Summer is just around the corner, and for many families that means a trip to Fabulous Florida and one of the beautiful beaches that cover more than 660 miles of coastline in the Sunshine State. No matter where you are in the process of vacation planning, we’ll start at the beginning and work our way up. If you’ve already covered some of the steps below, maybe these tips will come in handy next time!
PICK UP AT DESTINATION:
First things first, of course, and the most basic decision you have to make is where on those 600+ miles of beaches you want to spend your precious vacation time. There are many factors to consider: the distance from your hometown and the travel time involved; the price of the vacation rental; features and availability; activities that are important to your family, such as boating, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, hiking, etc.; and for some, pet-friendly beaches and accommodations. Some beaches are bustling and crowded, like Panama City, Clearwater, Siesta, Destin, Miami and others. Accommodations also vary: some have many high-rise condos and therefore many more rental units and many more guests. Other vacation spots tend to have lower density and fewer units, like Cabo San Blas, for example. There are about a dozen areas of the state that have a pet-friendly beach. Please read the restrictions for the various destinations so that you fully understand what limitations, if any, exist on bringing your dog. For example, in Cape San Blas, dogs are welcome on leashes on Gulf County beaches, with the exception of St. Joseph’s Peninsula State Park, where they are not allowed. Some beaches have limited areas where dogs are allowed or certain hours.
The wonders of the Internet make narrowing down your choice of location much easier than ever before! Using a Google search for phrases that describe what you’re looking for can give you a list of locations to start investigating more carefully. Try searches like “Pet Friendly Florida Beach Rentals for Families” or “Uncrowded Florida Beach Rentals” or other search strings that appeal to your family. Ask for recommendations from others who have had positive vacation experiences. Many counties or cities will have tourism forums, where you can log in and ask questions. If any place is a serious consideration for you, visit their forum and see what people have to share.
Everyone has a “perfect” beach destination that they love. Just like some people prefer chocolate and a little vanilla, I’m not going to try to tell you what I think would be your best options. I can tell you which beaches I like, but that’s it. My current favorite is Cape San Blas, where we have our rental business and two houses. Why do we love the Cape? We like the low density, beautiful sunsets, fabulous beaches, fishing, and scallops (St. Joe Bay is considered pristine Florida water, and the oysters, fish, and scallops are amazing). We like to hike in the State Park and ride horses on the beach. We love that our dogs can be on the beach too. But then again, there are many wonderful beaches in Florida. Just find the best option for your family and go for it!
PICKING IN RENTAL UNIT
Well, you have chosen a destination. Good for you! You must now select a vacation rental unit. Just as there were many factors to consider when choosing a beach that would fit your family’s needs, the same goes for choosing the right property. Finding the right mix of rooms, amenities, views, features, and price can seem overwhelming at first. It’s best to decide your priorities before you start by asking rental sites or calling vacation rental companies or hotels. Why? If your budget is $4000 a week, stumbling across that $10,000 a week mansion with the use of your own speedboat will leave you feeling deprived. My advice to you when considering your rental options:
1. The closer to the gulf and the beach, the more expensive the unit will be. If budget is a factor, agreeing to a walk of even 125 to 200 steps (about 2 minutes of walking) can save you big on the bottom line on your home, condo, or hotel room. But if it’s beachfront or nothing, honey, well, just know you’ll pay a little more. I always insisted on the gulf front for my family’s week in paradise every year too, and it was worth every extra penny we paid to hear those ocean waves, feel that ocean breeze, and watch the sunset from the deck every the days.
2. Services have a price. If a private pool is a “must have” for you, know that you will pay more for that rental house than for one with a community pool or without a pool. An elevator can be great for loading and unloading, but if everyone in your group is fit, you can save a few bucks by skipping the houses with the elevators, and also get in some cardio during the week by taking the stairs. . The most basic services, like free internet, don’t add much to the price these days, but they can be important for traveling business owners or students who have to deliver documents on vacation.
3. Maximum occupancy and bed configurations. I always advise my guests that if they can avoid using the sofa bed, do so. One of my personal vacation rentals offers a sleeper sofa in the loft, and it gives you more privacy and can be a good option especially for teenagers. But if you have no choice but to use the sleeper sofa in the main living room, so be it. Also look at the various bedding configurations. If you need 1 king bed and 2 queen beds, it will narrow your search and eliminate twin and bunk bed rentals.
4. What is supplied? In our vacation community, there is a big difference from unit to unit in what is included in your rental as standard options. Some provide bed linen and towels as part of the rental. Some provide them for an additional charge. Some don’t provide them at all, and you have to bring them from home. The same is true for things like beach chairs, beach cart for a unit that is far from the gulf, gas grills, games, puzzles, movie libraries, kitchen and laundry essentials, pet towels and sheets in pet-friendly units. for pets and much more. plus. When comparing Rental A to Rental B, make sure they have a similar layout. If not, consider whether there is a price savings to “carry your own bag” and whether the savings, if any, or convenience is worth it to you.
Wow, that was hard work. Now it’s time to get ready to go, at last! More to come in my article, Your Florida Summer Beach Vacation – What to Bring and How to Pack for the Best Family Fun in the Sun!
