Every year, millions of adventurous travelers hop into their RVs and head south, fleeing the cold winters of the northern United States and Canada. These Snowbirds enthusiastically trade shoveling snow and salting ice for playing rounds of golf and tennis in our country’s warmer regions.
If this sounds like the lifestyle you are ready to embrace, then we have great news. There are hundreds of premier RV parks and resorts throughout America’s Sun Belt, stretching from the gorgeous California coast to the sparkling beaches of Florida’s Atlantic shores.
Ready to join the great snowbird migration? Here are five steps to getting the most out of your winter escape.
1. Find your perfect Snowbird Destination
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all snowbird destination, so the most important thing you can do is find one that meets your preferences. First, decide what type of landscape you’re seeking. Do you want to be near the mountains or the beach? Do you prefer the warm temperatures found in the Florida Keys, or the mild seasonal changes of the Coastal Carolinas? Take your time when choosing your destination.
2. Pick your perfect Snowbird RV Park
After you have pinpointed your Snowbird region, zoom in on the RV parks in that area. Some will offer busy social calendars chock full of organized exercise classes, weekly happy hours, book clubs and more. There might be shuttles that take you into town, or shuffleboard courts available for a casual game. Other RV parks will offer peaceful solitude. Maybe you want to avoid golf carts and pickleball tournaments in exchange for nature. Which one is a better choice for you?
3. Make the most of your RV Park activities and amenities
When you reserve a site at your chosen RV Park, you are paying for so much more than a place to park your rig. Even the quietest snowbird retreats will most likely offer amenities that will make your experience so much more enjoyable. From water aerobics classes to organized bridge tournaments, find out in advance what is available, so you don’t miss out on the fun. Many parks also offer discounts on memberships to local museums and clubs, so check that out as well.
4. Soak up the local food, arts and outdoor culture
Even if your chosen RV Park has enough activities to keep you busy from sunrise to sunset, don’t miss out on experiencing the local culture of your snowbird destination. Spend some time being a tourist in your new winter escape. See the sights and explore farmers markets, shopping boutiques and restaurants in nearby towns and cities. Before you know it, you’ll feel like a local.
5. Enjoy the journey as much as the destination
One of the best parts of RV travel is that you can also enjoy the journey to and from your winter destination. Consider scheduling enough time to allow for enjoyable stops along your route. Plan to visit some bucket list destinations, but also allow for unplanned detours. You know those signs pointing to the oldest pretzel factory in America? This is a perfect time to stop and check it out. Some snowbirds take this opportunity to travel on famous American roads, bypassing the interstates and choosing to meander down the Pacific Coast Highway, Route 66, the Lincoln Highway or Skyline Drive.
Embracing the RV lifestyle as a Snowbird gives you an amazing amount of flexibility. You can find a destination that checks off all your preferences, and then maybe find a different one next year.
A warmer adventure awaits…now go plan yours!