Snowbirds: Where to Go for Winter

Updated Oct 3, 2024
Fact checked by
Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève Leclerc Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève, Web Director at Milesopedia, is an expert in budget travel and a slow travel enthusiast. Specializing in Aeroplan, Scene+, and Marriott Bonvoy programs, she spends nearly six months a year abroad, making travel her way of life. Constantly seeking the best waves to surf, excellent coffee, and strategies to extend her travels, she is often found in coworking spaces with fellow digital nomads or by the sea, watching the sunset.
All posts by Marie-Ève Leclerc
Une plage de sable blanc avec un palmier, donnant sur la mer turquoise
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.

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.

une vue aérienne de Fort Lauderdale, avec sa plage

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:

  • 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.

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.

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.
plage de sable blanc avec des cocotiers

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.

Getting Ready for Departure

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:

  • 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 Fuel

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

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

Best No-FX Fee Credit Card In 2024
  • Earn up to $1,300* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points.
  • Earn 3x Scene+ points* on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating
    Co-ops and more
  • Earn 2x Scene+ points* for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including rideshares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
  • Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
  • Earn additional benefits + up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
  • No Foreign Transaction Fee
  • 6 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
  • Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services
  • Visa Infinite* Hotel Collection
  • Visa Infinite* Dining and Wine Country Program
Legal

*Conditions apply. Rates, fees and other information are effective as of January 3, 2025. Subject to change.

Earning Rate
  • Groceries2Scene+ points
  • Dining and Food delivery2Scene+ points
  • Local Transport2Scene+ points
Value
  • Year 1 $797
  • Year 2+ $397
Best For
Transfer Partners
  • Scene+

Advantages

  • Annual Credit
  • VIP Lounges
  • Concierge
  • Wifi
  • Travel credit

Travel Insurance

Insurance Name
Included
Amount
Duration
Travel Medical Insurance
Travel medical insurance up to 54 years old
$1,000,000
25 day(s)
Travel medical insurance up to 64 years old
$1,000,000
25 day(s)
Travel medical insurance 65+
$1,000,000
3 day(s)
Trip Cancellation Insurance
$1,500
Trip Interruption Insurance
$2,500
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000
Flight Delay Insurance
$500
Delayed Baggage Insurance
$1,000
Lost/Stolen Baggage Insurance
$1,000
Auto Rental Loss/Insurance
$65,000
48 day(s)
Hotel/Motel Burglary Insurance
$1,000

Accommodations

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:

Marriott Homes & Villas: apartment and house rentals

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:

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.

  • 3X Points
    Earn 3 points for every $1 spend on Air Canada or Air Canada Vacations purchases*
  • Access to Maple Leaf Lounge™*
    Get complimentary access to some Maple Leaf Lounges in North America*
  • Preferred pricing
    Redeem fewer Aeroplan points when booking flight rewards*
Learn More
Best Credit Card For Frequent Flyers in 2024
  • New American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points.
    • Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months
    • Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $2,500 in purchases in month 13
    • That’s up to $2,600 or more in value when you combine your welcome bonus points and card benefits
  • Cardmembers can now get an extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points. Enjoy even more at over 300,000 hotel properties worldwide
  • Highest Air Canada earn rate on an Aeroplan payment card in Canada: Earn 3X the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*
  • Standard Earn Rate: Earn 2X the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada and earn 1.25X the points on everything else
  • Get through the airport quicker with Air Canada Priority Check-In, Air Canada Priority Boarding and Air Canada Priority Baggage Handling
  • Enjoy access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges™* and Air Canada Café in North America for you and a guest, with a same day ticket on a departing Air Canada®* or Star Alliance®* flight
  • Enjoy your eligible first checked bag free for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada flights
  • Roll over any unallocated Aeroplan Elite™* Status Qualifying Miles and unused eUpgrade Credits to the following year to enjoy during your travels
  • Get access with your American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card to more than 1,200 Priority Pass airport lounges and enjoy an oasis of comfort before your flight, regardless of your airline or cabin class
  • Receive up to $100 CAD in statement credits every four years when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
  • Receive one Annual Worldwide Companion Pass when you spend $25,000 in net purchases prior to your Card anniversary date; your Pass entitles you to buy an accompanying Air Canada economy class ticket for a companion at a fixed base fare from $99 to a maximum of $599 CAD (plus taxes, fees, charges, and surcharges)
  • Amex ExperiencesTM opens doors for you to access a number of special events, including special dining experiences, VIP parties, advance film screenings and more
  • Get more from your travel experience at Toronto Pearson International Airport with:
    • Access to Pearson Priority Security Lane
    • Complimentary valet service at the Express Park and Daily Park
    • 15% discount on parking rates at the Express Park and Daily Park
    • 15% discount on Auto Care services
  • American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is made from precision cut and engraved 13 g metal – it’s the perfect companion on your next exceptional journey
  • Insurance Coverage: whether you’re shopping nearby or travelling abroad, you can feel confident knowing you can be taken care of
Legal

American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Annual Fee
  • Primary card $599
  • Additional card $199
Annual Income Required
  • Individual $0
  • Household $0
Conversion fees
  • 2.5 %
Interest Rates
  • Purchase Rates 21.99 %
  • Cash Advance Rates 21.99 %
  • Balance Transfer Rates
Earning Rate
  • Air Canada3Aeroplan Points
  • Dining and Food delivery2Aeroplan Points
  • All Spending1.25Aeroplan Points
Value
  • Year 1 $2,130
  • Year 2+ $430
Best For
Transfer Partners
  • Aeroplan

Advantages

  • Annual Credit
  • VIP Lounges
  • Concierge
  • Wifi
  • Travel credit

Travel Insurance

Insurance Name
Included
Amount
Duration
Travel Medical Insurance
Travel medical insurance up to 54 years old
$5,000,000
15 day(s)
Travel medical insurance up to 64 years old
$5,000,000
15 day(s)
Travel medical insurance 65+
Trip Cancellation Insurance
$1,500
Trip Interruption Insurance
$1,500
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000
Flight Delay Insurance
$1,000
Delayed Baggage Insurance
$1,000
Lost/Stolen Baggage Insurance
$1,000
Auto Rental Loss/Insurance
$85,000
48 day(s)
Hotel/Motel Burglary Insurance
$1,000

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 travellers 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 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.

How many Quebec snowbirds go to Florida?

Some 250,000 Quebec snowbirds spend most of the winter in Florida.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Emmanuelle Froment
Emmanuelle Froment
Emmanuelle, a solo traveler and animal lover, has journeyed through numerous countries. A Scene+ expert and Caribbean travel specialist, she shares insights on maximizing rewards. Her love for the sea, inspired by family vacations in France's Languedoc-Roussillon, led her to spend 8 years in the French Antilles. While the call of the ocean remains, Montreal—her heart's city—is where she truly feels at home.
All posts by Emmanuelle Froment
Region
Central America Caribbean, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, North America, United States, Fort Lauderdale, Hawaii, Mexico

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