Family Vacations Archives • Holden Beach Vacations Blog

February 14, 2024February 14, 2024

Insider Tips for Booking the Perfect Vacation Rental in Holden Beach

a man looking at Holden Beach Vacations on his iPad to plan the perfect vacation rental in Holden Beach

Are you dreaming of a tranquil getaway on the shores of Holden Beach? With its beautiful coastline, charming atmosphere, and an array of vacation rental options, Holden Beach is the ideal destination for a relaxing vacation. However, finding the perfect vacation rental can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But fear not! As your trusted vacation rental experts at Holden Beach Vacations, we want to share our insider tips to help you book the perfect accommodation for your next beach getaway.

Plan Ahead

Young man planning vacation trip ahead looking for best options on when to go to Holden Beach, NC

Planning is one of the most crucial tips for securing the ideal vacation rental in Holden Beach. Popular properties book quickly, especially during peak seasons like Spring Break and summer. By starting your search early, you’ll have a better chance of snagging your desired dates and property.

Define Your Priorities

Before you start browsing vacation rentals, take some time to define your priorities. Are you looking for an oceanfront property with stunning ocean views? Do you need a pet-friendly rental to accommodate your furry friend? Understanding your preferences beforehand will streamline your search process, making it easier to pinpoint a rental that perfectly caters to your family’s needs.

Utilize Filters

When searching for vacation rentals on our Holden Beach Vacations website, use the filters to narrow your options. Filter by amenities, location, number of bedrooms, and other criteria to find rentals that align with your preferences. Some alternatives in our filters are how many guests will join you, the price range, and the linens provided.

Consider Off-Peak Seasons

two young kids with homemade binoculars looking for birds while laying on the beach

While summer happens to be the most popular time to visit Holden Beach, consider exploring off-peak seasons for potentially lower rates and fewer crowds. During the spring and fall, you’ll enjoy the pleasant weather, perfect for outdoor adventures like biking, hiking, and birdwatching. The beaches are often less crowded during these times, allowing for a more peaceful and relaxed experience.

Be Flexible

Being flexible with your travel dates or accommodation preferences can open a more comprehensive range of options and potentially lead to discovering hidden gems that may not have been available otherwise. Embracing flexibility and an open-minded approach empowers you to uncover the ideal vacation rental tailored to your desires and budget.

Ask Questions

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Holden Beach Vacations with any questions or concerns you may have about a particular rental. We’re here to help you find the perfect property and ensure a seamless booking process.

Review the Rental Agreement

Woman reading rental agreement on tablet, photo taken from above.

It’s essential to thoroughly review the rental agreement to understand all the terms and conditions before committing to your booking. Pay close attention to details such as check-in/check-out times, cleaning fees, and any rules or restrictions specific to the property. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the cancellation policy to know your options in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Book Directly with Holden Beach Vacations

When you’re ready to book your vacation rental, consider booking directly with us at Holden Beach Vacations. Not only will you have access to our entire inventory of properties, but you’ll also benefit from our expertise, personalized service, and best-price guarantee.

Plan Your Activities

Once you’ve booked your vacation to Holden Beach, it’s time to start planning your activities and attractions to explore during your stay. Whether it’s lounging on the beach, fishing off the pier, or exploring nearby shops and restaurants. Holden Beach has something for everyone in the family to fall in love with.

By following these insider tips from Holden Beach Vacations, you’ll be well on your way to booking the perfect vacation rental for your Holden Beach getaway. Start planning your coastal escape today and create memories that will last a lifetime. We can’t wait to welcome you to our slice of paradise!

May 30, 2023May 30, 2023

Your Holden Beach Packing List

Do you have a vacation planned to Holden Beach this year but don’t know what to pack? We know that packing for a week at the beach can be overwhelming, especially if you’re bringing the whole family. We at Holden Beach Vacations wanted to share what to pack for your next stay with us. Let’s look below at a more detailed list to get you packed for your next vacation to Holden Beach.

Vacation Home List

Bath Towels/Hand Towels
Washcloths/Loofa
Bed Sheets (Be sure to check what is included when booking)
Blanket/Pillows
Dish Towels/Sponges
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Napkins
Coffee Filters
Laundry Detergent/Fabric Softener/Dryer Sheets (if your rental has a washer/dryer)
Dish Soap/Dishwasher Tablets
All-Purpose Cleaner/Disinfectant Wipes

Trash Bags
Foil/Plastic Wrap
Storage Containers/Ziplock Baggies
Hand Soap for the Bathrooms/Kitchen
Tissues
Clothes Hamper/Basket (a foldable works well)
Reusable Water Bottles
Spices, Salt/Pepper/Non-Stick Cooking Spray
Nightlights/Sound Machine
Items for your Baby (Pack-n-Play, Bedrail, Highchair, Bouncer/Swing)

Beach Things

Sunscreen
Aloe/Aloe Lotion
Beach Umbrella/Chairs
Beach Towels/Blankets
Cooler
Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Boogie Boards/Floats/Rafts

Beach Toys
Beach Bag or Tote
Books/Kindle
Sunglasses/Hats
Beach Wagon/Cart
Rash Guard with SPF Protection
Baby Powder (gets sand off quickly)

Personal Belongings

Glasses/Contacts/Solution/Case
Deodorant
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Body Wash/Soap
Shampoo/Conditioner
Haircare Products
Razors/Shaving Cream
Feminine Products

Makeup/Cleanser
Hairdryer/Styling Tools
Brush/Comb
Insect Repellant
Hand Sanitizer
Lotion/Moisturizer
Medications/Vitamins (for the whole family)

Clothing

Underwear/Bras/Undershirts
Sleepwear
T-Shirts
Dress/Casual Shirts
Jeans/Pants
Shorts
Dress (for a night out)

Swimsuits/Cover-Up
Leisure Shoes
Tennis Shoes
Sandals/Flip-Flops/Water Shoes
Purse
Beach Bag/Tote
Dress Shoes

Miscellaneous

Microfiber Towel
Laptop/Tablet (plus chargers)
Waterproof Phone Case
Insurance Cards
Flashlight with batteries
Credit/Debit/ATM Cards

Cash
List of Emergency Contacts
Camera with Memory Cards & Charger
Phone Chargers
Driver’s License

We could suggest many other things to bring; these are the items we wanted to share with you. If you haven’t booked your next stay with us in a Holden Beach vacation rental, now is the time. We can’t wait to hear how this list helped you prepare for your upcoming vacation!

April 30, 2023April 30, 2023

Don’t Miss the 2023 Holden Beach Concert Series

It’s hard to believe that the 2023 Holden Beach Concert Series will begin soon. This year you and your family can stay in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals and will be able to enjoy live music. Holden Beach is an excellent destination to vacation with your family, and there are many things you can do together. Let’s look below at the details of the 2023 Holden Beach Concert Series.

2023 Holden Beach Concert Series Lineup

Don’t Miss the 2020 Holden Beach Concert Series

May 28^th – The Extraordinaries

June 4^th – Continental Divide

June 11^th – The Main Event Band

June 18^th – Cat 5

June 25^th – The Embers

July 2^nd – The Tams

July 9^th – Chairman of the Board

July 16^th – The Entertainers featuring Craig Woodard

July 23^rd – Band of Oz

July 30^th – Blackwater Band

August 6^th – Jim Quick and Coastline

August 13^th – Too Much Sylvia

August 20^th – Gary Lowder & Smokin Hot

August 27^th – Carolina Kool

September 3^rd – North Tower

A Little More Information on the Concert Series

The Holden Beach Concert Series has been going on for years, and it’s where you and the family can go listen to live music for free. They will be on every Sunday evening beginning at 6:30 pm and ending at 8:00 pm. Every week the concerts will be held at the Pavilion that is under the Holden Beach bridge. There will be refreshments for you and your family to purchase, so be sure to bring some cash with you. When it’s time to head out to the concert, bring your beach chairs or towels to sit on as you listen and dance together!

Summer is quickly coming, and now is the time to book your family vacation with us. We still have plenty of Holden Beach vacation rentals that will accommodate your whole family. We look forward to seeing you and your family this summer and hope to see you at the concerts too!

May 29, 2022May 29, 2022

3 Best Places to Eat Breakfast at in Holden Beach

breakfast including bacon, eggs, toast and more on a plate

Do you and your family have a vacation booked to Holden Beach this year? If you do, allow us to share our top 3 picks to grab breakfast from while on vacation. Staying in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals will allow you and your family to be close to some of these great restaurants. Let’s look below at where we think are the three best places to eat breakfast on Holden Beach.

The Scoop

Bagel with cream cheese spread with orange juice and coffee in background

If you’re on the hunt for a good bagel shop near Holden Beach, then look no further. The Scoop is in Supply, NC, and has some fantastic items on its menu. There is something for everyone, from the classic cinnamon raisin & plain bagels to their sundried tomato and jalapeno cheddar ones. You can also get a bagel sandwich, burritos, and waffles for breakfast. They also serve lunch daily, giving you a break from the beach and sun to enjoy some time together. Don’t miss out on this fantastic restaurant on your next trip to Holden Beach.

Archibald’s Deli

Archibald’s Deli is another excellent location where you can grab breakfast in Holden Beach. While they do have a small breakfast menu, it’s still one that we had to mention. From getting to dine on some sandwiches, you can also enjoy croissant sandwiches and fresh items from the bakery. And if you’re in the mood for a few other things during the day, you need to check out the rest of their menu. Think of the food you’ll get to taste before heading home from vacation.

Macie & Ethel’s

southern breakfast complete with waffles, eggs, bacon, orange juice and grits

One of the best places to get breakfast at Holden Beach is Macie & Ethel’s. This is a southern kitchen restaurant, and we can tell you it’s a favorite among our guests. Located in the heart of Holden Beach is where you’ll find this quaint restaurant to grab a bite to eat with the family. Some of the items you will find on this menu are fried green tomatoes, brunch with eggs, bacon, pancakes, etc. Think of the fun your family will have at this restaurant while getting that great southern hospitality.

While there are many other places to grab breakfast or coffee, we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your next stay with us in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals, call us. We can’t wait to hear what restaurant your favorite for breakfast was while on your family vacation to Holden Beach!

January 31, 2022January 31, 2022

Book Direct & Save on Your Vacation Today

Hands holding digital tablet with application booking flight travel search ticket holiday and hotel on website discounted price, concept technology online marketing and promotion.

Are you and your family planning a vacation to Holden Beach this year? We need to tell you why you should #bookdirect with us if you are. Many online third-party vacation rental sites can add a 5%-20% additional fee to your reservation. We know that your vacations are significant and may limit how much you can spend each year. We at Holden Beach Vacations wants to make sure that you get the most out of your money when visiting Holden Beach. The only way that you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation without getting hit with that unexpected fee is by booking direct today!

A Little About #BookDirect Day

On February 2^nd, 2022, we celebrate the 5^th Annual Book Direct Day, which was created to help educate vacation rental guests on the benefits of booking directly through an owner or Property Management Company vs. using a Third-Party agency such as Airbnb, HomeAway, VBRO & TripAdvisor.

While you may recognize these big-name companies and their gimmicks in helping you save money, you will soon learn that they will charge you a fee for using their website. Who wants to pay extra just to try and save a little money? Some of the expenses that you may incur when you book with an OTA can range from 5%-20% of the total cost of your vacation rental, which in turn can cost you thousands of dollars extra depending on which rental you choose.

Why You Should Book Direct with Us

When you book direct with Holden Beach Vacations, you will not only speak with one of our vacation specialists who are local to Holden Beach and can give you the best information on the area. We know all the details on each property because we have personally been to them. We can provide you with our recommendations on where to dine, play, shop, and visit businesses in the area. Our office is conveniently in the Holden Beach area, so if any problems arise while you’re on vacation, we’re here to help.

How You Can Book Direct with Holden Beach Vacations

You will find that booking directly with us at Holden Beach Vacations is easy as 1, 2, 3! We encourage all guests to book their vacations directly through our safe & secure website, www.holdenbeachvacations.com or call our office at (800) 842-6949. Rest assured that we will never charge any hidden fees, and we will always provide you with the best available rates on our professionally managed vacation rentals. We don’t want you to have to pay anything extra so that you can use that money to go out to eat or explore the area. We understand that your money is precious, and we can help you see that your vacation to Holden Beach is the best one it can be each year!

Are you ready to plan your vacation today? #BookDirect with Holden Beach Vacations today to have the best-planned vacation year after year!

June 30, 2020January 13, 2021

Fun Summer Activities to do near Holden Beach

Do you and your family have a summer vacation planned for Holden Beach? If you do, then we want to share a few fun activities around the area. Staying in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals will allow you and your family close to some of the activities. Let’s look below at some of the fun summer activities you can do near Holden Beach.

Tour H2O

Fun Summer Activities to do near Holden Beach

If your family likes to try new things on the water, then head on over to Tour H2O. They have pontoon tours and Kayaking tours available this summer. Rent a pontoon boat for 2 hours and enjoy your time on the open waters enjoying the quiet time. You may even get to see a dolphin or two while you are on tour. They also have kayaking tours where you can do a self-guided tour or a guided tour. This is a great way to see Holden Beach via the water and make new memories with the family.

Rent a Jet Ski

Another fun activity that you and the family can do is rent a jet ski. This is a high activity that is perfect when you have older kids. This is a way that everyone in the family can enjoy some time out on the Intracoastal Waterway. Holden Beach Jet Ski Rentals will be able to help you and your family enjoy your time spent together. They will be able to show you a safety orientation, and with your rental, you will have life vests and a full tank of gas to enjoy the day. Holden Beach Jet Ski Rentals are located in Supply, NC, just a short drive away from your vacation rental.

Fish the Day Away

Fishing is a high, fun outdoor activity that your family can do together. Head on over to the Holden Beach Fishing Pier located in the heart of Holden Beach. This fishing pier was founded in 1959 and allowed you and your family to enjoy time together, making new memories. Bring the fishing rods, bait, sunscreen, and drinks with you. Think of the fun you can have, even if you don’t catch anything. Capture the memories on camera as you enjoy a new adventure this summer.

While there are many other things that you can do in the Holden Beach area, we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your Holden Beach vacation rental yet, now is the time. We hope to see you and your family as you make new memories at the beach this summer!