Snowbirds haven’t had an easy time of it in recent years, between pandemics, inflation and climate change. Is the traditional Florida destination less popular with Canadians in search of warmth? Yes and no.
According to the latest Snowbird Advisor survey published in 2023, 86% of members said they spend their winters in the USA. Only 14% said they chose other international destinations.
However, new snowbirds are keen for a change: in fact, 25% said they were interested in discovering international destinations.
Here are the top five destinations:
Yes, it’s still the stuff of dreams, despite the skyrocketing cost of living. Le Soleil de la Floride took a closer look at the profile of the new generation of snowbirds.
According to Le journal des francophones en Floride, two trends stand out for these new snowbirds: buying a home on condition that they rent it out when they’re away, or renting a home for shorter periods and on certain dates. You may have to skip February and March, generally the most expensive months.
Other top destinations include:
Other destinations attracting snowbirds are:
The Caribbean always attracts travellers, and the Dominican Republic is no exception. According to the Journal de Montréal, this destination is increasingly popular in winter, to the detriment of Florida, where prices continue to rise.
But this southeastern U.S. state is obviously not the only one affected by inflation. Mexican resorts such as Puerto Vallarta and Puerto Morelos have also become unaffordable, as Le Devoir reveals.
At soNomad, which offers travel insurance for snowbirds, we suggest these destinations offering a more spring-like climate:
Asia is also a destination that still offers affordable prices, as Aline mentions in her text Travel on a budget: destinations under $50 a day where the Canadian dollar is worth the most.
In Southeast Asia, destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia offer excellent value for money.
Central America is also doing well. Guatemala and Nicaragua are equally great budget destinations.
Long-term travel abroad requires you to prepare in advance. CAA-Quebec Travel has compiled a list of information you need to know before taking the plunge. Things to consider:
According to the survey, 68% of snowbirds who travel to the USA do so by car. To reduce your gas bill, take advantage of certain credit cards offering rewards in the Gas Station category.
Top cards include the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card with 4% cash back per dollar, and the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card with 5 points per dollar (or around 3.35%).
All our tips are in our guide How to save on gas prices in Canada.
It’s a good idea to slip in a credit card with no conversion fees into your wallet. That’s a 2.5% savings per transaction!
Discover our tips in our guide to saving on foreign currency transactions
According to the survey, 40% of snowbirds stay in a hotel or resort.
You’re sure to find the right accommodation with Marriott Bonvoy. Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites are two of the brand’s establishments that are ideal for longer stays.
If you prefer to reserve a house or apartment, take a look at the Homes Villas by Marriott Bonvoy rental platform.
There are several ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points. The easiest way is via credit card. American Express offers two credit cards linked to this loyalty program:
Your travel points will come in handy to save on a charming Airbnb rental, a well-located independent hotel or a waterfront cottage. Our guides will help you create the perfect points strategy for your trip:
Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty program offers you many advantages. In Canada, major banks offer credit cards in partnership with Aeroplan, allowing you to earn points on your daily spending.
According to Air Canada’s points predictor, for a one-way economy flight from Montreal, you’ll need at least:
Would you like to find out more about this loyalty program? Here’s our Aeroplan beginner’s guide.
The Canadian Snowbird Association is a non-profit organization that has been defending the rights and privileges of Canadian travellers for over 30 years.
According to Snowbird Advisor’s latest survey of its members, 86% said they spend their winters in the USA. Destinations include Florida, California and Texas.
Time and money are two factors to be taken into consideration when flying off to sunny climates. Check the validity of your documents, such as your passport and driving license. We advise you to book your accommodations early. Last but not least, travel insurance is your best bet for a worry-free trip.
Some 250,000 Quebec snowbirds spend most of the winter in Florida.
Savings are here:
