If you’re planning a vacation, you’re probably looking to save money where you can. Luckily, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to spend the time of your life in Florida! You can easily stay in one of our Sanibel vacation rentals and have a fantastic trip without spending tons of money.
We have a few tips to help you make the most of your trip to Sanibel and Captiva Islands while still sticking to your budget.
Visit in the Off-Season
The easiest and perhaps most effective way to save money on your trip is to visit in the off-season. Around here, that’s the winter months. While Sanibel and Captiva Islands can be busy in the summertime, business starts to slow down once school starts back up in the fall. If you visit during the off-season, it’s not uncommon to find incredible deals on Sanibel Island rentals, sometimes up to 50% off the original price!
It’s also worth mentioning that traveling in the off-season has its benefits even beyond saving you some cash. When you visit in the winter months, you can still enjoy the warm Sanibel Island weather instead of the frigid conditions of the home. Plus, since there aren’t so many travelers here, you won’t have to wait in line for your favorite attractions or book reservations for every meal.
Sanibel and Captiva Island Rentals with Kitchens
Food is another huge expense on any vacation. While there are some genuinely mouthwatering Sanibel Island restaurants for you to check out, you can save money by cooking at least a few meals in your rental. That’s why we offer a massive selection of Sanibel and Captiva Island condo rentals with full kitchens with all the appliances and cookware you might need to prepare your meals.
Even if you don’t cook at home for every meal, using your kitchen can still help you save money. Simply preparing breakfast in your rental, you could save hundreds, depending on your family’s size. A kitchen can even be helpful if you’re eating out for most meals; pack up your order in a to-go container to bring back to your condo to enjoy later! There are many ways to save money: having a kitchen at your disposal while on vacation.
Sanibel Island Farmers’ Market
If you’re going to book one of our Sanibel Island rentals with a kitchen, then you’re going to need to get some ingredients. Luckily, the Sanibel Island Farmers’ Market offers delicious local ingredients that are significantly cheaper than you may find at a grocery store. Plus, you’ll get to meet the vendors and farmers responsible for bringing all the delicious food to the market!
Of course, all kinds of fresh produce are on display here, but that’s not all you’ll find. You can also pick up fresh fish, live plants, baked goods, cheeses, pasta, sausages, and more. If you’re in town for an extended period, come back to the market each week to find something new every time!
The Sanibel Island Farmers’ Market operates from October through May, so if you’re visiting in the off-season, take advantage of it. If you’re not traveling during these months, or if there’s something you need that you can’t find at the market, you still have another option for getting affordable groceries.
Grocery Stores
To stock up your kitchen while in town, visit one of the local grocery stores! There are quite a few grocery stores near Sanibel Island, so you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for. For instance, Bailey’s General Store on Periwinkle Way offers a wide selection of groceries from national brands you know and love. You’ll find everything from produce and seafood to pantry staples, health and beauty products, and even a butcher! Shop in-store or schedule a grocery pickup or delivery as you check into your rental.
Jerry’s Foods and Huxters Market & Deli are two more great options if you want to get your groceries on Sanibel. However, you can also stop at the store before crossing the bridge onto the island if you prefer. Most notably, there is a convenient Publix location near Fort Myers, just minutes away from our Sanibel Island condo rentals.
Plan Your Stay!
A vacation to Sanibel Island doesn’t have to break the bank! Book your Sanibel and Captiva Island vacation rental today and follow the tips for a budget-friendly getaway!
Rent by the Day
Spending time outdoors is an excellent idea when you’re looking for affordable things to do on Sanibel Island. You can head down to the shoreline and enjoy the beach or stroll through the town to see the sights. During your stay, you might be interested in renting equipment like bikes, kayaks, standup paddleboards, and more. But how can you save money while you do so?
Many local vendors who offer equipment for rent have two main rental periods: by the hour and by the day. You may be tempted to rent by the hour, especially if you don’t plan to use your equipment for that long. However, renting by the day could be a better deal in the long run. You’ll be saving on the typical per-hour rate. Since you’ll have your equipment for an extended period, you can make the most of your purchase and spend even more time outside enjoying the beautiful Sanibel, Florida, weather.
Lay Out on the Beach
The quintessential activity of any Sanibel or Captiva vacation is spending time on the stunning beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Island, and luckily for those on a budget, it’s also free! Laying out on the beach, enjoying a great book, or working on your tan, is an excellent way to save money and spend time with your loved ones without feeling like you’re missing out on anything. Allow yourself to relax and unwind with the waves steps away.
You can pack up the car and head down to the beach, but if you want a more convenient experience, consider staying in one of our Sanibel or Captiva vacation rentals right on the beach! Booking one of these properties lets you walk down to the shore whenever you’d like, whether you want to take a morning stroll or watch the sunset over the waves at night. You’ll have free access to the beach, save time and money since you won’t have to drive, and have the perfect excuse to spend the day on the sand doing nothing but relaxing.
Planning a budget-friendly vacation in one of our Sanibel and Captiva vacation rentals doesn’t have to be complicated. You can experience all the best Sanibel Island things to do without spending too much money, meaning you can stay even longer or go ahead and plan your next vacation! Either way, Gopher Rentals will be here to welcome you. Our properties are well equipped, comfortable, spotless, and affordable, perfect for groups of all sizes. Contact our team today to learn more and to plan your Sanibel getaway!