Staying Close to Home: Sanibel Is the Ideal Staycation

Each summer we see an influx of new birds on Sanibel Island. I call them sunbirds. Unlike the snowbirds who escape the cold and frost of northern climes in winter, the sunbirds are Floridians who want to completely change their environment for a week or two, yet stay close to home.

I don't know the official percentage, but I would guess that 50 percent of tourists coming to Sanibel Island in summer are coming from such locales as Miami, metro Tampa/ Clearwater as well as many of the inland towns such as Ocala, Gainesville and Kissimee/Orlando.

Obviously, escaping the traffic and noise of a larger city for the quietude and relaxation of a barrier island is one of the reasons for this migration.

And, having the emerald colored and calm gulf at your door step is another.

For nature lovers, the wild life is a big attraction.

But there are many other reasons--- not so obvious--- that bring Floridians to the tropical paradise of Sanibel.

During summer, Sanibel Island often offers accommodations that have a more flexible price and arrival/departure than they do in high season. Many condos and homes offer discounts in general, and especially so to "local residents".

In addition, and this is something we see quite often, a family may only have a week or two of vacation, but they can get away for long week-ends. This kind of flexibility in a rental guest's vacation stay frequently encourages mom and dad to rent a house for a whole month and go back and forth to their residence. Private homes are usually offered for a better price point because of the nature of supply and demand. A three bedroom home, if rented for the month of August as example, will generally price out lower per week than a three bedroom condo.

Aside from the appeal of more affordable lodging, summer on the Island holds the allure of better fishing than many other good fishing points throughout the state. And, sailing from Sanibel's marinas to other locations is also of great appeal as the waters are not crowded with boats in summer.

Sanibel blends the best of nature with a wide range of lodging and restaurants. It's no wonder it is the get-away of choice for so many of the state's most educated consumers!