When you get out the suitcase and start packing for a vacation, your pets naturally become excited because they see that everyone is getting ready to do something and they want to know what’s going on and if pet friendly travel is in their future.

Your furry friends are a member of your family; too, so it’s no wonder they always think they get to go everywhere you do. You don’t like going anywhere without your pets either, huh? So, why not bring them along so they can have some fun? After all, Fido deserves a vacation, too, right?

Royal Shell Makes Pet-Friendly Vacation Travel Easy

• Royal Shell vacation rentals mostly only allow dogs. However, very few select properties allow cats.
• Royal Shell charges an additional pet fee, which is used as additional rent to the owner of the property.
• Royal Shell currently has over 100 pet friendly properties.
• Breed or weight restrictions vary from property to property, but most properties are ok with one or two pets that are less than 25 pounds. Although, there are a select few properties that offer more relaxed standards.
• We ask that you please notify Royal Shell at time of booking and pay additional pet fee

Top 7 Tips for Pet-Friendly Vacation Travel

These tips will help pet owners and their companions get the most out of their Southwest Florida vacation.

Have you tried any of these tips? Let us know in the comment section below this post!

1. Check the Pet Policy When Making Reservations

First things first, make sure Fido is going to be allowed to stay at your vacation rental with you before you book accommodations for your next trip.

Some pet-friendly vacation rental homes require an additional, non-refundable fee to cover the cost of cleaning up after your furry friends. According to Royal Shell Vacations Director of Operations, Nykkie Rizley, pet fees are also used as additional rent to the property owner.

If you are considering a vacation rental property, and pet-friendly is not specified, it’s a good idea to call and inquire anyway, just to be safe. If you assume a property is pet-friendly and don’t learn otherwise until you arrive, that type of thing has the potential to ruin your entire vacation.

Always check the vacation rental property’s pet policy before you make reservations. You can also contact our vacation planners as well. If they’re not sure, they’ll work to get you an answer as soon as possible, so you can plan your vacation accordingly.

2. Proper Pet Identification

Remember, your pet can’t speak for itself. It can’t tell anyone its name or yours. So, if something were to happen to your pet while you’re on vacation, it’s vital to have your fur baby outfitted with proper identification, whether it’s via a tag or a microchip. Your furry friend could wander off and get lost and you never know when an unexpected event like a car accident or natural disaster could occur.

Even if you are super careful, something could catch you and your pet off guard and cause you to become separated. Making sure your pet has some type of identification ensures a much higher chance of them finding their way back to you safe and sound.

You also never know when you may need to take your pet to the vet. Or worse, you and Fido could become separated. If the worst case scenario does happen, it’s much easier to be reunited with your furry loved one if it has proper identification to find its way back to you.

3. Update Pet Vaccinations and Medical Records

Before you travel, it’s always a good rule of thumb to make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. Sometimes, owners are asked to provide medical records for their pet before they make the vacation rental reservation. If that’s the case, you don’t want to scramble to make a last minute appointment.

Also, keep in mind that medical records for your pet can play a vital role in the event of an emergency visit to a local veterinarian while you’re on vacation. Some pet vaccines are considered vital and they’re based on how severe a disease is, risk exposure to it and the chance of the disease being passed on to humans.

4. Pack Pet Carrier & Other Supplies

Sometimes, we’re so excited to get to our sunny vacation destination that packing our pets’ essentials can seem like an afterthought. When packing for a vacation that’s going to include pets, don’t forget their carriers, food, toys, leash, doggy bags, litterbox, litter and other necessary pet supplies.

Your dog or cat may also appreciate blankets and seat covers so they have a comfortable ride down to the Sunshine State and a comfortable place to lie on once they get here. If your pet is used to sleeping on a certain bed or a particular sheet, bring that with you, too; unless you want them sleeping on the guest bedroom.

While you may want to bring your furry loved one everywhere you go, there likely will be times when you need to leave them alone for a few hours. Putting them in their carriers is going to be the safest option, or you could opt for a local pet sitter.

Find a pet sitter in Southwest Florida

A pet sitter will feed and walk your dog as well as spend quality time with them so they don’t feel lonely while you’re gone.

Here are some pet sitter options:

• Call the local humane society and domestic animal services for recommendations
  • Naples Humane Society, 239-643-1555
  • Fort Myers (Gulf Coast) Humane Society, 239-332-0364
  • Lee County Domestic Animal Services, 239-533-7387
• If you’re staying in Fort Myers, you can try local a local pet services company, called Pawsotively Purrfect.
• Visit the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters website and enter your information and see what your options are.
• Browse www.Rover.com for pet sittings and dog walkers.

5. Play with Fido at the Dog Park or on the Beach

Fido is just as excited as you are to explore a new spot. Visit a local dog park near your pet-friendly vacation rental, or any other public park or beach where dogs are allowed.

You’ll get to enjoy the Florida sunshine and fresh air and you can soak up the sun and not feel guilty for leaving Fido behind. Your dog may also want to dip a paw in the water, too!

Here is a list of dog-friendly beaches in Southwest Florida, according to BringFido.com:

• Keewaydin Island in Naples
• Algiers Beach on Sanibel
• Bonita Beach Dog Park

The Naples Daily News offers these pet-friendly options:

• Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples
• Fort Myers Beach or any of the beaches on Sanibel. According to the Daily News, Lee County Parks and Recreation lets pet owners walk their dogs on the beach provided they pick up after their furry friend and put them on a leash.

6. Pet-Friendly Restaurants

A night out on the town can be fun for the whole family, and maybe your four-legged members want to come, too. Depending on the area—from the islands of Sanibel and Captiva, to Fort Myers or Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral or Naples—many restaurants welcome pets in an open air setting.

Check out our list of options, and make sure to call the restaurant ahead of time to confirm. The Naples Daily News recommends the following:

• The Dock at Crayton Cove in Naples
• Restaurants along Fifth Avenue South in Naples
• Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Café in Bonita Springs
• Some restaurants in Coconut Point Mall in Estero between Bonita Springs and Fort Myers
• Miromar Outlet shopping mall in Estero between Bonita Springs and Fort Myers

When you do decide to dine with Fido, make sure to bring a treat and bowl of water for your pooch, so they behave themselves and don’t seek out food from the table.

7. Good Pet Etiquette is Key

Let’s face it, not everyone enjoys pets. However, practicing good pet etiquette is important while you’re on vacation. If you’re planning on staying in a resort condo, keeping your dog quiet will be much appreciated by the building’s other guests.

The atmosphere can be exciting for pets because everything is exhilarating and new. It’s helpful to keep them on a leash and close by, so they don’t disturb others. While a beach house will afford you a little more privacy, pet owners will still need to focus on pet etiquette to ensure, for example, that a barking dog cannot be heard by neighbors at the next property over.

Make sure you and Fido have the vacation of a lifetime

If you’re getting ready to go on the vacation of a lifetime and you can’t stand not being able to bring along your furry family member, the professional staff at Royal Shell can help you find a pet-friendly vacation rental property that suits all of your needs. Whether you choose Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs or Naples vacation rentals, we want to make sure the entire family has the vacation of a lifetime, including Fido with a variety of pet friendly rentals! Connect with Royal Shell today.

Do you have other tips for pet-friendly travel on vacation? Share your comments here on your experiences with pet-friendly vacation rentals, or connect with us on social media. We look forward to hearing about your pet-friendly traveling adventures!

Whether you’re looking for a small one-bedroom cottage for a romantic getaway or a three-bedroom home for the entire family, booking vacation rentals online is quickly becoming a popular trend.

Secure your spot in paradise by opening up a few tabs of vacation rentals websites. No need to pick up the phone or slip out of your comfortable sweatpants. You can book your trip to Florida from the comfort of your own living room.

But where should you stay? At an Airbnb, a hotel or with Royal Shell?

Royal Shell is the largest regional real estate company in Southwest Florida. We have been in business for more than 21 years and we have over 300,000 guests stay with us each year.

Book your trip online, over the phone or in-person at one of our offices

With Royal Shell, you can make your Florida vacation rental online. Unlike sites like Airbnb, HomeAway or VRBO, you can also chat with a vacation planner on the phone and lock down your vacation spot the old-fashioned way. If you love where you’re staying now, you can visit any of our 16 offices in Lee and Collier counties and reserve your vacation rental for next year.

Fully equipped kitchen, more space and more privacy

There are also more options available if you choose a vacation rental over a hotel room. For one, you’re staying in a home instead of a room, and that alone is a huge plus. There’s more space, privacy and you can come and go as you please. Besides, you can also take advantage of the fully-equipped kitchen that comes standard in most of our vacation rental properties. Host a family dinner or just save a few bucks and cook dinner at home.

Let a local vacation planner help plan your trip

Our vacation planning advisers live and work in Southwest Florida, so if you have any questions about where to go, what to do, or where to eat, they’ll be able to give you all the information you need to know. We don’t want to just get you down here. We want to make sure you have the vacation of a lifetime.

Forbes.com uses 3 things to determine if a vacation rental website is credible:

1. An established business that has longevity. How long a brand has been in business is significant because roughly half of new start-up companies flop within their first 18 months, and, according to Forbes, only about 4 percent of businesses make it to the 10-year mark and beyond. Additionally, if a business has been around for a while, it also means the company knows the area well and can give accurate recommendations on where to go and what to do.
2. A relevant rental footprint. When a vacation rental website has a substantial rental footprint in a significant area, like Southwest Florida, it means they have enough homes to serve their existing client base, and can likely accommodate even more guests.
3. Amenities and services. These two things and vacation rentals go hand-in-hand. When people spend thousands of dollars on a vacation, they typically expect some type of personalized services, and each vacation rental company offers their own set of exclusive perks.

What Royal Shell Can Do that Other Rental Companies Cannot

1. Royal Shell has demonstrated knowledge of the local area. We know the best places to stay and we’ll work to help find you the perfect vacation home.
2. Whether you’re looking for hidden gems or typical tourist hot spots, we can tell you where to go and what to see. If you’re visiting Sanibel Island and you want to know where all the best beaches are, you’re in luck because we’ve got the scoop.
3. Royal Shell has its own state-of-the-art laundry facility. We also have our own vacation planning center, maintenance, housekeeping, guest services, IT and photography departments.
4. Our vacation planning call center is open seven days a week and guests can book a vacation rental online 24 hours a day. Royal Shell also has 24-hour, seven days a week emergency guest services.
5. You don’t have to spend time comparing tons of other sites for the best deal. With Royal Shell, you’re already getting a great deal. If you want to call and confirm that everything is good to go with your vacation rental before you get here, our call center is always open.
6. If you do need to talk with someone, we’re not only a phone call away. We have offices throughout Southwest Florida in Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs and Naples. If you want to talk to a person, we’re a short drive away, or we could even arrange for someone to come out and meet you at your vacation rental property. Delivering legendary customer service is very important to us, and we take it seriously.

Vacation Rentals with Royal Shell vs. Airbnb

Looking for an Airbnb accommodation is a popular way to find a place to stay while you’re on vacation; however, some people still have reservations about it. If you choose to rent out a room, you may also end up staying with fellow travelers you don’t know who are also renting out the home’s other rooms. Or you may end up crashing with the home’s host while they’re staying in another room on the property. If you’re looking for privacy and amenities, this is probably not going to be your best option.
You may also end up paying additional fees to book your stay. According to VRMintel.com, Airbnb charges an additional 6 to 12 percent of the cost of the rental. The site also says that same fee can be even higher on VRBO.com. According to VRMintel, “The service fee is between 5 to 12 percent for most bookings, but can be above or below, based on the reservation.”

Vacation Rentals with Royal Shell vs. Staying at a Hotel

When most people think about traveling, they consider staying at a hotel. There’s normally free breakfast or some sort of special if you book early or during a certain time of the year. But is a hotel room really the best choice if you want to feel more integrated into the city you’re visiting?
Tausha from The Globe Getter points out that you don’t get the same feeling when you have to walk down a hallway, use an elevator and take a bunch of extra steps to get to the city’s center. If you stay in a vacation rental property, it’ll already feel homier and less sterile right off the bat. And besides, you won’t feel so much like an outsider in your new temporary city when you can walk out the front door and be steps away from beaches, shops, restaurants and things to do.

The Takeaway on the Best Vacation Rentals Websites

The good news is that you’ve already decided when and where you want to go. The hardest part is over. Whether you’re coming to Southwest Florida for a week, a month, or longer, Royal Shell offers plenty of vacation rental options in a variety of different types of breathtaking locations.
We provide you with the type of luxury and customer service you’ll find at a hotel, but you get the space and privacy of a vacation home or resort rental. Vacation rentals with a company like Royal Shell also have other advantages over booking with a hotel or Airbnb.
These include:

1. More space. According to OwnerDirect.com, on average, a vacation home offers more than 1,300 square feet, while a hotel room has an average of just 325 square feet.
2. Fully-equipped kitchen. This means you not only save money on going out to eat because you can cook at home; you can also have family dinners while you’re away from your home base. How nice does it sound to sit around the dinner table together and talk about how much fun you’re having on your trip?
3. Home away from home. Vacation rentals have all of the comforts of a home. The top perk is privacy. You can use the pool and exercise equipment at your leisure. You can also have breakfast whenever you want, not during a hotel’s scheduled breakfast buffet times.

Check-In With Us

Let us know what you think of your stay with us in sunny Southwest Florida. Many people come here and never leave. We can help you find condos and cottages in Sanibel Island. If you’re thinking about buying or renting in the Sunshine State, any of our agents will be more than happy to show you around and give you the lay of the land.

Helping people find their dream home or vacation rental is what we do best. Come for a visit, maybe you’ll end up staying for a lifetime. Contact us at Royal Shell today to book a Sanibel vacation rental.

When most of the Northern states are still blanketed in winter snow, Southwest Florida offers a welcome change of scenery—and temperature. If you aren’t trying to escape the cold, the Sunshine State is also known for its emerald-green and blue water and white sand beaches.

Saying there is a lot to do if you’re considering Southwest Florida vacations for your family is an understatement. The Gulf Coast of Florida features a variety of different types of shops and restaurants. It’s also home to the Everglades, a somewhat prehistoric-looking tropical jungle. Explore the scenery or see if you can spot a wild alligator. There’s never a shortage of things to do in Southwest Florida.

Make Memorable Moments

Stay at a beach resort so you always have access to the shore. Take a stroll with the kiddos, go shelling with your grandparents or try a fun water activity like kayaking or paddleboarding with your loved ones. Southwest Florida also has some of the best sunsets in the country. In fact, people are known to gather at the end of the Naples Pier to watch the sunset. They even clap when it’s over.

Which Slice of Paradise is Right for your Family Vacation?

If you’re looking for Southwest Florida vacations for families, there are a variety of family-friendly rental properties available in Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Captiva and Sanibel Islands. Most homes or condo units come equipped with full kitchens and swimming pools. Some units even have access to private beaches and the Gulf of Mexico. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the top vacation destinations for families in Southwest Florida to help you make your decision on which area is best for your upcoming family escape.

Southwest Florida Vacations for Families: Choosing your Location is the Hardest Part

You may not really know where Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Captiva and Sanibel Islands are right now unless you’re looking at a map. But once you visit the Gulf Coast, we won’t blame you if you and the kids want to come back again every year. This part of the state is a gem and a Southwest Florida vacation for your family is an excellent choice if you want to unwind. It offers a laid back lifestyle and things to do for the entire family, from small children to senior grandparents.

Naples

Out of all of these cities, Naples is the furthest South and right across the state from Fort Lauderdale. If you like high-end dining and delicious and fresh seafood, downtown Naples is where you want to be. Third Street South offers some boutique shops, but it’s better known for its upscale restaurants. Fifth Avenue South also features a plethora of restaurants, but there are more casual and low-key options as well. If you’re here for the shopping, Fifth Avenue is definitely where you want to be. Beautiful beaches are only about a 10-minute drive from downtown and the Florida Everglades is about an hour South if you and the kiddos want to go on an airboat ride to try and spot an alligator.
The Naples Pier is about 10 minutes away from downtown Naples on 12th Avenue South. The pier has a place to get snacks and drinks in the middle of it and volleyball courts on either side. However, its best feature is the sunset. The timing of the sunset varies from month-to-month and especially during daylight savings time. Make sure you visit the pier to see it at least once. You may even see the rumored “Green Flash.” This happens when the sun dips just below the horizon and is reflected by the blue water of the Gulf of Mexico. A green flash of light appears and surrounds the sun for a brief moment. They’re very rare, and if you get a chance to see one, you’ll never forget it!

Fort Myers

Fort Myers is about an hour North of Naples and is also home to one of the most popular beach destinations for families, Fort Myers Beach. It boasts more tropical-themed shops and it’s dotted with colorful bungalows that will make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean.
Downtown Fort Myers is also a popular destination. It features blocks of historic buildings and it’s right on the Caloosahatchee River. Check out one of the art walks, music walks, classic car shows or any of the themed festivals hosted in the city’s center every weekend. You can even visit the Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Winter Estates.

Bonita Springs

Bonita Springs, or Bonita as locals call it, is in between Naples and Fort Myers. If you can’t decide which area you like best, this is the perfect choice. One of the most appealing draws to Bonita Springs is its no fuss lifestyle.
Historic downtown Bonita Springs is small, but charming. It features one of the best breakfast and brunch spots in the area, the Survey Cafe. You can also find authentic Mexican tacos about a block away. In between the two sits Everglades Wonder Gardens, an 82-year-old attraction that features breathtaking gardens, alligators, flamingos and other exotic animals. This is something you won’t want to miss. It’s such a beloved landmark in the community; a few years ago, a group of local residents formed a non-profit organization to purchase the property and save it from commercial development.

Sanibel and Captiva Islands

Sanibel and Captiva Islands are about an hour and a half North of Naples. Once you get into Sanibel, Captiva is about a 20 or 30-minute drive away. Sanibel and Captiva are some of our most exclusive options, and there’s a reason for that. Both islands are dotted with true Florida-style homes. Their homes are tucked away and surrounded by Florida’s natural beauty. They come in all colors of the rainbow and they all have unique personalities. This is where you go if you really want to relax.
Sanibel and Captiva are also both known for their local restaurants. If you have a chance, don’t miss out on Captiva’s Bubble Room. It’s one of the quirkiest places in Southwest Florida. There’s also the Captiva Course, a nine-hole golf course that features a relaxing ocean view. Known as the shelling capital of the world, many people visit these islands for their one-of-a-kind Florida seashells. Since Sanibel has an atypical east-west orientation, the north-flowing Gulf Stream waters deposit a treasure trove of seashells onto the beach every day. You never know what you’ll be able to find.

Southwest Florida Vacations for Families: Each Area Has A Lot to Offer

You really can’t go wrong with any of these Southwest Florida family vacation locations. They all offer something for everyone; it just depends on what you want to do while you’re here. Will it be a bungalow on Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel or Captiva Island? Perhaps you want a laidback vacation in Bonita Springs, or you’re tempted by Naples’s high-end eateries and fancy boutiques. The possibilities are endless.

Come for a week, or a month and connect with Royal Shell today to book a Sanibel vacation rental. Who knows, maybe you’ll stay for a lifetime. If you love Southwest Florida so much, try our vacation home rental tips for families to learn more. If that’s something you’re considering, let us know! Whether you’re thinking about buying or renting, any of our agents will be more than happy to show you around and take you around to see our beautiful Southwest Florida homes. If you’re thinking about selling your home and perhaps looking to be closer to the beach or have more space, we know Southwest Florida like the backs of our hands. Helping people find their dream home or vacation rental is what we do best.