Make sure you stay in touch with your landlord or rental company to reconfirm your booking. Whether you are new to taking extended vacations or a veteran snowbird, creating your own customized checklist is a great way to keep track of your seasonal preparations. June 5-6: TBA June 9: North Bay Armed Forces Day – North Bay, ON June 12-13: TBA June 19-20: Thunder over Niagara Open House -Niagara Falls, NY, USA June 22: Hanover, ON June 24: TBA June 26: Spectacle Aérien International de Bagotville – Bagotville, QC. One of our big expenses every year is insurance. Make sure your passport and NEXUS cards are handy for crossing the border and not packed. ... to prove compliance with Canadian standards. Canadian Snowbird Checklist. There may not be a snowflake in sight yet, but many Canadian snowbirds are counting the days until they head south for the winter. Make sure you find travel insurance that fits your specific needs and travel plans. Here’s a handy snowbird’s checklist that will serve as your guide for the most important things. A Checklist for "Snowbirds" Come January, many “snowbirds” will be heading south. The Snowbird flight path Most Snowbirds prefer to winter in the southern United States because it is close enough to provide all the comforts of home with a common language and culture, yet far enough away from the biting Canadian winter. November 21, 2013 . Wayfarer Insurance Group | Nov 12, 2019 ... Snowbirds have a lot more at stake when traveling than those on a week-long holiday or cruise. As we’ve mentioned, there’s a lot of preparation required when you are going away for several months in the winter. Palm Beach The Best of Everything Enjoy world class shopping, dining, and golfing in this resort town. Snowbirds should ensure they're properly organized and ready for the trip ahead. Canadian Snowbirds Act Posted date : Sep 19, 2019. Find more tips and tools for Canadian snowbirds at SnowbirdAdvisor.ca. Be sure to declare any food that you are taking across the border. Banned foods will be confiscated. Ultimately, whether it makes financial sense for you to rent or buy comes down to several factors, including: It's that time of year when Snowbirds are getting their affairs in order to head off to warmer southern locales. If you are planning to ship your car by transport truck, again, you will need to make arrangements well ahead of time as these companies get booked up for peak times. Make sure your vehicle ownership and insurance certificates are in the vehicle. This quick checklist will help ensure that you’ve everything you need for a comfortable holiday. Most Snowbirds prefer to winter in the southern United States because it is close enough to provide all the comforts of home with a common language and culture, yet far enough away from the biting Canadian winter. Oct 21, 2018 - These travel preparation tips for snowbirds and other seniors are formatted as a quick checklist reminder for preparing for a winter away from home. You will find helpful links and articles that relate to Canadian Snowbirds, as well as some tips to make sure your trips are effortless and worry-free. It’s time for snowbirds to fly home A checklist for crossing the border into Canada after several months away. This way you don’t have to lug your big suitcases into the hotel each night. Consulting a travel agent is a good idea to make sure you are aware of all of the flight options available to you. If you’re a new snowbird going away for the first time this coming winter, this checklist will be particularly helpful. See our top tips for finding the best snowbird airfares. Snowbirds: financial checklist before you fly south . With it, you can receive roadside assistance in the U.S., as well as other countries around the world. ... Here’s a checklist to help ensure you enjoy a worry-free stay and a warm welcome home. Canadian Snowbird Checklist Many Snowbirds look forward to sunshine and warm temperatures in the winter months – it’s a big drawing card for those who have time to leave Canadian winters behind. Snowbird Advisor members receive exclusive snowbird tips, tools, offers, services and more! TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - October 18, 2016) - October is when Canadian snowbirds are busy preparing for their migration to a warm weather destination for the winter. The list includes everything snowbirds should be aware of, from preparing their home in Canada to having the right travel documents to setting up cross border banking and more, SnowbirdAdvisor.ca said. Published October 27, 2015 Updated October 27, ... 351 King Street East, Suite 1600, Toronto, ON Canada, M5A 0N1. As a part-time snowbird myself, I’ve glanced through the various checklists from difference sources and below are the most useful top 10: Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott introduced the Canadian Snowbirds Act, legislation that would allow some Canadian citizens to spend up to eight months a year vacationing in the United States, two months longer than they are allowed to stay now. The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) is pleased to provide this travellers’ checklist filled with handy tips on health, … However, as with any travel plans, you’re wise to consider the financial implications of your decision ahead of time, and then prepare accordingly. At the end of March and into April, most Canadian snowbirds are heading home. Many things on the checklist are applicable to them as well, although there are some uniquely Canadian considerations, such as emergency medical insurance and currency exchange. If you require such advice, you should retain a qualified professional to advise you. Most long-term rentals in snowbird destinations are booked a year in advance, often by the people who rented them last season. There could soon be changes to the rules that affect U.S.-bound Canadian snowbirds. I am a member of the Canadian Snowbirds Association. Many snowbirds prefer to buy their food once they have crossed the border if travelling by car or RV. Kitchen Otherwise, you will be relying on cancellations hoping that space opens up for you. Checklist for Snowbirds Heading South. Snowbirds plead for exemptions to hotel quarantine The Canadian Snowbird Association is requesting the exemption because the new travel rule was … December 16, 2013. Here’s our list of things to do: Disclaimer: The material provided on the SnowbirdAdvisor.ca website is for informational purposes only and does NOT constitute legal, tax, accounting, financial, real estate, medical or other advice, and should not be relied on as such. Travel insurance: It is essential for every Canadian snowbird to get travel medical insurance. Travel light! It covers you anywhere in North America. SnowbirdAdvisor.ca is advising travel agents with snowbird clients that it has created an online checklist for snowbirds, detailing everything they need to do before departing for the winter.. Topics. Check your insurance to make sure you are covered for travelling to the U.S. (and beyond if you’re heading further south) and any time limits that may apply to your coverage for being out of Canada. Learn more about snowbird options for getting your car to the U.S. Bank on a smooth experience. The website positions itself as the one-stop online resource for Canadian snowbirds who can sign up on the website to become members for free and receive exclusive snowbird tips, tools, offers and services. A lot of people like to head South once winter arrives, but what happens to their homes during this time. 6. Snowbirds: The Complete Checklist to Winterize your Residence With a winter that never seems to end, many retirees are contemplating a snowbird lifestyle for upcoming years. Affectionately known as “Snowbirds” many of these travellers head south each Autumn or early winter, many staying until early April and May. For snowbirds, who spend portions of the winters in the southern United States, winter preparation includes a checklist of things related to their time away. If you are a Canadian resident returning to Canada after an absence of less than one year, refer to I Declare. Always carry your AMA card. Welcome, Snowbirds! You can get more tips on snowbird rental accommodations here. It's that time of year when Snowbirds are getting their affairs in order to head off to warmer southern locales. Here is a page dedicated to you and your retirement travels. Moving Checklist for Snowbirds Moving tips for traveling snowbirds and vacation rental home owners. Remember to take all your chargers for phones, kindle, tablet, laptop, shaver, etc. Long-time snowbirds have developed lists to be re-used year after year. Immediate Support 1-888-700-7766. Travel. Snowbirds are If you’re a new snowbird going away for the first time this coming winter, this checklist will be particularly helpful. If snowbirds had the "right" to go to Mexico or Florida despite travel being strongly discouraged, they also have a responsibility to ensure their … Have the full address and zip code of your rental home or the home you own in the U.S. with you to show at the border if requested. Auto insurance: On the insurance front, you'll also want to make sure your vehicle insurance covers your needs, as some auto insurance policies have certain restrictions and time limits that you may not be aware of if you're going to be away for an extended period. You may get searched, so it’s important to know the U.S. Customs rules and abide by them to avoid trouble. There are so many details to consider. The Canadian Snowbird Association’s quarterly Snowbird Talk, a collection of letters from snowbird members and Editor’s responses, is now a fixture in the lives of many snowbirds. If you are new to the snowbird lifestyle and will be going away for the first time this winter, this checklist will be particularly helpful. Snowbirds should ensure they're properly organized and ready for the trip ahead. A Checklist for "Snowbirds" Come January, many “snowbirds” will be heading south. Similarly, if you are looking for a long-term car rental you will need to shop around for the best rates and book early to take advantage of lower prices and secure the vehicle you want. Phillip Crawley, Publisher. Remember that it can be cold some of the time, so take a light jacket and sweaters. Canadian snowbirds spend your snowbird checklist leaving your comment is prepared to route planning now that people discover the water: this is dangerous. Ideally, you should take care of this in the late summer or early Fall. Cross Border Media Inc. | 430 - 245 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4P 3B7 | www.snowbirdadvisor.ca, Please wait while we confirm your membership, The Canadian Snowbird’s Checklist – Everything You Need to Do Before You Go, tips on snowbird rental accommodations here. Realtors love The Snowbirds – and why not? The Government of Canada announced multiple tax changes to help Canadians cope with COVID-19 impacts. A commission is a commission. Protecting Your Home Unlike other cities, where you just have to compete with other local buyers, The Coachella Valley has a ton of Snowbirds … This post originally appeared on the Life Storage blog on 12/22/15 and was revised on 12/21/18 to provide new information. For clients who will be away for extended periods, there ... Twitter Mail to a fried Print. Canadian Snowbird Checklist Many Snowbirds look forward to sunshine and warm temperatures in the winter months – it’s a big drawing card for those who have time to leave Canadian winters behind. From an established public health system, bargain real estate, to a stable government, Costa Rica certainly doesn’t disappoint. Vehicle delivery:  If you are not planning to drive yourself, but want your car delivered to your winter home, you will want to start early to find a drive away service or person who will do this for you. If you are a snowbird heading south for the winter, there are several key things you can do to help protect your vacant home. Retired Canadians who are seasonal residents of the U.S., or “Snowbirds” frequently own property in the U.S. Category: ... Canadian provincial government plans cover only a small part of the cost. Banned foods will be confiscated. DON’T pack or take any banned foods, as they will be confiscated at the border. By some estimates it’s as many as 500,000 travellers who spend a significant period of time, three to six months, in the United States avoiding the cold. There could soon be changes to the rules that affect U.S.-bound Canadian snowbirds. Many snowbirds would fail this test, according to Wruk, but filing a specific tax form (Form 8840) with the U.S. Internal revenue Service (IRS) will prove that the visitor has a “closer connection” with Canada and thus should be exempt from paying U.S. taxes. Second, snowbirds should travel with a “border kit” that serves as proof that you’re a Canadian tax resident (click on the article link for specific documents to include). 7. This makes having the appropriate insurance, medicines, and paperwork just that much more important. December 16, 2013. Make sure your vehicle ownership and insurance certificates are in the vehicle. Take a look at this list and try to do as much as possible in advance to avoid a last minute panic and lots of running around. Category: ... Canadian provincial government plans cover only a small part of the cost. As a part-time snowbird myself, I’ve glanced through the various checklists from difference sources and below are the most useful top 10: Flour: Canada uses a harder variety of wheat, so we take down our own flour and make our own bread. by Danielle Cameron. Snowbirds have ridiculous checklists to complete before heading south. Useful tips for Canadian snowbirds Are you a Canadian travelling south for the winter? Canada is a nation on the move. Flights near the first of the month often get booked up fast. Snowbirds are generally aged 55 and up and live outside Canada for at least one month every year. Many Canadians choose to buy property in the US sunbelt, picking up real estate to use when escaping the colder months here in Canada. Every winter, hundreds of thousands of Canadian snowbirds head south to avoid the worst that winter has to offer. Insurance. July 1: Canada Day 2021 – Ottawa, ON Here's a look at what may be ahead and a checklist of the rules about length of stay, taxation and insurance. by Lynne Benjamin. Snowbirds are generally retirees who want to escape the frigid temperatures and winter chores, such as regular snow shoveling. With so many things to attend to before you depart for your winter in the sun, our annually updated snowbird checklist is a handy tool to help you remember everything you need to take care of. Inform your bank you’ll be out of Canada for a while. Prepare ahead, and you can look forward to a stress-free snowbirding experience. Don’t pack too much! Before heading south for the season, snowbirds must take a few steps to secure and winterize their homes. The Snowbird flight path. Pasta: We take that down for the same reason as the flour. Checklist for snowbirds. Explore our visitor centre >, Rent an RV and experience all the fun >, RV owners section with maintenance checklists >, Travel trailers are the most popular RVs >, Motorhomes are comfortable, fun and easy to drive >, Park models provide all the comforts of home >, Discover the advantage of RV dealerships >, Tips about buying new or pre-owned >, Checkout the latest RVs at a show near you >, Find RV campgrounds and helpful links >, The RV packing list will help you with the essentials >, Top tips before you leave for the winter. Remember to take all your chargers for phones, kindle, tablet, laptop, shaver, etc. U.S. Plan your route ahead of time. Useful tips for Canadian snowbirds Are you a Canadian travelling south for the winter? Canadian snowbirds can sign up for a free membership here. NOTE: Snowbirds originate in the northern U.S. as well as in Canada. Be sure to declare any food that you are taking across the border. However, as with any travel plans, you’re wise to consider the financial implications of your decision ahead of time, and then prepare accordingly. Many people avoid this issue by going grocery shopping for food, beer and wine once they have crossed the border. Buying a U.S. vacation or investment property can be a great option for many Canadian snowbirds. Here are some tips and cautions on dealing with the financial opportunities. Most of us take lots of clothes we never use and you will have laundry facilities where you’re going. Pack a small case of bottled water so you have plenty for the journey and your hotel stays. 20% of our buyers in Solivita purchase multiple homes. If you are a snowbird preparing to head south to escape some or all of the Canadian winter, here is a checklist to ensure your travels are safe, convenient and fun. Planning ahead and having a checklist can help you avoid all sorts of problems in the months to come. You’ll want to protect both your home and your health while you’re gone. When Snowbirds finally make their way down south for their annual vacation away from our brutal Canadian winters the last thing they need to worry about is the safety of their home. Travel insurance: It is critical for every Canadian snowbird to get travel medical insurance. Generally, prices are also better the earlier you book. Interior appliances can live for leaving home to get started working properly installed, but the people you. Once the snow starts to fly and the cold settles in across most of the country, thousands of Canadians pack their suitcases and head to the southern United States for an extended stay. You cannot start this process too early. Checklist for Snowbirds before you leave. Find more tips and tools for Canadian snowbirds at. According to Forbes, more than one million seasonal retirees head to Florida alone, with plans to stay for at least five months. CSA Travellers’ Checklist The Canadian Snowbird Association is pleased to provide this travellers’ checklist filled with handy tips on health, home and travel; an essential publication prior to departure and while travelling. SnowbirdAdvisor.ca Experienced snowbirds know how much preparation there is before you hop in your RV to head south for the winter. Planning ahead and having a checklist can help you avoid all sorts of problems in the months to come. It's time to head home. A Travel Checklist for Snowbirds. We've also launched our own travel insurance solution, Snowbird Advisor Insurance, featuring an exclusive 5% discount for Snowbird Advisor members, policy options that provide coverage pre-existing medical conditions with NO stability period requirement and more. You can unsubscribe at any time. Flights and rental car: It pays to book well in advance to make sure you get the dates you want. Snowbird Checklist. Taking these steps can help protect your home from theft, water damage, heating or electrical system malfunctions and other possible threats while you are away for an extended period of time.. Download the Preparing Your Vacant Home Checklist PDF > Money Management One technique of making money on the exchange rate, is to open up a U.S. dollar account at your local bank or credit […] Read Full Story Some snowbirds use a line of credit or mortgage on their Canadian home to finance a winter home - or you can finance through a Canadian bank that operates in the U.S. 1. Be a Good Camper: Camping Etiquette in Canada’s Parks, 2021 RV Trade Shows: Your List of Virtual and In Person Events, How to Travel Safely by RV in the New Year, © Go RVing Canada 2021 All Rights Reserved. Pack any sports equipment such as golf clubs, tennis racquets, etc. If you plan to escape Canada for the winter, be certain your financial life is in order before you go. You’re not alone! 2021 Canadian Forces Snowbirds Appearance Schedule. The website positions itself as the one-stop online resource for Canadian snowbirds who can sign up on the website to become members for free and receive exclusive snowbird tips, tools, offers and services. However, there are several things to attend to before you depart to ensure a smooth transition home, so we’ve created a snowbird checklist to help you remember everything you need to take care of. Know the rules:  Make sure you know what foods and liquids you can bring across the border into the United States. Prepare for your winter excursion with this checklist. Pack a small case of bottled water so you have plenty for the journey and your hotel stays. Non-hydrogenated margarine: Up until very recently, non-hydrogenated margarine couldn’t even be found in the Southwestern United States, so we stock up. However, it’s essential to choose the right ownership structure for your U.S. real estate, as choosing the wrong structure can have serious tax and estate planning implications. Third, Ritchie warns against attempting to time the currency market when converting cash. Susan Yellin. A checklist for snowbirds. With the dollar differential in Canada’s favour, many people want to take advantage of the strong Canadian loonie. For a much more in-depth checklist, have a look at this printable one put out by the Canadian Snowbird Association. With the dollar differential in Canada you know what foods and liquids you can look to! Chargers for phones, kindle, tablet, laptop, shaver, etc you a Canadian south... Have developed lists to be re-used year after year below or tweet us @ LifeStorage be changes to the:... Now that people discover the water: this is dangerous... Edward Jones, member – Investor! Guide for the winter, be certain your financial life is in before... 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