Planning is essential whether you are looking for your next vacation rental or buying a cabin. This will save you money and help ensure your vacation is what you envision.
Consider a larger cabin if you are traveling with a group of people. This will provide more space for everyone to sleep comfortably and enjoy in-cabin entertainment like game rooms or a home theater system.
Book Early
If you plan to book a vacation rental in the high season, holiday months, or other peak times, booking well in advance is best. This will give you the most choices and ensure you get precisely what you want.
Most rental owners will require a refundable damage deposit, lodging taxes, and cleaning fees (sometimes hidden as “reservation fees). These costs can vary between rental companies. Look at the total price of the rental and compare prices.
Also, remember that it’s not uncommon for home rentals not to include towels, toilet paper, and other household items. This is especially true if the home is on the budget side. Ask the owner or management company if these items are included in your stay before you book. This way, you won’t be surprised when you check in and find that you must pay for them. Also, be respectful and always report anything damaged or missing to the staff immediately upon arrival.
Look for Discounts
There’s a time and place for discounts and an overall goal of adding value to the experience, but vacation rental owners should know how much a discount will impact their bottom line. During peak travel seasons, it’s best to be firm and find ways for guests to add value without negatively impacting your profits.
For example, you can offer a discount for staying three nights instead of two or if they book during the week instead of on the weekend. You can also offer tickets to local attractions at a discounted rate or include additional amenities during their stay in beavers bend cottages. This way, you’re helping your guests save on the most expensive part of their vacation while making a profit. This also makes it easier for them to budget for other expenses, like eating out or other activities.
Book Directly
Booking directly allows hosts to cut out the intermediaries and offer a lower nightly rate. It also enables them to add value to their offering, like free WiFi, flexible check-ins and checkouts, discount vouchers for local restaurants or attractions, etc.
Direct communication also gives hosts a better understanding of their guests and how to personalize the vacation experience for each one best. This can lead to great reviews and return bookings.
Moreover, owners and property managers can easily capture their guests’ contact details (email, phone number, home address) when they book through their websites. This can then be used to add them to mailing lists, send special offers, and other retargeting initiatives that encourage repeat bookings. To help your cabin rental business thrive, consider investing in a quality booking tool that is easy to use and integrates with your existing reservation management system or channel manager. Wix is an excellent example of an online booking tool with many templates and a built-in booking engine.
Find Free Things to Do
The best way to save money on your cabin vacation is to cook a few meals in your cabin. Most cabins have full kitchens where you can save tons of money by preparing your meals rather than eating out at restaurants all the time.
Most things to do in Pigeon Forge and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are free! You can hike, spot wildlife, take a scenic drive, visit historic sites, and much more without paying an admission fee.
Many cabin rentals also come with a variety of free in-cabin entertainment options. From outdoor hot tubs to games rooms and home theater systems, you can spend time with your family without spending a dime on a night out in town. Planning and following these simple tips allows you to have a fun-filled vacation that doesn’t dent your wallet! Book your cabin rental during the off-season for even more savings, and see how much you can save!
