Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
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At some point, every snowbird must decide whether to continue driving themselves to their destination. It's a tough decision snowbirds face for various reasons.
As snowbirds age, it becomes increasingly challenging to navigate traffic and long distances to get to and from one's destination. I typically assist my husband with routes and traffic as we travel through Indianapolis, Indiana; Louisville, Kentucky; Nashville, Tennessee; then Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama. Our snowbird friends from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado and Ohio must endure longer distances including traversing metro areas such as Chicago, Illinois; St Louis, Missouri, Memphis Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia.
Add hills and mountains, poor weather conditions, traffic accidents, road construction, low lighting due to nighttime travel and you get a potentially treacherous mix. None of this is particularly easy when in your 50's and 60's and it feels that much more distressing in your 70's, 80's and 90's. Fatigue is a problem at any age, but it only gets worse when combined with declining health, limited vision and/or solo travelers who don't have anyone with whom to trade driving duty. Safety is always a concern when traveling, especially when solo or elderly.
I spoke with several friends who are all facing the dilemma of what to do about travel alternatives. Two are solo women and one couple will be 80 and 90 years old by next season. After much thought and discussion, these are the pros and cons for alternate travel options for snowbirds who no longer want to continue driving to their warm weather destinations.
Not everyone is a good candidate for air travel, but for those who can make it work, go for it! Bus or train travel has similar considerations to air travel and may or may not be a good option for snowbirds.
Pros:
Eliminates the need to drive to your destination; is typically faster than driving; can potentially accommodate some pets; usually eliminates the need for hotels to/from your destination.
Cons:
Weather travel delays; need to rent a vehicle OR store a vehicle in the off-season; proximity to/from the airport may require a long drive; a shuttle or transportation to from/airport is required; air travel may or may not work for all pets; air, bus or train travel may not work well for all humans; shipping belongings may be necessary; flights can be expensive and not flexible for travel dates
Additional Considerations for Flying Snowbirds
As with any other mode of travel, enlisting the assistance of family or a professional driver is not without advantages and drawbacks.
Pros:
Provides bonding time with a friend or family member; accommodates most pets and there may be some flexibility with travel dates depending on the driver who will be assisting you.
Cons:
Must rely on the schedule of others; professional drivers will charge a fee; must trust the driving skills of someone else; driver/s must travel to your area for pick-up and drop off; compatibility during travel could be an issue; it does not eliminate the need for hotels to/from your destination and possibly requires a second room for your driver/s; requires paying for meals and incidentals for your driver; airfare to/from your destination for your driver is necessary and you will need to rent a vehicle OR store one on site in the off-season.
-- Jimmy Dean, American country music singer, actor, businessman
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Midlife Snowbird. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links or advertisements does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
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Curiosity about the choice to live in two places vs. one primary home are what I am commonly asked when the subject of being a snowbird comes up with someone who has not yet experienced it. I have thought a lot about it. Snowbirds consciously make the choice and sacrifices to build their lives in two places. Here and there. It is not by chance or just happened to turn out that way kind of thing.
Snowbirds by nature are calculating types. Decisions are not made lightly and I am not easily persuaded to change the course without heavily weighing the pros and cons. Therefore, the discussion about here vs. there typically goes along these lines.
Why not live in one place all of the time? It is the top question I am asked the most.
It would be great to live in one place all year round: a tropical Southern climate is my ideal location. However, it is not a practical choice for many reasons.
One, I already live in the Great Lakes region of the Midwest. Family, friends and my primary home are all in Indiana. I have lived here my entire adult life with the exception of two years at the beach in Northeast Florida decades ago. It would be very difficult to disconnect from my lifelong friends and loved ones in my primary community. I've already done that during my two years in Ponte Vedra Beach Florida and yes, family will visit from time to time. I went home once in awhile, but it isn't the same as meeting up in my community to have dinner or a family celebration with loved ones. There are many times it wasn't possible to return home to Indiana for something of importance and that's time and opportunity you'll never get back. Life goes on without you when you are away from your core.
Nine years ago my twin sister deliberately chose to relocate to Oahu, Hawaii thousands of miles away from her family and it is not without intense emotional costs to do that. I am not willing or able to move away for more than a couple of months at a time. Snowbirds are snowbirds primarily because of this reason.
Next, think about it. Our primary home is located in a very nice suburban neighborhood near grocery stores, restaurants, businesses and other amenities that make it very appealing, plus the cost of living is considered to be one of the best values in the US per multiple sources. My husband and I live in a spacious home of 4,000+ square feet with a three car garage, deck, patio, hot tub, garden and a lovely fenced in yard for our dog. When the dog needs to go out, we simply open the door to the yard. It's safe and convenient for him and us. Our HOA fees and costs to maintain our home are very reasonable. We have choices of whether to mow our yard or hire a professional, we decide what internet services we want to use and we have flexibility to change vendors if the costs are not meeting expectations.
Our condo at the beach in Northern Florida is very small and expensive. The mortgage, taxes and HOA fees are high. Our complex is located in an upscale neighborhood of shore home mansions, vacation cottages, private residences and low rise condos.
Several years ago, we purchased a top floor, 792 square foot, one bedroom unit that features a gorgeous, sweeping view of the Gulf of Mexico as well as the South pool of our gated complex. By far it is the most appealing feature of our condo, you simply cannot beat the gulf view, it is stunning. It is an easy walk to many gulf front restaurants and we can drive to almost any retail store or business in our southern community.
We have no choice or control over the costs or vendors for our beach home, it is determined by the HOA's Board of Directors. We have shared access to community amenities such as a 2.5 acre private beach with volleyball, two beautiful pools, a large hot tub, tennis and pickleball courts, club house and outdoor barbecue grills, but there is no covered parking nor reserved parking spaces. The trash dumpsters are a three minute walk from our condo. When the dog needs to go out, we leash him up, ride the elevator to the ground floor and walk to a green space whether it is night, day, raining, cold, hot or in-between, we make the trip at least five or six times and repeat again.
Privacy is minimal. There are 188 condo units, 68 cottages and 12 shore homes in our 33 acre complex at the beach. Privacy is limited to the inside of our unit and somewhat our small balcony. Anytime we step out the main door we need to look somewhat presentable and expect to meet/greet anyone walking by, riding with us on the elevator or that we encounter in the parking lot because that is the norm and the polite thing to do. At our northern home, privacy and safety are not taken lightly. We park our vehicles in the garage and can cocoon as much or as little as we like. No one will see or hear us go about our business as is the norm at our beach condo.
We love our time in our snowbird community of Miramar Beach Florida and have made many friends in the area. We are residents, not visitors, there is a huge distinction. We are fully vested in our beach home and are fully present in our life there. It's the same for when we are in our northern home. Both homes are "home." I wouldn't want it any other way.
Many snowbirds I've met live in colder climates than I do. Canada, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Northern Michigan to name a few. In the summer, the foliage, lakes and beauty of the northern states and Canada is alluring for tourists and permanent residents alike. How can anyone easily give up the opportunity to live in two places, each at their peak of benefits? They can't and that is why we do.
-- John Lubbock, English Author "The Pleasures of Life," first published in 1890
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Midlife Snowbird. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links or advertisements does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
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While sitting around a firepit at our neighbor's end of summer social gathering, the topic of retirement and possibly becoming a snowbird were of interest to two couples who are also long time friends. Although neither of the couples were fully committed to the concept of being a snowbird, it seems they were at least intrigued.
My observation is that seasoned snowbirds are generally eager and excited to talk about it. The same cannot always be said for potential snowbirds who may have various reasons for holding back. It may be the perceived or real lack of time or finances, an uncertainty of whether becoming a snowbird may be a good fit. There may even a bit of envy. It's hard to say, but it's very noticeable among pre-emerging snowbirds. Having said that, any tidbits of information that are shared are always something I enjoy analyzing. Are the plans realistic or well thought out? Are the ideas in sync with each person in the relationship? Are the logistics likely to work? Typically not, which is why pre-emerging snowbirds have time to figure it out because there are a lot of angles beyond, "I've always loved the desert, so I want to be a snowbird there."
I periodically check in with my known potential snowbirds just to gauge the ongoing level of interest, timelines and goals, perceived obstacles and also offer support without being too intrusive. No one wants unsolicited advice and everyone wants to dream about the future and what could be.
Below, I share with you my analysis of the two couples. Each are at different points of their journey and both are on the spectrum of being starter snowbirds. If you are not yet a snowbird, consider the major areas to hone in so you can direct your energy to either fully committing at some point or acknowledging it isn't the right goal for you. The biggest obstacles and challenges are where you need to be honest and realistic. Of course that's easier when looking at someone else's situation, which is why I wrote this post. It's a reflection of not just these couples, but almost every couple considering becoming snowbirds.
Married for 40 years
Primary residence: almost paid off
Financial resources: yes
Wife is retired
Husband will formally retire by December 2023, then continue to work part time two to three days per week
Pets: Yes, two dogs
Family: Three adult children, two are local to the area, the third is a six hour drive away in Wisconsin; one daughter-in-law, one son-in-law, one six year old grandchild
Goals
Goals are somewhat fleshed out. A general timeline and interest in being snowbirds was expressed, but the husband and wife have differing opinions on what that looks like. The husband would like to target Winter of 2024 for the initial run and the wife wants to postpone the target date a year later at the soonest because she first wants to travel to Greece and other places overseas.
Both eliminated Florida as a potential snowbird location. Texas is one state they are considering. Arizona is their preferred target location, but they haven't looked into much more detail other than being in a suburban area such as Mesa and likely a condo. Neither has loved ones in potential areas they are considering, but that is one factor they considered.
Hobbies and interests include family/their grandchild, travel, food, hiking and entertainment such as live music and sporting events.
Both maintain close family connections.
Analysis
Advantages: wife is already retired
Disadvantages: pets to contend with, family and grandchild in their primary area, husband required to be on site at work several days per week
Biggest adjustment: they currently enjoy spending money on entertainment such as season tickets to national sporting events, cruises and vacations. Budgeting for one or more seasons as snowbirds will cut into or reduce vacation travel and other discretionary activities.
Biggest obstacle: In my opinion, the biggest challenge they will face as snowbirds is being 3-4 days' drive away from their primary home if they choose Arizona as their destination. Re-framing their discretionary spending and letting go of other long held traditional pleasure expenses will be a very big adjustment as a couple. I haven't yet figured out how the part time job comes into play if they become snowbirds more than 1,800 miles away from the job unless the employment takes a pause for a couple of months.
In a committed relationship for several years, previously married to other partners
Each purchased their own individual residences
Financial resources: yes
She is of retirement age, but enjoys her career and the salary/benefits of her employment
He is approaching retirement age in about 3-4 years, but enjoys his career and the salary/benefits of his employment
Pets: none
Family: Both have adult children who are not local to the area, neither has grandchildren
Goals
Goals are not yet fleshed out. A general timeline and interest in being snowbirds was expressed, but nothing more specific.
Both enjoy interests that they said, "Everyone else also likes." Hobbies and interests include travel, food, craft beer, wineries, etc, gardening, entertainment such as live music, sporting events, tours and other cultural activities.
She maintains close family connections and he does not.
Analysis
Advantages: no pets to contend with, no family in their primary area
Disadvantages: both are required to be on site at work every day, two residences to maintain while away, differing situations regarding family, separate finances.
Biggest adjustment: they currently do not spend 24/7 together and this will test the relationship should they become retired snowbirds.
Biggest obstacle: In my opinion, the biggest challenge they will face as snowbirds is finding common ground regarding the terms of becoming snowbirds, such as where, when, how long and who will pay for what. Being around each other and sharing resources, such as a vehicle, in a different location other than their individual residences will challenge their long-held independence.
Just for fun, I've included a third scenario of a neighbor who is a hybrid type of snowbird. She is her own unique person and here is what I know of her semi snowbird lifestyle.
Single, previously married
Residence: Owns her primary residence, owns a vacation lake home in Northern Michigan
Financial resources: yes
Retired: yes
Pets: none
Family: Adult children who are local and adult children who are not local to the area, several adult grandchildren
Observations
She is very independent and is able to make or change her plans as she wishes. She spends time in her favorite places all year round, including her vacation lake home and other places of interest including the Western United States. She seems to prefer Key West for extended periods of time, including about six weeks each winter. She is not the typical snowbird who parks in one place for a season, she tends to come and go to various locations as it suits her needs.
Hobbies and interests include travel, food, tours and other cultural activities.
She balances family with travel and it seems to work for her.
Analysis
Advantages: fully retired, no pets to contend with, no spouse or partner to compromise with and solid financial resources.
Disadvantages: two residences to maintain while away, must find and rely on neighbors, family and other helpers to assist with her primary residence when not there, no travel partner with whom to share her adventures or the mundane things such as driving to destinations
Biggest obstacle: In my opinion, the biggest challenge she faces as a semi-snowbird is being physically able to continue her lifestyle if she should have health issues that limit her ability to go to all of the places she desires.
-- Sydney J. Harris, American journalist
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Midlife Snowbird. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links or advertisements does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
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