Each year, thousands of visitors seek beach destinations for their yearly getaway. The allure of sunshine and fun are enough to distract even the busiest of groups for at least a week at a time. Destin has long been attractive to families and large parties, and that holds true throughout the summer months. From approximately mid-May to the start of August, the number of visitors to the area exceeds expectations each year, bringing with it a flood of vacation renters.

Here at Carter Beach Properties, our vacation rentals can house anywhere from 2 to 20. Some homes are directly on the Gulf, while others are nestled away in quaint, nearby neighborhoods. Along with other rental companies in the area, we do our best to market our homes to the best of our ability over the phone, Internet and in print.

So how do you find the perfect vacation rental? What makes your week-long home special compared to others in the area? Here are some tips on how to find your piece of paradise.

Set a Budget
Vacationing in a beach town during peak months can be costly. Before setting out to find a rental, set a budget with yourself and others in your party. Once that budget has been spent, vow not to go over it. Properties directly on the water can be much more costly than ones that are within walking distance. It’s also a good idea to ask yourself whether or not it’s important to have that private swimming pool or other expensive amenities. Keep in mind that most properties require additional fees- such as housekeeping. If you can afford to splurge a little bit, go right ahead- but don’t put yourself in debt over the view.

Research
One mistake vacation renters make is not researching the property they’re staying in. Aside from learning about the property’s amenities, as well as what is offered by the rental company (such as Carter Beach Properties), vacation renters should take the time to learn about the area. How far is the beach? Where is the local gas station, grocery store, or CVS? Does it have handicapped access for my aging parents? Is it near my favorite restaurant? How far to the water park? Because there are particulars for every group, it’s best to find out what your ‘needs’ are versus your ‘wants’ and choose a vacation rental that will meet and/or exceed those expectations.

Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask about the particulars. It’s better to ask before putting down the deposit, making plans and then finding out that the answers you were looking for weren’t the right ones. If you’re confused about something, need clarification, or just don’t understand- the best thing to do is to communicate with the company and/or owner you’ll be going through. The individuals working at rental companies and to rent their homes want what is best for their customers AND their properties- so don’t hesitate to be inquisitive.

Don’t Expect Perfection
Just as with a hotel, perfection is not possible. There might be a bug or two, an appliance might give way, and there may not be enough towels. The best thing to do is remain calm and communicate effectively to get the best results. Getting upset isn’t going to help anyone, especially if something really is wrong- such as a broken washing machine, or a collapsed tree. Rest assured that the professionals working with you will help handle the problem. The best thing to keep in mind is that this is someone’s second home.

Plan Ahead
Especially in towns like Destin, it’s near impossible to find a last minute rental, let alone a last minute rental for specific dates and times. Many homes book a year in advance. If you’re planning on vacationing somewhere that has heavy traffic during a particular time of year, it’s best to plan as far ahead as possible to assure your vacation plans will actually, truly, happen.

Relax!
Once the research has been done, the plans have been made, and everything is in order- the best thing to do is relax and enjoy your vacation. Create memories to last a lifetime and enjoy the moment. You never know when your next sunshine fix might be.

For rental information, including 2014 summer rates, please visit our website: www.destin-vacation-rental.com