Great Resolutions for a Sanibel Holiday

It's been a wild 2 weeks on Sanibel with every kind of weather you could imagine over the holidays.

We had sun.

We had warm.

We had cool.

We had wind.

But now we are pretty much back to normal with temps in the 70's, blue skies, warming rays and just the gentlest of breezes.

And there is the usual enormous surge of inquiries from vacation rental guests experiencing bitter cold elsewhere who have begun to look for a port in the winter storm. We can accommodate most, but not all of their needs, and we certainly don't like to turn any one away so we are working hard to find the perfect place for our visitors for the future. And we are working with our current guests to assure that they are comfortably settled in for their stay.

In talking to our guests, current and future, we realize that some resolutions might be in order for the best enjoyment of Sanibel.

Here are half a dozen we would suggest to all who know and appreciate how special a place the Island is:

1. I shall not wait until January of 2012 to look for a great place to stay on Island in February of 2012. Last minute "deals" can be found, but the best deals are usually discovered well in advance of the busiest month of the year.

2. I shall anticipate the weather flux and flows of winter on Sanibel and carry down more than colorful shorts and t-shirts for my stay.

3. I shall not forget my sun tan lotion for those (often experienced) glorious days when the sun is high and bright. Winter on Sanibel can result in a burn if the sun bather does not take care.

4. I shall bring my own entertainment (kindle, books, DVD's, games) for the rare days of wind and cool. Though most vacation rental properties offer entertainment in these forms, it's always nice to have your own play toys with you!

5. I shall be flexible on dining out, especially on a holiday night. Eating earlier or later than usual may help you find a comfortable table at your favorite restaurant. And calling ahead at some restaurants for a reservation can be a boon as well.

6. I shall enjoy the wild life of the island in passive form. I shall heed the directives to stay away from the banks of fresh water. I shall leave only foot prints on the sand and take only memories and (discarded shells) away.