It's that time of year again. School is almost out, and folks are itching to take a break from the demands of daily life. In many companies, summer slows things down a little as individuals, couples and families take some time away. As a San Diego vacation rental property owner, that means your peak season is about to accelerate. You've probably been filling up your bookings slowly since cabin fever set in round about February, but now that summer is just around the corner, you want to make sure you maximize those prime summertime bookings. Here are some ways to help you do just that: 

Showcase Summer 

Take some time to revamp your listing description and your photos to reflect the current season. Replace those pictures of cozy nights by the fire and snow-covered ski slopes with images of romantic sunsets on the beach, water sports fun, and even local summer festivals and events. Paint a picture of what a potential summer vacation at your place could look like for your potential summer travelers. 

Update Your Listing 

Now is a good time to double check your San Diego vacation rental listing. If you've made improvements over the slow season, be sure to check off all the current amenities you offer. Installing a new hot tub doesn't mean much if it doesn't show up on your amenities filter. Reconsider limiting factors such as smoking and pet rules. Even if you don't want those things inside your home, would you allow smoking in a designated area outside your home? Would pets be allowed to camp out in an outbuilding, garage or shed? 

Consider High-Demand Items 

Water fun and connectivity top the list of things summer travelers are seeking. That means highlighting your pool, hot tub, pond, or lake access as well as the Wifi offerings in your listing. If you don't have water on your property, consider sharing nearby spots that might offer those amenities. Are you walking distance from a lake or beach? Is there a splash park or public pool nearby? You might even consider partnering with a local boat rental company to offer coupons or discounts to your guests. 

Give some thought to your ideal guest as well. If you cater to business travelers, high-demand items might include large work areas and office equipment like printers and scanners. If you host large families, you might want to provide air mattresses and children's toys. If you tend to attract couples, don't forget the romantic touches like comfortable bedding and a cozy dining area. 

Add the Personal Touch 

Many people choose vacation rentals over hotels because they are looking for a personal touch. If you care about your guests, that can go a long way in boosting your rankings and attracting new customers. Chat with your guests before they arrive and pay attention to details they share about their vacation. If you learn they are celebrating an event, leave a cake or bottle of wine along with a personal note of congratulations. If you find out they will be arriving in the middle of the night with a pack of children, leave a little snack or the ingredients for a nice breakfast. The little things can go a long way. 

Reduce Travel Stress 

Consider offering some things that can reduce the stress of travel. For instance, provide a keyless entry or a lockbox that allows guests to check-in at any time. There's nothing like starting a vacation with a delayed flight or a sick child and then finding yourself missing the check-in window. 

If possible, you may want to offer some flexibility in pricing and check-out times. If you have back-to-back guests, it can be difficult to allow late check-outs or early check-ins, but if you can find away to accommodate such requests, it can go a long way in helping out your guests and reducing their travel worries. 

Get the Basics Right 

New hot tubs, spectacular photos and personal touches are great, but if you forget to provide toilet paper or the television is broken, you probably will not get great reviews. Remember that five-star reviews are what drives your listing to the top of the search results as well as encourages new bookings. Double check all the little things and make sure your rental is well-stocked with the basics. Be sure your air conditioning system has been serviced and is in good working order along with all your appliances, light fixtures, and ceiling fans. Check to make sure your place is clean and ready to go in between each set of guests. Getting the basics right is the foundation of grabbing your share of the summer vacation demand.

Need help with your San Diego Vacation Rental? 

We are a California-based Airbnb management company specializing in handling every aspect of your vacation rental - from optimizing your listing to interacting with your guests and overseeing turnover cleanings after guests depart, reviews, damages, maintenance. If you want to learn more about our services: