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 Beach
vacations are a little different to handle when
you try to make reservations. Here's why. A few
factors always come into play:
Which beach you are going to:
Of course, this is the primary factor. If you are
going to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, your chances
of making reservations later rather than earlier
are much better than if you are going to Emerald
Isle, North Carolina. Beaches likes Myrtle Beach
or Outer Banks, North Carolina have a HUGE tourist
base and so have LOTS of real estate listings for
rentals and you can pretty much find a house up
to about a month before you go.
Popularity & Availability:
The popularity of the beach always
affects availability of rentals as mentioned above.
But there's also the factor of pre-reserves. This
means the family who rented the house/condo that
you perhaps want has first dibs on it for the next
year!
What time of year:
June, July and August are "prime
season" at East Coast beaches. Why? School's out
and family summer vacations are in! If you are trying
to reserve during these times, plan ahead and reserve
a few months in advance. Holidays like Christmas
or Thanksgiving will also be at higher rates, typically
(or owners will live in their homes or condos during
these times).
Condo or house?
Houses are usually less available
than condos. Myrtle Beach has literally thousands
of condos dotting the shoreline, so finding one
free is not too difficult. On the other hand, finding
an oceanfront house that will accommodate say, 10
people, is MUCH harder to do and requires some research
and planning ahead!
Number of people going:
Needless to say, this is always
a factor. It's much easier to find accommodations
for a family of 4 or less than it is to find accommodations
for a family reunion of 8 or more! Let me give you
an example. Next year, our family is going to Outer
Banks for a family reunion. 17 people (sisters,
brother in laws, in laws, assorted kids, parents
etc) are going. It took 3 months of searching before
I found an oceanfront house for 2004 that everyone
could live with.
Location, Location Location!
There are a number of
different choice when it comes to location. Oceanfront
or Sound front, 2nd row, 3rd row etc. What does
that mean?? Ok, the closer you get to the actual
sand, the less available it is or more expensive
it becomes. Take a look...
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So, the best time to make
reservations? It depends... on where you
are going, what type of accommodations you
need, how many people and what time of year,
not to mention where on the beach you want
to stay.
My advice is this:
the earlier the better. If you can make
reservations this year for next year, go
for it. Planning ahead always
makes things easier in the long run.
Back to Beach Vacation Planning (Main
Index)
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