Why Sanibel is the Perfect Spot for a Girls Getaway

Imagine you and 3 or 4 of your best friends with the time, money and leisure to go away without the husbands or significant others.

You want a warm spot where you can lay in the sun, have a tropical drink (or two), have a selection of restaurants, maybe rent bikes, take some boat rides and feel safe and secure.

You don't want a hotel room, because all your socializing will have to be at the bar and you want a more private and quiet environment. And a place you can cook. Yes, that sounds very nice. Your own kitchen where you can make what ever you want when ever you want it.

So the optimum setting would be a house where you can share a bedroom and at least a couple of bathrooms.

Or maybe a spacious condominium will do as well.

And, of course, since you are (fill in the blanks) teachers, nurses, administrators, you want to be modest in the expenditure, splitting the rent and leaving you all enough to be able to eat when and where you choose, rent a spiffy convertible for your stay and have some money left over to buy a few nice souvenirs for the folks back home.

OK, you're set. You know what you want, you've asked a few people where the best places for this kind of vacation might be and you're ready to narrow down the options.

You don't want crowds, noise and distractions. A nice, quiet beach where you can swim, shell and read when your voices give out from talking and catching up is the primary objective. Calm water sounds equally enticing.

And then someone suggests Sanibel Island on the Gulf Coast of Mexico.

Yes, a Caribbean like place with an abundance of nature, a laid back tropical feel, a large variety of accommodation options, within 40 minutes of a major airport and not more than 3 hours driving from several other international airports.

And you look up the information on line to find that Sanibel is named consistently on several prestigious best beach lists.

And then you look around at lodging and see that most homes only rent for 28 night minimums, but lovely condos can be had for weekly stays. And split 4 ways, it's significantly less than a hotel room and considerably more comfortable and convenient.

So you make your reservations, plane and condo, and pack your bags...oh, no need to bring very much. The condo comes with most of what you'll need, including a washing machine and dryer so a few pair of shorts, a bathing suit and half a dozen tops will do.

Now you're ready to go.

Wasn't that easy?