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...