Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
Individual charcuterie boards are fun for small outdoor parties OUTDOOR SUMMER ENTERTAINING Tips to Host Your Guests 2021 Style The global pandemic brought an entirely new appreciation for the simple things in life. Time spent outdoors. Good food. Friendships. And the ability to host loved …
HOW TO FIND YOUR SOUTHERN SECOND HOME Where to Start, What to Know My husband and I recently purchased our first vacation rental property in Northwest Florida. This did not happen overnight, it was years in the making. Much thought and consideration went into research …
My husband and I set a long-time goal to buy a vacation rental property years ago and February of 2021 is when we made it happen! When the Covid pandemic hit the United States in early 2020, we realized we needed to delay our investment plans until the uncertainty of the rippling pandemic effects including the economic impact would become clearer.
Not only were we concerned about the viability of the vacation rental market, we worried about what would happen with our business and investment portfolio. During the extremely tumultuous year of unknowns, including the historic presidential election, we played our cards close and made a move when we felt the time was right, just after the 2020 holiday season.
Here's an overview of the basic steps that led to successfully purchasing our first vacation rental property in the Destin area of Northwest Florida. There's a lot of moving parts, at which any given time unexpected obstacles can derail the plans, so keep focused and don't let setbacks get you down. If you don't succeed on the first try, step back, re-evaluate and give it another shot in the future. For this post, I am referencing a true investment property, which is one that is largely rented to guests compared to a second home that is vacant for most of the time the owners aren't there.
Step One: Choose an appealing target area.
Step Two: Calculate expenses and rental income.
Step Three: Select and get pre-qualified with a lender to finance your property.
Step Four: Determine your target neighborhood, property, features, amenities and price range as well as what restrictions are deal breakers.
Step Five: Hire an experienced local real estate agent to help find your property, as well as do your own online shopping.
Step Six: Work with your realtor to negotiate an offer and accept the terms of sale.
Step Seven: Work with your lender to close the loan.
Step Eight: Plan your renovations, operations and marketing promotions.
Step Nine: Source, meet and hire your property manager, if you plan to utilize one, as well as any vendors such as a maintenance person.
Step Ten: Shop for and order the items needed to enhance the property with the caveat that it will not derail your loan closing or that you cannot return the items if the loan fails to close.
Step Eleven: Set up the insurance, HOA and utilities in your name.
Step One: Work with the property manager to begin or continue the process of marketing and promoting the property.
Step Two: Continue shopping, receiving (and returning) the items needed to renovate your property.
Step Three: Begin the renovation work, if applicable.
Step Four: Take photos where applicable to show the improvements.
Step Five: Set up your own web site, whether you do it yourself or contract with a third party.
Step Six: Announce the availibility of the new property online to your social media channels.
Step Seven: Invite local friends and business acquaintances to preview the property.
Step Eight: Set up a new bank account for the new business.
Step Nine: Set up your payments to auto-notify you and/or auto-pay your mortgage, utilities, insurance and HOA fees.
Step Ten: Manage and promote your vacation rental property.
--Before you even approach a lender or broker, you'll need to have 20% to 30% for the down payment (or more), six months' reserves of liquid assets, cash for pre-paids and closing costs. Plus you'll need to meet the lender's standards for the added debt compared with your existing assets, mortgage/s, revolving credit and loans. There's no point in going any further until finances are in place. As an example, to purchase a $500,000 investment property in Florida, you may need 30% down, which is $150,000 plus another 7-8% for points, fees, closing costs, pre-paids and so forth. That could mean another $25,000 to $28,000 outlay on a $350,000 mortgage ($500,000 minus $150,000 down payment). Buying an investment property is not cheap by any means.
--If you aren't prepared to outright buy a place, consider alternatives such as fractional ownership or less expensive property options that fit your budget and finances. Before we made our final decision, we looked at everything from the very least expensive park models in Central Florida, low and high rises in our southern community and a large condominium located in the same building where we rented for six seasons. We even considered a condo-tel studio unit in a golf cart community with a bay view. Ultimately, we purchased what we believe is the very best fit for us: a one bedroom unit with hall bunks, two full bathrooms, an amazing view of the resort's South pool and unobstructed views of the stunning Gulf of Mexico. Our unit is on the top floor, which means no noise from above and it's pet friendly to both owners and guests.
--Read the threads of specialty groups on social media. The questions that arise and subsequent conversations will tell you volumes of information. Look at the competition regarding decor, view, amenities, price, location. Sign up for daily notices from a third party web site such as realtor.com to let you know when properties in your target area go on the market.
--Enlist the advice of one or two close personal friends or family members to give unbiased insight. I thought I had found the perfect property and my sister pointed out that because of the stucco half-wall balcony, it would be impossible to see the gulf when sitting down in the main living area. So, we increased our budget and chose what turned out to be the perfect place for our criteria.
--For us, the two biggest deal breakers were:
1. Pet restrictions for owners, IE, no dogs at all or no dogs over a certain weight limit.
2. No view.
We bypassed many properties based on those criteria. We were OK with pet restrictions for guests, but ultimately, we bought a place that has the most lenient pet restrictions for owners and guests.
--Your lender may also have deal breakers. We found out our broker could not work with portfolio loans for
1. High rise properties
2. Condo-tels
3. Certain HOA restrictions
--When we made an offer on our vacation rental, we chose not to tell a soul except the two family members who had helped us research, our accountant and my husband's best friend. Why go through it all only to have the deal potentially fall apart and then have to walk-back everything? We waited until we had a closing date to tell our parents and close family and then waited until the loan closed to tell friends and make a general announcement.
Consider hiring the same property manager who the previous owners employed. We didn't even look at any other options because our first choice was the same firm who managed it for more than ten years. The fees and terms were fair with market rates, the vendors and client list are already in place and most of all, the familiarity with the property is worth a lot.
Once you close on the property, be prepared to move FAST. We thought we would have two weeks to paint, remove old furniture, install new pieces of furniture and wall art, deep clean, install a new faucet, chandelier, keyless entry, take new photos and so forth. Wrong. Because of circumstances beyond our control, we had just one week to get everything done and it was stressful. We had to make choices, sacrifice several of the projects and make alternate plans. As I was shutting the door to leave, the cleaning crew was right there waiting to get in to prepare for the next guest.
Be realistic about expenses, scheduling, booking guests and getting projects done. We set goals for all of these things and are ahead of some goals and way behind on others. For example, I ordered glass to be custom cut to cover all of the wood surfaces to protect them from spills. It was possible the order would be ready in time before we hosted our first guest, but the vendor had a large project ahead of ours that resulted in a delay. So we arranged for the property manager to receive the delivery three weeks after we hosted our first guest. All went well except one of the pieces was too large. I had measured incorrectly, so the glass had to be returned and redone. Now, because of schedules, the final piece of glass will be delivered more than seven weeks after the original target date.
Last but not least, remember that no one has more of a vested interest in your vacation rental property than you. Take time to learn the business and give your enterprise the proper attention it needs, whether in terms of investing in the furnishings or the marketing. If you take care of your property, your vendors and guests, it will have that much better chance of not just surviving, but exceeding your goals and ambitions.
To view the property we purchased, please visit maravilla2411.com for a photo tour, rates and availability. We hope to host you as our guest.
-- Warren Buffett, American investor, business tycoon, philanthropist, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway
Ruskin Place Park Walking Tour of Ruskin Place Park in Seaside Florida Ruskin Place Park in Seaside Florida, former site of scenes from The Truman Show, filmed in scenic Seaside Artist Colony, Townhomes, Shops, Live Entertainment Ruskin Place park is a wonderful destination for anyone …
The Covid-19 pandemic has forced a re-evaluation of metro vs. smaller populations for snowbirds and Zoombirds [Natchez Street, Seaside Florida] Snowbird Destination Trends Considerations for Snowbirds and Zoombirds What are the latest snowbird destination trends? I was recently interviewed for an article, “Boca Raton, Florida, …
Many snowbirds depart for their southern homes after the December holidays at the start of the new year, including my husband and I. However, 2020's historical Covid-19 pandemic has created even more reasons than ever to be smarter about when, where and if travel is necessary at this time. By now, there's been plenty of travel warnings and advisories issued from renowned health care experts, world governments and global health organizations.
First and foremost, above all else, anyone who is ill should stay home until fully recovered. Those at higher risk with health problems or who have other underlying conditions should weigh all options and consult with their own personal medical team. Snowbirds who have made the decision to travel should consider the advice of the experts and take the highest precautions to avoid becoming sick. Masks, social distancing and diligent sanitizing remain the top criteria for reducing risks of exposure; however, there is much more, especially when travelling.
Below are common sense guidelines for travelers driving to their destination with a hotel stay along the way based on my long-time personal experience. I have always been super cautious about germs, so it wasn't that much of an adjustment to step up to even higher levels of caution. During this past summer, my husband, dog and I went on two mini overnight getaways within an hour of our home and it helped us prep for the long haul to our warm weather home. We learned a few things that helped us improve our systems. Because of our short summer travel, we gained increased confidence that it can be done with proper precautions.
Taking meticulous measures and constantly being alert and pro-active are traits I have employed long before there was a global pandemic. It is well worth the effort if it can improve the chances of getting to your destination safely and without becoming sick after arriving. These guidelines are in no way intended to be construed as anything other than general information. Do your own research, follow all local and state mandates, as well as other government agencies.
Many snowbirds have pre-paid for their non-refundable rental residences and may have other commitments and obligations in their southern communities. Of course, the reasons for migrating to warmer climates is to get out of the frigid temperatures, rejuvenate one's outlook and be able to spend time outdoors. Thus, cancelling the trip is not anyone's first choice if they can help it.
Finding ways to reduce risk and improve precautions is a smart way to prepare for the journey. There is no way possible to eliminate all risk, so travel at your own discretion.
Check in advance with your hotel regarding specific procedures they follow regarding extra cleaning and sanitation precautions. Ask if contactless check-in is available. You may want to also inquire about whether "free breakfast" and/or onsite restaurant services will be reduced or unavailable as well as amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, business centers and so forth.
I never thought I'd say this, but hotel rooms with (typically noisy) in-room heating and air conditioning units are preferred compared to hotel rooms with central HVAC systems. Our highway hotel fills this need, along with windows that can be opened for additional outside air. Motels with rooms that can be individually accessed via a private exterior door are also better options during a pandemic.
If travelling with anyone outside of your immediate household, do not share a hotel room or ride in the same vehicle if at all possible. If there's no other options, each household should try to self-isolate for 14 days prior to travelling together.
I've separated the travel considerations below into pre-planning/prep, in-transit and hotel guidelines. Upon arrival at your destination, follow the same procedures as when checking into your hotel. Always, always (pandemic or not) run every single utensil, plate, glass, dish and pan through the dishwasher with soap to sterilize them prior to first use. Never assume the dishes are sterile just because they look "clean," they may have only been rinsed or worse, just placed in the cupboard as the previous guest vacated the property.
--Masks or facial coverings for each person, plus several back-ups
--Hand sanitizer: bottle with cap or pump style
--Hand sanitizer: packets
--Hand sanitizer: travel size for purse or bag
--Towelette style sanitizers in a plastic container with lid
--Rubber gloves, disposable
--Spray sanitizers such as Lysol® Disinfectant Spray
--Paper towels
***Read the labels before using to ensure you don't damage any hard surfaces with your sanitation products***
--Place hand sanitizer in your vehicle's drink holders, glove box and anywhere else that is within easy reach of both driver and passenger/s.
--Put travel-sized bottles of sanitizer in your purse, bag, brief case, etc.
--Keep a clean mask, plus extras in your purse, pocket, bag, brief case, glove box, luggage, etc.
--Transport full supplies of additional sanitizer products in an easily-identified tote bag within quick reach when arriving at your hotel and eventual destination.
--The tote bag of supplies should be one of the first items unloaded from your vehicle so you have it handy immediately upon checking into your hotel room.
--Bring bottles of water and beverages; individually portioned snacks; candy; cigarettes/lighters; prescription and over the counter meds; toiletries; phone chargers, sunglasses, books, magazines, cash and anything else that will eliminate or reduce the need to go into a store during your road trip.
--Do the same for your pet/s that are also travelling with you: bowls, jugs of water, food, treats, leashes, meds, etc. should be self-contained. Don't forget to bring plenty of plastic bags for disposing pet waste.
--Bring several of your own travel mugs and plastic cups per person.
--Consider bringing your own linens such as pillows, pillow cases, blankets, towels, etc.
--Don't forget your digital thermometer and supply of vitamins and supplements.
--If you aren't already familiar with the tolls along your route, research it in well in advance of your travel dates
--Set up accounts with each one so you have an e-pass.
--Allow enough time for your paperwork to be processed and your pre-payment to be loaded
--Look in the mail for the arrival of your electronic monitoring device and decal/s, then install them in your vehicle
--Wear a mask at all times when indoors, socially distance, don't touch surfaces, minimize time indoors, wash your hands, then apply hand sanitizer upon re-entry into vehicle.
--Stop only as necessary to refuel and/or utilize restrooms. Wash your hands extra thoroughly.
--If you must go indoors for a restroom, be swift and skip browsing around the gift shop, magazine racks, beverage coolers and so forth.
--Pre-pay for fuel at the pump to avoid going indoors.
--Don't directly touch surfaces such as door handles, payment transaction key pads, pens, ATM cash machines or other high contact surfaces. Use hand sanitizer immediately upon completion of your task.
--Wear disposable gloves if possible while fueling and/or touching high contact surfaces.
--Keep your leashed pet away from other pets and people.
--Avoid handling cash. If unavoidable, sanitize your hands immediately.
--Sanitize your hands, cell phone/s and high-touch surfaces frequently.
--Keep your pet bowls and supplies extra clean.
--Don't use the same travel coffee mug the entire trip. Bring clean travel mugs to switch out every 6-8 hours or less.
--Drive-through restaurants are typically plentiful en route, fairly quick and eliminate the need to dine indoors.
--Sanitize your hands immediately before and after eating.
--Avoid using the toll booths with attendants to minimize contact.
--If paying an attendant with a credit card, sanitize it immediately upon return to you. Their gloves protect them, not your card or you.
--Get rid of your empty disposable cups, food bags and trash with every pit stop.
--Only one person should go into the hotel lobby and make an effort to check-in with minimal contact. If contactless check-in is available, use it.
--Wear a mask, practice social distance and/or wait in your vehicle until no one else is at the counter to check in.
--Use your own pen to sign paperwork.
--Avoid touching keypads or common touch points unless immediately using hand sanitizer afterwards.
--Leave your luggage and pets in the car with your travel companion/s if not travelling solo.
--Wear disposable gloves and/or wipe the high touch surfaces of the luggage cart prior to loading or moving it. Wash or sanitize your hands immediately upon returning it to the lobby.
--Upon check-out, repeat the sanitizing procedures.
--Only one person, wearing a mask of course, should enter the room prior to sanitizing it.
--Bring your tote bag of sanitizer supplies to clean all surfaces in your room prior to bringing in your pets, bags and luggage.
--Open the exterior doors and window/s if possible.
--Spray the air with an aerosol can of disinfectant, such as Lysol® Disinfectant Spray.
--Spray all high contact hard surfaces such as door handles, light switches, sinks and handles, toilet handles, towel racks, shower handles and nozzles, tv remote control, un-upholstered chair arm rests, table tops, desk surface, microwave and mini fridge handles and so forth with a disinfectant. Allow the disinfectant to stay on the surface according to the package directions, then wipe dry.
--Bring only the most essential luggage and items into your hotel room and leave everything else in your locked vehicle.
--Wash your hands and sanitize them frequently and as needed.
--Don't touch or use the in-room phone unless you sanitize it first, then sanitize your hands upon completion of use.
--Never, ever put ice in the bucket unless it has a clean, new plastic liner baggie.
--Drink out of your own cups if plastic wrapped items are not available.
--Don't allow anyone other than your travel companion/s in your room while you are in there. If housekeeping or maintenance needs to enter, then arrange to exit the room.
--Wear shoes, flip flops or at least socks when walking around your hotel room.
--Use your own pillow/s if you bring them.
--Avoid pulling the bedspread or duvet cover anywhere near your face.
--Stand on a clean towel upon entering/exiting the shower and while standing at the sink with bare feet.
--Don't touch the phone, microwave handle and mini fridge handles unless immediately washing or sanitizing your hands.
--Never allow your pet to eat anything that falls on the floor.
--Wear a mask at all times when indoors in public and common areas, socially distance and wash your hands frequently.
--Avoid or minimize your time in public areas such as the lobby, hallway, common areas, elevators and so forth.
--Ask for a room on the first floor to avoid elevators and stairs.
--Take the stairs instead of the elevator when possible.
--Don't get into an elevator with anyone other than your own travel companion/s
--Don't touch the elevator buttons, ice machine knobs or vending machines unless you immediately use hand sanitizer afterwards.
--Don't congregate at the lobby bar, restaurant or in any area where the general public is mingling.
--If you can get to an exterior door with a shorter distance within the hotel, do it, even if it means walking all the way around the building to get to your vehicle or the pet area green space.
--If you can safely spend time outdoors at your hotel, weather permitting, do it as much as possible.
--Order contactless takeout to be delivered to your room or go to a nearby drive-through restaurant.
--Add the tip at the time you place the order to reduce the need to give cash to your delivery person.
--Don't drink or eat from any plastic cups, glasses or utensils that haven't been pre-sealed in plastic wrap.
--Avoid any food, such as hospitality cookies that aren't individually wrapped or beverages that are available in a common coffee pot or pitcher.
--If a breakfast buffet is part of your hotel's amenities, don't touch high contact surfaces, handles or items if possible. Choose items that are individually wrapped. Take your food to eat in your room to minimize your time in the serving or dining room areas.
--Call the front desk to let them know you are departing. Ask for an emailed copy of your receipt.
--Leave your hotel keys on the table or desk in your room.
--Don't forget to leave a generous tip for housekeeping, it's a lot more work for them, too.
--Sanitize your hands immediately once in your vehicle prior to departing the parking lot.
-- Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States
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Travel in recreational vehicles, known as "RV's," has always been a big thing, but with the 2020 global pandemic, it has grown in popularity even more. You don't even have to be a snowbird to envision life in a recreational vehicle. Families of all ages are exploring America in RV's for old-fashioned, adventurous road trip vacations the way it used to be.
The obvious reasons for the camping surge include being self-contained in one's own housing unit to avoid the spread and risks of contracting Covid-19. However, there are numerous other examples of why RV's and snowbirds go together like sunshine and southern states. Recreational vehicles allow flexibility in travel plans, ownership vs. renting a place and control over one's environment. No one but you need come and go from your RV or decide when and where you want to be. However, there are serious considerations before making a purchase and hitting the open road. There's a huge difference between a week in an RV compared to an entire winter.
RV's can be very expensive to own and operate; therefore, a realistic budget is essential. However, there's much more to mull over before jumping into the RV lifestyle. I've segmented into categories to make it easier to weigh the pros and cons.
Many people envision how they think their life in an RV would be, but actual extended time living in an RV are two entirely different realities. The best cautionary advice I can offer is try it out first before making any sort of commitment.
A neighbor once told me she and her husband planned to sell their 3,500 square foot home, get rid of their possessions and buy a recreational vehicle so they can travel the country like they've always dreamed. Warning bells went off when I learned they had zero experience with the RV lifestyle. They did sell their home, but a drastic lifestyle change to this level is never a good idea without trying it out first.
RV dreams and perceptions: Life on the open road exploring the country, meeting new people, enjoying a variety of beautiful scenery, uncrowded, spacious private campsites with quality amenities and freedom!
RV reality: Compact interior space, lack of storage, tiny galley and bathroom, limited miniature appliances, laundromats, emptying the sewage sludge, and the sights and sounds of neighbors with not much space in-between rigs.
When I was a teen, my family traveled the country in several different styles of campers. We spent summer vacations on the road anywhere from one to three weeks at a time and visited almost all of the major national landmarks. It was fun and exciting, yet it cured me of ever wanting to adapt the lifestyle. I know an RV is not a good fit for me, so I'm sharing my extended family's
experiences. Everyone has different objectives, needs and skills and must prioritize their own wishes.
Before becoming snowbirds, my in-laws were considering purchasing property vs. the flexibility of being able to move around different areas in an RV. Since then, they have tried out several options including purchasing several 30 foot trailers, a motor coach with slide outs, a fifth wheel with slide outs and most recently, renting a park model in southern Florida. Each has pros and cons.
Before getting too swept up in your RV dreams, determine if you and/or your spouse or partner are comfortable driving the rig of your choice.
Most people don't have professional driving experience. It certainly is a very helpful skill, yet you may not have thought about the need for a commercial driver's license, which may be required even for non-commercial vehicles. For recreational vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWR) over 26,000 pounds including a towed unit with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds, a commercial driver's license (CDL) is required in the United States per federal and state law.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) includes the maximum safe weight for travel which includes:
--The empty vehicle
--Passengers
--Fuel
--Cargo
--Accessories
--Tow trailer
--Tow vehicle if applicable
If you are not comfortable with the thought of safely maneuvering your travel trailer or motor coach through the terrain and weather conditions to arrive at your destination, this is probably not the best choice for you.
Along those same lines of thought, are you mechanical in any way? Having an interest and ability to make accurate technical assessments and small repairs are very helpful skills for RV snowbirds.
Health issues such as impaired vision or back pain make driving an RV even more daunting. No one is aging backwards, so don't forget to think about how many years you will be able or want to drive and set up your rig. Not only that, but can you and your spouse easily get up and down the three to four steps to the door of your trailer or motor coach? Plus several more steps once inside the motor coach? It's enough to get safely in and out without the added burden of lugging groceries, pets, luggage, and laundry.
As with just about anything, budget sets the tone for what you can lease or purchase. If you aren't sure which direction to go with the size and type of RV, rent a unit similar to what you are considering for a shorter term prior to departing for an entire season. Love or hate it, you'll soon know how you feel. A candid conversation with your financial advisor/s is smart before making any permanent decisions. Do not get in over your head because used RV's will more than likely lose value if you try to resell them.
Look at the options from top to bottom: Motor coach? Trailer? Fifth wheel? New? Pre-owned? There's a wide range of prices depending on your criteria. Surprisingly, I found web sites offering used trailer campers for around $5,000 and decent-looking used motor coaches for $75,000. These options are not going to have the amenities you may be dreaming of such as updated decor, modern furniture, slide-outs and an in-unit washer and dryer. If you're looking for a spacious new RV, the prices will be reflected accordingly and this is where you should compare the costs and benefits of owning a recreational vehicle versus owning a condo, park model or second home.
Who will be driving the recreational vehicle? Is the driver comfortable with parking; backing up and maneuvering tight spaces such as small fuel centers in rural towns; mountainous terrain; heavy traffic and foul weather situations? Can the driver pass a CDL test if needed? If there will only be one driver, how many hours is realistic for each day on the road? The larger and heavier the RV, the longer it will take to get to your destination. If there's only one driver and that person doesn't feel well, will you be prepared to shelter-in-place until able to resume again?
A trailer home is typically pulled by an appropriately matched pick-up truck. This is great for being able to leave the trailer at your RV park to run errands as needed. Motor coaches need to tow a small vehicle for snowbird purposes because no one wants to have to tear down their camp site just to run out for groceries in their motor coach. If you don't already own a small towable vehicle or pick-up truck, add that to your budget and don't forget to factor it into the fuel efficiency and GVWR.
Fuel, toll roads, weigh station fees, food, lodging, maintenance and more should be thoroughly accounted for. The more weight and wheels on your RV will add to the cost of the tolls and weigh stations and it can also affect the lot rental rate at your destination. Fuel efficiency isn't typically on my mind when I drive around my city, but it certainly would be if I'm driving a motor coach across the country and back.
To the inexperienced RV snowbird, it may not be immediately obvious that when you travel to and from your winter destination, there will likely be a need to stay somewhere en route at least one or two+ nights.
Option A is to stay in your own RV, right? Simple enough. Except you are road weary and campgrounds are not necessarily easily accessible from a major interstate highway. If you book a place or park in a rest area, it will be necessary to either set up your RV or camper, then tear it all down before hitting the road again. Or do without the full hook-up and spend days on the road without access to electricity, water and sewage. Depending on your RV, experience and the type of site, it can take anywhere from 15 to 75 minutes just to set up.
Option B is to stay in a hotel, which adds to your costs, and the parking lot needs to be able to accommodate your recreational vehicle. Make sure the hotel is pet friendly if you have your fur baby with you. Option B is what my husband's family chose to do for their three day trek from Northern Ohio to the southern border of Texas.
What kind of travel route will you be taking? In theory it sounds great to meander to and from your snowbird destination, taking side trips to see the charming sights. In reality, can your motor coach make it to these side trips? Most people wouldn't even attempt to drive a 30 foot trailer or motor coach too far off the main highway if not entirely confident the road conditions would accommodate it. Some remote areas of the country, particularly in Southwestern states don't have travel plazas every 50 miles. Can your RV rig make it between fuel centers in less populated areas?
Prior to departure, you should have your RV and tow vehicle thoroughly checked out by a qualified technician. However, if you have mechanical problems en route, will you be able to get your rig serviced within a fairly quick timeline? Parts can be tricky to get, but that could be the least of your mechanical problems. Getting a "tow" to a travel plaza, finding a qualified mechanic with proper diagnostic technology and a place that is open on the weekends or late at night may not be readily available. No one ever has flat tires or mechanical problems when it's convenient.
Do you have a place to store your RV in the off season? If you live in a city or neighborhood with a restrictive homeowner's association (HOA), storage costs will add to the budget. Rural residents have an improved chance to park their unit on their property if they have the acreage or out buildings to accommodate their home on wheels.
What kind of RV community do you envision? Mountains? Desert? Woodland? Open sky? Lake? River? Beach? What about the size of the place? Small and intimate? Large and varied? ADA-accessible sites? There's many options available at several price points.
Truthfully, I thought renting space with any sort of beach or ocean view was a long shot, but an online search shows it is available for a price. In Northwest Florida not far from Destin, there is a large resort community, Camp Gulf, with 16 lots for recreational vehicles to stay right on the sand of the beach. Amazing! This year, they advertise a winter monthly rate of approximately $1,325, which is not cheap, but I didn't even think it was possible to camp on the beach. Of note, beach lots at this resort do not permit dogs due to local health regulations.
Read the online reviews. You can learn a lot from the comments for any given RV community and it's an eye-opener. Everything from comments about the management style to the size of the pool, maintenance noise in the early mornings as well as nearby amenities, it's all out there. If the same complaints keep coming up, look into it further and find out if the recurring problems have since been addressed.
Much of the appeal of RV communities is the network of residents of the community. If you plan to stay awhile and develop friendships, choose your community wisely. If you prefer traveling to many places for shorter visits at each one, you can try out a variety of communities without too much emotional investment.
With the current global pandemic, reservations are high in demand, so plan accordingly. Many communities offer winter rate discounts if you book multiple months. Read the fine print, it isn't uncommon to require your rig be onsite by January 1st to qualify for monthly rates through the month of May if you plan to stay during the most popular dates.
Rates and cancellation terms are important to be aware of. Read the policies, terms, deposit, add-on fees, tax rates and penalties carefully. Your rate may be charged based on the date of arrival, not the date advertised at the time of your reservation. Don't assume your rate is locked in unless your signed contract specifically says it is. Most places will not offer a refund for departing ahead of your paid date and you may be penalized or unwelcome to come back if you do not depart on time.
This may come as a surprise, but the age of your RV may cause it to be excluded from some communities. There may be restrictions on how many people are allowed per lot (ie, two) without incurring additional fees. Only one additional vehicle is typically allowed per site. Failure to comply with the rules could result in a hefty fine and/or removal from the park without refund. Many communities state on their web sites that they strictly enforce the rules.
Keep in mind, even with winter rates, your lot rent can run as much as $1,500 per month for an RV community such as Geronimo RV Park, in Miramar Beach Florida. Per their web site, their community is affordable and this may be in part because there is no onsite pool, rec room, gym or playground and it is about a 7 to 10 minute two-block walk to the public beach access. Daily rates for September 2020 through January 2021 at Geronimo are shown as $72 for a full hook-up, paved pull-through site.
Military, AAA and other discounts may be available in the off-season, but don't expect discounts during prime season other than possibly a 3% cash discount.
Many consider the perfect RV camp site to be shaded, spacious, paved, private and level with access to full hook-ups. Generally, quality amenities are preferred vs. quantity.
What amenities are important to you? Onsite laundry? Onsite sundries store? Clean, modern restrooms? Full hook-ups? Cable and high speed wi-fi? Security such as a gated community? A heated pool? Hot tub? Club house? A beautiful, shady, flat lot with landscaping? Community organized social events?
Regarding the greater community, do you want access to golf? Tennis? Biking and hiking trails? Shopping? Restaurants? Entertainment? Grocery stores? Fuel centers? Craft breweries, pubs and wineries? Parks and waterways? Hospitals? Churches? Banks?
Think about the activities of your daily life, how you like to relax and what is most important for the community amenities that will work within your budget.
Not every camping community allows pets. Or they may restrict pets to the type, breed, number and size/weight. Do your homework before you arrive so there's no surprises. Is there adequate space for your pet? Can the pet easily climb into and out of your rig? Onto your bed and the furniture? Is there space for the pet to stretch out and sleep? If pets are stressed, they won't do well and likely neither will you.
Pets should never be left unattended in an RV for more than a few minutes, there's too much that can go wrong with AC or the power going out and temperatures can quickly increase to unsafe levels.
Can you live in a 200 square foot space for one, three or six months of the year? This is a big issue not to be taken lightly. Think about it. Perhaps you like to hang out with the neighbors, stay up late, watch TV and sleep in and your travel companion likes to retire early and get up early. This may work fine at home, but in a small space, it's not so easy since it's harder to get away from each other. Sharing one small sink, shower and commode in one tiny bathroom is another huge adjustment.
Small spaces can bring couples together, but it can also heighten frustration and tension. If the weather is inclement for a period of days or weeks, will being indoors all the time drive you crazy? On TV, they try to make tiny houses look appealing, yet no one ever says what the success rate of actually living in one is for more than a month.
Most RV communities offer parking for your motor home or trailer plus one vehicle. Guests and guest parking are typically restricted and some places also restrict the number of people permitted to stay on a camp site. For snowbirds, this is less likely of a concern unless you decide to host friends and family from home.
Boats and RV's require the most creative storage due to necessity. Hooks, pegs, Velcro® and other organizational gadgets help maximize space, as well as multi-use functionality of your cargo. Much thought should be put into how and what should be packed with only the most hard-working items to be included. Items must be able to be secured when in transit for safety and to prevent breakage. Child-proof locks are the norm on cabinet doors. If you are lucky enough to own a unit with a small closet and under-the-bed dresser drawers, there won't be much space for clothes or shoes as in your northern home. If you typically keep shoes, laundry, a pet bed and other things on the floor, you'll probably be tripping over them in your recreational vehicle.
Many people eat out a lot and this is a viable option for many RV snowbirds who live in a community with plenty of options. For those who primarily cook their meals, it's a huge consideration. Tight counter space and storage, plus limited compact appliances such as a range and refrigerator make it very difficult to prepare meals the way you would in a traditional home. More frequent trips to get supplies need to be factored in.
Outdoor life is a major part of the RV lifestyle, and that includes cooking over an open campfire or grilling on a camp stove. Picnic tables provide functional dining space that often is in short supply indoors. If your plans primarily include outdoor cooking to free up space and keep the heat out of the interior, inclement weather is not ideal. As mentioned before, are you able and willing to take food, supplies and dishes up and down the steps each time you prepare an outdoor meal?
Do you mind washing dishes by hand? If not, good, but it's another consideration of preparing meals in your recreational vehicle.
On what kind and size of bed will you be sleeping? If you and your spouse are accustomed to separate bedrooms because someone snores and/or has a CPAP machine, can you make it work with a shared double or queen-sized bed? It's almost unheard of to find an RV with a king-sized bed unless it has slide-outs. Tall people need to make sure the bed is long enough to accommodate them. The mattress and hopefully box springs need to be reasonably comfortable.
Motor homes with the bed above the cab present challenges such as climbing into or out of it, as well as making the bed or changing the sheets.
If your RV has air conditioning, are you able to sleep with the possibly loud hum of the AC running all night? AC in RV's tends to be difficult to evenly regulate, so you may alternate between being too hot or too chilly. If your RV doesn't have AC, are you able to sleep in a hot, humid or stuffy environment?
One more important aspect to sleeping in your RV, if it isn't completely level, it isn't much fun to feel like you're going to roll onto the floor or into the wall.
Brooms, mops, hand-held vacs and disposable paper towels are the norm for recreational vehicles. Laundry is typically accomplished at an onsite or nearby laundromat, but some motor coaches have very compact stacked washers/dryers in them. Everything, including leaves, dirt and mud, tends to track into your RV at a more noticeable rate when the space is small. Do you have a plan of where and how you'll get the ocean salt or dessert sand washed off the exterior of your rig?
What security measures are important to you? Some RV resorts offer gated access, but even with a gate, adequate security isn't a given. Besides obvious methods such as locking all of your doors and windows, keeping cash and valuables at home and/or out of sight and being vigilant, there's other strategies. Consider upgrading your standard locks and adding a camera system designed for RV's. Thoroughly check all state and local laws regarding carrying firearms for each state you plan to traverse.
Privacy is another huge consideration, which I've listed last, but is by no means least of the priorities. Are you OK with living within earshot next to multiple neighbors in every direction?
For those who like the social life of RV communities, this is a fantastic benefit. There's a comaraderie that neighbors develop when living in close quarters. People get to know each other much more easily, share meals, experiences, stories and gain a new network of friends who truly care about each other.
However, the flip side is maybe you don't want to wave "hello" or have spontaneous drop-in visitors when sitting in your lawn chair reading a book. Worse, maybe there's a barking dog or a loud neighbor -- or perhaps you are the loud neighbor -- who becomes annoying. If you are having a heated disagreement with your spouse, are you both able to keep it off the radar and not raise your voices?
Before jumping into the snowbird RV lifestyle, seek input from others who have experience and read everything you can find online and from other sources. Many RV snowbirds absolutely love the sense of adventure, the freedom and the social connections. They are passionate and willing to take chances. If this is you, consider giving it a try. If it isn't a good fit, you can always make adjustments, such as eventually moving into a park model, traditional mobile home or even a condo or single family home. But you'll never know until you try.
-- Unknown
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