Early January we drove around 10 hours (incl. breaks) the about 600 miles down to Sanibel Island. The island "for the reclusive millionaire" was our hope for nice weather -- also this was our first trip with a family of five. Through VRBO we found a great appartment for the week.


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The island is fantastic, no buildings higher than a (three-story) palm tree, no traffic lights, and no neon signs. The Ding Darling wildlife refuge was a great option (birds and few alligators). We enjoyed riding bike (with trailer), great rental options exist on the island. It is popular with german tourists (who usually visit for the day) so, while seashelling, it felt like being on the baltic sea. (On the toll booth for entering the island there was specifically a german sign asking not to use the leftmost lane reserved for the sun pass)
The weather was disappointing (this was the week setting all sorts of temperature records with fruit trees in danger of freezing) but it was overall a very exciting week.

Pictures here