Jun 8, 2021 - Things to Do

10 Airbnbs still available on the popular Carolina coast

Emma Way

If you were hoping to book a summer vacation to the Carolina coast, you might be too late.

What’s happening: Bookings for beach house rentals have surpassed not just 2020, but also pre-pandemic summer levels.

In Hilton Head, demand for Vrbo rentals soared by over 50% compared to summer 2019, CharlotteFive reports.
Airbnb had a better Q1 this year than in 2019, despite the ongoing pandemic.

We’re all antsy to get out of town: About 72% of Americans are planning summer trips this year, compared with 37% in 2020, according to the U.S. Travel Association.

Where’s everyone going? The Carolinas rank high on folks’ list whether or not they live around here.

The Outer Banks was No. 4 on Vrbo’s emerging destinations list. (Maybe it’s the show?)
Hilton Head ranked as one of Airbnb’s top destinations of summer 2021.

Camp sites are another popular choice this summer, Axios’ Erica Pandey reports.

It’ll take some digging, but finding accommodations this summer isn’t impossible. Here are some tips.

(1) Book a little inland like the new boutique hotel Dreamers Welcome in Wilmington. It’s impeccably designed, pet-friendly and only 20 minutes from Wrightsville Beach.

(2) Search Facebook. Get to know the locals in a Facebook group. I’m a member of the Daufuskie Island, South Carolina group, and it’s very helpful for visitors even on weekends when rentals appear booked.

(3) Travel on weekdays. If you can, search for a rental mid-week versus on the weekend for more options. (You could even work from “home”!)

(4) Skip the beach — there’s always next year. Instead head to the mountains, a city or a lesser known vacation destination. Need an idea? Check out this new mid-century modern lodge owned by the same team behind O-Ku in Charlotte.

(5) Look for new listings from trusted posters. You can often get a discount on Airbnb or Vrbo when you book a new listing — plus new listings won’t be booked solid (yet).