Sunday, December 19, 2010

Intergenerational Travel to Sanibel: Why's and Where fores

Because Sanibel is kid friendly, educationally advantageous and safe, it is a very popular tourist destination for families with young kids. Similarly, its quiet environment, intimate dining options and easy to navigate topography make it equally popular with seniors, from young retirees to seasoned elders. And for those "tweeners", the number of active sporting options from boating, to biking to para sailing, the Island is a magnet. So when mom, dad, grand ma and grand pa and the kids in the family--- ranging from 2 to 20---are looking for a winter break or summer holiday, Sanibel Island is often on the list of maybe's.

At Sanibel Holiday, we are able to offer a variety of accommodations that can be tailored to the needs and budget of our intergenerational family travelers.

When it's a larger party looking for ultimate "togetherness" and able to commit to a month on Island, we suggest our private home rentals. A house with 3 bedrooms, a lanai, a pool and all the amenities from fully stocked kitchens to well supplied media options, provides the family with the optimum in bedding, cooking and entertainment. It also allows for various members of the family to seek out and utilize their own space within the home. A larger condo might work as well, and the weekly rather monthly obligation, is more convenient for many vacationers, but the privacy of a home is often preferred by families who are looking to establish their own unique resort vacation.

Often, a larger group will opt for 2 or 3 condos in the same complex. Sanibel Holiday is happy to help in making these kind of arrangements. Condo units near each other but providing specific resolutions, are a very effective way for the big groups to vacation together. Those individuals who want the utmost in quietude, are directed to the last floors of a complex in order to avoid the possibility of "heavy stepping" upstairs neighbors. Similarly, the physically challenged as well as the moms and dads who want to walk right in after a day of shell collecting may be more attracted to first floor units and the easy access they provide.

So finding the right accommodation is relatively easy.

Another matter to consider is transportation on the Island.

It's always easy as the Island is small and slow going. But those seeking a larger condo or even a house might want to consider the issue of parking. Most condos come with one parking space per unit, and during busy times could not accommodate the 2 or 3 vehicles a larger group may need when staying in the same apartment. This should be discussed and explored to see if there are ample guest parking spaces where the additional cars can be parked. Some homes have enough driveway space to accommodate multiple cars, but this is not always the case and exploration on this matter should be accomplished before a booking is made.

Eating in is a great option in a vacation rental. All condos and homes come supplied to allow you to make meals in. But we do counsel our clients that meal planning with a intergenerational group may be a bit more complicated and communicating dietary preferences will make the job simpler and quicker. There are two large, lovely and diversified grocery stores on Island, and several smaller ones. It is unlikely you will not find what you like in these stores, it just takes time and consideration to make sure you have what you want in your rental accommodation.

One thing is for certain, regardless of the composition of your family, you will find a stay on the Island to be the best vacation you ever had!

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