What’s your style?

Your personal style is at the heart of the social media frenzy. Your decision to “like” something, someone, somewhere carries more weight now than ever before. Why not think about your vacation style the same way. How you define your vacation depends heavily on 3 factors: If you stay Connected, how Social you want to be and what you want to Access.

You can disconnect from technology and explore the island, with days of beach going, walking nature trails, kayaking and boating. Maybe tapping into that old vineyard charm out on Chappy or Up Island. Some of these homes have been providing safe harbor for visitors for decades and continue to please those who want to just get-away.

or…

Revel in the hustle and bustle of summertime fun, enjoying the nightlife, dining, shopping and keeping your guests entertained. You can be right in the thick of it if you pick a Down Island In-town home. Picture fireworks from the widow’s walk, the kids spinning around at the flying horse’s, cocktails in the harbor at sunset.

Is your home your temple, or is it what you’re trying to get-away from! And what is it that you want to do? Martha’s Vineyard is a wonderful little place that can satisfy myriad vacation possibilities. The pace you desire for your vacation and how social you want to be can determine the when, where and what of your vacation.

If home is where the heart is, wouldn’t your vacation home be where the fun is? Some of us want nothing more than to leave the daily grind behind and land in another world, ripe for the picking. Others love what they’ve got and want to share these splendors with their nearest and dearest. When it comes to vacation style it’s personal. This blog series will explore how you get to the heart and soul of your vacation. Whichever way you have fun Martha’s Vineyard does not disappoint.

You’ve been traveling all night to catch the early morning ferry that you were so lucky to get…but now what? You have a car full of kids and just want to get settled in your Martha’s Vineyard vacation rental home. Sounds easy enough, right?

Well….here’s the thing. The family that was in the house before you is spending the morning cleaning up and packing, and then the cleaners come in and do their thing – so really…that 2:00 check-in is there for a really good reason. And we just can’t make an early check-in happen.

Also, in case you’re new to the vacation rental world, you’ve picked a very specific house to spend your vacation in – so we don’t work like a hotel, where we’d have the flexibility to put you in the first room available. You’re waiting for your special house!

So, let’s get back to you – you’re still in your car with your entire family! And, even though we can’t check you in early, I’d love to help you with that ‘open time.’

I’d like to hear from you…actually all of us at Sandpiper Rentals would, so tell us:

• Is a hospitality booth on the beach something you would use and appreciate?
• Would you go to the beach with the car packed to the gills, get salty and sandy before you’ve gotten settled into your house?
• How about a gift certificate to the ice cream store?
• Usually, you come to our rental office for directions to your house, the key and a welcome packet. Is there anything else that would be helpful?

Let us hear from you! You can either leave a comment below or email me directly!

Image courtesy of Pasma

1. Location. What do you like to do? Do you love the bustle of downtown, do you want to shop, do you want total privacy, will you spend every day on the beach? Your answers determine the best place on the island for you to rent your vacation house. You may choose a colorful cottage in the heart of Oak Bluffs or a secluded waterfront beach property on Chilmark’s south shore.

2. Size. Your Martha’s Vineyard rental must accommodate your crew. Whether it’s a big family get-together or an intimate get-away, you’ll need to decide how many bedrooms, which types of beds (single, bunk, king) and how many bathrooms will keep you comfortable. Typically, home owners allow 1-2 people (children included) per bedroom.

3. Price. What are you hoping to spend on your Martha’s Vineyard vacation rental? Price influences the size, style, amenities and location of rental houses on the island.

4. Timing. Is everything. You can book well in advance (over a year to be safe!) to insure your dream rental, or hold off until the last minute and possibly secure a great house for an incredible deal. Many repeat tenants take the same house year after year, and they put their deposit down for the next year at the end of their current stay. So if this is your first time renting, the end of September is most likely when owners will know their availability for the following season.

5. Good Agent. You aren’t on the island, but your vacation rental agent should be – so s/he is critical to your securing the best rental house. Make sure you’re getting the attention you deserve which means that your agent is listening to you and filling your needs, not just trying to make a sale. Or are you working directly with the owner? If so, make sure they are giving you an accurate representation of their property by asking for pictures and references.