In late October, 2012 Superstorm Sandy swept through New England and resulted in a lot of damage for the people living on the East Coast. According to the US Department of Energy, eight million people were left without water or power and tens of thousands lost their homes. The residents of New Jersey were hit the hardest by the hurricane, which swept the shoreline and went on to affect twenty-three other states in the area before it died out a few weeks later. Since then, the remodeling and various construction projects taking place on the East Coast are bringing life back to the area.

Though each of us at BeachHouse.com was shocked to learn about catastrophic damage in places like the Jersey Shore, we were pleased to hear that recovery is going quickly. Thanks to donations from the Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund, many of the people who had lost their homes are now able to rebuild on their previous foundations. We spoke to many of the vacation owners that use our website over the phone and asked how Sandy had affected the homes in their areas. Our clients mostly responded by explaining that the storm was concentrated in the Northern regions of New Jersey, such as Essex County, but had thankfully left areas such as Long Beach Island more or less untouched. “They actually did pretty well to be honest with you,” said David Deleo, a vacation specialist at Bayshore Realty, in regards to the company’s rental properties. In order to assess any potential damage the storm may have caused when passing through the state, he explained that they had a poll to see which homes had fallen in the storm’s path. Fortunately, the results were mostly positive: “Long Beach Island did good. There was some damage; people are fixing things and proceeding forward.”

After Sandy, many assumed that the Jersey Shore would undoubtedly be shut down for the upcoming vacation season. The houses that had the least amount of damage in October are being revamped and are expected to open up again in time for the end of the summer rush. And in order to attract even more people to the area, vacation owners are offering special discounts on their properties. Now, vacationers from all over are competing to stay in the limited number of open spots currently available on the East Coast. This turn of events is making it increasingly difficult for vacationers to be able to go back to their favorite spots on Long Beach Island. The combination of more-than-affordable prices and a decrease in space is resulting in fewer options for everyone hesitating to book their homes before Spring. There is an increase in the chance that those who take longer to decide where and when to rent are less likely to get what they’re looking for!

The folks at Bayshore are excited to see vacationers this year, and our proud of the recovery in New Jersey. If this is your first time booking a vacation in New Jersey, this is the perfect time to inquire so you can see the recovery firsthand! Not to mention the fact that everything is more affordable as all vacation-related businesses are trying their hardest to please anyone willing to travel to Jersey in hopes that their businesses stay strong and each sequential year will be better than ever! The increase in tourism will help boost the state’s economy and help restore things back to the way they were before Sandy so that eventually, what started out as a disaster will only be the prequel to a great story about recovery!

Imagine this scenario – you’re planning a trip down to Florida, you’re excited to go during the summer months when the kids are out of school and your boss has finally granted you your week’s vacation, everything’s set for the trip, and then your opportunity is taken away from you as you realize that there are no more available beach houses in the area you were looking most forward to staying in. For those of us dreaming of being able to escape to warm, sunny climates during the most popular time of year, the best time to book a beach house is now! Some of the best and brightest locations tend to get booked sometime in the early/middle months of winter as more vacationers begin to take a good look at their cold surroundings and become motivated to move on to a brighter location in time for the summer.

Gorgeous Views!

Location, Location, Location
As we all know, one of the greatest obstacles is finding the right spot and deal once the official location for the vacation (city, state, country) has been decided. The earlier you book, the more options you’ll have when it comes to getting your desired spot and housing accommodations as well! One benefit of booking ahead is having more options when choosing your beach house, and a better chance of scoring a home closer to the water, or one with an extra bedroom that allows friends from back home to visit you if and when they get the chance. If you book your summer trip now in January, you increase your chances of getting a condo with a nicer view of the gulf so that you can wake up every single morning and have breakfast on your balcony as you watch the turquoise waters settle down below. When you hesitate to make your reservations, you lose your opportunity to get the better deal. And when you’re late, even in the off-chance that you can get a spot in the general area you originally sought to stay in, the likelihood of being able to get the places with the better amenities diminish considerably; you’re usually left with something you probably would not have gone out of your way for in the first place.

You Can Almost Smell That Ocean Air!

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
As important as availability is, another important thing to consider is transportation. True, many of us choose destinations that we end up driving to instead of either flying or taking the train. But imagine you decide to go out of your way for this one trip and venture out of your comfort zone as you head someplace farther and more exotic than the area you live in. A common mistake many first-time travelers often make is forgetting to coordinate their transportation with the rental dates. Whether this may be from one side of the country to the other or out of the country altogether, you need to make sure that your ride will get you there on the day you check in and take you back home the day you check out. Even more time is necessary if you need more than one seat! If you book last minute, you have a greater chance of not being able to get a ride over to your much awaited vacation destination and in extreme cases, you might even have to reschedule the whole thing on account of having mis-coordinating flight/rental schedules. Don’t let it get to the point where what could be the most enjoyable week out of your year is ruined because of poor time management!

Living in Paradise!

You’re in the Money!
As important as the first two categories are, one of the best features of booking ahead is the amount of money you get to save! You always go on vacation knowing that you will spend a certain amount of money which you automatically budget for. But have you ever considered how much more money you get to keep in your wallet when you take advantage of the rates available during the winter months? The lowest annual rates for any rental are always right after the holiday season. That way you have the opportunity to get that nice, big rental house right on the water for around the same price you would have to pay for the smaller, less convenient home farther away from the beach. Flight tickets also go down in price considerably after January 1st. And there you go! Your two biggest expenses cut down to nearly half just by taking care of things now rather than later. Makes the trip that much more enjoyable, doesn’t it?

So do yourself the favor and book now for your beach house sooner rather than later. Shouldn’t you have the best on your vacation? After all, for many of us working stiffs out there, it only comes but once a year!

What’s your favorite kind of beach? Some beaches near coral reefs have pink sand. Others near volcanoes have black sand, and still others have red sand or green sand or even purple sand. Every beach is unique, because every beach has a different tide, latitude, longitude, and chemical makeup.

At BeachHouse.com, our favorite kind of beach is a clean beach. That’s why this year we’re encouraging all of our vacationers, homeowners, and employees to participate in beach cleanup initiatives worldwide. Not only are dirty, trashy beaches unsightly and un-fun to visit, they pose a huge threat to local marine wildlife and can even pose health concerns to human beings.

This September 15 is International Coast Cleanup Day. Starting at 9 AM and running till 12 noon, volunteers will meet at beaches all over the United State to remove trash and other debris to keep our beaches clean. Sand in a dirty beach can have bottle caps, cigarette butts, food wrappers, and even dead animals that can poison the water and make the beach a much less beautiful place to stay.

Beach Cleanup crews will be provided with reusable and eco-friendly tools to pick up and dispose of trash. At some locations rakes and shovels may be used to sift through the sand.

Do you love clean beaches too? Consider participating in or donating to a local beach cleanup event! It’s a great way to give back to the community and to show your love for the coast.

For more information, check out the website for the Ocean Conservancy here.

Got a great Beach Cleanup story? Share it with us on facebook for a chance to win a special beachy prize!

All week we’ve been discussing good candidates for a vacation in off season. Many vacation hot spots are just as beautiful until late October, but experience a drop-off in tourist traffic, making for a more private experience. Just because the “season” is over, though, doesn’t mean there’s nowhere in the world to go on vacation. Here comes our #1 favorite spot to vacation after Labor Day!

House ID # 1535 in Bluefields Bay, Jamaica

Maybe it’s the obvious choice but if you’ve never vacationed in the Caribbean Islands you’re missing out. It’s warm, and sunny, the water is blue and clear, the fish are colorful (and delicious) and the drinks are cheap and plentiful. Stay at one of the waterfront villas offered through our site in Bluefields Bay, and save on rent and air fare when booking your trip!

Rates are much cheaper after Labor Day because the rainy season starts in late September. That being said, the “rainy season” in Jamaica is characterized by brief, warm-water afternoon showers, which don’t get much more severe until late October or November.

The waters in Jamaica are warm and calm, perfect for swimming and kayaking. Explore a tropical paradise when you hike on the island, golf at its incredible resorts, explore duty-free shopping centers, ride horseback on the beach, and discover the culture and history of Jamaica. At our Bluefields Bay villas you can enjoy complete white-glove service – helpful villa staff will pick you up from the airport, cook your meals, clean your home, and take of the whole family while you enjoy the ultimate caribbean vacation – at a huge discounted rate.

Book a trip to Bluefields Bay today! If you don’t you’ll really regret it!

A traditional beach vacation books during the summer months, from late may to mid August. For many of us, finding a good booking in September can be like finding money on the ground. Just because the “season” is over, though, doesn’t mean there’s nowhere in the world to go on vacation. Here’s five amazing places to visit in off season. It goes without saying that these 5 great locations can be enjoyed with a beach house rental from BeachHouse.com.

2. Newport Beach

House ID #25953 in Newport Beach, CA

There’s no such thing as “Winter” in Southern California. Even into January and February it won’t get colder in Newport Beach than 60 degrees in the shade. September in Newport is just as sunny and warm as every other of the year.

The only difference is it costs half as much.

A diligent vacationer can book a Newport Beach vacation in September and November for ½ to ¼ the price of summer rates. During this time they’ll have the city more or less to themselves. Parking, a nightmare during the busy season, is readily available, and you can still see and experience everything Newport Beach has to offer: the waterfront villas, the kayaking, sailing, fine dining in Newport and Corona Del Mar, the best shopping malls California has to offer at Fashion Island, and the best weather of the California Coast, year round.

Did I mention it’s 20 minutes’ drive from Disneyland? Talk about a dream vacation!

Here are a couple beach homes in Newport Beach with travel deals after August 15th:
Newport Beach Penthouse Suite With Private Roof Top Deck, HID #12375
4201 Seashore Drive, HID #8

A traditional beach vacation books during the summer months, from late may to mid August. For many of us, finding a good booking in September can be like finding money on the ground. Just because the “season” is over, though, doesn’t mean there’s nowhere in the world to go on vacation. Here’s five amazing places to visit in off season. It goes without saying that these 5 great locations can be enjoyed with a beach house rental from BeachHouse.com.

3. Destin, FL

House ID #33331 in Destin, FL

Florida holds a unique place in vacation rentals because many destinations have two busy seasons. In the summer, Florida is a tourist destination. It’s tropical, it’s fun, there’s a lot to do and it’s a heck of a lot nicer than just about any other place during the summer. After Christmas, Florida is home to the snowbirds who migrate down in waves from the frigid north and settle in beach homes up and down the coast.

The only time it’s not super busy is from September – November. During these months Florida cools off, humidity drops below 80%, and the beaches clear out. Here in the “dead zone” between winter and summer seasons, you and your family can finally discover the “real” Florida.

Destin is the perfect place to pick in a September vacation in Florida. The city hosts a month-long concert series at the Harbor Walk, an annual kite festival in late September, and a seafood festival at the end of the month. There are huge beaches, quality golf, fun attractions for the whole family. It’s just like Destin in the summer, only without high prices or big crowds.

Here are just a few of the hot properties from BeachHouse.com in Destin with travel deals for August and September.
Ocean Cabana, HID #16958
Close to beach and attractions, HID #9569
Coastal Breeze Cabanas, HID #40647

A traditional beach vacation books during the summer months, from late may to mid August. For many of us, finding a good booking in September can be like finding money on the ground. Just because the “season” is over, though, doesn’t mean there’s nowhere in the world to go on vacation. Here’s five amazing places to visit in off season. It goes without saying that these 5 great locations can be enjoyed with a beach house rental from BeachHouse.com.

4. Dillon Beach, CA

House ID 16464 in Dillon Beach, CA

Dillon Beach is a cute little community of big, beautiful beachside homes about an 90 minutes north of San Francisco. It’s got good surfing and a quiet, “away from it all” aesthetic. In off season you can enjoy uncrowded beaches with enticing surf, starry nights and perfect sunsets. Things cool off in the evenings and it will be closer to 50 degrees at night, but after September Dillon beach is clean, quiet, secluded, and drop-dead gorgeous.

Not to say that there’s nothing to do but enjoy the serene beauty of the place. Dillon Beach is an hour’s drive away from the Muir Woods, one of those “so perfect you just have to see it or you’re missing out” kind of places. Between Dillon Beach and the redwoods, you can find places to surf, swim, kayak, fish, and sail. You can relax at local spas, golf, and ride horses. If you’re not local to California, this is the closest you’ll ever be to Wine Country. If you’re in Dillon Beach, Sonoma and Napa Valley are your backyard.

The place is perfectly decadent and, after September 3rd, perfectly private.

Here is one Dillon Beach home with travel deals in Late August-Early September:
Farol, HID #36529

A traditional beach vacation books during the summer months, from late may to mid August. For many of us, finding a good booking in September can be like finding money on the ground. Just because the “season” is over, though, doesn’t mean there’s nowhere in the world to go on vacation. Here’s five amazing places to visit in off season. It goes without saying that these 5 great locations can be enjoyed with a beach house rental from BeachHouse.com.

5. Myrtle Beach, CA

House ID#19759

Maybe it’s a little unfair to include Myrtle Beach in this list, because Myrtle Beach is one of the best-known vacation hotspots on the East Coast. There’s incredible nightlife, incredible golf, incredible shopping, beaches, homes, living, eating, breathing, and sleeping. It’s like a vacationer’s paradise.

It’s also one of the busiest places to visit, year round.

Myrtle Beach attracts 14 Million vacationers a month in the Summer, but after Labor Day the crowds dry up and you can pretend you have the entire city to yourself. The weather cools off, (mid 80’s in the day and high 60’s at night,) while the water stays at a perfect 80 degrees. While you’re here, check out the Carolina Opry, and visit the annual “Greek Festival” held annually in September.

Here are some Myrtle Beach vacation homes on our site offering travel deals for Late August/Early September:
Jeremiah Beach House, HID #20408
Sunrise, HID #10362

Mmm... Fresh Fish!
(Photo Courtesy of Hopkins Belize Resort)

It’s exactly what you think. Feast on fresh-caught fish from the Atlantic ocean, caught with your own hands!

Hosted by Hopkin’s Bay Resort, this hands-on Belize adventure starts at the dock overlooking the vacation resort. As you travel out into the Caribbean Sea you will pass a multitude of little islands of the Blue Field Range. Your boat captain will make his first stop along a meandering channel of mangroves to catch little sprats for bait. Together, you will practice the technique of cast-net throwing then head out to anchor at one of the Captain’s favorite fishing spots, ready to land your first big catch of the day.

The morning then progresses with a light snack onboard before heading out to the world’s second largest barrier reef to snorkel within marvelous azure waters. Witness its myriad of beautiful fish, corals and stingrays!

After snorkeling in refreshing waters, you’ll get onboard and your guide will whisk you away to an exclusive private island where you will be able to cook your fresh catch! After your grilling experience, relax and savor the breathtaking views from the porch of an over-the-water bar as you feast on your freshly grilled catch with mouthwatering sides. Once lunch is finished, you can relax on the beach and enjoy an afternoon splash in the water before returning to the resort.

Belize Beach House Rentals: http://www.beachhouse.com/search/index.asp?Country=Belize
Hopkin’s Bay Resort: http://www.beachhouse.com/link/24169

Miles of beautiful beach and nearly nobody else in sight!

One of South Carolina’s best-kept secrets is beautiful little island 20 miles south of Charleston. Kiawah Island is one of the best places to book beach property rentals because it offers vacationers to relax in a place of quiet tranquility at a secluded, private beachfront community.

Kiawah Island, (pronounced “KEE-a-wah”) is a resort community 20 miles south of Charleston, South Carolina. One of the happiest seaside towns in America, it offers 10 miles of pristine white, and warm beaches. With so much space to spread out and so few properties on the island you’ll never have to see another vacationer if you don’t want to. Kiawah is the perfect destination for honeymooning couples or families with small children.

Bike trails galore for the adventurer in us all

For those who want to do more than rest on the beach, Kiawah Island offers 20 miles of paved bike trails meandering through wildlife and nature reserves where anyone can see the local species Kiawah is designed to protect. Stop by the Kiawah Island Nature Center to sign up for one of its nature programs which include kayak and canoe rentals, guided paddling excursions, outdoor walking tours, ocean tours, an alligator adventure, island birding, nature photography, wetland tours, fishingand motorboat excursions, sunset cruises, and so much more. Learning to ride a bike? The white-sand beaches during low-tide are a beautiful and safe place to improve your skills or get your little ones going.

Kiawah Island oceanside vacationers love the outdoors and enjoy playing tennis at one of the many tennis courts, rollerblading around the island, and at one of the island’s many exclusive golf courses. The Ocean Course at Kiawah’s Island Golf Resort will be hosting the 2012 PGA championships.

What a beautiful place to play!

Freshfield Village, just outside Kiawah, features exclusive shopping, art shows, live music, outdoor movies, a farmers market and lots of other events. And if you are craving even more culture just make an excursion to Charleston which is a short car ride away. It’s the cultural heart of the South with lots of historic sites, art galleries, concerts, cafes and restaurants to explore.

Vacationers on Kiawah Island  can enjoy all the benefits of a modern, well-furnished beach home with exclusive beachfront access year round. Since many homes are in private or gated communities a vacationer can enjoy perfect privacy right between a boundless nature preserve and a beautiful beach.

Want to come and see what Kiawah is all about? Book now before it’s too late!