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31 Jan 2024
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Well, it’s not quite here yet, but it soon will be.     

What exactly is Book Direct DayWhy, so glad you asked that question. 

#BookDirect Day is an effort to highlight the wisdom, and many advantages, of dealing directly with property managers and owners when booking a vacation home, instead of going through third-party channels like VRBO, Airbnb, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, etc. 

After all, it’s a smart truism in business  -  whenever possible, cut out the middleman! 

When is Book Direct Day?

Book Direct Day is always the first Wednesday in FebruarySo this year, it falls on Wednesday, February 7th. 

2024 marks the seventh year that Book Direct Day has been a thing. 

How Did It Come About?  

Like many things, it all started with a tweetActually, it was a whole Twitter campaign designed to get the hashtag #BookDirect trending… and it worked.    

The initiative was the brainchild of Amy Hinote, founder of VRM Intel, as a kind of “Guest Education Day.”   It launched on February 7, 2018, and it’s been making waves ever since… helping people save money AND have better vacation experiences. 

So What Exactly are the Benefits of Booking Direct? 

To save money. 

It stands to reason that these third-party vacation rental websites (aka middlemen) charge substantial guest and traveler service fees to use themThese fees, in turn, get passed on to you, the consumer, and the price you pay for your vacation home goes up Oftentimes the fees are hidden  Booking direct instead can mean saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars per stay, depending on the property. 

To find the gems

Some of the best properties are not listed on those websitesYou may be missing out on the ideal vacation home for you and your family or group.   

To get the inside scoop, and then some. 

No one knows the property like the management company or ownerYou are dealing directly with a live human being who can discuss your needs and find the perfect match for youThey can also tailor your stay and help with local extras to make your vacation extraordinaryIt’s hard to put a value on being in direct touch with a “boots on the ground” person, someone who can help before, during and after your stay.  Third-party channels offer none of that. 

To get special deals. 

By booking direct with managers or owners, you are more likely to secure special discounts that pop up on a moment’s notice, the kind that are not advertised to the general public via impersonal websites. 

To have more flexibility. 

Managers/owners have flexibility and can work with you on budget, dates, and any special needs you might have.    

To have an all-around better vacation experience.  

Time with loved ones is precious, and money doesn’t grow on treesWhen you #BookDirect, you are more likely to make the most of both during your stay in a vacation home. 

Basically, when you #BookDirect, it’s better for guests, owners and managersIt truly is a win-win-win situation. 

Book Direct with Exclusive Properties  

We at Exclusive Properties are right here on the Isle of Palms, near our beautiful vacation homesWe know them well, and we have the inside scoopAnd we’re ready to chat with you on the phone or online, to help ensure you have a fantastic vacation experience. 

Speaking of which, just a quick heads up  ---  we have some fabulous new vacation homes that have recently joined our portfolio.   

Be sure to check these out while searching for your next home away from home…  

Sea Spray, at 400 Ocean Boulevard   

Sea Spray is a gorgeous oceanfront home situated in the quiet, posh section of Ocean BoulevardIt boasts an in-ground pool and hot tub overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, plus its own private putting green near the dunesFloor to ceiling windows bring the ocean views insideSix bedrooms and six baths, a gourmet kitchen, elevator and coastal décor make this the perfect spot for a beach getaway for up to 15 people. 

Find out more about Sea Spray, including photos, floor plans and bed configurations, here. 

Sunkissed Palms, at 4 51st Avenue 


Sunkissed Palms is new to our portfolio and new, periodThis recently constructed luxury home has space galore  -  6,400 square feet of living area, plus a whopping 3,000 additional square feet of covered deck space, with designer décor throughoutThe reverse floor plan brings the living areas upstairs to take in the sweeping ocean viewsThere are two true master suites, one on each levelSix bedrooms, six baths (plus two more half baths) sleep up to a dozenSunkissed Palms also has an elevator. 

Outside, there’s a massive 17’ x 35’ private pool with integrated spa, plus a gorgeous elevated gazebo to relax and catch the ocean breezes.   Read more here. 

Nostos, at 6 51st Avenue  


Nostos is located on one of the quieter sections of the island, away from the fray.  It, too, is newly built, and it was designed with care and attention to detail by architect Brent FlemingThe kitchen here is the stuff of dreams, where you’ll be cooking on a Wolf gas range, chilling in a Sub Zero fridge (plus two additional full size fridges and two more beverage fridges)… plus full prep kitchen, second oven and Wolf steam oven.   

There are six bedrooms (each one with a balcony and ocean views) and seven and a half bathsTen-foot oak French doors open to the pool deck, where the elevated private pool and hot tub awaitThere’s also an elevator plus two ADA compliant bathrooms, which is a rarity on the island.  

Check out Nostos here. 

So remember to #BookDirect for the best vacation experienceAnd you don’t have to wait till the first Wednesday in February… you can do it any time of the year. 

 

All best, 
Lowcountry Lisa  

your Isle of Palms vacation blogger