Tessa Lorraine
Beneath this snowy mantle cold and clean,
The unborn grass lies waiting for its coat to turn to green.
The snowbird sings the song he always sings,
And speaks to me of flowers that will bloom again in spring.
-- "Snowbird," Anne Murray
Awaiting the end of winter isn't just for unborn grass and birds. Increasingly, older Americans are searching out warmer climes in winter in an effort to melt away the winter blues. These retired elders are collectively referred to as "snowbirds."
Snowbirds are generally retired, affluent, mobile seniors who move to warmer climates during the winter months (October to April). Also known as seasonal human migration, these snowbirds travel from colder climates like Northern and Midwestern states to the warmer climates of Arizona, Florida and even Mexico. Whether they own homes in both the North and South, rent or just live it up at hotel resorts, these elders are living out a dream. Seeking out warmer weather, outdoor activities and freeing themselves of hassles that come with fighting blizzards and snowdrifts, they migrate to our country's warmer regions in droves.
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From October to April, over 5 million seniors (those 50 and older) migrate south for warmer weather. Most of these people own both their winter and summer homes, while a smaller percentage rent. This large population has a discretionary spending level of 80%.
Seasonal travel isn't just for the idly rich. With the expansion of the middle class has come a new breed of snowbird, the mobile snowbird. These mobile birds stock up the RV and head south, west or wherever. RV parks are convenient and plentiful, providing ample opportunities for exploring, sightseeing, or just staying put and enjoying the company of fellow travelers.
Generally, October is the time to start planning your snowbird adventures, but December is not too late. Here are some helpful tips to guide your snowbird journey.
Most people think of Arizona and Florida as big destinations. But those are just two of the better known Sun Belt states. California, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico and even Texas are considered winter destinations and desirable locales. All are known for warmer weather, outdoor activities and adventure.
If you're seriously thinking about becoming a snowbird, the following tips from the Canadian Snowbird Association are a great start.
1. Rent in a number of locations prior to purchasing property or settling down for a long period -- this will give you an opportunity to learn more about local customs and atmosphere.
2. Remember that the snowbird lifestyle is an active one -- the less one spends on accommodation, the more one can afford to participate in entertainment and social events. So affordable accommodation is extremely important.
3. Contact local public offices, such as the Chamber of Commerce and the municipal economic development office, for information on local issues such as taxes and services.
4. Read the online versions of the community newspapers for the destinations you are considering -- the Sarasota (Florida) Herald-Tribune, for example, has a website at heraldtribune.com.
5. Read snowbird-related travel books, such as Dave Hunter's "Along the I-75," or "The Canadian Snowbird Guide" by Douglas Gray.
Choosing a location to spend winters and summers isn't an easy task, considering the options are limitless. But snowbirds all across the country are taking it on. It's the sort of retirement people dream of. Imagine being able to just pick up and go. Picture maintaining residence in two places providing perfect weather, not too hot, not too cold, all year round. The process of finding one's ideal snowbird location affords travel experiences to any number of places. Of course, one can also try them all!
Canadian Snowbird Association: snowbirds.org
Tessa Lorraine is program manager at Rianda House. She holds a master's degree in gerontology and serves on the Napa County Commission on Aging. She lives in Napa with her beagle, Biscuit. To volunteer with Rianda House, call Tessa at 707-963-8555 ext. 103.
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