คู่มือช่วงนอกฤดูกาลสำหรับเจ้าของที่พักให้เช่าเพื่อเพิ่มยอดจองสูงสุด

Shoulder season is often an overlooked goldmine for vacation rental hosts. With fewer tourists and more flexible travelers, this period between peak and off-peak seasons offers a unique chance to boost occupancy without the stress of high-season competition. Savvy hosts know that even a slight increase in bookings during this time can make a big difference to annual revenue.

The key is knowing when your shoulder season occurs and how to make the most of it. In this article, we will explore what it means, how to identify yours, and practical strategies to attract more guests and secure steady income.

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What Does Shoulder Season Mean?

Let’s start with the basics. Why is it called shoulder season? Think of a year’s travel calendar as a mountain: the “peak” is the busiest time, the “off-peak” is the quiet low point, and the “shoulder” sits in between.

In other words:

• Peak season – The time when a destination sees the highest number of visitors.
• Off-season – The period when tourist numbers are at their lowest.
• Shoulder season – The weeks or months between the two, with moderate crowds and often more unpredictable weather.

For travelers, shoulder season often means better prices on flights, accommodations, and activities. It’s a favorite choice for budget-conscious guests who prefer fewer crowds and a more authentic experience.

For short-term rental hosts, this period brings unique opportunities. Guests traveling during shoulder season tend to have flexible schedules and are more open to exploring. By adjusting your marketing and pricing strategies for these guests, you can boost occupancy and keep your bookings steady throughout the year.

How to Identify Your Vacation Rental’s Shoulder Season?

Shoulder season doesn’t fall on the same dates everywhere; it varies based on your location, climate, and local events.

In many destinations, it often appears in spring and autumn, but the exact timing can differ widely. For example:

• ใน อเมริกาเหนือ, the slow season typically runs from April to June and September to November.
• การ Caribbean shoulder season is often May to June and November to December.
• ใน ยุโรป, it usually occurs between April and May, and September to October.
• ใน Southeast Asia, the shoulder season generally lasts from May to September.

These are only rough guidelines. To pinpoint your exact shoulder season, you need to consider multiple factors:

1. Geography and Weather

Your property’s location and climate directly affect occupancy throughout the year. Days just before or after the peak season often mark your shoulder season.

ตัวอย่างเช่น,

• A beachfront property might see its shoulder season in autumn when the temperatures start to drop.
• A ski chalet might enter shoulder season in spring as the snow begins to melt.

2. Local Events

Sometimes, an event can shift the shoulder season.

For example, Thailand’s Songkran Festival in April draws massive crowds despite the heat, creating a temporary peak in bookings.

3. Historical Booking Data

Review past occupancy and pricing trends to identify months with moderate demand, neither peak nor fully off-season. Compare average daily rates, booking lead times, and cancellation patterns to spot shoulder season windows.

By understanding exactly when your shoulder season occurs, you can adjust your marketing, pricing, and promotions to make the most of these in-between months.

7 Tips to Maximize Profit in Shoulder Season

During the shoulder season, vacation rental hosts need to stay flexible and open-minded. Travelers’ preferences can change, and the market can shift quickly. By adapting your approach, you can boost bookings and increase your income. Here are seven effective tips to help you succeed during this important time.

1. Offer Flexible Booking Policies

Shoulder season often comes with unpredictable weather, which may make travelers hesitant to book. To increase your chances of securing reservations, consider these flexible booking options:

• Flexible Cancellations: Allow guests to cancel or change their bookings without heavy penalties. This reduces their risk and builds confidence in choosing your rental.
• Lower Minimum Stay Requirements: Shorten the minimum nights needed to book. This attracts guests looking for spontaneous or brief trips during the shoulder season.
• Extended Booking Windows: Give guests the option to book closer to their arrival date, appealing to last-minute planners.

By adopting these policies, your property will stand out as more guest-friendly compared to stricter competitors, helping you capture more bookings during uncertain times.

2. Set Competitive Prices

One of the biggest draws of shoulder season travel is lower prices. Flights and hotels can be up to 57% cheaper compared to peak season.

So, setting your vacation rental prices 10-30% lower than peak season helps attract budget-conscious guests and fills your calendar.

Offering discounts for longer stays can also boost occupancy and reduce turnover costs.

เครื่องมือเช่น ไพรซ์แล็บส์ can help automate dynamic pricing based on local market data. Integrate with Hostex to sync optimized prices across all platforms seamlessly.

3. เพิ่มประสบการณ์ของแขก

In shoulder season, a great guest experience can make your rental stand out and drive more bookings. Here’s how to do it:

• Add Personalized Touches: Welcome baskets, local guidebooks, or thoughtful notes create a warm, memorable atmosphere. These small gestures increase guest satisfaction.
• Upgrade Amenities: Consider features that improve comfort during cooler or quieter months, such as a fireplace or hot tub. These add-ons make your property more attractive.
• Be Pet-Friendly: Allowing pets can expand your potential guest base, as many travelers look specifically for pet-friendly rentals.

By focusing on these guest experience tips, you create loyal customers. And, satisfied guests are more likely to leave good reviews, which boosts your listing’s search ranking and attracts more bookings throughout the year.

4. Adjust Your Marketing Strategy

Shoulder season guests often seek value and unique experiences. Tailor your vacation rental marketing to highlight promotions like:

• 20% off for bookings made two months in advance
• Free additional night for stays longer than 5 nights
• Complimentary spa access or shuttle services to local attractions

Use your listing description, email newsletters, and social media channels to promote these deals, increasing visibility and conversions.

5. Promote Local Events and Attractions

Travelers in shoulder season often look for authentic, less crowded experiences. To attract these guests:

• Highlight Seasonal Festivals and Markets: Showcase nearby events and cultural activities that make your location unique during this period.
• Feature Outdoor Activities: Promote hiking, biking, or other outdoor options available in the shoulder season.
• Share Insider Tips: Use your listing description and social media to provide exclusive insights and recommendations about local attractions.
• Offer Discounts or Partnerships: Collaborate with local tour operators or businesses to provide vouchers or special deals for your guests.

This targeted promotion not only enriches your guests’ stay but also makes your vacation rental more appealing to travelers looking for off-peak travel experiences.

6. ร่วมมือกับธุรกิจในท้องถิ่น

Collaborating with nearby restaurants, wineries, or tour guides creates attractive package deals. These partnerships enhance your guests’ stays with unique experiences, increasing satisfaction and positive reviews.

This strategy benefits both parties: you gain more bookings, and local businesses get new customers.

Moreover, promoting such packages on your listing boosts your property’s visibility in vacation rental search results and helps differentiate you from other hosts.

7. ทำการตลาดการเช่าของคุณผ่านช่องทางต่างๆ

List your property on major booking platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com to maximize exposure.

Additionally, consider การสร้างเว็บไซต์จองตรงของคุณเอง. This helps you to avoid commission fees and build direct relationships with guests, and allows seamless integration with Google Vacation Rentals for increased traffic.

Direct bookings improve your profit margins and encourage repeat stays, which are key to a sustainable short-term rental business.

ความคิดสุดท้าย

Shoulder season presents both challenges and opportunities for vacation rental hosts. By understanding what shoulder season means and identifying your property’s specific timing, you can tailor your marketing and pricing strategies to attract more guests. Offering flexible booking policies, enhancing guest experience, and leveraging local events all play a crucial role in maximizing your rental’s performance during this period.

Moreover, using tools to automate daily management and synchronize your calendar across platforms lets you focus on what matters most, creating memorable stays and growing your business. With the right approach, shoulder season can become a profitable and sustainable part of your vacation rental journey.