Have you been thinking about taking a vacation in 2026? Every year, the vacation rental industry celebrates Book Direct Day—a day for letting everybody know all the exceptional benefits of booking your vacation directly with a rental company! In 2026, National Book Direct Day is February 4th. It’s the perfect opportunity to plan your next adventure and choose where you’ll make exciting new memories this year.
We know that there are so many fantastic places to visit, but we, of course, think Myrtle Beach should be at the top of your list. Let’s explore why the Grand Strand is such a great choice and the perks of booking your vacation directly with us at Sea Star!
What is National Book Direct Day?
National Book Direct Day takes place every year on the first Wednesday of February. That means it’s happening on February 4th in 2026!
It originated as a social media movement in 2018 as a way to let travelers know what booking directly is, and to encourage them to save money by booking directly with rental companies instead of using third-party platforms. The rise of platforms like Airbnb and VRBO caused many travelers to believe they had fewer options, and Book Direct Day serves to inform the public that third parties are not the only way to book a vacation (and are certainly not the most cost-effective).
Curious why booking direct is the way to go? Let’s dive in.
Why Book Direct?
Booking directly with a vacation rental company offers so many benefits, including:
Expert Local Knowledge
Our Sea Star team lives and works on the Grand Strand, which means we have local knowledge you can’t find anywhere else. Whether it’s recommending the best places to eat, helping you find the perfect beach access, keeping you in the know about Myrtle Beach’s hidden gems, or assisting with any needs during your stay, we’re here to make sure your trip is smooth and stress-free.
Affordable & Transparent Pricing
When you book through third-party platforms like Airbnb or VRBO, you’re often hit with extra fees that you don’t immediately see. That’s not the case when you book with us!
The price you see on our site is the price you’ll pay! At Sea Star, we believe in no surprises and no hidden fees. When you book a property, the price displayed even includes taxes. You can see a further detailed quote right on the website, as well. Additionally, you can choose to split the cost between guests or families to see how much the property will cost when broken down. It’s a great way to see how much each family will pay for the vacation if you’re traveling with friends.
We value honesty and transparency, so you can feel confident about what you’re paying when you have the full picture in front of you. Rest easy with the peace of mind that our properties are fairly priced with value as a top priority.
P.S. Sea Star Guests get even more benefits when they book directly with us, like free activities included with your stay!
Unmatched Guest Experiences
We love hearing reviews from satisfied Sea Star Guests—and there are a lot of them! No matter which property you choose to stay in, one thing remains consistent: our commitment to customer service is unrivaled. We go above and beyond to make every stay special!
Don’t just take our word for it—our guests are happy to share their stories! We could tell you how wonderful we are all day long, but nothing quite tells the story like satisfied guest reviews.
Here are just a few reviews from our guests:
Stephen:
“The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We had a great time at Ocean Oasis! Amazing ocean views! Large and spacious home! A few minor issues came up and Sea Star responded promptly.”
Elice:
“The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was somewhat dirty. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Our stay here was wonderful. The neighborhood is quiet and friendly. The location, while being minutes from the beach, felt secluded and private. It is a beautiful house, and we loved the pool!”
April:
“We really enjoy staying at Hope Cottage as this was our 3rd year. We rent through Sea Star Realty every time as they are great to work with! The reservation process is smooth and the communication is top-notch. They are very responsive to all questions or concerns! We look forward to working with them next year!”
See Our Full Page of Guest Reviews Here:
Choose an option like the 8-Bed, 6-Bath "Gatsby House" in Garden City Beach.
Why Should You Visit Myrtle Beach?
There are so many reasons to book a trip to Myrtle Beach. With a gorgeous sprawling beach and endless exciting activities, you’ll never want to leave! Spend the day outside at Myrtle Beach State Park perusing the hiking trails, fishing spots, and nice swimming areas. The park has close to a mile of continuous beach along the Grand Strand!
Add a rush of adrenaline to your itinerary with water sports like jet skiing or parasailing. Myrtle Beach is known for its fantastically fun water activities, so you’re guaranteed a blast!
Our pocket of South Carolina is also known as the golf capital of the world, so if you’ve been looking for somewhere to get your swings in, now is the time. There are several incredible golf courses near Myrtle Beach to choose from, whether you’re an avid golfer or want to try out the sport for the first time!
After an action-packed day (or a relaxing one, it is vacation, after all!), head out to one of the delicious restaurants on the Grand Strand. We’ve even put together a guide to the top happy hours in the Myrtle Beach area if you want to plan ahead and save some money!
Looking to make the most of your stay? Explore more when you use our Beach Gear Credits for items like kayaks and bikes.
The 8-Bed 8.5-Bath Wonder By the Sea is another wonderful option.
Book Your Trip to Myrtle Beach Directly with Sea Star!
This National Book Direct Day, treat yourself to a getaway designed for you in Myrtle Beach. We’re here to make your vacation the best yet, and we can’t wait to welcome you to the shore!
There are so many charming communities to choose from when you visit the Grand Strand. Search by area on our website if you have a specific community in mind, or search by amenity if you don’t have a preference on location!
You can’t go wrong when you book a trip to Myrtle Beach with Sea Star. Whether you stay in Surfside Beach or Garden City Beach, want a home with a private pool, or a pet-friendly home so you can bring along your four-legged friends, your trip will be one to remember. We’re here to help every step of the way! Browse our available Myrtle Beach vacation rentals now and book your vacation directly with Sea Star Realty!
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