Summer is prime time for vacation rentals, bringing an influx of guests looking to relax, explore, and make memories. But sunshine and school breaks also mean more questions, higher expectations, and some unique seasonal challenges. Clear communication is your best defense. When you prepare guests before arrival and help them settle in once they arrive, you reduce complaints, prevent mishaps, and create five-star experiences that lead to repeat bookings.
Here’s how to help guests enjoy their summer getaway and make your job easier along the way.
Set season expectations before arrival
Before your guests even pack a bag, your listing and prearrival emails should prepare them for what summer looks like at your property. Is it humid? Dusty from wildfires? Copious pollen in the air? Full of glorious sun that turns to thunderstorms by 3 p.m.? Let them know.
For example, if your property is in the desert, warn potential guests in your listing about extreme temperature variations during the day. Repeat the warning in your messaging to guests before they check in, allowing them to pack both summer and colder-weather clothing.
If you’re in a coastal or humid area, give them a heads-up about stickier days, and let them know ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise in summer, a small but effective cooling trick.
Packing advice might seem small, but it goes a long way. Remind guests to bring hats, sunglasses, and breathable clothing. Suggest closed-toe shoes for hiking or water shoes for lake days. If you provide beach towels, sunscreen, or a cooler, mention that too, so they don’t pack items they won’t need.
If they’re visiting during a festival or big event, share tips on what to wear or where to find shade.
“Educate guests before they get there [by] using your guest book and our prearrival guide to explain the environment that they’re in to let guests know what to expect,” said Christina Stronge-Murray, Customer Service Manager at CottageLINK Rental Management in Toronto, Ontario, during an episode of the Vacation Rental Success podcast.
Read more: What to know before renting around big destination events
Prepare for nature and outdoor realities
No one wants ants in the kitchen or mosquitoes on the porch, but it’s summer, and bugs happen. Many travelers come from areas where bugs aren’t a daily nuisance.
“They’ll look at an ant or a spider or a bug of some sort and completely freak out these days because they live in these lovely, self-contained, sterile environments in the cities where they don’t have these bugs,” noted Heather Bayer, Co-Founder of CottageLINK Rental Management in Ontario’s Cottage Country and host of Vacation Rental Success.
To avoid panic, normalize these encounters ahead of time. Include a note in your listing description and guestbook explaining that guests may see deer, bugs, or other wildlife. Consider warning guests about mosquitoes, if they’re seasonal at your property. This allows them to pack bug spray and garments to fend off bites.
“If they know they’re going to see some of these things, it’s going to be more of an adventure,” Christina said.
Equip the house with safe insect repellents, citronella candles, ant traps, or homeopathic options for guests with kids or pets. Let guests know where to find these supplies and how to use them.
Provide backup items like fans, extra towels, and first-aid basics. Leave clear instructions for operating air conditioning or using blackout shades during the hottest parts of the day.
Leave a little welcome gift, such as lemonade in the fridge, a s’mores kit, or local delicacies when possible. These don’t have to cost much, but they show you care and give off summer ambiance.
Read more: 5-star reviews: How to boost your reviews on the platforms
Update photos and listings for summer appeal
Your photos should reflect what your property offers this season, whether that’s hummingbirds fluttering around the feeder on your deck or wildflowers embellishing the landscape. Christina recommends swapping out images in your listing to highlight these seasonal features and amenities.
Heather recounted that a guest once complained that she wasn’t warned about the presence of wildflowers (her children had pollen allergies) at one of CottageLINK’s properties. The complaint highlights the importance of having guest personas, also known as avatars, a description of the kind of guest who would love your property, Christina noted.
Not every guest is a fit for every property, but the right images help the right guests find you, she said.
Read more: Guest avatars to supercharge your STR marketing
Make summer amenities simple and safe
Pools, hot tubs, fire pits, and grills are summer favorites, but they require clear instructions and safety information.
Include step-by-step guides on turning on and off outdoor appliances, covering or treating the hot tub, and using the grill safely. Let guests know where to find oven mitts, grill tools, or pool cleaning equipment. If you have specific rules (like no glass near the pool or quiet hours), put them in writing and keep them friendly.
If your property offers summer amenities like pools, hot tubs, or grills, include clear instructions on how to use this equipment safely. That might mean signage onsite, notes in your guest book, and prearrival messages.
If you live in a region prone to wildfires, hurricanes, or summer storms, provide extra details in your guidebook. Your guidebook should include emergency contacts, evacuation information, and information on what to do in a power outage.
Read more: Summer vacation rental maintenance checklist for hosts and property managers
Curate local summer experiences
Vacation isn’t just about where guests stay—it’s about what they do. Help guests make the most of your area by recommending your favorite local summer experiences.
Touch Stay, a digital guidebook platform, suggests highlighting the “best of” your area in a creative way:
- Best picnic spot for sunset
- Best local brunch
- Best place for fresh seafood
- Best wild swimming hole
- Best family-friendly hike or paddleboarding spot
- Best romantic date night location
Seasonal updates to your welcome book, website, or social media help guests feel like they have the inside scoop. Seeing consistent suggestions across your channels also builds trust.
Read more: 10 social media strategies to market your vacation rental
The more you anticipate your guests’ needs, comfort, safety, and enjoyment, and communicate effectively, the more likely they are to leave glowing reviews and make your home their go-to spot for summer sojourns.