Snowbird and Winter Texan Basics and Destinations
When the cold weather rolls over the northern US states and Canada, many individuals dream of meandering south to warmer weather. With a surging RV industry and continued remote working due to the pandemic, what may seem as far-fetched aspirations are more attainable than one would imagine. Let us introduce you to the Snowbird and Winter Texan lifestyle.
What is a Snowbird?
Similar to some birds, Snowbirds are those who migrate to southern, warmer areas in North America to live during the winter months. Snowbirds tend to come from northern states and Canada and travel to Arizona, Florida, Texas, California, and other locations within the Sun Belt. Retirees primarily make up the bulk of the Snowbird population. However, with an increase in remote working, many individuals in the workforce find themselves with the flexibility of working elsewhere. Let’s say, somewhere warmer?
“What we’re seeing isn’t just Snowbirds relocating now, but rather the ‘Zoomcation’ or Remote Worker relocation trend,” Angela Durko, a Texas A&M University associate professor who specializes in marketing and tourism, told STORAGECafé for their annual study. “Previously, it was typically a retiree traveling via RV or to a second home from the North to locations like Arizona or Florida for the winter.
“Now, it’s the young couple who are both working from home, the family with children who opted for virtual learning, or the business professional who has never had the time to leave their desk job, all with a newfound freedom to work/educate from the location of their choosing.”
While some Snowbirds decide to own or rent a second home in the south, others live in their RV, parking it at a campground or RV park for the season or traveling from place to place.
What is a Winter Texan?
In Texas, instead of referring to themselves as Snowbirds, these migrants call themselves Winter Texans. While Florida is the most known Snowbird destination within the United States, Texas became a popular Snowbird state because of its diversity of landscapes, affordability, and culture.
What is a Snowbird or Winter Texan RVer?
While some Snowbirds have or rent their second home, many use an RV as a home while south. While most seasonally remain at one location for the duration of the winter, some travel the Sun Belt in their RV, going from destination to destination and staying at different campgrounds or RV parks. Some even boondock in which they dry camp on public Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas.
Due to the rise of remote working within the last couple of years and, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, people have adopted the nomadic lifestyle of full-time RVer. As a result, many find it necessary to travel south during the winter months to continue living in their RV and avoid freezing temperatures that complicate the process of RVing.
What are the most popular Snowbird destinations?
By far, Florida is the most popular destination. However, other Snowbird destinations include California, Texas, Arizona, Hawaii, South Carolina, Nevada, Louisiana, and North Carolina.
How do I select a Snowbird RV park or campground?
This all depends on how long you’re looking to stay at your Snowbird or Winter Texan destination.
When looking at RV parks at the abovementioned destinations, you’ll come across the term Snowbird Friendly. What does Snowbird Friendly mean? Snowbird Friendly means that they permit individuals to stay for the duration of the winter season with monthly rates discounted compared to their regular daily or weekly rates. So, if you’re looking to stay at one campground for the duration of the season, a park marketing itself as Snowbird Friendly is an excellent fit for you.
On the contrary, if you’re looking to bop around from destination to destination, a campground whose clientele exclusively stays for the duration of the season might not have availability for the transit Snowbird RVer rolling in. But by using Campspot, you’ll find real-time availability of campgrounds across the Sun Belt, helping you determine when and where to go.
As you’re leaving your primary residence for an extended period, you’ll find yourself missing the familiarities of home. Look for an RV park or campground with a welcoming atmosphere, sense of community, and amenities that will make your stay comfortable. These amenities might include quality laundry facilities, a pool, pickleball courts, gathering areas, a dog park, among others.
Snowbirds, meet Campspot.
A website and free app with an extensive index of campgrounds and RV parks across North America, Campspot is the ultimate tool for Snowbirds and Winter Texans looking to book their winter stay. When looking for a campground that caters to those 55 and older, look for an (Age-Restricted 55+) description. Snowbird and Winter Texan RVers can choose the exact site they want by locking in their site selection. They can also use the search filter to get results meeting their rig requirements, such as 30 or 50 amp, back-in vs. pull-in, etc.
Whether you like it or not, winter is coming. That’s not a funny reference to a popular television show. It really is coming. Time is of the essence when it comes to booking your Snowbird and Winter Texan travel plans. Fortunately for you, you’ve got Campspot to help you head south with the rest of the flock.