Whether it’s your first time heading south for the winter or you’re a seasoned snowbird, preparation is key to a successful and enjoyable snowbird season. For many retirees, snowbird travel offers a delightful escape from the harsh Canadian winters, presenting an opportunity to enjoy milder climates and vibrant communities elsewhere. However, failure to pack effectively or take necessary precautions can turn an idyllic retreat into a series of challenges. To ensure your seasonal migration is as smooth as the breeze, we here at Travel Insurance Office Inc. (TIO) have put together a comprehensive guide on what to pack and which precautions to take. Here’s what you need to know.
Packing Tips for Snowbird Trips
Moving your life south for the winter, even temporarily, requires thoughtful preparation. Everyone has different needs, and depending on your destination, you may need to pack lighter or heavier. Here’s a general list of what to bring on a snowbird trip:
Travel Essentials
Before the excitement of packing begins, let's tackle the most important step-organizing your travel documents. Your travel documents should be the top priority before all else.
Gather all personal IDs, payment methods, travel insurance policies & wallet cards, and trip documents, ensuring they're stored in a secure, easy-to-access place. Research the destination's requirements to confirm you have the right types of identification, currency, and payment methods.
We recommend you keep both digital and hard copies of these critical documents to prepare for emergencies like loss, theft, or damage. For an added layer of protection, consider leaving a hard copy of your documents at home with a trusted family member or friend who can assist in an emergency if needed.
Clothing
Clothing will probably take up most of the space in your suitcase. Consider ‘packing cubes’ or ‘packing organizers’ to help you maximize your luggage space while also making it easy to find what you need if you need it during travel. When considering what clothes to pack, we recommend choosing layer-friendly clothing, as even in hot climates, nights can be chilly. Pack lightweight layers that can be easily added or removed while on the go.
Other must-have clothing items include:
Comfortable footwear
Swimwear
Hats
Sunglasses
Cozy sleepwear
A light jacket or raincoat
Home Essentials
If your destination is not a resort, consider what ‘home essentials’ you may need over these next couple of months. Look through your medicine cabinets, kitchen, and desk drawers for your frequently used home essentials. If you’ll be cooking ‘in house’ bring enough basic kitchen items to get you through your stay, such as cooking utensils, a reliable non-stick pan, your favourite spices, and Tupperware to safely store or pack-up the leftovers. If your destination is a second home away from home, consider what items you have waiting for you and whether or not your need more. Save yourself a trip to the store upon arrival by bringing extras with you.
Ensure you pack enough of your prescription medication to cover your entire trip, plus a little extra in case of unexpected delays or extensions. Consider carrying a copy of your prescription with you for emergencies—it can be a lifesaver if you need a refill or face any unforeseen issues. If you're running low on medication or need refills, reach out to your doctor(s) prior to departure. Let them know your travel dates and request an advance supply to keep everything running smoothly while you're away.
Electronics and Entertainment
In today’s world, we’re glued to our smartphones and tablets, so forgetting them is unlikely—but don’t forget the essentials that keep them powered! Be sure to pack your chargers, power banks, and any necessary adapters. There’s nothing worse than arriving at the airport or your destination and realizing your devices are running on empty.
While your electronics may be your go-to, don’t overlook other forms of entertainment. A good book, a deck of playing cards, or a compact board game can provide hours of fun, especially during long flights or downtime. If you have a favorite hobby, like knitting, sketching, or journaling, pack some supplies to enjoy on your journey. Being prepared means you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained, whether you’re basking in the sun or cozying up indoors.
Precautions for Winter Snowbird Travel
Packing is just one piece of the puzzle. Once your suitcases are full, you’ll want to take several precautions before heading out on your seasonal migration. Take a look at our recommended snowbird travel safety measures:
Health and Safety
It’s imperative that your pre-travel checklist includes purchasing comprehensive travel medical insurance, and any non-medical insurances that may be of interest to you such as Trip Cancellation and/or Trip Interruption insurance [learn more about non-medical insurances here].
When looking for travel insurance consider the following questions to better help you narrow down the search:
Is it a reliable company with competitively priced rates? (Remember, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is)
Is the plan maximum high enough to cover the cost of a severe claim? (There have been claims as high as $2 million)
Does it offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions?
Does the stability period align with your medical needs?
(TIO offers a partner product with a 7-day stability period)
Does it include any specific benefits that may be important to you? (For example, if you’re an avid cruiser you should ensure your coverage includes benefits like remote evacuation and land & air ambulance services)
Choose travel insurance that covers your specific needs with high enough plan maximums to ensure no matter what medical emergency were to occur, you are not stuck paying out of pocket. Everyone is different, so what may work for one person may not work for you.
For example:
If you have any change in health or medication (this includes raising or lowering medication dosage) prior to departure you may require a 7-day stability period vs. the standard 90-day or 180-day stability that comes with most products
If want to avoid paying anything out-of-pocket, should a medical emergency occur, consider purchasing a policy with a $0 deductible. On the other hand, if you’re looking to bring down the premium consider taking a higher deductible to offset the cost.
Once your insurance is sorted, take a proactive step by creating a comprehensive list of emergency contacts for your destination. This should include nearby hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, as well as consulates or embassies if you’re traveling abroad. Add the local emergency services number, which can differ from what you’re used to at home. It’s also wise to note the contact information for your accommodations, local friends or family, and your travel insurance provider for quick access in case of an emergency. Having this list on hand ensures you’re prepared for the unexpected, allowing you to travel with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Financial Security
The first thing you’ll want to do after deciding to fly south is create a budget. Before you ever consider getting on a plane, develop a clear budget that accounts for accommodation, transportation, groceries, entertainment, additional supplies, souvenirs, and emergencies. As your departure gets closer, notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid fraud alerts and holds on your card(s). Make sure your credit card(s) work in foreign countries and won’t saddle you with exorbitant transaction fees. While making your financial budget, think about what purchases you intend to make on the trip. With that in mind, and to help avoid transactional fees, consider bringing local currency for small purchases so you can avoid using your card. If transactional fees are not of concern, consider bringing less physical currency with you and/or leaving it at your accommodation in case of an emergency situation.
Home Management
Don’t forget to keep an eye on your primary residence, as well! To ensure your home’s security, we suggest installing a security system or having a neighbour check in from time to time while you’re away. If you will be gone for over a week, it is advisable to turn off your main water. Even if someone is checking in, they may not notice a dripping faucet, leaking toilet, or burst pipe, all of which could cost your thousands in water bills, never mind the potential water damage. You’ll also want to set up mail forwarding so you don’t miss any important letters or documents. As an extra measure, consider setting up email alerts so family, friends, and colleagues know how to reach you or who to reach out to instead, while you’re away.
Community Engagement
Now for the fun part—getting to know your new neighborhood! Start by exploring local classes, groups, and clubs to help you integrate into the community. Whether it’s yoga, painting, book clubs, or a walking group, these activities are a fantastic way to meet people and immerse yourself in the local culture. Many communities have bulletin boards, social media pages, or newsletters highlighting events, so keep an eye out for opportunities to get involved.
Beyond activities, take the time to learn the nitty-gritty details of your area. Familiarize yourself with nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities, including any emergency services. Pinpoint local entertainment options like theatres, cafes, parks, or live music venues to make your time even more enjoyable.
Engaging with your community not only enhances your travel experience but also helps you feel at home, no matter how far you are from it. Who knows—you might even discover a new favourite spot or make lifelong friends along the way!
Travel Insurance: Your Number-One Precaution!
Think of travel insurance like the extra clothing you packed for options, the raincoat you skipped because the forecast promised sun, or the travel medical insurance you thought you’d never need because you’ve never had a claim.
In all cases, the old saying holds true: “It’s better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.”
Travel insurance is as essential as your passport. Whether you’re travelling within Canada or abroad, your travel insurance policy & wallet cards should be one of the first items packed. Unlike clothing or gadgets, forgetting your travel insurance isn’t something you can fix on the fly—especially in a medical emergency.
The best way to ensure safe travels and peace of mind is to invest in travel insurance. Did you know that TIO is one of Canada’s largest travel insurance brokerages? Since 1991, we’ve been proudly serving travellers with our team of licensed, experienced, and knowledgeable staff who are ready to assist with all your travel insurance needs, questions, and concerns.
We offer four unique travel insurance products—two that are exclusive to TIO, and two trusted partner products—so we’re confident we can provide coverage tailored to your specific travel needs. To eliminate those lingering “what ifs,” we also offer additional non-medical insurances like Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, and Baggage coverage. With TIO, you can travel confidently, knowing you’re prepared for any emergency.
Our plans come with maximums ranging from $5 million to $10 million, ensuring you have adequate coverage for any medical emergencies, no matter how unexpected. Concerned about the cost? TIO provides a variety of deductible options, some of which can reduce your premium by up to 50%.
Let our team of experienced agents help you find the best product at the best price so you can travel confidently knowing you’re covered. Protect your health, your finances, and possibly your life, with travel medical insurance from TIO.
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