Slow spring break this year?

[DBOldford]

I am curious as to how owners are seeing their spring rentals go this year. Usually we have a couple of weeks reserved for March/April/May by now and it looks pretty slow as compared to years past. Summer is booking as usual. Do we think that people are giving up their spring break at the beach vacation due to the economy? Are we seeing too many new choices on the rental market? Are the school spring break schedules later than usual? All of the above? None of the above? Just curious about the thoughts and experiences of others on this board. Thanks!

 

[Beach Runner]

Donna, except for late April, we are slammed through early August when school starts back. And I'm getting a lot of inquiries about the rest of August. People are looking for deals then, but I'm not willing to give deals this far out because I know we'll fill up at full price.

I think this means that because in February we're slammed for spring and summer, we need to increase our prices which we haven't done in about two years. That is, except for our repeat guests. I'm thinking that we should give them the old price for their loyalty.

Heck, one day I checked our rentals, and I was worried. The next day I went online to block out Georgia Tech spring break for our daughter, and we were booked (sorry, Beach Jacket). We quickly reserved some time for ourselves.

 

[Bob]

what's the angry bee rate?????????????

 

[Smiling JOe]

I am also hearing that rentals are booking for a good year, but I have not heard a distinction regarding spring break vs summer. From the numbers of people in SoWal on the holiday and event weekends this winter, I'd guess this is going to be a busy year. People always seem to take vacations, and when the economy tightens, they are more likely to vacation in driving distance, as airline travel increases, and the dollar is losing against foreign money. When is the last time you heard about people traveling to Europe? The Average Joe isn't doing so. The Average Joe in the SE USA, will drive to the beach or mountains for vacations.

 

[30A Skunkape]

The snowbirds all tell me they will be leaving March 15th, so somebody must be stepping up to fill the void.

 

[seagrovegirl]

The snowbirds all tell me they will be leaving March 15th, so somebody must be stepping up to fill the void.

Spring Breakers!!!! Looking for a touch of the tropics (or sub tropics).....

 

[Smiling JOe]

...and don't crash your car into one of those blue signs, while being distracted by the cuties in bikinis. You have to practice for driving along 30A during spring break.

 

[seagrovegirl]

...and don't crash your car into one of those blue signs, while being distracted by the cuties in bikinis. You have to practice for driving along 30A during spring break.

At least, you are not dead..............................

What do you drive?....I'll be sure to stay out of the way of you and the monster blues!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Matt J]

The snowbirds all tell me they will be leaving March 15th, so somebody must be stepping up to fill the void.

Traditionally they stayed until April Fool's Day. However with Easter earlier this year most rental companies pushed up the dates. Most rentals get in a week what a snowbird pays for a month.

Spring break was booking at a very brisk pace until the recession talks started, now bookings thru the summer have fallen off. However with the rebates coming some people have started booking again. Then the gas prices went up. Anyone's guess is good at this point, but if gas keeps going up it probably won't be good.

 

[Beach Runner]

We are slammed. I wish we had increased our rates.