Planning your houseboat vacation involves lots of preparation, but it doesn't have to be daunting. We're here to help make it as easy and go as smoothly as possible. In this post, we've given you a general timeline to help keep you organized from your initial research to getting you out on the water. Of course, we're here to help you throughout.

Let's dive in!

1. Initial Research

• Recommended time frame: 9-12 months in advance
• Get a general idea what location you'd like to visit by checking out our Destinations Map.

2. Who's Coming?

• Recommended time frame: 9-12 months in advance
• Get an idea who may be interested in coming along. This will help you choose a range of houseboat sizes in which you may be interested.

3. Choose Dates and Call for Availability

• Recommended time frame: 9-12 months in advance
• Have a few dates in mind that work for you and your group. Call us at 888-454-8825 or fill out an Online Request and an agent will reach out to give you more details.

4. Make your Reservation

• Recommended time frame: 6-9 months in advance
• Get committments from people who are going with you and call to put down a deposit. The earlier you make your reservation, the better, especially over holidays or during peak season. Keep in mind, the longer you wait, the more flexible you may have to be with departure dates.

5. Add Watercraft and Water Toy Rentals

• Recommended time frame: 3-6 months in advance
• If you haven't already made arrangements for your extra watercraft or water toy rentals, now is the time to check into availability and pricing.

6. Make Final Payments

• Review your confirmation email for actual due date and payment arrangements. 

7. Make Flight and Lodging Arrangements

• Recommended time frame: 3-6 months in advance
• Make necessary travel arrangements (flight, hotel, etc.) as soon as you have your travel plans set.
• Ask about Early Boarding availability and cost if it's an applicable option for your destination and/or houseboat model. This allows you to load the houseboat the evening prior to your arrival and sleep on it in the marina that night, then take care of your paperwork and orientation first thing the next day.

8. Review Houseboat Inventory and "What to Bring" List

• Recommended time frame: 1 month in advance
• Start making a list of things you need to pack. Check our online list of what's included on your houseboat model and cross-check it with the suggested Items to Bring List in your confirmation or online.

9. Plan your Meals

• Recommended time frame: 1-2 weeks in advance
• Start planning your meals and make a shopping list to save you time and grief when you are stocking up before going out on the water. You may even consider divvying the shopping and/or cooking responsibilities between you and your group. More helpful tips: Meal Planning For Your Houseboat Vacation.

10. Enjoy your Vacation, you've earned it!