Canadian snowbirds are Canadian citizens who opt to travel to the south destinations where they go seeking for warm climates. At this particular time when the snowbirds head south, Canada is usually in the winter period and those willing and are in a position to afford a trip go ahead to visit the countries experiencing summer. The Canadian dollar has made a very big contribution to this exodus by Canadian Snowbirds since it has of late gained strength greatly over other those of other countries. The destinations where Canadian Snowbirds visit include; Miami beach, Myrtle Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Northwest Florida among others. Previously only old Canadians went for this exodus during the winter to purchase property on retirement , but this have changed greatly with the attractions at those destinations allowing even the young to go there.
Introduction
According to (Douglas, 2007 pp14-15), the Canadian “snowbirds” are a group of Canadians who travel to the south during winter to escape the cold season. Life in Canada during winter can be unbearable since even the costs for keeping the houses warm are quite high. In the contrary life is very affordable at the south at this period due to low costs of life in Mexico or even the United States. This is because there is an allowance of renting mobile homes or RV pad which are available for a reasonably small amount. Furthermore a snowbird visiting the South during winter can buy a mobile home that has been used in a fixed place which could be in a park, meeting one’s needs at a more so low cost.
Snowbirds exodus
The exodus of Canadian snowbirds takes place annually and it lasts for up to six months in their places of destination. Canada’s Conference board have come to a realization that by the year 2006,Canadian snowbirds had recorded the most trips which had amounted to 694,000.More so, this number of trips by the snowbirds has even risen making more trips to the south during winter than ever before. The rising rate of travels has been predicted by the Automobile Association of British Columbia who thinks that snowbirds will make a record exodus to United States which will be made possible by the Canadian dollar that has flown very high. This prediction is based on the sale of medical insurance to those traveling by the Automobile Association of British Columbia which has raised a lot in comparison to previous years at a particular period. There is anticipation for snowbirds to stay for a longer time, spending more than other years on consumer services as well as goods. (Douglas, 2007 pp16-18)
Destinations and those involved in Canadian Snowbirds’ travels
(McCaughey,2008 pp23-26) found that, the Canadian snow birds vary a lot ranging from young generation to old but the mostly involved in these trips to the South during winter are retirees and seniors. As a result they have formed an Association of Canadian Snowbirds which has over 80,000 Canadians traveling outside the country for about six months in a year. This association was formed to enable those traveling find affordable medical coverage in times of emergency while out of Canada but it has expanded a lot to an organization that is national preserving Canadians’ rights. Introduction of baby boomers in the market has led to the emergence of new trends by the snowbirds where people aging 50 years and younger have increased which wasn’t the case 10 years earlier. These people spend more since most of them still have jobs and are in the process of up scaling their lifestyle. Young snowbirds who are working use telecommunication requiring a laptop, convenient airport, and cell phone and WiFi connection to be able to work while on trips. An extravaganza for snowbirds is held each year in Florida drawing approximately 40,000 visitors with 60 percent of them being Canadians.
Destinations at the south for Canadian snowbirds are equally many which include Northwest Florida especially stretch between Alabama’s border on the west to the City of Panama offering quite a lot to see and do to Canadian snowbirds. During the months of winter it’s considered to be an off-season with rates for renting for hotels and beach homes being lower than $1000 each month. The greatest attractions are sand beaches that are sugar-white which is mostly undeveloped as well as the National Seashore of the Gulf Island.In Northwestern region of Florida and Mississippi there are 160 miles that were reserved for the National park in 1971 forming the biggest shoreline in U.S that is protected. There is anticipation for reopening of state road number 399 which transverses the seashore between Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach on the Island of Santa Rosa. Communities of these two beaches have been rejuvenated and they are welcoming Canadian snowbirds back after suffering the Hurricanes Dennis in 2005, and Ivan in 2004 damage. The largest Canadian snowbirds populations estimate that 10,000 people get hosted by Panama City where a beach of 27 miles is being transformed. However even if Panama City is undergoing an up scaling it isn’t causing winter rentals to hike as they have remained affordable to the snowbirds with enough supply to meet demand. Destin area is visited by so many Canadian snowbirds whore are aged 55 years and above and they contribute in the improvement of that area’s local economy. Adding to Northwest Florida’s diversity are military attractions that draw Canadians who are military retirees to visit as well as live in the area. (McCaughey, 2008 pp27-28)
Another area of destination by Canadian snowbirds is Daytona Beach with most of its visitors during winter coming from Canada and officials of local tourism working very hard to make them get attracted to the region. The Sand Dollars of the Canadians is a program offered by Daytona Beach giving discounts on a number of hotels to Canadian snowbirds making it a hot spot destination. Other attractions are the coupon book of Sun Saver which gives discount for such activities as parasailing dining and golf while for those visitors wanting activities with a faster pace, International speedway of Daytona is the place for them. Canadian snowbirds return with their family members who are young to Daytona area during the grand travel which was previously dominated by parents and their kids, is now dominated by grandparents together with their grandchildren. Canadians wanting their visit to be at a slow pace head to Cocoa beach which attracts thousands of snowbirds from Canada annually. Cocoa beach is a kind of undeveloped, wonderful and uncovered paradise with incredible ocean sunrises and unbelievable Banana River sunsets. The outdoor activates serve as a big attraction which range from exploring Banana River and the Indian by boat to inaccessible public beaches stretching for 7.2 miles. Day trips are offered in port Canaveral by casino boats as well as cruise lines’ longer trips. If the visitors have a right timing they get the opportunity of witnessing a launch of the shuttle which is either from center of Kennedy space or the beach. (Mike, 2007 pp14-17)
Fort Lauderdale is also a destination area for Canadian snowbirds where a beach scene enclosed with glass, complete with a lifeguard, sand and sea shells is rolled out. These make up the on wheels beach which is used to give the Canadians motivation to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale. Southeast Florida, from Miami to the beach of west palm acts as a wealthier short and long stay attraction in Florida. A particular website is displayed prominently on a vehicle so as to attract those visitors who have been fed up with the winter. Fort Lauderdale enjoyed hosting 700,000 Canadian snowbirds in 2006 this is expected to increase due to the strength of Canadian dollar.
(Mike, 2007 pp18-19) argues that, South Florida is also expected to be a good bargain for Canadian snowbirds due to their dollar’s strength since they are known to favor destinations of Broward County. Though the snowbirds aren’t popular with Miami compared to Latinos and Brazilians, an improvement have been noted in the previous years having a record of 4.4 percent rise in the County of Miami Beach. Myrtle Beach is a popular destination as well with so many kinds of attractions to make the parents, kids as well as their grandparents amused. Golf players also have 100 courses and more waiting to have them challenged ranging from professionals to duffers enough to be announced the capital of golf in the world. Shopping discounts are also offered to visitors including the snowbirds from Canada in form of special cards enabling them get discounts for meals, shopping, water sports as well as local tours.There are souvenir shops situated at all almost all turns displaying inevitable fashionable clothes ,jewellery ,shoes and more to attract Canadian snowbirds who are its frequent visitors. (Minnesota, 2008 pp33-34)
Conclusion
(Minnesota, 2008 pp35-36) concluded that, the exodus of Canadian snowbirds should be permitted to continue at the current arrangements since its dollar is amazingly becoming stronger than that of its destinations. This will enable the Canadians to enjoy life even during winter since they won’t have to be locked into their cold houses in Canada. The Association of Canadian snowbirds is and will continue to be of great help to the snow birds offering them answers to their questions while traveling. It also assists in ensuring that they get insurance coverage on various areas while abroad.
References
Douglas G (2007): The Canadian Snowbird: indigo, pp.14-18.
McCaughey S. (2008): Snowbirds Pilot Honored On U.S. Memorial: legion magazine, pp.23-27.
Minnesota N. (2008): Canadian Snowbirds in Duluth: city data, pp.33-36.
Mike S. (2007): Great West Collection; Snowbirds: blogspot, pp.14-19.