FAQ: Staying in Cape Cod
When is the best time to visit Cape Cod?
As a beach getaway, Cape Cod is always popular in the summer. However, that means you’ll be fighting numerous other travelers for top accommodations, so if you are planning a summer trip, try to book as far in advance as possible.
For fewer crowds (an important point when considering safe travel during COVID) and better deals, look to shoulder seasons like spring and fall when the nightly average for an Airbnb home rental is $282. In the summer, that average quickly jumps into the $300 to $400 range for a modern, well-located home.
What are the best Cape Cod towns to stay in?
Cape Cod has a wide range of towns and villages, each with its own distinct style. Which one is the best for you is entirely dependent on your vacation needs. Towns like Falmouth and Sandwich are close to Boston for shorter travel times, while Dennis, Yarmouth, and Chatham are well-situated in the middle of the Cape and are close to Hyannis, where you may catch a ferry to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard for an easy day trip.
Meanwhile, while it takes longer to access the Outer-Cape, that’s where you’ll find some of the best beaches, the legendary Provincetown party scene, as well as more remote areas like Wellfleet.
What are the best things to do in Cape Cod?
For beach time, head to the Cape Cod National Seashore for some of the best sandy stretches the area has to offer. Other popular outdoor activities include biking the Cape Cod Rail Trail, visiting the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, or strolling through more than 100 acres of lush landscapes at the Heritage Museums and Gardens.
Stop in at the boutiques in Chatham (I love the soft pullovers and tees found at The Black Dog), enjoy an upscale meal or cocktails on the veranda at Chatham Bars Inn, stop for a scoop at Buffy’s Ice Cream Shop, or pick up some fresh seafood at Cape Fish and Lobster to cook up back at your Airbnb.
Are Airbnbs safe?
The CDC recently announced that fully vaccinated people can safely travel in the US.
Experts also consider private vacation homes, such as those on Airbnb, one of the safer lodging options, especially when compared to hotels. This is because you are often booking an entire home protected from interaction with others.
Airbnb also announced rigorous new procedures including the Enhanced Cleaning Protocol, which includes guidelines on personal protective equipment, disinfectants, and mandatory waiting periods between previous guests and cleanings.
However, be sure to continue to follow guidelines from organizations such as the CDC and WHO, and consider your own level of risk.
What is Airbnb’s cancellation policy?
There are no blanket policies on Airbnb and the cancellation policy is set by individual hosts, so it varies from home to home. You can get a full breakdown of Airbnb’s cancellation policies here.
If you’re unsure about your travel plans, you may want to look for a listing with a flexible policy or check across multiple booking platforms to ensure you’re getting the best deal.