As summer heat seems to continue its stretch across many parts of the US and Canada, it’s easy to stay focused on the warmth. But for our seasonal snowbird population (the humans, not the feathered variety), it’s time to start thinking ahead.
As innkeepers of the Inn at Woodhaven in Louisville, Kentucky, we’ve seen the ups and downs of snowbird travel firsthand. With more flights being delayed or canceled due to weather, air traffic control issues, and congested roadways, it’s crucial to start planning early to avoid any headaches.
That’s why we’ve pulled together our top snowbird travel tips for a smooth journey south this winter, so you can hit the road (or the skies) in comfort and confidence. And if that journey happens to bring you to our beautiful neck of the woods, we’ve got an oh-so-comfortable bed waiting for you!
The Joys of the Snowbird Lifestyle
With colder days coming in, it’s all too common to experience feelings of gloom and melancholy. However, having a trip to sunnier climates on the calendar is a great way to keep those dreary feelings at bay. In fact, it makes winter a time of year to look forward to!
A Thriving Social Life
Although heading south means you won’t see your family members every day, it doesn’t mean that you’ll be lonely! Every year, not thousands, but millions of people choose to escape the cold by flocking to warmer destinations.
As a result, the most popular snowbird destinations have incredibly vibrant communities and many snowbirds list the active social life as one of their favorite perks of the lifestyle.
Easy to Stay Active
With the weather cooling down outside, it’s tempting to stay indoors and make the home extra cozy. While we love the idea of curling up with a good book while sipping a glass of bourbon, even we start dreaming of sunnier times after a few days.
When they choose to migrate south, many snowbirds see an increase in physical activity. Whether it’s by spending time on the golf course or by joining one of many options for day trips or excursions, it’s both easy and fun to get up and get some movement in.
Choosing a Winter Destination
If this is your first time snowbirding (yes, it’s a verb!), choosing a destination for your winter migration can be a daunting task. In many of the southern states such as Florida, Arizona or California there are plenty of options when it comes to accommodation, but things do fill up.
For example, finding a condo to escape to in Cape Coral, Florida, or a long-term rental in the Coachella Valley, California, is very doable but booking in advance is key. Like anything, rising demand means that prices go up.
Abroad or Stay in the Country?
With rising prices, it’s no surprise that many snowbirds choose to overshoot the southern states and instead fly a little further south to other countries such as Mexico or Costa Rica. Warm and sunny weather, exotic cuisine and all the joys of life in the Caribbean are at your fingertips!
Once you’re used to no longer hearing English in the streets, it’s not hard to see why renting a house or condo to use for a second home is such good value for money. For less than half the cost of renting a similar property in the US or Canada, you get to spend the darker months of the year in the most stunning Caribbean surroundings!
Although budget-wise it makes a lot of sense to go abroad, make sure you’re up to date on any documents you may need. While your driver’s license or passport may suffice in the US for ID, different countries can have different rules. While you probably don’t need to apply for a visa, checking everything before you go is always a good idea.
Considering a stop in Louisville? Here are the top things to do in winter!
Travel Tips for First-Time Snowbirds
Traveling south to spend your first season in the sun rather than the snow is exciting but it can also be stressful. As professional hosts, we’ve learned a thing or two about snowbirding over the years.
Before you blindly purchase a ticket south, take these tips to heart. Remember that a little research can save you major problems down the road!
Tip 1: Start Planning Early–Timing is Everything
Snowbirds typically begin their migration south between October and December. To avoid the peak travel rush, consider leaving in late October or early November. By then, hurricane season has usually ended, but you’ll still avoid the busy holiday traffic that hits airports and highways later in the year.
According to RVLifestyle.com, Wednesdays are statistically the safest day of the week for driving, however, Saturdays and Sundays have the least highway traffic. If you’re thinking of taking a road trip to your destination, consider planning your route through big cities to either take place on a weekend or during non-rush hour times. That may mean taking a more scenic route to where you’re going, but you will enjoy the journey far more!
If you’re flying, aim for midweek flights. Avoid the chaos of weekend travel by flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. These days tend to have fewer travelers, which can reduce the chance of delays and overbooked flights.
Tip 2: Search Now, Book Later for your Flights
Technology has gifted us with the ability to price shop and compare like never before, and that is especially helpful when it comes to flights. There are many apps and services, both paid and free, that will notify you when flight prices to your desired destination have dropped. Personally, we use
free service to track prices and get notifications when prices go down. The more time you give yourself to track, the more likely you are to happen upon a deal.
Whenever possible, opt for direct flights to minimize the risk of delays, cancellations, or missed connections. If direct flights aren’t available, give yourself a generous layover window.
Pro tip: Even better, if you can’t fly there directly, then book yourself two direct flights with a mini vacation at your connection point in between.
We have had visitors who have joined us for a few days in Louisville to see the sights, discover our unique and diverse culinary scene, and get some solid rest, before continuing on with their air travel. The Inn at Woodhaven is a convenient 20-minute drive from the Louisville International Airport (SDF).
Tip 3: Drive With Caution
While flying may be the faster option, many snowbirds prefer to drive south for the winter, especially if they want to take their time, enjoy the scenery, or bring a pet along. However, driving long distances can have its own potential frustrations.
Before you hit the road, take your car in for a full inspection. Check your tires, brakes, and battery to ensure everything is in good condition. Breakdowns are stressful, especially in unfamiliar territory. If you don’t already have one, consider AAA or similar roadside assistance programs. These services can be a lifesaver in the event of a breakdown or flat tire.
You’ll also want to plan your route in advance, particularly because lodging can fill up quickly during snowbird season. Sometimes the longer route or the less traveled path on the map can actually end up saving you time and money to your final destination, thanks to less road congestion and less competition for places to stay.
Don’t forget to plan for breaks. Long stretches of driving can lead to fatigue, which is especially dangerous for older adults. Plan to stop every two to three hours for a stretch or a meal. If you’re feeling tired, don’t hesitate to book a place to stay for the night.
Tip 4: Mind Your Health
Your vehicle is not the only thing that you want to make sure is running well before your journey. A few weeks before you leave is a great time to schedule a check-up before your trip to ensure you’re in good health for travel. Make sure all prescriptions are filled, and consider asking for a travel-friendly supply of any daily medications.
It’s also wise to travel with a small health kit. Include any necessary medications, vitamins, or supplements you take daily, along with over-the-counter pain relievers, antacids, and first aid supplies. When flying, be sure to get up and walk around the plane to prevent blood clots and stiffness. While driving, stop for short walks and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and fatigue.
Good food helps — one of our go-to recipes is our crockpot Superbowl chili.
Tip 5: Plan to Go With the Flow
Even the best-laid plans can go awry. This is especially true for snowbird travel, where the weather can be unpredictable, and travel infrastructure is strained by high demand. While it’s important to plan as much as possible, it’s equally important to remain flexible and have backup plans.
Mentally prepare for potential delays by packing extra snacks, entertainment, and patience. Have contingency plans in place, whether it’s booking a hotel near the airport for an unexpected overnight or choosing a different travel date if necessary. And remember that some of life’s most memorable adventures are the ones that didn’t happen exactly as planned!
Once you’ve successfully made it to your sunny destination, don’t forget to take time to enjoy your winter retreat! Join local snowbird communities, explore your temporary neighborhood, and soak up the sun while your friends back north shovel snow.
Tip 6: Choose Travel Insurance for a Stress-Free Trip
As with any trip, getting good insurance is essential when you go south for an extended time. While the chances that anything will happen to you are slim, you won’t be the first person to regret not getting it.
Especially if you go abroad, always inquire if you have coverage in the places you plan on staying. Some insurance policies may not cover every country or only provide coverage for shorter stays. Always check with your chosen provider before you leave to make sure your specific situation is covered.
Investing in travel insurance may be worthwhile if there are circumstances in your life that could have an impact on the timing of your travel. Seek out travel insurance that covers cancellations, delays, and medical emergencies. This can give you peace of mind knowing you’re covered, no matter what happens.
With the safety net in place that quality insurance provides, you can feel completely relaxed and ready to fully enjoy your visit.
You are always Welcome at the Inn at Woodhaven.
The Inn at Woodhaven, your Home away from Home
While it might feel too early to think about snowbird season, getting ahead of your travel plans is the key to avoiding winter travel nightmares. Whether flying or driving, following these tips will help you navigate the busy winter season and ensure you arrive at your warm-weather home relaxed and ready to enjoy the sun.
We hope that your journey includes a stop-over at the Inn at Woodhaven in Louisville, Kentucky. We’re a great halfway point from the north and we delight in exceeding our guests’ expectations; whether through the comfort of our room amenities or the belly-filling satisfaction of our freshly prepared breakfasts. And if you want to know how to make the most out of your mini-excursion with us, check out this blog we wrote!
We wish you the safest and smoothest of travels, wherever your winter journey takes you!
