As you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. You should start preparing for your houseboat vacation immediately to make sure that your budget, groceries and reservation are in order. By preparing early, you can ensure that your entire vacation is spent relaxing.
The Timeline for Your Houseboat Vacation
This article is the second in a three part series to help our visitors learn about and plan houseboat vacations. When you're finished reading, please click through to the other two articles in the series:
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO HOUSEBOAT VACATIONS IN AMERICA
HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT HOUSEBOAT RENTAL FOR YOUR HOUSEBOAT VACATION
Also, visit our DESTINATIONS page to learn more!
Right Now: Decide on a Budget
A houseboating vacation can cost as little as $900 for a romantic getaway together. For a luxurious, week-long adventure with your entire extended family, the vacation can cost more than $10,000. Right now is the best time to begin planning out your budget. Other than the reservation, you should figure out the cost of traveling to the destination, return tickets, houseboat fuel and food costs while you are away.
Right Now: Pick Your Destination
Once you know who will be traveling with you, the next step is to discuss the different spots that you want to go to. For short getaways, you may want to pick a houseboating destination that is closer to your home. Your family may also want to make their decision based on the scenery around the houseboat. Activity options like sightseeing, water sports, fishing and non-lake activities may also factor into your decision.
For example, you may want to spend your trip fishing. If that is the case, you may choose a lake in Tennessee or an area that has excellent fishing spots. You will want to make sure when fishing season opens before you go. Other families want to houseboat near natural landmarks and historic sites. If you want to see one of the world's largest natural land bridges, you could houseboat on Lake Powell with access to the Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
(Click Here: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO HOUSEBOAT VACATIONS IN AMERICA)
Three to Nine Months Ahead of Time: Book the Vacation
By booking early, you can keep your options open. Keep in mind that many houseboat vacation companies charge a damage deposit that cannot be refunded if you cancel the trip. Normally, this deposit is returned when your trip is completed. Make sure that you understand the entire payment and cancellation policy. The cancellation policy is important because it dictates how much money you get back if you cannot go on the trip.
Rental fees are typically paid 45 to 90 days before your trip. When you book your trip duration, keep in mind that for practical purposes, you won’t get full use of the houseboat for all the days you’re booked. Upon your arrival, you’ll be loading the boat with your belongings and going through orientation where you learn about the equipment on board and how to pilot the houseboat. When the trip is over, you’ll have to unload and refuel the boat. It’s also important to note that most houseboat rental companies rent by days, as opposed to nights like a hotel. A three-day trip includes two nights, four days and three nights, etcetera.
45 to 90 Days Ahead of Your Trip: Confirm Your Trip
About one to three months before the trip, you will need to confirm the trip by sending in the final payment. Remember the cancellation policy and the payment deadline. You should also write down the pick-up and return time for the houseboat. If you think that something could get in the way before your trip or want to be cautious, consider purchasing travel insurance so that you will be reimbursed for any money that is lost.
30 to 45 Days Ahead of Time: Plan Your Trip
Now, it is time to plan the details of your trip. Gather together the entire group that is going and assign different tasks. You may want to determine who is responsible for bringing the water toys, packing meals or cleaning the houseboat. You will also want to create a packing list so that you do not forget anything. If you are uncertain about what to pack, ask your booking agent for help. Before you call the agent, write down a list of questions to ask so that you do not forget anything.
If you plan on driving to your destination, you will need to plan the route, the vehicles that you will take and who will be driving. If you are flying, then you need to get your tickets and plan for a rental car or shuttle to pick you up. Before you go, check over your water toys or boat. If you own a power boat or other watercraft and plan to bring it along on your vacation, inquire about local regulations at your destination and make sure that you’ll be following those regulations.
Two Weeks Ahead of Time: Call Your House-Sitter
If you have pets, you need to find a kennel or family member to take care of them. Since you will be gone, you will want to call the post office to have your mail held. Once these things are done, create an hourly schedule for your travel time to reach the lake. Make sure that everyone in your group has the travel schedule and their vacation assignments.
One Week Ahead of Time: Make a Packing List
With only one week to go, it is time to make a packing list. Keep your list on the counter so that you can add things to it as you think of them. In some cases, you may be able to start packing now.
Before You Leave: Grocery Shopping
If you have not finished packing yet, now is the best time to do so. You should also go grocery shopping so that you can make meals on the houseboat.
Arrival: Be Patient
There is always a slight wait and chaos as you arrive. Be patient as you reach the marina. Start by finding the rental office and talking to a staff member. The staff member will be able to give you extra information and tips to save time as you load the boat. They may be able to help speed up orientation and help you unload your belongings at some destinations. If your destination has staff members to help with unloading, remember to tip them before you leave. Take your time as you learn to operate the houseboat. You need to be cautious, but you should also not be afraid to try it out.
Now that you are on the boat, you can relax and have the time of your life.
This article is the second in a three part series to help our visitors learn about and plan houseboat vacations. When you're finished reading, please click through to the other two articles in the series:
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO HOUSEBOAT VACATIONS IN AMERICA
HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT HOUSEBOAT RENTAL FOR YOUR HOUSEBOAT VACATION
Also, visit our DESTINATIONS page to learn more!
