Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
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As both an owner and a guest, I've seen the good, bad and ugly for check in procedures and expectations. For example, a couple years ago our newest neighbors were standing in the hallway quite awhile with their adorable dog, Cookie. I learned they were waiting on an agent of the local rental company to come and unlock the door so they could unpack their loaded vehicle. Why? A keyless entry doesn't need anyone to let a guest in, especially if they are checking in within the allotted time. Every management company is different and you'll want to be very prepared for how you will get into the property, especially if it's before or after hours. Things happen and don't always go according to plan.
Personally, I love the road trip, the process of transitioning from our Northern home to our Southern home. It's a time for adjusting to new and letting go of the old. Part of the journey involves finding the charm along the way. A huge part of that is planning the stops, including the small town road side stands as well as the super travel centers and interstate highway attractions such as Peach Park in Clanton, Alabama.
Below is a list of useful topics that take a little time to think about and prepare for, but are worth the effort to save time and hassles later.
I thought I had just about everything figured out for our upcoming snowbird season until a couple days ago and realized I have no idea where the contract is. It's not in the usual places and we need to verify our payment information with the property manager. The amusing thing is, we are the property owners. But we need a contract and payment just like everybody else.
At least 30 days' prior to departure, locate and review your contract for policies, check in and departure times, access codes, pet fees or other fees and anything else you might need to refresh in advance. If your rental includes a golf cart, verify details that information as well.
Maybe you're super fortunate there's only one way to get to your destination. Not so much for us. Even though we spend a lot of time on I-65, there's always lane changes, river tolls, "Sunpass" tolls and construction or lane and road closures. Weather and accidents are another unpredictable problem on the interstate.
Once we exit the interstate, there's a myriad of route options that take us through the beautiful back country of Southern Alabama. We have found Waze to be a huge help to get us to our home in Northwest Florida because there are many variables with routes, fuel centers, food and more. Road trips are already stressful and anything you can do to know when, where and how you're traveling is a life saver.
By reserving and paying for your hotel as far in advance as possible, you will likely not only save money, you'll also be promised the type of room you prefer. For us, pet friendly and convenience to I-65 is most important, followed by a King bed, in-room microwave and refrigerator, reasonable price and located in Athens, Alabama, our favorite stopping point. Other considerations include ADA access, cancellation policy, proximity to restaurants and fuel centers as well as in an area not plagued by crime. During busy season, such as holidays and the start of Spring Break, snowbirds and spring breakers are intersecting at the hotels and you'll want to get your room booked before they do. Other competition includes long term hotel guests who may be in the area for their trades or special events such as weddings and celebrations. By reserving in advance, you'll dodge many of the unknowns by waiting too long to book.
Be sure to know your codes! We have a code for the gated complex, access to the beach gate, fitness center and yet another code for our property's keyless entry. Our vehicle also has a convenient keyless code that I use quite often. If I'm walking by, I don't need to
bring my keys if I need to get something out of there. We use the cargo space as a "mini garage," and store our utility bags, boxes, tools and much more.
Log your codes into your phone or somewhere that you can easily retrieve them in a hurry. At home we have a ton of codes too, but I use them more often than I do in the gaps between time in our winter home. Usually we update our snowbird codes prior to departure because they change about 4 or 5 times a year. As we drive up to the gated entry, it's less stressful to have them ready.
Never ever assume that just because you've stayed in the same place multiple seasons that nothing will change for the better or worse for your next stay. It's wise to ask your property manager or owner for any possibilities of the following:
--Planned maintenance/closure of pools, hot tubs/spas, fitness centers, sports courts, elevators, etc
--New amenities such as covered BBQ grill areas, volleyball, pickleball, tennis courts, etc
--Activities, social events and local festivals and events
--Construction or renovation of the individual unit/home where you will be staying for the season
--Construction/renovation of the complex where you will be. This could include closure of your balcony or patio area; closure of walkways and parking spaces, loud noise, dust and other unpleasant issues.
--Local businesses that may change their seasonal hours of operation. Some close for the entire month of January for various reasons, so if your heart is set on frequenting a favorite coffee shop or establishment, you'll want to know in advance if it's going to be open when you plan your morning coffee run or evening stroll to the local winery or pub.
A cautionary tale:
I met a lovely Arkansas family who selected their winter rental because it was located directly across from the elevator. They knew their elderly mother would be staying for a couple of weeks and were pleased to get a top floor unit right by the elevator. Their joy was ruined when they arrived on site to find the elevator was closed for at least a week due to being upgraded and replaced. There were other working elevators, but they were too far for the mother, who had mobility issues. So the family had no choice and went home. I felt terrible for them, but it just didn't work out. Guests with ADA needs or elderly dogs may experience a similar situation. By checking in advance, problems can be identified and hopefully rectified prior to arrival.
-- Alan Lakein, American Author
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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From Summerbird to Snowbird Transition from a Summer to Winter Stay in Your Warm Weather Community Many times I’m inspired to write about questions I receive seeking insight of the snowbird life. This time our repeat vacation rental guests asked about making the transition from …
If you've ever wondered what it might be like to live in your snowbird community full time, consider this case study of one mostly retired couple who relocated from Ohio to Florida. They've had three years to absorb and analyze the emotional impact of what it means to move away from friends and family. I recently spent a Sunday morning with my friend, Kaley, and we had a candid personal conversation about the challenges she has encountered by making her southern community her full time home base.
On the plus side, Kaley and her husband purchased what they considered to be a reasonably priced home with an inground pool in a mature residential area in the heart of downtown Destin, Florida. A pool in a southern climate makes sense because the weather will be warm or hot much more than the Northern climate. However, since that time housing prices have skyrocketed as has homeowner's insurance. She said it is about $6,000 per year for insurance largely due to being in a coastal area, but Kaley said so far property taxes have been relatively reasonable.
Kaley felt that having a pool would be a draw for their family to want to visit, especially her grandchildren. Yet Kaley quickly acknowledged her teen grands have a pool at their own home, although pool season is much shorter in Ohio. The gorgeous nearby white sandy beaches of the Emerald Coast don't exactly repel anyone either. There are many other attractions in the area for just about any age or ability. This is what is so appealing to tourists and full time residents alike.
Housing and the allure of pools and the beaches are just one factor of being based in your warm weather community. Kaley shared that she and her husband are seriously considering moving back to Ohio. Caught by surprise, I listened carefully.
Family and friends are hugely important and that is Kaley's biggest Achilles heel. Yes, it's typically not a problem to make an effort to get acquainted with new friends in any area and be happy with them, although it does take time to do that. Kaley didn't say, but I'm fairly certain it must be challenging to sustain meaningful friendships in a community where the majority of the population is comprised of transient tourists. Snowbird friends tend to come back every year, but then they are gone again right about the time you find your groove. There's a large gap of time in between. Close friends from home will typically visit once and they may or may not return.
Family is another thing. They obviously cannot be replicated or substituted. For many snowbirds, family and friends are two of the biggest reasons to remain in close geographical proximity. No one ages backwards and there's only so many resources be with family who live a significant distance away. Kaley has made many trips back to Ohio for various occasions, but no one can be there for every single gathering or life event. Grands are born and grow up quicker than anyone is ready. There's no price that can be established for time with family. Therefore, if either the parents or adult children move away no matter what the reason, there's pros and cons. Hence the conundrum.
Kaley researched the costs of moving back to their original home base in Central Ohio. Insurance is still reasonable because they would be land locked. However, housing and property taxes are expensive which means she and her husband would be trading lower insurance for high property taxes.
Another consideration is which one of their three adult children to be nearest? The children plus grands are located in three different cities and it would be at least a two hour drive each way if they chose to base near one of the three families.
Kaley and I both personally know of parents moving to the same city as their adult children only to be frustrated with the outcome. Kaley pointed out that her friends moved to Virginia to be near their children and grands. After a period of time the grands and their family were transferred and now the parents were in a location where they didn't have many friends and now they didn't have family either.
Another friend of Kaley's moved close to family and said they see their family and grands the same amount of time as before they moved there. Although grandparents realize teens are busy with school and their own friends and activities, it's not pleasant to miss out on a relationship with them, especially when they are in the same vicinity. Regarding the adult children, it's even less pleasant to feel your children are avoiding you after the effort made to relocate nearby. This is another subject entirely and one that is all too common.
Kaley and I didn't delve into the hurt feelings, resentment and emotional issues of moving to be closer to family only to find the significant life-changing gesture isn't exactly welcome, but that is the reality of making a huge change. If Kaley and her husband move back to Ohio, who's to say how much time they will actually have with their family? To be fair, when Kaley and her husband moved away from Ohio, their children and grands, it almost certainly had an emotional impact on the remaining family.
Whether snowbirds stay with the status quo by splitting time between two homes or permanently relocate to their southern community, there's no easy answers. For those who aren't particularly close to their adult children, whose children don't live nearby, who don't have children/grands or whose core family is no longer surviving, there's still extended family, friends, neighbors, community and the long time roots connecting anyone to a particular place.
Ultimately, each situation is personal and unique. There's several wise adages to consider before making any major life changes: "The grass isn't always greener" and "Be careful of what you wish for" are two that come to mind. No matter what Kaley and her husband decide, there's always trade offs. I believe the best option is to consider what is best for each individual or each couple, not what is best for everyone else.
-- Eckhart Tolle, German born spiritual teacher and self-help author
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.