Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
Drone view of gorgeous coastal waters of Miramar Beach in Northwest Florida. Both Florida and Hawaii are known for miles of scenic coastline and colorful hues Florida Vs. Hawaii A Comparison of Weather, Cost of Living Index and Ease of Travel by Vehicle This is …
Florida features 1,146 miles of coastal shoreline and Texas has about 367 miles of shoreline. [Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida, Miramar Beach, Florida] Florida Vs. Texas A Comparison of Weather, Cost of Living Index and Ease of Travel by Vehicle This is the second of …
Let's begin by addressing the obvious. It makes the most sense that if your primary home is on the West Coast that you choose a snowbird community that is also on the West Coast. Right? Investing yourself in an area will be a long term pursuit if you choose wisely and getting there is a huge consideration of where to go. If unsure, then try out different options and see what works best. I highly doubt most snowbirds will repeat a trip from say, Indiana, Michigan or Ohio to Arizona more than once or twice. It's a long, multi-day drive. I'm not a gambler, but if I was, I would put high odds on what I refer to as the big slide. Most snowbirds slide south to their winter destinations.
My region in Northwest Florida primarily attracts people from the Northern Midwest states with a sprinkling of other areas mixed in. Most of my friends and acquaintances drive south on Interstate 65 all the way to our panhandle community. The last thing I want to do is spend more time on the road trip than absolutely necessary, especially with a dog on board.
If an individual or couple does not have pets or a lot of absolutely necessary belongings, flying is a possibility. But, there's more than meets the eye with that and unless you have no other option, such as a medical condition or choosing Hawaii for your winter destination, a road trip makes the most sense for all of the snowbirds I've ever encountered.
Traveling to your snowbird community is a major factor, but the cost of living and weather are also significant. More than one conversation with future snowbirds has taken place about "Which is better?" types of scenarios. This post is the first of several that will discuss "Which is better?" of two states. Florida is the long recognized gold standard of snowbird destinations. It is the king of the country for popularity attracting seasonal residents such as snowbirds. However, it is not the only option and for many, it's not the best option for their own personal circumstances and needs.
Here I will briefly provide the facts of three topics: weather, costs and ease of travel comparing Florida with Arizona. As always, weigh everything carefully and do your own research. The general information provided here is for a basic overview of what to expect and not intended to be specific for my readers.
Florida is the number one hottest state in the US with an average temperature of 73 degrees Fahrenheit in 2024. Arizona is ranked number eleven at 62.5 degrees Fahrenheit in 2024. In-between are Louisiana, Texas, Hawaii, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Alaska is the least hot with an average temperature of 27.8. Winters in Florida are mild and summers are hot and humid. July is the hottest month of the year in Florida. Temperatures in Arizona in June, July and August average 100 degrees Fahrenheit in Phoenix, but are more mild in other parts of the state. Some parts of Arizona have snow in the winter.
Sources: Climate at a Glance, StateWide Mapping - National Centers for Environmental Information
Annual Weather Averages: Hawaii - Holiday Weather
Humid heat always makes temperatures feel hotter and more stifling because the high moisture in the air makes it difficult for sweat to evaporate from human skin. However, humid temperatures are generally better for sinuses and can decrease symptoms of asthma and allergies. In a dry climate, you may sweat more than in humid heat, but may not notice because the moisture evaporates from skin more quickly. It is easier to become dehydrated in dry climates.
Although Florida is known as the "Sunshine State," Arizona is by far the top state in the US for sun exposure and has the highest percentage of sunny days at 85% and an average of 193 clear days per year. Arizona's average number of 3,806 sunny hours per year is followed by Nevada and New Mexico respectively with 79% and 76% to round out the top three. Data was measured in Tucson, Arizona located on the southern border.
Florida has an average of 66% sunny days per year and an average of 101 clear days and 2,927 sunny hours, making it ninth of the states in the US. Data was measured in Tampa, Florida located on the Western Peninsular side of Central Florida. In-between Arizona and Florida for sunny days in descending order are: Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Hawaii, California, Oklahoma and Wyoming. Alaska has the least number of measured sunny days at 41%.
Sources: Average Annual Sunshine by State - Current ResultsSunniest States in the U.S. - Stacker
The UV index is a measure of the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Arizona and Florida both have very high UV rays and are each rated as a "ten," however, Arizona edges out Florida for highest with 3,728 vs. 3,636 average daily UV Irradiance 2015. Other states with a ten rating for UV rays are California and Nevada. With the highest score of 11, Hawaii is the state closest to the Equator and thus has the most intense UV rays. Alaska is the lowest with a score of one.
Skin cancer, premature aging and other health problems are all linked to prolonged UV exposure of the sun. Precautions such as using sunblock and avoiding sun and UV exposure should be taken to lower the risk of sun-related health issues.
Source: EPH Tracking
Although the states of Arizona and Florida are slightly more expensive than the national average, Florida's cost of living index edged out Arizona. Arizona's Cost of Living Index is 111.5 and Florida's score is lower at 102.8. Information included here is the most current "Composite Cost of Living Index 2024 Annual Average" published by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.
For comparison, the State of Hawaii has the highest cost of living index with a whopping 186.9 and the state with the lowest score for 2024 is West Virginia at 84.1. My home state of Indiana is a reasonable 90.5 which is similar to Michigan's 90.4 and Iowa at 89.7. Other cold weather Midwestern states have scores as follows: Wisconsin, 97.0; Minnesota, 95.1; Illinois, 94.4; Ohio, 94.2 and Missouri, 88.7.
Northeastern states are all very high cost of living scores as follows: Massachusetts, 145.9; Washington D.C., 141.9; New York, 123.3; Maryland, 115.3; New Jersey, 114.6; Vermont, 114.4; New Hampshire, 112.6; Connecticut, 112.3; Rhode Island, 112.2; Maine, 112.1; Delaware, 100.8 and Pennsylvania, 95.1.
Northwestern states range from a high of California, 144.8; Alaska, 123.8; Washington, 114.2; Oregon, 112.0, Utah, 104.9; Colorado, 102.0; Idaho, 102.0; Nevada, 101.3; Wyoming, 95.5; Montana, 94.9; Nebraska, 93.1; South Dakota, 92.2; North Dakota, 91.9 and Kansas, 87.0.
Source: https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series
The short answer is what major North/Southbound artery can you access without too much trouble? If you are located in the Western half of the US and Canada, Arizona is most logical for your road trip destination. If you are coming from the Eastern half of the US and Canada, Florida is better. The population in the middle US and Canada have the biggest decision to make and it will likely be based on your own personal circumstances.
From East to West, this is the rundown of the major North/South arteries and where you'll end up. Note: There is no direct North/South interstate that travels directly to the heart of Arizona! To get to Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona, greater Phoenix, Tucson and other popular destinations, take Interstates 25 or 15 and then cut over to where you want to be in Arizona. Because of the lack of a direct North/South interstate to Arizona, Florida takes the win.
Interstate 95: Carolinas and Eastern Peninsular Florida
Interstate 75: Georgia, Central and Western Peninsular Florida
Interstate 65: Northwest Florida and Alabama
Interstate 55: Louisiana and Mississippi
Interstate 45: Eastern Texas
Interstate 35: Middle Texas
Interstate 25: Western Texas and New Mexico
Interstate 15: Northwest Arizona, Nevada and Southern California
Interstate 5: Southern California
--Cyd Charisse, American dancer and actress
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.
A huge part of the road trip is planning the stops, including the small town road side stands such as Papas in Brantley, Alabama Pre Check-In List for Snowbirds Avoid Surprises and Hassles by Verifying in Advance of Arrival As both an owner and a …
Exploring the upscale and historical Frangista Beach neighborhood was a memorable highlight of my solo trip to paradise The Off Season Solo Traveler How I Overcame Trepidation and Found Calm as a Solo Traveler in Paradise Many snowbirds love traveling in the off season. My …
I am a snowbird who readily admits traveling light is not my thing. I overpack -- mostly on purpose -- because I'd rather have "it" and not need it than wish I had packed it. I dislike having to take the time and spend the money to buy yet another article of clothing when all I had to do was throw it in to begin with. Our first few years of being snowbirds involved moving ourselves, our Golden Retriever and our business in a sedan. Then we purchased a Lincoln Navigator because it has soooooo much more space. As you can imagine, I packed smart, but not light. No thanks.
When the opportunity arose to stay at the beach for a week, I didn't hesitate to go for it. It would be just me, solo, for a Saturday to Saturday week in paradise. My husband and dog would stay behind largely due to my dog's physical restrictions from a recent knee surgery and also because of the remaining portion of our kitchen reno. The reno was already scheduled with our vendor and contractor and the dog was absolutely not able to travel. My husband could not leave, but he was very supportive of my decision to get away. For me, this would be a workcation combining deep cleaning our vacation rental in the middle of peak season with leisure time enjoying the beach service reading a book under an umbrella.
Driving to the beach for two days is out of the question for me and airfare was extremely reasonable from Indianapolis, Indiana to Fort Walton Beach, Florida. For a price, upgrades such as a reserved seat and extra luggage could be purchased, but that defeats my low, low, low budget trip. So I challenged myself to pack a week of stuff into one beach bag that would fit into the specifications of the airline's one allowable "personal item" that doesn't incur additional charges. For $166 round trip I was determined I could do it! A challenge for sure, but one that I felt was worth the effort.
The object of my trip was not to pack light enough to get to and from my destination and then go berserk while at the beach. The goal was to pack light and live for a week with only the bare essentials. I did not rent a car. I did not take an Uber or Lyft or any other mode of transportation other than the professional driver I hired to get me to and from the airport. That's it. No help. No deliveries from grocery stores, Door Dash, local friends or anything else. This was purely a pedestrian workcation. Exercise, live light and haul it myself. That's the game and that's my challenge. I seriously wondered if I could actually do it. Could you?
There are a few adjustments I would make, but overall it was a success and I could and would do it again. The key is to utilize what I call "zone" packing. I do this with our extended snowbird stays and on a micro level, I did it for my weeklong stay. Assign yourself however much space to fit everything into it and if you have too much, edit and refine. You'll get there. The TSA and/or airline will be the ones to allocate your space for liquids and take the cues from the airline of what they allow for the dimensions a personal item. If I can do it, you can do it!
Multi-functional items are the name of the light packing game. Everything needs to serve an intentional purpose and preferably dual purposes.
When I refer to "zone" packing, that means TSA has already decided how much space you can have for liquids and that is no more than one quart sized plastic bag. Liquids are very clearly defined, so that means lip gloss, deodorant, contact disinfectant, makeup remover, liquid makeup including foundation and eyeliner, toothpaste, mouthwash and anything else you need for your toiletries. I used a second quart bag for electronic components such as two camera battery chargers, spare camera cards and a phone charger cable plus I packed a third bag for non-liquid toiletries. Three zones. If it doesn't fit into the designated zone, it's staying behind. Additional zones included items I put into the exterior mesh beach bag pockets, interior zipped pocket for my keys, list of passwords, extra cash and private items, my carry on jacket pockets and the main compartment of the beach bag.
The airlines decide how big a personal item is. For me flying on Allegiant, that means my free personal item must be no larger than 18" high X 8" deep x 14" wide or you can be charged as a carry-on item and not as a free personal item. Plus the item must fit underneath the seat in front of you. My actual beach bag dimensions are 16" high X 6" deep X 22" at the widest point. Allegiant permits one personal item, one jacket, one collapsible umbrella, one book or newspaper and one small bag for prescription medication if needed. I was nervous that my beach bag would not be accepted as a personal item, but I had no problems on either leg of the trip.
One place to never ever compromise is your eye care products. Bring the smallest allowable amount possible of contact disinfectant and contact cleaner, but always bring it in the original packaging. No one wants to risk an eye infection by pouring your eye care products into a container that may or may not be sterile.
Below is a list of what I packed into my beach bag. I don't know how much it weighed on the way to my destination, but it was 19 pounds when I arrived at home. That's a lot!
T-shirts X 4 + 1 more souvenir t-shirt for return trip
Sports shorts X 2 (shorts double for sleepwear with a t-shirt and swimwear as desired)
Yoga pants X 2 (comfortable for going out or worn as loungewear)
Socks X 3 pairs
Flip flops X 1 pair
Undies X 4
Cell phone charger cord X 1
Quart size bag of toiletries: liquid, such as lip gloss, liquid makeup and eyeliner, deodorant, contact lens disinfectant, makeup remover, shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc.
Quart size bag of toiletries: non-liquid such as tooth brush, cotton squares, 3" square mirror with magnifier on one side, tweezers, eye shadow, eyebrow pencil, contact lens case, eye shadow brushes and so forth
Brimmed sun hat X 1
Baseball cap X 3 + 1 additional souvenir cap
Sunglasses X 1
Prescription glasses X 1
Reading glasses X 1
Hardback book X 1 (did not bring home to save space)
Magazine X 1 (did not bring home to save space)
Kids coloring books X 2 (I left these in the condo for guests)
Wallet, compact style with driver's license, cash in bills only, no change, three credit cards and nothing else
Canon camera with lens X 2
Camera battery charger X 2
Kindle X 1 (did not bring home to save space)
Snack sized bag of garlic salt (the TSA agent whispered to me "What is this?" -- fair enough, I should have labeled it)
Snack sized bag of Creole salt seasoning
Small compact green cloth backpack X 1
Small yellow compact micro canvas beach bag X 1
Snack sized bag with dried apricots X 1 (consumed during my stay)
Snack sized bag with peanuts X 1 (consumed during my stay)
Snack sized bag with about 2-3 oz dried pasta X 1 (consumed during my stay)
Car keys
Small amount of OTC meds in case they were needed
Digital thermometer X 1 just in case
Plastic bags X 4 or 5
Plastic grocery sized bag X 1
Backpack cooler (orange and white) that I purchased while at the beach (return trip only)
A note about my strategy to layer a tank top under a zip up top: I was NOT prepared to be asked to remove the zip up top for the airport security screening. TSA considers it a "jacket" and I will not do that again because the flimsy tank was never intended to be worn solo. For the return trip home, I wore a t-shirt for the airport screening check and then changed into the zip up top prior to boarding the plane.
Yoga pants X 1
Zip up top X 1
Tank top X 1
Undergarments
Walking shoes X 1 pair
Socks X 1 pair
Cell phone X 1
Jacket X 1 that I carried onto the plane which is allowed per airline policy. The pockets were stuffed with socks and undies and that created a special check by TSA. I definitely won't stuff the pockets as much for the next trip.
Collapsible umbrella
My strategy: don't go outdoors or head indoors if rain is imminent. It rained while I was at the beach, but I could see the storms rolling in and planned accordingly.
Food/Snacks
I bought all of my meals from local restaurants and walked back to the condo with half of my meals to eat for a second meal of leftovers. Planning ahead was super important. The closest restaurant was half a mile each way and the furthest place I patronized was a mile each way. Walking to the restaurants was not fun in hot weather with a 104 degree heat index. Walking back to in 104 degree temps was much worse because I was carrying my purchases in the orange and white back pack that I purchased at the tasting room the first day of my stay. I made sure I was back in my condo before sunset in most cases except a couple of evenings where it was after dark when I walked back. Not the best idea, but I took a calculated risk.
There was no snack vending machine on site, so that didn't work out as planned. There were times I was hungry for a snack or dessert, but that inspired me to buy an $8.00 bag of gourmet palm tree pasta from the tasting room so I could eat it for breakfast or a snack. I ordered a take-out bowl of gumbo and it included several packs of saltines which was a much appreciated snack. I also chased down an ice cream truck one afternoon to devour an ice cream sandwich, so good!
Fresh fruit was not readily available anywhere so a few green salads and an ear of street corn had to replace fruit during my week at the beach.
Beverages/Insulated Cups
I purchased beverages from restaurants, an on site vending machine and a local tasting room. I love filtered water, but gave that up and settled for beachy gulf tap water on lots of ice. Even with a lot of ice, it was strictly functional. I was slightly dehydrated most of the week, truth be told.
I did not pack any insulated cups, my mainstay at home. Too much weight and space to justify a 32 oz tumbler. I was fortunate there was a large plastic travel style beverage container in the condo that I used at the beach. In hindsight, one larger sized insulated cup would be wise in the future.
I don't drink coffee, but if you do, be prepared to walk somewhere to get any and/or pack your own coffee beans.
Bulky attire
Making a fashion statement when packing a week of clothing in a beach bag isn't ever going to be my number one priority. I left bulky, heavy articles of clothing at home. No jeans, casual cropped jeans style pants or bulky sweatshirts for me. However, IF you prefer jeans or dressier clothes pack them or wear them on the plane if you like. A jacket is perfect for cooler evenings and/or sit under a beach towel if you just need a little warmth in the evenings.
Portable phone charger
My husband questioned not taking a portable phone charger and I didn't think it was necessary because there are charging ports in the alarm clocks at the condo. I admit I regret not taking the portable charger and won't make that mistake again. I spent many hours in the airport not using my phone so I wouldn't drain the battery. Next time, bring the portable charger!
-- Harbhajan Singh Khalsa, Yoga Guru, American Entrepreneur, Spiritual Teacher
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.
What Are You Missing Along the Way? Fantastic side trips await to/from your snowbird destination I asked my snowbird friends, “When going to or from your winter destination, do you stop and see things along the way? Surprisingly, they don’t. The explanation is, “We’re in …
If you're like me, packing is a pain and a task I have yet to perfect and finesse despite years of travel. If it's a shorter stay of a long weekend or just a couple of weeks, it makes it even worse because I wrongly think "It's only a couple weeks," then forget items. My husband forgot to bring items related to our business, largely because of the "I've got this, no need to refer to my long-established packing lists." Everything is at risk of being forgotten, it's all about the details. Establish your systems, then stick to them.
Items I recently forgot were a food scale and cough drops. Typically, I don't get sick or need OTC types of products at home or anywhere else. However, while away I developed a cough that would not quit and was making me miserable. Cough drops are readily available at any pharmacy, that isn't the point. What is irksome is we literally have two one-pound bags of 500 cough drops and three food scales at our primary home -- there is no need to buy more. Our supplies will last for years. None of this is a major problem, it all adds up to minor inconveniences that no one wants to have to deal with while away, especially for a shorter stay. Shorter stays fly by as it is without searching and shopping around solving issues of forgotten items.
I purposefully didn't bring much cash, which turned out to be a poor choice. Cash is helpful just about everywhere including tipping your hotel staff, the cleaning staff at your southern place, beach and service attendants and small businesses who may or may not accept plastic. If you bring too much cash and don't spend it, terrific! It's not so convenient to get cash when you unexpectedly need it.
Overpacking is another common issue. Once again, I brought too many pairs of jeans and three jackets for a two week stay. Two of each would have been fine. Too many shoes is another common yet bulky item my husband and I both overpack. One pair of comfortable slip-on shoes, such as flip flops; one exercise or walking shoe and one versatile dress-it-up-or-down shoe is enough. The balance is to have an "heir and a spare" so that if it rains or an item gets dirty, you have an alternate option while the dirty/wet item is washed and dried.
I've included three areas to focus when packing for a minor time away such as a long weekend or a few weeks, but the same principles also apply to longer stays.
Examples include:
Toilet paper doubles as tissue paper in a pinch
Beach towels are, of course, great at the beach and they double as a throw blanket on a cooler evening as well as for the road trip
Olive, coconut or vegetable oil; butter or margarine. There's no need to bring every kind of oil/spread you own
Aluminum foil functions for both hot or cold applications, plastic only functions for cold uses
All-purpose seasonings: blend equal parts granulated onion and garlic instead of one container of each; bring one meat rub, specialty or all-purpose seasoning, not all of the individual ingredients to create your own spice blends while away
Animal crackers and dry cereal such as Cheerios double as snacks for you and your pet
Rice/Pasta: Long or quick cooking rice, not both. Pasta should be limited to one or two types that you consume most often
Beverages: Focus on the essentials such as coffee and purified water. If necessary, fill in with tea bags, lemonade mix or a two liter of soda
Wine/Beer/Liquor: Narrow it down to the basics such as one wine, beer and liquor, not the entire bar and every kind of mixer in your pantry
Examples include what you will wear from head to toe by time of the day:
Early Morning: Attire for taking the dog out, coffee on the patio
Morning: Breakfast at your place or in the highway hotel's common area
Mid-day: Work, shopping, errands, lunch, exercise, appointments, social or other activities
Late Afternoon: Beach or pool attire, sports wear, hobbies, exercise/hiking, work/online video calls, etc
Evening: Dinner at your favorite upscale or casual restaurant, nightlife, or just lounging around on your sofa for tv night
Bedtime: Sleepwear and everything needed for a good night's rest such as a robe and slippers, night creams and an eye mask
Don't overlook the items that accompany your attire:
Accessories: Belts, jewelry, purses, scarves, bags, canvas totes, etc
Hats: Sun hats, baseball hats, fashion hats and winter hats for the road trip to/from your destination
Jackets: Casual jackets such as windbreakers and lighter weight zip-up jackets as well as a trench coat for an evening out and cold weather jackets for the road trip
Examples include expensive items such as computers and electronics and travel-sized portions of bulk items
Vitamins and over the counter (OTC) wellness items purchased in bulk such as vitamins, supplements, energy/nutrition/fitness products, etc.
Vision: prescription eyewear, contacts, eye drops, sunglasses
Hearing: hearing aids, Q-tips, ear-related products
Rx items that may be seldom or occasionally used: aspirin, cough drops/cough syrup, tissues, cold/flu remedies, medications, etc
Jewelry: wedding rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, every day and special occasion pieces
Electronics: Electronics are such an integral part of our lives, there's a lot of components to remember to pack. Cables, connectors, computers, mini towers, monitors, printers (+ink and paper), surge protectors, the list is extensive.
Hobbies: Pickleball, golf, tennis, hiking, photography, picnics, etc. Whatever your thing is, don't forget to pack everything necessary to set up in your warm weather destination
Cash/Credit Cards/Checks: Although money is not a big ticket item, cash is king when traveling. You'll need to have plenty in small to large denominations for tips when on the road, cash-only vendors, parking and tolls and much more.
-- Unknown
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.