Snowbirds: 5 Golden Rules to Make the Most of Winter Under the Sun

Spending winter with your feet in the sand rather than in the snow is quite an art! Experienced snowbirds understand that to fully enjoy the sun without stress, there are a few rules to follow.

Every snowbird has their little recipe. For some, it's simply a matter of finding the right destination and knowing the best time to go. For others, it's essential to slow down, savour each day, and above all, stay healthy. These little things end up making a bigger mark on winter than the weather itself.

To inspire you, here are five golden rules from seasoned Canadian snowbirds, gathered from their experiences around the world.

1. Protect Your Health, No Matter What

As you know, getting sick abroad is never pleasant. Between being far from your doctor, language barriers, and the stress it can cause, it’s easier to prevent a problem than to fix it.

Gilles and Louise, from VRN'GO, understood this well after catching dengue fever during their first trip to Melaque, Mexico. Since then, they never leave home without their mosquito repellent and are extra vigilant to avoid bites. Their other habit is to wash their hands regularly and pay attention to food freshness. It may seem basic, but it makes all the difference.

As for Alain B., he never leaves Canada without packing a good supply of sunscreen, which he prefers to buy home, as it is cheaper and often of better quality than abroad. 

They all agree on one thing: travelling without travel insurance is simply not an option. Thanks to soNomad, they can travel with peace of mind, no matter the destination.

2. Choose the Right Destination at the Right Time

A good way to avoid unpleasant weather surprises? Find out about the climate before you leave. In Southeast Asia, for example, not all regions enjoy the same temperature. 

For Lucie G., who has spent several winters in Thailand, her golden rule is clear: always check the weather region by region before booking. In Southeast Asia, the climate can vary greatly depending on where you are. While the sun is shining in southern Vietnam, the north can be wet, and in Indonesia, Bali, January-February is the rainy season. This little habit helps her make sure every winter abroad means sunny days.

A glance at weather statistics or testimonials from other snowbirds can save you a lot of disappointment. Remember that climate is not just a question of temperature: humidity, daylight hours, and even wind strength can influence your stay.

3. Take the Time to Slow Down

If you are newly retired, you may still have the urge to see and do everything. But as Michel M., 71, says, “I used to go 100 miles an hour. Now I'm going 27 mph.”

Travelling as a snowbird is all about taking your time. Give yourself some free time, leave without a plan on your daily walks, take the time to chat with a local or sit at a café, just to observe the life around you.

Linda G. shares another valuable tip: focus on a single region. By staying longer in the same place, as she has done for several winters in Fuengirola, Spain, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in the everyday lives of the locals, understand their habits, and perhaps even bring some of those habits back with you to Canada.

To build real connections, she encourages you to learn a few words and phrases in the local language. People always appreciate it, and it often opens doors you did not expect.

4. Live In the Moment

It can be tempting, especially at first, to stay connected to everything that's happening in Canada: the latest 30 cm snowfall, the daily news, or the little worries you left behind. Mary G. quickly realized that it made her miss out on the full experience. Her golden rule: enjoy the moment while you're there.

In Greece, that means savouring a crispy koulouri from the street corner, indulging in a sweet bougatsa sprinkled with cinnamon, or sipping a freddo cappuccino while watching life unfold around her. 

Cut the digital cord a little. Set aside time to call your family, of course, but don't let your thoughts constantly drift back to the snow and your routine. You're there to live new experiences.

5. Cultivate a Positive Attitude

No matter where you go, there will always be a grey morning, a minor hiccup, or an unexpected issue. What makes all the difference is your attitude and how you handle the situation. Réal M., 66, always starts his day with a big smile, telling himself that “there's no point in complaining about nature.”

Instead, he focuses his energy on what he can control and what makes him feel good. For him, that means starting the day with a walk with his dog, moving around a little to stay in shape, and then having a coffee while greeting his neighbours. His good mood spreads naturally, and sometimes a simple hello or smile is enough to brighten someone else’s day.

Discover What Makes Your Winter Feel Right

It's never too late to create the winter of your dreams. Tony Polsinelli, 65, still has a slight regret that he didn't start sooner. For him, putting off a travel plan often means running the risk of it never happening. If Andalusia, Thailand or Portugal’s Atlantic coast is calling, don’t wait. Book the trip and take in a winter away from the cold.

There is no single way to spend winter elsewhere, but by following these tips, you will increase your chances of success. Finally, add one essential golden rule to your list: always have good travel insurance. Get your quote now with soNomad.

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