Plan your summer 2016 vacation

Ahhh...the holidays. I always remind my husband around this time to be prepared because December may be the busiest, craziest, most exciting, joyous, dare I say stressful (?) month of the year. So much preparation. By the time we reach Dec 26th, I need a long nap, elastic pants (too many cookies), and a vacation.

Coincidentally, on December 26th we see the biggest spike in traffic to our website. We presume that families and friends are planning, "when will we see each other again?" Tons of email inquiries are sent for summer vacation rentals. Does this ring true for you?

The advantage to planning far in advance is that you get your "pick of the litter" in terms of houses and weeks available. We see that especially the larger homes book early. All the large groups coordinating together. Rental homes close to or on the beach also tend to book first.

I am lucky because one of my jobs at weneedavacation.com is to photograph homes. Homeowners hire us to take professional pictures for them because we promote the importance of great pictures. You probably prefer looking at rentals with pretty pictures. So, I want to share a few homes that I photographed this year that look pretty fantastic.

Harwich - Unique 3 Bedroom Home, Walk to Beach This home is bright and nicely decorated with skylights and vaulted ceilings. Amazing what cans of white paint can do to freshen up a place and make it feel brand new. Really nice house with one of the best outdoor showers you'll ever see!

Wellfleet - 4 Bedroom Artsy Home on Wellfleet Harbor Play tennis? Would you like a short walk to kayaking and relaxing while overlooking Wellfleet harbor? This contemporary home is not fancy, but very special. With water views from nearly every room.

Provincetown - Incredible Panoramic Ocean Views from 4 Bedroom Historic Home OMG, the views. This house is on the water - you almost feel like you're in a boat. Look west and there's the Pilgrim Monument. This house will book quickly.

Orleans - Cape Cod Charm - Big House on Lots of Land This is the perfect house for folks who want to be in nature, outdoors, watch no TV, just live in the moment on the Cape. 6 Bedrooms, each with water views. Only available for a few weeks in July, so don't wait.

Dennis - 4 Bedroom home on Grand Cove, near Bass River Calling all kayakers! Great house with lovely bedrooms. Main floor master opens to a private deck facing water. Kayak out into Bass River. Really pretty views. Modern kitchen.

Maybe one of these homes or the thousands of others, ranging from $800 - $15000 per week, will provide great holiday conversation. We know there's the right house out there for everyone. As always, let us know if we can help. Enjoy your December, even the crazy parts!