Where oh where to winter warm

[tonka96]

Hi,

Looking for ideas where to spend the cold months. Thinking middle of February to beginning of April.( I realize January is colder but don't like to leave home til February) Would like a place where it's warm but the no see ums don't carry you off and you don't put your life in to your hands when you try to drive somewhere. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

[3pedal]

My parents winter in the Tuscon area. They like it. I try to go down for a week or so and it is nice. Not sure I would want to be there in the summer.

[RS ODonnell]

Lots of snowbirds go here. We’ve been several times and absolutely love it!

https://youtu.be/_2n5uUvJWXc

https://youtu.be/i8qoXZOex2c

[UTTransplant]

If you don’t like bugs, go to Arizona. Tucson is lovely that time of year (usually), and all the places fairly close - Casa Grande, Benson, Sierra Grande, etc. Yuma starts getting hot in April. Phoenix is a possibility too, but it is a larger city. And of course there are numerous locations in Southern California. Anza Borrego, Palm Springs area, San Diego, etc., but those get more expensive.

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by UTTransplant

If you don’t like bugs, go to Arizona. Tucson is lovely that time of year (usually), and all the places fairly close - Casa Grande, Benson, Sierra Grande, etc. Yuma starts getting hot in April. Phoenix is a possibility too, but it is a larger city. And of course there are numerous locations in Southern California. Anza Borrego, Palm Springs area, San Diego, etc., but those get more expensive.

I agree. By the middle of February the weather in the Southwest is very nice. By April it will start getting hot. No bugs.

[OldBaldFat]

Close to or south of I-10.

Only a few places on I-10 get very cold - mostly the parts of New Mexico near the Continental Divide.

Bugs. Heck, I grew up in the south. I get to feeling weird when there are no bugs.

Most often the place folks go is based upon where they are and the travel time to get to where they want to go.

Your profile says you are based in Fenton, MI.

Phoenix is about 2,000 miles.
The RGV of Texas is about 1,700 miles.
The south of Louisiana is about 1,200 miles.
Gulf Coast of Mississippi, Alabama, Florida Panhandle - about 1,050 miles.
Gulf Coast of Florida south of Tampa - 1,300 miles

Pick your trip.

Now personally, I've found the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas the friendliest area for "Winter Texans". The local citizens in general like their parttime winter residents.

Bugs minimal to none. Close to the coast of the Gulf of SpaceX Debris, it's a bit windy. Lots to do.

EDIT - Something to add.

Arizona seems to mostly have "age 55+" parks. RGV Texas a few. Farther east, almost never see a park with that restriction until near Tampa.

Depending upon your age, that might be a concern.

[Jkjavelin]

All good advice above. Do you like hookups or boondocking?
We like to move around. This year it was 6 or 7 weeks in Arizona. Quartzsite, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Lost Dutchman State Park, Alamo Lake State Park and some BLM land.
Now a few weeks in South Texas. Big Bend National Park area, then near Austin.
Some years Death Valley and Nevada. About the only negative is you might get tired of the dust. I know we do, we had blowing dust today.
JK

[DarkSideJeep]

Originally Posted by OldBaldFat

Arizona seems to mostly have "age 55+" parks. RGV Texas a few. Farther east, almost never see a park with that restriction until near Tampa.

Depending upon your age, that might be a concern.

First, I am well above 55 but I don't get the 55+ restrictions. Frankly, I am not so sure I want to be around a bunch of people who don't like young people. Kind of sounds like age discrimination.

[Triangle Drifter]

Looking like there will be plenty of space available in Florida next winter if the Canadians stay away. Bad news for the CGs. Good news for US snowbirds. Maybe rates will drop.

[Sunnyfalls]

Costa Rica

Gayle & Bob
"Los Gatos Casita"

[3pedal]

Originally Posted by DarkSideJeep

First, I am well above 55 but I don't get the 55+ restrictions. Frankly, I am not so sure I want to be around a bunch of people who don't like young people. Kind of sounds like age discrimination.

While I think I get the 55+ thing, it can be annoying. My parents are stay at one. Has great amenities and such. However, the campsite has gotten stricter about the rules and I can come out to visit mid winter in my motorhome for a week or two, as I am not quite 55. I can stay in their RV, just can't bring my own, even if they have lots of open spots.

[OldBaldFat]

Originally Posted by DarkSideJeep

I don't get the 55+ restrictions.

It is a balance and frankly I don't like it.

Yes, not allowing those under age 55 does at times provide for a quieter park, less kids tramping across someone's site, etc.

However, in 1965, I was one of those new teenagers walking around COE parks. Now my dad never spared the rod when needed. I had a strong incentive to not be discourteous to other campers.

However, to me - kids and young people, especially young families - mean the park has a future. A park with no young people is locking out new customers even when they turn 55.

As the gentleman in the other post about age 55+ mentioned, not even being able to bring his motorhome into the park where his parents are staying. I'm pretty sure when he turns 55, that park won't be his first choice.

[PanJH]

Originally Posted by Triangle Drifter

Looking like there will be plenty of space available in Florida next winter if the Canadians stay away. Bad news for the CGs. Good news for US snowbirds. Maybe rates will drop.

I hope !

[wmlunt]

We go to Vietnam every year!
$60/night gets a villa on clean sandy beach that sleeps 6!!!
Bill