5 min. read
Owning vacation rentals can be an exciting venture that allows for earning a considerable income, especially during peak season. This time of year typically coincides with school breaks, public holidays, and the summer months, when the weather is perfect for travelers to relax and explore new destinations. The peak season lasts anywhere from a week, to a month, to all year round.
During these times, tourists are typically looking for an immersive travel experience. People are drawn to home rentals as they offer more space, privacy, and unique features that hotels cannot provide. If you are renting your property in peak-season locations, you must be prepared for the influx of guests and ensure that your vacation rental property meets their expectations.
What is the peak season for vacation rental properties?
The peak season for vacation rentals varies depending on the region, country or city. Others experience an increased demand due to events and peak holiday periods throughout the year in popular tourist destinations.
The peak season typically for vacation rentals is during the summer when the weather is warm, businesses offer travel incentives, and many families have time off from school. The peak season lasts all year round for some due to factors in their location. This includes regions with snowy mountains, ski resorts, or beachfront properties that stay popular during winter.
To prepare for an influx of visitors during peak seasons, property owners or managers must be aware of the trends in the area they manage and make necessary arrangements.
Benefits of vacation rental peak season preparations
Preparing a peak season vacation rental comes with many benefits, including increased occupancy rates, the ability to charge higher peak season prices, and more opportunities to attract new guests. Property managers can capitalize on peak season by offering special packages and promotions that appeal to their target audience. Also, these preparations help create memorable experiences for guests as they enjoy your property’s unique features that make it stand out from other rental homes. Lastly, this preparation allows you to spend time ensuring the quality of your services is maintained throughout the year so that each guest has a pleasant stay during their visit.
Review your vacation rental business
Reviewing your vacation rental business before peak season falls under your personal responsibilities and will be the key to success. This review process includes auditing the property to ensure everything is up-to-date and reading past reviews and guest feedback. Additionally, necessary improvements within the property are made to help attract travelers – creating a comprehensive plan before the season starts to prepare them for an influx of guests and guarantee a comfortable stay during their visit.
Finally, don’t forget to make sure your peak-season vacation rental meets all local laws and regulations. Property owners must understand the legal implications and costs of renting their properties and be prepared to comply with all applicable regulations.
Preparing your home for the vacation rental peak season
Take advantage and take proactive steps to prepare your vacation rental for the incoming reservations. Before peak season begins, for example, it’s important to inspect your properties for any damage or repairs that need to be made. Ensure all appliances and plumbing are working properly and check for signs of pests or mold that might have accumulated during the off-season.
Exterior maintenance
Consider cleaning and repairing outdoor areas, such as landscaping and pool decks. Outdoor furniture should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Lastly, check the roof and the exterior walls for any damage, such as leaks or cracks.
Interior cleaning and organization
Conduct a deep cleaning and organization of the property to ensure it is properly sanitized and decluttered. This includes vacuuming, dusting, removing cobwebs, washing windows and mirrors, and mopping floors. Additionally, items such as furniture should be detailed, and necessary repairs should be made.
Appliances and amenities check-up
Ensure that all appliances and amenities are working correctly and in good condition. Check if the batteries in remotes or timers need replacing. As well as, kitchen appliances are working flawlessly. Furthermore, check that any amenities provided by the vacation rental, such as spa pools or outdoor furniture, are working. Taking the time to check all appliances and amenities in advance of booking, will ensure guests an enjoyable stay.
Safety inspections
Conducting a safety inspection of the vacation rental a few months before peak season is essential. This includes ensuring a working fire hydrant in an emergency, that carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms are functioning correctly, and checking that windows open and close properly without any difficulty. Ensure the smart locks and security cameras are updated and securely connected to the property. If you do not have these already, this will be time to consider installing them.
Updating décor with peak season trends
Part of creating an unforgettable experience is to decorate according to a theme that will stand out from the competition. Add items to liven up the space and make it more inviting, such as a vibrant wall painting, colorful pillows, or beach-themed decorations. Furthermore, peak season is the perfect time to provide new amenities for guests, such as welcome baskets with snacks and refreshments or other items that help create a home away from home.
Update your listing
Updating your vacation rental listing on different channels before peak season is essential to increase bookings. Professional quality photography of the property’s interior and exterior will help to showcase the property in its best light and make it more appealing to potential guests. Additionally, updating amenities listed on the website with new items, such as spa pools or outdoor furniture, will help attract more bookings. Consider adding incentives for peak-season bookings, such as a discounted rate or special services.
Increase visibility online with peak-season marketing strategies
A peak-season marketing plan is essential for increasing visibility and bookings. Vacation rental owners should consider running campaigns on various channels, such as social media, search engine advertisements, or email marketing. Property owners can also create special promotions for different seasons, such as holidays or peak travel days. If your rental is near the countryside with a winery, you can market a tour or an event to attract more travelers. You may also consider marketing new amenities that were not unavailable previously, such as spa pools or outdoor furniture.
Invite your past guests to return
One way to secure your calendar for the vacation rental peak season is by inviting past guests to return. Reach out to your past guests through email or social media, offering discounts and incentives for peak-season properties and special nightly rates. This is an area that many property managers forget, but it is vital to create rapport with your past guests.
Create a frequent FAQ list for your vacation rental
Creating a FAQ list in advance can help save time and energy by providing automated responses to some of the most commonly asked questions by guests. This FAQ list should include answers to questions about check-in and check-out procedures and pet policies. Additionally, onsite amenities, local attractions and events, and any other relevant information can be included.
Create House Rules
Establishing house rules is crucial in preventing potential issues in advance. Additionally, it aids in managing both your own and your guests’ expectations, ultimately saving you the hassle and headaches. Overall, creating house rules is an essential step toward ensuring a stress-free experience.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, peak season can be a lucrative and rewarding time for vacation rental property owners. However, it requires proper planning, preparation, and effective marketing strategies to attract guests to your property. By ensuring that your property is well-maintained, equipped with necessary amenities, and marketed correctly, you can make the most out of the peak season and achieve significant financial success.