Tired of Canada’s frigid winters but not interested in the clichéd lifestyle of a Miami Beach expat? Don’t worry, there are many other snowbird destinations that are as inviting as Florida, but a little more off the beaten trail. We’ve picked five amazing locations that offer the warmth, beauty, and fun of the sunshine state—and are a lot more exciting to boot.
Arizona
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Our first option is still in the States but offers a different, drier atmosphere. Mild winters mean temperatures hover around 20° and there are 300 golf courses across the state. Tucson is friendly, has a recently revitalized historic downtown, and is a perfect home base for the more laidback snowbird.
Mexico
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Mexico has got a bad wrap, but other than a few problem areas it’s a predominantly safe country— and it’s very inexpensive. Cities like San Carlos are great for nature lovers. You’ll have access to white sand beaches, hidden coves, and stunning hikes. Plus, during the winter English is the predominantly spoken language, which makes it a great spot if usted no habla español.
Costa Rica
With a year-round average temperature of 25°, coastlines on both the Caribbean and the Pacific, and a low cost of living, Costa Rica is a great spot for the Canadian snowbird. The country is incredibly biologically diverse, perfect for the nature lover, hiker, or surfer. It’s also home to lots of microclimates, so you’ll really be able to pick a spot that suits your lifestyle.
Nicaragua
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There are many reasons Nicaragua is newly popular among Canadian snowbirds: it’s politically stable, has beautiful coastlines and beaches, and lovely colonial towns. The property is inexpensive, the cost of living is low, and it hasn’t been completely developed by expats, so things aren’t too crowded.
Thailand
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The main expense of snowbirding in Thailand is getting there, but once you’re in the country, cost of living is an estimated 10% of North America’s. The nation boasts beautiful beaches, exciting cities, friendly locals, and amazing cuisine. Once there, it’s easy to travel to other countries in East Asia if you want more of an adventure. To escape crowds, check out Northern Thailand. The region is culturally rich and much less of a tourist destination—perfect for those who want a peaceful escape.
