Snowbirds: winter destinations

To the point Warming up in the sun during the winter season is as popular as ever with many Canadians. Here's an overview of the most popular destinations for snowbirds.

Popular destinations Destinations to explore Getting ready for departure

Save with points On gasoline On foreign currency transactions Accommodation On the plane

Frequently Asked Questions

Snowbirds haven’t had an easy time of it in recent years, between pandemics, inflation and climate change. Is the traditional Florida less popular with Canadians in search of warmth? Yes and no.

une vue aérienne de Fort Lauderdale, avec sa plage

According to the latest Snowbird Advisor survey, 86% of members said they spend their winters in the United States. 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.

Snowbirds - Popular destinations

Here are the top five destinations:

Florida

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. They will have to take into account the cost of accommodation, in order to adapt the length of their stay.

In Florida, two trends stand out for these new snowbirds: buying a home on condition that you rent it out when you’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 :

South Carolina
Hawaii
The Caribbean
Portugal
Spain
Costa Rica
And Panama

The Caribbean always attracts travelers, and the Dominican Republic is no exception. According to a recent Journal de Montréal survey, this destination is increasingly popular in winter, to the detriment of Florida, where prices continue to climb.

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.

Snowbirds - Destinations to explore

At soNomad, which offers travel insurance for snowbirds, we suggest these destinations offering a more spring-like climate:

Gran Canaria. This pearl is one of the Spanish Canary Islands, off the northwest coast of Africa. You’re sure to be charmed by its beaches, lush vegetation and mild temperatures.

Sicily. It’s the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, located at the tip of the Italian boot. You’ll fall in love with its landscapes, heritage, gastronomy and mild climate.

Corsica. The Isle of Beauty lives up to its name with sublime beaches and charming villages. Located around 12 km north of Sardinia, this corner of French paradise will soon make you forget the rigors of Canadian winters.

Madeira. This Portuguese island lies in the heart of the Atlantic, off the coast of Morocco. Nicknamed “the island of eternal spring”, it’s perfect for hiking, but also for relaxing in its volcanic pools.

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 also great budget destinations.

Getting ready for departure

Long-term travel abroad requires advance preparation. CAA-Quebec Travel has compiled a list of information you need to know before taking the plunge. Among the points :

Check the validity of your passport
Fill out the Registration of Canadians Abroad form
Do you need a visa?
Check your vaccinations
Can your pet travel with you?
Will you need an International Driving Permit?
Your stay must not exceed 182 days to remain covered by Québec health insurance.
Do you have good travel insurance?
Find out about local health measures

Snowbirds - Save with points

On gasoline

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.

On foreign currency transactions

In your wallet, it’s a good idea to slip in a credit card with no conversion fees. That’s 2.5% savings per transaction!

Discover our tips in our guide to saving on foreign currency transactions

Accommodation

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:

As for the CIBC Aventura loyalty program, it would be a shame to miss out on this offer: you can redeem 50% fewer points by using the Shopping with Points option for any travel purchase paid in Canadian dollars.

Simply charge your expenses to one of the CIBC Aventura cards, such as the CIBC Aventura^{^®} Visa Infinite* Card, and take advantage of its welcome offer and benefits, including reimbursement of NEXUS membership fees.

On the plane

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 :

10,000 points to Fort Lauderdale, Miami or Orlando airports
12,500 points to Cancun, Tulum or Punta Cana airports

Would you like to find out more about this loyalty program? Here’s our Aeroplan beginner’s guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Canadian Snowbird Association?

The Canadian Snowbird Association is a non-profit organization that has been defending the rights and privileges of Canadian travelers for over 30 years.

Where are Quebec snowbirds headed?

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.

How do I become a snowbird?

Time and money are two factors to be taken into consideration when flying off to sunny climes. Check the validity of your documents, such as your passport and driving license. We advise you to book your accommodation early. Last but not least, travel insurance is your best bet for a worry-free trip.