Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
Our hosts’ welcoming front porch set the stage for their home which looks like it belongs in a magazine ROAD TRIP REPORT Road trips and summer are a perfect pair. And it only gets better when visiting snowbird friends in their Northern homes. So …
Provide fresh fruit/nuts/snacks within easy reach for guests Snowbird Hospitality Snowbirds who choose to host guests for a stay in their warm climate homes generally are great hosts and hostesses. Whether hosting guests for a day or a week, allow yourself enough time to be …
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Many snowbirds retreat to their warm climate homes in October and November, which means now is the time to get prepared for the countdown to departure.
If there's unfinished business at home, figure out your projected timeline to complete them, bring the projects with you or delay them until you return. By being proactive, you'll be less stressed out later. Yard/landscaping, home
repairs, maintenance, roofing, decluttering, correspondence, files, bills, banking, improvements, hobbies, and more to name a few.
Contact your trusted friends, family and neighbors to help you while you're away. Who will be handling your mail? Houseplants? Packages/deliveries? Snow plowing? House sitting? Unexpected problems? Work ahead and let your team know when and how they will be needed. Just because they helped you in the past doesn't guarantee they'll be available or willing to help again. Set up a plan A, B and C if you can. Of course, the more you can do yourself, the better. Set aside a budget to pay for the necessary help unless you have someone to trade duties with. If it's someone who insists they won't take money, send them a gift card. It's important to make them feel appreciated. No one wants to feel used or taken for granted. Don't forget to
give them access instructions for your home, including security codes.
Don't forget to update your pet tags and medications such as heartworm/flea/tick preventatives. If you have "snowbird" business cards, update and reorder if needed. If you use checks, restock your supply. Same for your prescriptions and anything else that may be important.
Do you have doctor's appointments, vet appointments and other unfinished business such as meetings with your tax and financial advisors? Get them scheduled and done at least a month or several weeks in advance of your departure. Don't forget to schedule one last hair appointment before you depart. If possible, schedule upcoming appointments for the first part of your snowbird season and get those out of the way.
Merge, purge and weed out your stuff. Donate to charity or have a garage sale. It will feel better to lighten the load in advance so you don't have to think about it while you're away and it won't be staring you in the face when you return home in the spring. I'm not one who is a natural organizer, but being organized is fundamental for any snowbird. My favorite organizational tool? Plastic storage bins in all shapes/sizes. Photo albums, family keepsakes, toiletries, linens and seasonal items all reside in storage bins. Don't forget to label them. Also, purge, back up and organize your passwords, computer and electronic files as well.
Now is the time to check your existing security systems and consider increasing your security. If you already have a security monitoring system, consider upgrading it before you depart, such as adding more glass break sensors. Other security measures include more interior and exterior cameras and installing deadbolts to any exterior door that doesn't already have one. Motion sensor lights are another good option. If you haven't already installed a keyless entry to the garage, do so now. If it's available through your third party security vendor, add an alarm to your sump pump for peace of mind.
If you rent your snowbird home, outstanding balances will typically need paid anywhere from 60 to 90 days in advance. Review your contract for any other details that may be pertinent. The goal is no surprises. Be sure to stage the folder containing your rental agreement and proof of payment along with your other important documents that need to move south with you.
Reserve your hotel for the trip both down and back well in advance.
Because we travel with our Golden Retriever, we book our favorite hotel for the half way point to our snowbird destination. They have a limited number of dog accessible rooms and we don't want to miss out. Not only does the staff remember us, the rooms have mini refrigerators and microwaves and the hotel has a fantastic breakfast buffet. Plus they charge a very reasonable fee for the dog. Not every place welcomes pets and for both us and our dog, knowing what to expect makes the trip slightly less stressful.
Check your calendar and make your social plans with friends and loved ones to avoid a last minute scramble. Our first season, we hosted a farewell lunch for family several days before we left. It was the last time we would see them for awhile and it turns out it was the last time they ever saw our beloved Golden Retriever, Reilly, who sadly passed away while we were in our southern home. By making plans before leaving, you and they will tend to cope better when away for an extended time. This year we made plans to meet up with our snowbird friends on Labor Day weekend -- before everyone heads back to their winter homes again.
Thoroughly go over your vehicle and determine what maintenance needs done. Change the oil, purchase new tires if they are less than 50% and get a general check up. Don't forget about winterizing vehicle/s being left behind. Take photos of your odomoter readings and put the keys to your vehicle/s in a safe place where only you know where they are. Don't provide temptation for theft or anyone else. Be prepared for possible deflated tires and dead batteries upon your return.
On the way home from our third season, we decided it was time to switch from a sedan to a full-sized SUV for increased cargo space and to help our furry passenger, Bodie, more easily enter/exit. Bodie wouldn't climb into the sedan without an assistive boost each and every time we made a stop, so his needs were an important consideration. Eight months ahead of our departure for season four we brought home our "beast." This gave us enough time to evaluate and purchase additional accessories including a pet barrier as well as a new ramp for rear entry so our dog can easily enter/exit.
I pack reduced quantities of herbs, seasonings and spices; wooden spoons, spatulas, mini server spatulas and flippers, serrated knives and just about anything else that can fit into one shoe-box sized plastic storage bin. If you have favorite custom spice rubs and blends, pre-make an appropriate quantity before leaving home so you aren't hauling 14 ingredients only to use a small amount of each. Canning jars are excellent for transporting smaller amounts of liquids if you can avoid breaking them during transport.
Prepare a contact sheet for your closest friends and loved ones with your address, dates of travel and any pertinent details. Distribute it well in advance of departure so you don't have to worry about it at the last minute. Notify all other appropriate businesses and entities, such as your newspaper and change of address for your mail. Don't forget any other delivery services who may need to be put on a seasonal hold. If you can temporarily stop your cable tv service, it could save some money.
Get your packages ready several weeks ahead of your departure and avoid the last minute crunch that inevitably happens as departure approaches. Because we are self-employed, we have computers, a printer and products, including parts/accessories that are shipped in advance. Getting the timing right is an art form, but is much smoother when you are prepared.
Last, but not least, clean and prep your home for a season away. If your home will be unoccupied, turn off the exterior water line. Adjust the blinds and thermostat, set up your lighting self-timers, turn on the security alarm and trust that your systems and pre-planning will pay off for another successful season away.
--Andrew O'Hagan
Home Vs. Away It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of your snowbird home–the warmer weather, prospects of a new community, new friends and the alluring amenities of your home whether it is the beach, pedestrian lifestyle, shopping / restaurants and more. Parking, …
SNOWBIRD THEME PARTIES 75 Party Ideas for Your Next Snowbird Gathering Snowbirds are generally social and enjoy hosting dinners, parties and other events for their warm weather neighbors, family and friends from home. Theme parties can be as simple or elaborate as you wish. A …
Solo snowbirds are somewhat rare, with their own unique needs, including housing that is just enough space, but not too much; a winter home where it's reasonably easy to navigate to their destination, seeking places where they are more likely to feel safe and either already know people or can easily make new friends.
There are several categories of solo snowbirds. It could be they are solo due to divorce or the loss of a spouse / partner. Or their spouse is not yet retired and unable to accompany them full time. Whatever the reason, solo birds are generally strong and independent by nature.
First time solo snowbirds new to an area should consider staying at a property with amenities such as a community pool, club house and / or fitness or rec room; joining local groups or meet-ups and engaging in activities where it's more likely to meet friends. Returning solo snowbirds have an advantage of reconnecting with past friends and being familiar with their warm climate community. Yes, it can be daunting, but many solo snowbirds have made it a top priority to return to their warm weather homes where they have a special place within the community.
--Consider themselves self-sufficient and are accustomed to being solo
--Have a well thought out "Plan B" for issues that may arise while they are away. As an example, they have a loved one who can help them if needed in case of an emergency such as illness or injury
--Purchase travel insurance in case they cannot make it to their warm weather destination due to accident or illness
--Actively make social plans with their warm climate neighbors: shopping, movies, lunches, dinners, gatherings, and more
--Invite their loved ones to visit their southern home
--Stay in contact with their loved ones from home on a regular basis and/or their trusted warm weather neighbors
--Avoid driving through large metropolitan areas during heavy traffic by taking alternate routes and/or driving through these areas very early or later in the day
--Make use of collapsible canvas wagons and pet strollers to carry pets and essentials
--Bring pee pads and baby pens for their pet/s to reduce the need to go outside after dark
--Appreciate the kind gestures and thoughtfulness of their neighbors
--If you don't already know a solo snowbird neighbor by name, take time to introduce yourself and get acquainted
--Offer to take their trash out to the dumpster
--Invite them to a dinner in, an evening out, lunch or an afternoon movie
--Inquire if there's anything they need from the grocery if you're already going out
--Ask if they would like a ride to drive together if attending the same event
--Loved ones from home can make a solo snowbird's day by sending a gift card to a local movie theater or restaurant
--Unknown
The beautiful uncluttered master bedroom in the high rise where we stayed part of the first season MODEL HOME SYNDROME After returning home our first snowbird season, I realized something was off, it didn’t feel the same. Months went by… After having spent a …
Summer weekend getaway to Chicago along the River Esplanade The Off Season Besides daydreaming about their warm climate home, what do snowbirds do during the off season? Embrace Your Primary Home It’s easy to get swept up in your winter home, after all it’s what …
There’s no doubt about it, dogs rule in our snowbird community. They are virtually everywhere -- on the sidewalk, in vehicles and pet strollers, on the beach and balconies / patios and even the outdoor areas of beachfront restaurants. Pet friendly housing is a huge consideration, particularly for larger breeds. Low and high rise condos may or may not accept dogs, especially from renters, and if they do, only dogs below a designated weight, such as 30 pounds. Of course, additional fees usually apply to pets, so be prepared.
Before arriving, look into the rules about dogs on the beach and other restrictions. In our community, non-resident dogs are not permitted on the sand and yes, they do patrol and give tickets for violations. Most restaurants allow well-behaved, leashed dogs on the outdoor patio either during certain hours or all the time, weather permitting. It's best to check first to make sure.
Anyone who doesn’t like or want to hear or encounter dogs in their place of residence, on the sidewalk or anywhere else in public should take it into consideration when selecting or returning to a snowbird community. Along those same lines, if you aren't a big fan of people on bikes, skates, skateboards or other wheeled apparatus (or people in general), it's a similar situation as dogs because sidewalk life is a big deal for snowbirds. Most snowbirds live in multi-unit condo or high rise buildings so the primary green space is likely the sidewalks and bike paths along the beach. If the average dog has business to attend to about 4 to 6 times a day, it adds up over the span of a week or month or winter.
I have friends and family who aren't that fond of dogs, but it's even more unpleasant when total strangers direct hostility towards pet parents. I've personally encountered some outright anger. One was a neighbor in our building who claimed our terminally ill Golden Retriever was "barking incessantly." Highly improbable, considering our dog was almost physically unable to, but we were extra careful after that. Another time, a woman on the sidewalk waited until she had just passed me and burst out with an obscenity about how irritated she was that my puppy was in her way. He wasn't, but she apparently was looking for a scapegoat. Because of the hostility from neighbors, it shows how important it is to do everything possible to make your pet blend in as much as possible, do their best with manners and leave no trace behind. After all, a neighbor who has a minor issue with you can make major problems by complaining about you and your pet. Avoid confrontation, follow all of the rules and take the tactic of becoming less visible.
Of course, restraining your dog from excessive barking when in your warm weather home is expected along with immediately picking up pet waste when in public. Street manners include staying to the right side, staying off the grass of private property and always keeping your dog restrained on a leash. We go so far as to require our dog to sit down in the grass when bicycles and pedestrians are approaching from either direction. This can be cumbersome on a busy day, but our dog is less likely to try to jump up to greet a stranger when already sitting down. He usually receives a smile or nod of appreciation for doing so. Frankly, it's not only super cute, but very respectful when a dog sits at attention in your honor while walking along the sidewalk.
Some pet parent snowbirds don't mind and even seem to welcome socializing their dogs with others. It's a great way to make new friends in your snowbird community. We tend to see the same dogs each year---and just like at home, I know the dogs' names and their parents' faces.
However, other pet parents do not want or have time to socialize with you and your dog. It's not unusual for some dogs to not get along with others and / or their owners. It's likely not personal, but you should be prepared for the brush off. We generally stick with a reserved approach to socializing our dog with new dogs until the owner initiates interest, especially because our young dog is larger and more exuberant than the other dogs we encounter.
With or without a dog, keep a conservative approach to socializing with fellow pets in public. If you want to seek out the snowbird pet parents who are most likely to befriend you, visit the local dog park and look for the business establishments who allow dogs in their stores and on their patios and decks.
Coastal colors of the Emerald Coast of Florida, our Southern home Welcome to Midlife Snowbird Many people dream about escaping the frozen winter for life as a snowbird. And they wonder what it’s really like, how to make it happen, where to go and …