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In recent years, snowbirds haven’t had it easy between condo fees, inflation, the unfavourable exchange rate, political instability and climate change. Here are some alternatives to the traditional Florida getaway. To prepare every aspect of your season, see our complete snowbirds guide.
The Dominican Republic and Punta Cana offer visitors coming from the cold a reassuring and familiar haven, with a strong French-speaking presence.
In addition, airlines run several direct flights to the Dominican Republic, and the average temperature is 29°C in January. Snowbird residences, high-quality care and a warm atmosphere, at prices half those of Florida: everything is set up to make them feel at home under the palm trees.
Costa Rica is a superb exotic destination offering incredible biodiversity and varied landscapes.
As snowbirds, you will discover lush jungle and seaside beaches. Costa Rica also offers plenty of outdoor activities, from hiking to birdwatching. The time difference is 2 hours behind Quebec and the non-stop flight is a little over 6 hours.
Sunny 320 days a year, this region in southern Spain is a real magnet for snowbirds seeking mild weather and a change of scenery. Air Transat offers non-stop 8-hour flights to Málaga.
Snowbirds can stroll on golden sand beaches, enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine and sip a drink on a flower-filled terrace. The most popular towns are Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Marbella and Málaga.
The euro exchange rate is high, but the cost of living is much lower than in Canada.
The Algarve, in southern Portugal, is a region offering sunny weather and beautiful beaches.
Thanks to a relatively low cost of living, the Algarve attracts a growing number of long-term travellers. The region is also known for its affordable real estate, which makes it a perfect choice for those looking for a long-term rental or a long-term investment. With its average temperature of 15°C, the Algarve offers a diverse culinary scene and a rich cultural history.
Mexico can be reached by non-stop flight, but also by RV! Bring your fifth-wheel or your Class A along the Mexican beaches to relax.
Playa del Carmen is a popular destination, but the cost of living has risen sharply in recent years. Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Ixtapa are excellent options too. Plus, the exchange rate between the Mexican peso and the Canadian dollar is fairly stable.
The time difference is 1 to 2 hours behind and the average temperature is 27°C.
Asia also still offers affordable prices, as we cover in our article on budget travel: destinations where the cost of living is low and the Canadian dollar goes further.
In Southeast Asia, destinations like Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia offer excellent value.
As for Central America, it also stands out. Guatemala and Nicaragua also let you travel at lower cost.
A long stay abroad is planned in advance:
You may already be a client of a specific travel insurer, such as Blue Cross, CAA, Desjardins and many others. However, to make sure you get the best value for your money, do not hesitate to regularly reassess the different offers available.
By reviewing insurers’ options, you can find travel insurance that precisely matches your specific needs as a snowbird. Choosing coverage perfectly suited to your situation lets you enjoy your stay while keeping your travel insurance budget in check.
soNomad’s travel insurance is tailor-made for snowbirds, with prices that won’t give your wallet a sunburn.
In your wallet, it would be smart to slip in a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. That’s 2.5% saved on every transaction!
Discover our tips in our guide to saving on foreign currency transactions.
You will surely find the accommodation that suits you with Marriott Bonvoy. Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites are part of the brand, well suited to long stays.
If you prefer to book a house or apartment, take a look at the rental platform Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy.
There are several ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points. The easiest is through credit cards. American Express offers two cards tied to this loyalty program:
Your travel points will be very useful to save on a charming Airbnb rental, a well-located independent hotel or a cottage by the water. Our guides will help you build the perfect points strategy for your trip:
Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty program offers many benefits. In Canada, the major banks offer Aeroplan co-branded credit cards, letting you earn points on your everyday spending.
There is also VIPorter, the program of Porter Airlines, which is growing. With its BMO VIPorter credit cards, you can earn points on Porter flights and benefit from an expanded network through partnerships with Air Transat and Alaska Airlines.
This opens access to new destinations in Europe, the United States and the Caribbean.
Want to learn more about this loyalty program? Here is our Aeroplan beginner’s guide.
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