Spring break is a time when many families and students travel to the Smoky Mountains area for a mountain getaway. If you own a short term rental, this can be a lucrative time for vacation rental income. Here are some steps you can take to maximize vacation rental income for spring break:

1. Update Your Amenities

For most spring breakers, convenience, relaxation, and fun are key. Your amenities need to cater to these needs. If your property isn’t equipped with the amenities guests are looking for, you could miss out on vacation rental income. Because many spring breakers are students, having fast, reliable Wi-Fi is a must. This will allow your guests to stay connected to keep up with social media, schoolwork, etc. To prepare for spring break, install, upgrade, or check the internet capabilities at your short term rental.

You also need to provide entertainment options for guests to enjoy during downtime. These may include smart TVs, board games, video games, and recreational activities like cornhole or volleyball. An important part of spring break is spending time outside, so it’s also a great idea to have ways to relax outdoors like rocking chairs and a hot tub. If your property has a hot tub or pool, make sure they are clean and functional for the season.

2. Market Your Vacation Rental to Spring Breakers

Hot tub at smoky mountain vacation rental

If you want to maximize your spring break vacation rental income, you need to market your property to spring break visitors. Use high-quality photos that capture the beauty of your property. These photos should be well-lit and showcase all that your property has to offer both inside and outside, from amenities to decor to views. When marketing your short term rental, make sure you highlight its proximity to attractions. Mention a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions that appeal to a range of guests this time of year, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood, Anakeesta, shopping destinations, restaurants, etc.

3. Offer Special Deals

A great way to maximize your vacation rental income for spring break is to offer special deals. You could offer discounted rates for extended stays or add a free night to multi-night stays. Consider utilizing an early-bird discount to encourage booking in advance. If you still have availability closer to spring break, you may want to think about offering a last-minute deal to fill those days.

4. Provide the Right Experience

Vacation rental patio with seating and string lights

If you want to attract the spring break crowd and maximize your vacation rental income, you need to provide the right experience. Your short term rental should have a fun, relaxed, and inviting atmosphere that sets the right mood for a spring break retreat. Swap out winter decor for light, vibrant colors. Add floral arrangements, light-colored pillows, bright throw pillows, etc., to make your rental feel fresh and energized. Make sure the outdoor space is well-maintained and ready for guests to use. Clean and neatly arrange patio furniture and add outdoor lighting like string lights to make the space appealing for connecting with nature. You may even want to add a hammock for an even cozier vibe. Update your rental listing to include photos of this spring atmosphere.

5. Utilize Dynamic Pricing

Finding the right price for your short term rental can be tricky. You want to maximize vacation rental income, but you also want guests to be drawn to your property when comparing it to competitors. Utilizing a dynamic pricing tool can help you find the right balance so you’re not asking too much or too little. This will help you maximize revenue without turning away any profit during the spring break season.

Are you interested in getting into the short-term rental business in the Smoky Mountains area? Owning a short-term vacation rental can be a lucrative investment. Learn more about the profitability of short-term rentals in the Smokies and questions every STR investor should ask.