Snowbirding, like RVing, is a lifestyle. It’s not a vacation; rather, it’s a temporary relocation to a warmer climate. “Snowbirds” are people who live in northern parts of the country and choose to “fly south” where it is warm and sunny. Florida, Texas, and Arizona are popular locations for snowbirds to gather. Will you be one of them this year?
Perhaps you are retired or can work remotely and would rather spend your days in the sunshine. Maybe the kids have all left the nest and you need a change of scenery. It could be that you have a health issue that would be better managed if you’re not fighting the chilly temperatures.
Whatever the reason, snowbirding is particularly effective for RV owners. There are plenty of RV parks and resorts in the warmer states where you can stay seasonally. Or, if you’re feeling restless, you can choose to be a bit more nomadic in your approach. Regardless, there are things you should do in preparation for this particular lifestyle.
1. Choose your location.
How do you decide where to go? First of all, home in on a location based on your interests and how you expect to spend your time. Do you enjoy golfing? Hiking? Swimming? A location close to a city and its diversions or somewhere more country and remote? Like RVing, choosing a snowbird location depends greatly on how you expect to live. From there, ask friends for advice, peruse online forums, read articles, explore locations via the internet, and visit prior to making a concrete plan if you can. Once a location starts to come into focus, check the respective RV park or resort’s policies on pets, on-site amenities, what utilities you’d be responsible for, and if there are any long-term discounts. The beauty of RVing is that you can always go elsewhere.
2. Settle on a budget.
If you’ve been vacationing via RV before, then you already know some of the line items. You also know what these line items look like at home. Approach budgeting for your extended time away the same as you would for a typical vacation, and then also compare it to your existing home costs. Factor in bills such as home utilities and a mortgage (if you have one), projected utilities at your southern location, gas, food, entertainment, medical insurance, vehicle insurance, etc.
3. Decide how long you’ll be gone.
Depending on the state, there are tax implications depending on residency. In Michigan, for instance, your “domicile” is where your principal establishment is located and to which you plan to return. In Michigan, you’ll need to reside in the state for 183 days in a tax year, or more than half. If not, then you may need to consider establishing residency in another state. You can only be a resident of one state at a time.
4. Figure out medical.
You have your doctor at home. Now it’s time to find a doctor in your warm-weather destination. It’s important to establish this early on, especially if you have a health condition that needs monitoring. Prior to leaving, tell your doctor your plan and ask if you can get additional prescriptions (if you take any). Find a pharmacy in your new location and set up auto-refill, or look into mail-order; many large pharmacies will ship. For health insurance, look for a national plan that crosses state borders rather than a state plan. The health of your RV is important as well. Research the intended destination for RV shops, and then plan to do some scouting when you arrive.
5. Prepare your home.
Prepare your home for your departure by making sure all outstanding and necessary maintenance items are taken care of, that bills are paid, that the main water supply is shut off, that appliances are all set, the thermostat is set, mail is forwarded, and a friend arranged to stop by from time to time to check on the place. This is particularly important as winter storms can cause damage to your home from wind, ice, or fallen trees. Set the home alarm if you have one. To help offset costs, you can consider offering your home as a short-term rental. This way, somebody is also looking after the place; however, you are responsible for any upkeep or issues that occur while you’re away, which can be a headache to handle from a distance.
6. Organize important information.
You’ll need to ensure that you have essential documents on hand with you and kept in a secure location. This includes passports, insurance policies, medical records and healthcare directives, and banking. Travel with contact information for family and friends, and keep it in a reachable place in case of an emergency. Ensure that your will is up to date. If you have pets, then bring along important information about them including a complete vaccination record, medications (and dosages), health issues, and anything else that could be relevant if someone were to have to care for your pet at short notice.
7. Prepare your RV.
Check over your RV thoroughly before the long drive. Check batteries, fluids, tire pressure, etc. Fix any new or lingering issue that needs more immediate attention. Packing also looks a little different. You will need some clothes that will enable you to be comfortable in the cold, but you’ll primarily need to pack clothing for moderate or hot weather conditions. This means much of your wardrobe can stay in the closet at home. If you’re planning on camping along the way, pack food and supplies as you would for any weekend camping trip; or opt to eat out to avoid kitchen chores (if it’s within budget). Purchase full-sized hygiene items like shampoo once you arrive in your warm-weather destination.
8. Take your time traveling to and from.
You don’t need to push it if you don’t want to. A big reason many of us got into RVing is that we can go at our own pace. We can change plans based on weather, attractions, you name it. Enjoy the journey. This way you don’t show up exhausted, or return to your northern home exhausted.
9. Get to know the local area.
At home, you know all the back roads, best lunch spots, and traffic flow. In your snowbird location, take time to explore. Drive around and visit new places. Ask other snowbirds or local residents about their favorite places and eateries. Learn about the nearest hospitals and fire stations and schools. Over time, you’ll gather the innate knowledge of a local yourself. The sense of adventure is replaced by a sense of familiarity, and there is a lot of comfort in that. Certainly you’ll miss “home,” but it’s important to make your chosen snowbirding destination its own unique home where you feel comfortable. Celebrate each place you call home rather than focusing on the differences.
10. Branch out, but stay in touch.
It takes a little gusto to join a new community, so you need to be a little more outgoing than normal if you aren’t by nature. It’s easy to feel isolated in a new place where you don’t know the area or anybody around. You may miss your friends and creature comforts back home. That’s okay. Stay in touch with friends and family in your cold-weather home by sending pictures, making phone calls, and visiting on video chats. That being said, it’s important to establish a network in your warm-weather destination, too. This is necessary in a myriad of ways, including socialization, staying active, and when emergencies occur. Remember, lots of people are feeling the same as you. Snowbirding is a wonderful way to make connections with others without needing to move away from your other friends and family members back home. Learn to appreciate both.