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Snowbirding 101 for new homeowners at The Bluffs at Huron
Snowbirding. While some homeowners at The Bluffs at Huron like to stay and enjoy the stunning beauty of Lake Huron in the winter, others like to migrate. How about you? Do you dream of heading south for the winter as part of your retirement? At the Bluffs, you can meet other snowbirds who love to drive and fly to sun-soaked communities in California, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and even Mexico.
Snowbirding is as popular as ever. Somewhere between 300,000 and 1.4 million Canadians travel abroad every winter, overwhelmingly to the USA.
Snowbirding is fun
Snowbirds love the freedom and excitement of getting away to somewhere sunny. Instead of shoveling snow, you get to take morning walks on the beach or in a beautiful park. Instead of bundling up, you get a chance to spend the day golfing, swimming, and basking in the rays. And of course, all that outdoor adventure also includes meeting new friends and making some memories together.
Good for you, too
Believe it or not, research seems to suggest that spending winters in warmer climates can have health benefits for older adults. For one, older adults benefit from more outdoor activities and social interactions. They also benefit from a reduced risk associated with falls, respiratory issues, and joint pain exacerbated by cold temperatures.
RV adventures
While some snowbirds fly, others embrace the open road and the recreational vehicle experience. Every year, homeowners at The Bluffs take their RVs south to different destinations, meeting up with their friends in campsites along the way. If you own or plan to purchase an RV, you can store it securely in the dedicated Bluffs RV parking lot. Plus, you will find all kinds of like-minded RV enthusiasts who share your passion for adventure.
Check your visa requirements to visit wherever you travel. Make sure you know what you must do to satisfy their entry and exit requirement.
Snowbirding in the States
Most Canadian citizens can enter the United States visa-free and stay for up to six months at a time. To extend your stay, you need to request an extension with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. It’s a good idea to check the country of travel’s websites to verify entry and authorized stay details.
Snowbirding in Mexico
While the southern states remain the most popular destinations for Canadian snowbirds, Mexico ranks up there too. Canadian citizens don’t need a visa to travel to Mexico and can stay visa-free for up to six months. Make sure you double check with Mexican government officials to get the most up to date travel information and advisories.
Travel insurance is a must
You need to purchase travel insurance to cover medical emergencies prior to leaving, as your provincial or private policies may not cover you outside of Canada. In case of any medical emergency, travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage can help alleviate financial burdens and ensure you receive the necessary care.
Why get insured? The average cost of a hospital stay could be upwards of thousands of dollars per day, so good insurance is a lifesaver.
What about provincial healthcare?
You cannot count on your provincial healthcare coverage abroad. In Ontario, OHIP pays partial fees per day for emergency services. That leaves you on the hook to pay the difference for your medical services, which can get prohibitively expensive quickly.
Insurance can add up fast, so shop around for your best insurance. Associations, insurance companies, and banks all offer travel policies if you don’t already have one.
Planning a safe stay
Put your safety first. By air, road, or sea you need to plan and book your accommodations and transportation carefully. Prepare a detailed itinerary and travel budget before you go. Organize your emergency contacts. Let your neighbours know about your plans. If you own a home at The Bluffs, you can enjoy the peace of mind knowing you have a community of neighbours and friends close by who will keep a watchful eye on your home.
Snowbirding with a dog? Make sure they are healthy; six+ months old; and microchipped. You’ll also need a receipt for a CDC Dog Import Form.
How do people afford it?
Whether you pay in US dollars or pesos, travelling abroad can get expensive quickly. Fortunately, because new homes start in the $400s at The Bluffs, you can sell your legacy home in Kitchener, Guelph, London, or Barrie, and retire with friends on Lake Huron instead. The Parkbridge land lease approach makes it possible to own a new home and still have equity left over for some fun in the sun.