Xplorie’s Top 3 Destinations for Snowbirds
November 30, 2021
Borders were closed and travel was restricted on March 21st, 2020, and snowbirds were caged in to hibernate in the cold instead of soaking up large doses of vitamin D on sunny, sandy beaches, teeing off on lush fairways, deep-sea fishing the ocean waters, sipping sundowners in a rooftop bar and enjoying a warm winter escape in the comfort of snowbird vacation rental home.
As of November 8th, the US border is open to vaccinated travelers for non-essential land travel, and travelers aren’t wasting any time making their snowbird plans to migrate south for the winter. According to Vrbo, Canadian travelers account for over half of international online searches for vacation homes and condos in the US in the past month, with Vacasa reporting a 120% increase in vacation rental views and vacation rental property managers phones ringing off the hook since the announcement of the lifted restrictions.
Snowbirds and winter wanderers are desperate to trade snowflakes for sandy beaches and a sun-filled escape from the frost in a warm-weather destination in the US. Whether you’re a flock of snowbirds booking a long-term winter stay or planning a family vacation to escape the winter cold (and snow shovels!), here are our top 3 destinations for a warm snowbird vacation this winter season.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale, in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, is a popular southwestern destination for snowbirds looking to escape the frosty winter weather with average winter temps between 65 and 75 degrees, minimal rainfall, 300 days of sunshine, and a relaxed desert vibe.
Play a round at the Starfire Golf Club!
This sublime warm-weather destination offers snowbirds healthy outdoor adventures with tranquil hiking trails through the desert, lakes, and rivers for water activities, fishing and kayaking, off-road desert tours, horseback riding, championship golf courses, and beautiful parks and gardens. The Desert Botanical Gardens is delightful for an easy stroll with native plant displays, colorful cacti, a patio café, and butterfly pavilion, or take a scenic drive south to Saguaro National Park with 150 miles of trails and the nation’s largest cactus.
The Sonoran Desert is steeped in rich history with well-preserved prehistoric cliff dwellings, native rock art, and ruins all within easy driving distance. The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is south of Scottsdale or travel north to Montezuma Castle and the Tuzigoot National Monument near Sedona. A detour on the Red Rock Scenic Byway is a must!
Snowbird socializing is easy in Scottsdale. Embark on a journey through the ocean at the OdySea Aquarium, experience an epic Medieval Times dinner with fellow snowbirds, then head to Old Town. Old Town Scottsdale boasts turn-of-the-century buildings converted to a wide array of tempting restaurants, breweries, and wineries for outdoor dining, unique stores for shopping, art galleries, and the always appealing Scottsdale waterfront for a sunset.
Explore the marine world at OdySea Aquarium!
Scottsdale is ranked the fifth most dog-friendly city in the US so if you’re a snowbird traveling with your pet, this is a destination worth considering. iTrip Scottsdale offers a diverse selection of vacation rental condos and homes in the best neighborhoods in Scottsdale with fun, free activities perfect for every snowbird escape.
Destin, Florida
The Sunshine State is always a tempting choice for snowbirds. Snowbirds love to flock south to the coastal town of Destin on Florida’s Emerald Coast with the lure of loads of Florida sunshine, warm ocean breezes, gorgeous white sand beaches, fewer crowds (and traffic!), and an abundance of leisurely outdoor activities and socializing.
Zip and play at Baytowne Adventure Zone!
Destin’s state parks, nature preserves, and miles of beautiful white-sand beaches offer endless outdoor activities without the summer heat. Tee off on world-class golf courses, hike scenic coastal trails, a bike ride through the coastal villages along the Timpoochee Trail Bike Path or embark on a Destin deep sea fishing adventure for a trophy catch.
Wine, dine and watch a glorious sunset on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk or gather at The Village of Baytowne Wharf on the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay with a fun selection of shopping, dining, seasonal events and arcades, attractions, and adventures for the young at heart at the Baytowne Adventure Zone.
Destin is one of the best places to be a snowbird with snowbird clubs offering fun social activities from pottery classes to pickleball with no summer crowds, no waiting in lines at your favorite restaurants, simply postcard-perfect sunrises and sunsets, and absolutely no snow in sight! The ultimate snowbird DESTINation!
Our lodging partners in Destin offer the best selection of snowbird rentals on the Emerald Coast with discounted low season rates for the winter months, Whether you choose to stay on the lush fairways or steps from the emerald blue waters, your snowbird vacation in Destin is enhanced with free attractions, activities, and tours with Xplorie.
Enjoy a round at Emerald Bay Golf!
Hawaii
The Islands of Hawaii are one of the most desirable vacation destinations in the world boasting lush tropical landscapes with stunning beaches, sparkling blue waters, swaying palms, cascading waterfalls, imposing volcanoes, and an abundance of things to do on your snowbird getaway.
The islands are less crowded over the winter months, yet as alluring. From November to April warm tropical temperatures range from 75o to 80oF with average water temperatures at a comfortable 75oF, yes snowbirds you can swim in Hawaii in winter! There’s a little more rainfall in the winter months but the western coastlines are always drier and sunnier. The most difficult decision you’ll have to make is which of the beautiful Hawaii Islands to choose this winter snowbird season.
Enjoy the Savor the Flavor Tour from Fly Shuttle & Tours!
Oahu is the most populated and diverse of the Hawaiian islands with a vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere. From the bustling streets of Honolulu and world-famous Waikiki Beach to the stunning crescent beaches at the Ko Olina Lagoons and secluded shores of Makaha Beach and Yokohama Bay, you’ll discover urban attractions, cultural and historical sites, authentic Hawaiian culture, and some of the best beaches in the world.
Experience the history and flavors of Oahu on a private tour of Pearl Harbor or a tasty adventure of a Hawaiian coffee farm and the award-winning chocolate factory, engage in immersive ocean activities from snorkeling and scuba diving at secret reefs to fishing tours and sunset sails, and explore the magnificent crater and waterfall hiking trails and beachfront paths. The winter months are the best time to take a drive to Oahu’s lush north shore and watch the big wave surfers riding the incredible Banzai Pipeline.
Ola Properties offer the best in West Oahu snowbird vacation rentals away from the hustle and bustle of Oahu’s urban hub. Settle into snowbird season with luxury resort amenities, oceanfront lanais, exceptional guest services, and free Oahu tours, attractions, and activities for each day of your stay.
If a quintessential tropical escape is what you have in mind, Maui is far more low-key and laid back than the bustling island of Oahu with quieter beach villages, fewer tourists, a slower island pace, and vast expanses of untouched beauty.
One of the biggest draws to Maui during the winter months is the migration of the humpback whales from mid-December to mid-April with whale watching tours and wildlife viewing opportunities to watch these magnificent creatures playing alongside dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat. Nothing quite compares to the tropical beaches of Maui with some of the best reef snorkeling and marine life in the Hawaii Islands and unique on the water activities.
SeaMaui offers whale watching and a variety of cruises.
Explore Hawaii with Hoaloha Jeep Tours!
There’s so much to do when you’re not soaking up the winter sun and playing in the warm Pacific Ocean. Tee off on a championship plantation golf course, take a private Maui jeep tour to explore the coffee farms, pineapple farms, and top attractions on Maui, hike the Haleakala Crater for a spectacular sunrise or sunset, or set out on the Road to Hana, one of the most magical drives in the world through the beautiful landscapes of Maui.
Our Maui lodging partners offer everything from charming resort condos in the heart of historic Lahaina to spacious luxury villas for the whole family in Maui’s best beachside neighborhoods and resorts. The ultimate snowbird retreat with fun, free activities on the Hawaii Islands. Aloha snowbirds!
