Community Forums

swduns · 08-14-2021, 07:44 PM

We are retiring and will be full time traveling soon
I'm figuring out where we will be when and what the cadence will be

In the winter we want to be some place warm
on my bucket list is to take in Key West and will probably spend some winters in South FL

But there must be other places full time RV'rs go for warm weather other than FL. I don't see how its big enough for all the retirees to be there every winter

The galveston TX area is likely to be about like Pensacola FL ... so it can be cold in the winter there

Thoughts on where people winter when they can travel?

arcaguy · 08-14-2021, 07:57 PM

There are all kinds of places in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona that are warm in the winter without quite so much of the expense of Florida. Do some research. If you plan on spending this coming winter in Florida you should probably have started your reservations a few months ago from what I hear. That said, you can always look for cancellations but it's probably going to be a every day thing for the nicer places. I think if you are not terribly particular you can probably still find places. Good luck.

Old-Biscuit · 08-14-2021, 08:02 PM

We TRAVELED when we FTd

Never just went somewhere and parked it

Winter.....CA, AZ, NM, TX, LA, AL, MS, GA, FL
Summer...OR,WA, ID, MT, WY, UT, NV, ND, SD, MN, IO, IL, PA, NY, MA, MI

Spring/Fall...all the states in between

Around and around.....never same route twice
Secondary/Backroads Small Town USA

Now some folks park their RVs in AZ, TX, FL as Snowbirds in Winter then go back north to home come summer

But we figured we have wheels.......roll them and adventure/explore vs just living in a shoe box

Good Luck in your FT adventure
Make it a Lifestyle not an extended vacation

momdoc · 08-14-2021, 08:41 PM

This year we are heading to AZ (Yuma) for 3 months.

twogypsies · 08-14-2021, 10:40 PM

As full-timers for 16 years we tried Florida a couple of times but disliked the bugs, humidity and crowds.

We did Gulf Shores, AL a few years for a couple months. It's not warm and it rains.

We tried Texas but didn't like the winds and cold at times.

New Mexico was too cold - even the southern part.

We settled on the Arizona/California deserts..... just right!

BillJinOR · 08-15-2021, 05:28 AM

I would suggest you sample all the places already mentioned as in “all the southern states”. I’d even include California .. Palm Springs etc. For the first few years we did them all for weeks or a month at a time, but kept moving. Those that like Florida may not like Arizona etc. What you like for weather , crowds, things to do ( or not) is something only you can determine. Starting out I would not be locked in to anything for too long and would travel. A week or month tops and move on That’s why rv’s have wheels. If your idea isn’t travel and just south in the winter buy a park model in a retirement area, the big three are AZ Tx and FL. Fact is You’ll be hard pressed to be 70° at all times , maybe the (Keys) $$$$ as you say.
We froze one Christmas in south Tx ( snowed the year we were passin through) wind and rain in Az one year. We eventually bought a winter lot and built a port home in central Florida, definitely not everyone’s cup. But here we have lots to do , We are Disney fans , beach , rocket launches etc, and kids and grands are anxious to visit us. Not so much in AZ and freezing in Rockport Tx wasn’t fun [emoji6] . What lifestyle appeals to you? I have friends that boondock in AZ all by themselves in the middle of nowhere and love it. Others that play with razr’s in the desert almost daily with like minded folks.. lots to pick from.

Xmcdog · 08-15-2021, 05:42 AM

Howdy there, Old Biscuit,
As usual you have the same ideas that I have.
Our plans will be of necessary to spend 6 months north of the border. That's ok too as we have friends and relatives in many parts of both Canada and the USA.

If it was just to snowbird why buy a camper? Buy a place in one of the many gated communities etc in whatever state takes your fancy.

pduggs · 08-15-2021, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

As full-timers for 16 years we tried Florida a couple of times but disliked the bugs, humidity and crowds.

We did Gulf Shores, AL a few years for a couple months. It's not warm and it rains.

We tried Texas but didn't like the winds and cold at times.

New Mexico was too cold - even the southern part.

We settled on the Arizona/California deserts..... just right!

Totally agree. Florida is nice but too busy and can be too warm even in winter. We stayed in Fort Meyers in February 2020 and they had 90 degree temps throughout the month.

Southern AZ and CA are very nice. We did 45 days in San Diego January and February of this year. Also spent time in the Coachella Valley late last year. Weather was ideal nearly the entire time. No need to run AC or heat. Also spent time in Tucson, Phoenix, and Yuma. Again, ideal weather in winter. Not nearly as crowded and busy like Florida.

Barbaraok · 08-15-2021, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by momdoc

This year we are heading to AZ (Yuma) for 3 months.

Why?

We spent a week in Yuma in 2007. It was 5 days too long.
Seriously, beside golf, geocaching, going across the border for meds, what else is there to do but potlucks where everyone sits around and starts drinking at 1 pm and stagger home in the evening.

GOLDWINGER2 · 08-15-2021, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barbaraok

Why?

We spent a week in Yuma in 2007. It was 5 days too long.
Seriously, beside golf, geocaching, going across the border for meds, what else is there to do but potlucks where everyone sits around and starts drinking at 1 pm and stagger home in the evening.

LOL!

twogypsies · 08-15-2021, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillJinOR

I would suggest you sample all the places already mentioned as in “all the southern states”. I’d even include California .. Palm Springs etc. For the first few years we did them all for weeks or a month at a time, but kept moving.

^^^^ The best thing to do when first looking for a snowbird place.

Don't commit to a whole season even if it's cheaper that way. What if you don't like the park or the area? Move around... even within one state. That's what a RV is for. Spend some time in Florida, Alabama and perhaps Texas. The next season try New Mexico, Arizona, southern California.

2cyber71 · 08-15-2021, 03:59 PM

Old Biscuit and twogypsies know what to do

NXR · 08-15-2021, 08:22 PM

Quote:

... what else is there to do but potlucks where everyone sits around and starts drinking at 1 pm and stagger home in the evening.

Agreed. Staggering home in the evening is way too early.

Ray

momdoc · 08-16-2021, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barbaraok

Why?

We spent a week in Yuma in 2007. It was 5 days too long.
Seriously, beside golf, geocaching, going across the border for meds, what else is there to do but potlucks where everyone sits around and starts drinking at 1 pm and stagger home in the evening.

Great news. So I do have something to look forward to