially if it’s been recently remodeled or redecorated, but it’s one of the smartest things you can do before booking.

Research the location

If you’re traveling to an area with which you’re unfamiliar, you should definitely conduct some research first. Even in popular, non-risky vacation destinations, you’ll want to see where a property is in comparison to the major sights. This will not only help you plan your itinerary but it can make you feel more at-ease before you even arrive. And if a rental condo is in a less-than-desirable area, you’ll want to know that before you sign on the dotted line.

Sign before payment

Speaking of signing on the dotted line, you’ll want to obtain and sign your contract before you ever send any form of payment for a rental property. Make sure you read through the entire agreement and that you understand everything prior to signing. If you have questions or need clarification, don’t sign the contract until it’s resolved. Should a rental company pressure you to sign the agreement without looking it over or to send a down payment before seeing a contract, walk away.
If you’re looking for a condo for rent this summer, Ocean Front Vacation Rentals can help you find a property you’ll love. For more information or to get started on booking your beach home rental, contact us today.