It might still be cold, but summer on the lakeshore books up early.
I have been hosting for over ten years, and the same pattern shows up every year. Here is my advice for planning now. A little planning now saves a lot of stress later.
Why this blog? Hi, I'm Katie. My family and I run Mitten Rentals, and I have been hosting vacation rentals for more than ten years (Superhost since 2015). This is where I share the places I send our own guests along the West Michigan lakeshore.
READ: How to Pick the Right Lakeshore Town for Your Group
My Summer Planning Advice
1) Book the big weekends first
Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day and festival weekends fill up first.
If you have your heart set on one of those weekends, book it now and plan the details later.
These are the first to go every year. The earlier you book, the more choice you have, especially for bigger groups.
2) Think about mid week
Sunday to Thursday stays are easier to find, and the beaches are quieter.
If your schedule is flexible, this is the easiest way to get the summer trip you want.
Mid week stays are also a great way to get a more relaxed trip. Fewer people on the beach, easier dinner reservations, and a little more room to breathe. It is also a good way to stretch a budget, since you can plan a longer trip without competing for the busiest weekends.
3) Match the town to your group
Families, couples and big groups each have a best fit. Our town guide can help.
Spend five minutes on this before you book. A beach town, a quiet spot in the woods and a walkable downtown are very different trips. The right town makes the whole trip easier.
Families might want a town close to the beach and ice cream. Couples might want a quieter spot. Big groups need a home with room for everyone. Our town guide breaks it down. Once you have the right town, the rest of the plan falls into place.
READ: Why September Is the Best Month on the Lakeshore
4) Look at June and September
Early June and September are two of the best times to visit. Warm days, fewer crowds.
Personally, I think September might be the best month of the year here. The summer rush is over, and the lakeshore still feels like summer.
Both are great for people who want summer weather with a little more calm. If you have school age kids like I do, early June can be easier to plan.
A little planning now means you get the house, the town and the dates you actually want. Book the dates that matter most to you first. Then plan the rest of your summer around the trip you are looking forward to. Summer comes fast, and the best weeks always seem to go first.
Browse our homes and grab your dates while they are open. South Haven Hilltop Farm House, South Haven Cottage, Holland Home Retreat and our Grand Junction homes are all great summer bases.