Vacation planning itineraries made easy - The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Vacation planning itineraries made easy

CONTACTS:
Jackie MacKay, (407) 814-0014 or (407) 496-1770
Lee Rose (239) 338-3500

LEE COUNTY, FL --The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida offer travel agents an ideal way to plan their clients' itineraries. By accessing the destination's Web site at www.FortMyersSanibel.com, agents can find suggested itineraries for their clients to enjoy when visiting the area. The schedules include diverse options in eco-travel, history, birding and fishing.

All travel agents need to do once on the Web site's homepage is click on the "Tour and Travel" link and then click on "Itineraries." It's that simple. Agents who want more options also can click on the "Order a Guide Book" link on the home page to view the destination's e-guide that includes eight one-day mix-and-match vacation days as well as day trips to nearby destinations – all of which will help them create a customized itinerary for their clients.

Below are just some of the suggested "themes" for a great southwest Florida vacation:

Eco Explorations
This itinerary starts with a 90-minute tram tour of the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, more than 6,000 acres that are home to numerous native birds, raccoons, otters, alligators and other wildlife. The refuge features delightful footpaths, winding canoe trails and a four-mile scenic drive, all of which are lush with native plants.

Next is a visit to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, where agents' clients will find a delightful display of seashells from around the world with a focus on species from southwest Florida, followed by a stroll on the shell-laden beaches of Sanibel at Lighthouse Park Beach at the southern tip of Sanibel Island. In 1884, the lighthouse was built, and this quaint area became the center of island activity.

Other eco-tour possibilities include: the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Everglades Wonder Gardens, Manatee Park and Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve.

Historic Wonders
This itinerary starts at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, a must-see for visitors to southwest Florida. As the area's number one historical attraction, the Estates feature a 90-minute guided tour of Edison's 1886, 14-acre riverfront estate, laboratory and experimental gardens. The three-acre winter home of automobile industrialist Henry Ford features a display of Ford vehicles dating back to 1914.

Next up is Babcock Wilderness Adventures for a 90-minute swamp buggy ride with a trained naturalist through Telegraph Cypress Swamp, where clients can see panthers, Florida cracker cattle, alligators, native birds and more. Reservations are required.

Rounding out this excursion is a visit to the Southwest Florida Museum of History in Fort Myers, where agents' clients will find an historic train depot housing exhibits and artifacts tracing pre-historic Florida to the present day. Included are a Cracker House and 1929 Pullman train car. The museum also offers a traveling exhibit, downtown walking tours, escorted bus trips and special events throughout the year.

Another possible option for this tour is the Koreshan State Historic Site in Estero. Settled in 1894, this religious settlement boasted 50 buildings at one time, 11 of which still remain, including the Bakery, Art Hall, and the restored home of founder Cyrus Reed Teed. The College of Life Foundation across the street maintains archives. A nationally recognized historical site, this attraction features fishing, camping, nature study, picnicking, a playground, boat ramp and canoes for rent. Guided walks and campfire programs are offered seasonally.

The Art of Birding
Bird watching doesn't get any easier than on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, named the top bird watching destination in the nation by USA Today. The reasons? Weather that makes migration a fact of life and rich protected natural lands. More than 300 species of birds reside in the destination either full- or part-time, so agents' clients can catch a glimpse of them any month of the year.

Birding can be as easy as craning one's neck to peer atop trees and telephone poles or slowing down while motoring along highways. Ospreys and eagles frequently build their large nests on poles and trees. Though here year-round, clients are more likely to spot them in the spring, when their young are born. Have clients make a point of looking to their left and right as they ride to catch a glimpse of roseate spoonbills, wood storks, sand hill cranes and burrowing owls.

Popular birding spots include: Sanibel Lighthouse, Fort Myers Beach, Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Caloosahatchie Regional Park, Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Lovers Key State Park.

Travel agents who need customized assistance with developing itineraries for their clients can visit www.FortMyersSanibel.com and click on the "Tour and Travel" link to access the Travel Agent Help Desk.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel include: Sanibel & Captiva islands, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs & Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande & Outer islands, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres. Images are available upon request.