The word vacation comes from the Latin: vacātiōn-, vacātiō meaning"exemption from service, respite from work," and traces back to vacāre, "to be empty, be free, have leisure. When people finally arrive at their vacation destination, your home, they are ready to r e l a x. Below are 5 simple ways to make sure they can do just that!
Make it Easy
Invest in a label maker and label everything! This way guests won't have to spend their vacation time trying to learn your home, testing lights, opening and closing drawers, wondering why there isn't a garbage disposal. Here are a few ideas:
- Label remotes with TV, Cable, Volume, DVD. Etc. and make adding electronics such as Play Stations and Xboxes easy (as many vacationers like to bring theirs along). Have an acrylic sign sitting next to the TV that says “Plug in your XBOX, etc. Here”….and make it quick and easy to do so.
- Label light switches in common areas such as, "Breakfast Bar", "Deck Lights", "Pool Lights", Etc.
- Leave courtesy notes in bathrooms; " This property runs on septic. Please only flush toilet paper and human waste. Dispose of ALL other items in trash. Thank you." Do the same for the kitchen sink! Non residents are used to garbage disposals. Instead of a sign or label, include this in a home binder, or welcome video instead.
- Label home information! Creating an easy information sheet for the fridge or counter tops can be really helpful for guests. Include; WIFI network and password, Emergency Numbers, Trash Pickup Days, Etc. We provide a refrigerator magnet in all homes. However, including this information in an attractive binder is a great way to greet guests and give them a handy guide to reference if they should have questions.
Help Them to Relax
As well as spending time with family and friends, people go on vacation to relax. Your vacation home should make the guests feel at ease and comfortable all week. The Beach Team has a few ideas on how to make your home very relaxing.
- Give people something to do to enjoy such as books, board games, game rooms, DVD/Netflix/Hulu/TV, etc. Of course make sure these items are kept up-to-date in between seasons.
- Create cozy spots within the home such as a reading nook or cozy corner with a view.
- Remove all clutter from the home. Make the space open and clean so guests have room for their personal items, and so the cleaning crews can spend more time on other areas of the home instead of dusting nick-nacks.
Sleep Should be Serene
Along with relaxing in the house, owners should take great pride in the bedrooms within the home. Without a good night's sleep, it can be hard for any guests to really get the full effect of a serene vacation. Below are a few ideas on how to enhance the cozy and serene feeling of the bedrooms.
- Put a great quality mattress in each room. This can be done inexpensively. Memory foam mattresses are very popular these days and Walmart has a great line of mattresses and toppers.
- Supply extra pillows. Try to have a variety of soft and firm.
- Provide extra blankets so guests can be the most comfortable. The softer the better!
Replace and Revamp
Keeping the content of your home updated is important and can make or break a repeat rental, and positive review. Take reviews into consideration and spend the time to ensure everything is in working order, or removed if not. Try and stay ahead of the following items before it becomes a bad review:
- Beach equipment: chairs, floats, toys, etc. Do they work? If not, definitely replace. Keep a budget for items that will likely only last one season, like these.
- Furniture outside and inside the home: deck chairs, pool chairs, couches, dining area, etc. When a guest goes to sit and relax, they need to be comfortable and not bothered feeling the need to report a broken chair to maintenance.
- TV's: Get ride of non-smart TV's and invest in TV's like the to Roku TV that is an inexpensive solution and popular due to it's user friendly interface easily allowing guests to login to their Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, SlingTV, or others streaming services. They can also cast from their smart phone devices on to the screen as well.
- Décor including: bedding, art, curtains, etc. Less is more when it comes to making a space inviting and enjoyable for all.
Leave your Mark
Your guests chose to rent your home for their vacation, instead of opting to stay in a hotel. Likely because they want to feel at home, while away. To leave the pressures of daily life behind, while still feeling the peace that comes from being "at home", and the fun and excitement of a new adventure, along with insight into what living in a place they love to visit could be like.
Make your guests love your home as much as you do by helping them get to know you. Provide a welcome letter along with a binder filled with information such as why you chose to purchase this particular home, and what you enjoy doing when you spend your time in the Outer Banks.
- Include your favorite restaurants. Try to give breakfast, lunch and dinner spots but also include where you get coffee and ice cream if you do so.
- Include your favorite area attractions and perhaps secret spots they may enjoy.
- Where do you love to shop for gifts? Where do you like to buy your groceries and fresh seafood? Who has a great steak or burger?
- Include a guest book for your guests to write down all the fun memories that were made!
Another way to add that personal touch is with a welcome video. A brief and friendly recording of you greeting your guests and referencing the information in the binder will go a long way. Read about this and more ways to delight your guests!