Discussions

Looking to make my first attempt off escaping some of our winter this year. Looking for advice and recommendations that won’t break the bank while enjoying some nice weather. My first thoughts were around the Phoenix area where I could maybe watch some spring training baseball. Was thinking of going from mid February to mid March to try this lifestyle out before committing to a longer stay. It will be just me going so maybe a long stay hotel might be a more economical option but am open to any suggestions. I see our dollar is not doing too well stateside so that is something to consider as well I guess.

I have a piece of land for sale outside of Sanders, AZ.  
1.6 acres for $3K. Park your camper and enjoy!  
 
They get a bit of snow as its a bit higher in elevation. Sometimes it gets below freezing unlike south west like Phoenix or Yuma.

Well thanks for the offer “ No Comment” but I don’t own a camper. I’m just driving down by myself in my small car.

Its a great trip. I drove to Mexico a few years ago and loved it. Just across from Yuma. A fun adventure. I pulled over and camped in my station wagon when I needed a rest. Love going frugal, but sometimes a nice night stay is good too.  
Hopefully the ArriveCan app will be done and post pandemic, we can see more of north America. Now just to see the price of gas fall a bit more!

Have you considered mexico. Mazatlan has been a great place for me.  
Villa serena located in centro has been my home for a few winters. You can rent monthly or long term.

I have considered Mexico as well and at least my dollar does well over there. I would fly for that though.

on here did you have a look under vacation property for rent .

So Rubyred asked if I checked vacation rentals on here and I just did. A condo in Scottsdale is listed for $250 a day. Well that’s pretty rich fir a single guy on a pension so I will have to look for another location with maybe a hotel I can negotiate a rate with.

Is this land still available?

so I don't hijack this thread :D

Looking out the window this morning makes a guy want to leave today. Just can’t deal with the winters anymore so I better get organized and do something about it. VRBO used to be a way of economic travelling but the fees now have made it increasingly expensive. We need a hotspot here in Canada and while Victoria is nice it’s not warm enough.

Condo or apartment by the month? Cost? Thanks

No definitive answers, but it may lead to important and relevant links when you start reading responses.  
 
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic-g28924-i139-k13463336-Hoping_to_Snowbird_in_2022-Arizona.html  
 
Florida the same. Texas as well.  
Search on Trip Advisor for Florida or Texas travel forums with 'Canadian or Snowbirds or both' in the easy search topic feature above each specific forum  
 
.Take comments with a common sense mind. You'll know how legit they. Most people are good and sound, aside from a few oddballs.  
 
There's a lot of valuable advice from other Canadians on these travel forums in driving, flying, housing, RV'ing, etc.

Yes the forums are a good place for info and I have been reading them. Was hoping for some local input but maybe there are not that many snowbirds on this site.

Accommodations are at a premium in Phoenix in February especially because Super Bowl 2023 is there. Rentals and rooms are much more expensive than even a year ago…that is if you can even find anything available. Maybe try other areas in Arizona…Yuma perhaps?  
Florida rentals are at a premium as well this year because of the hurricane. Many vacation rentals are now being used by people who’s homes were destroyed by Ian.  
Good luck and enjoy the snow-birding wherever you go! The lifestyle is lots of fun and getting away for even part of the Manitoba winter is worth it.

1) What is your comfort level being in a foreign country.  
2) What are your needs while escaping the harsh winter for a short time.  
 
The reason I am asking is, if you need highspeed internet, A/C 24-7, and world class meals every day, then you're not going to be able to do it on a budget. If your needs are small and your comfort level is high might I suggest Negril Jamaica. You can get a bare bones room for $25.00/ day but for $50-60/ day you can have a nice comfortable secure room with wifi. Direct flights from Winnipeg starting in mid-December is a plus but you have to, and I mean have to like the heat. It's +30'C every day

Irie Mon I don’t mind being in a foreign country at all as I have spent many smaller vacations in various countries but this time I just felt like driving down somewhere and having my own vehicle. Reading through the many forums looks like Arizona and Florida are off the list. I would be comfortable with a hundred dollars a day lodging and don’t need anything to fancy. Wifi of course would be essential. Pretty sure there will be some off the beaten path locations that have warm winter weather other than the major cities that people usually go to. I just have to keep looking. Some people say Laughlin Nevada and surrounding areas are more affordable but have never been there so will have to do more research.