RVers love hitting the road for camping and traveling throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. However, cold weather can bring on the winter blues for many people, which is why some RV owners are snowbirds. A snowbird is a winter traveler who leaves their cold-weather home up north for a warmer, southern destination.
Ahead of the upcoming winter season, RV Trader recently surveyed 795 consumers and asked them about their winter travel plans. We found that more than one in three RVers (39%) are snowbirds who travel to warmer destinations during winter. Here’s how these RV snowbirds travel:
Where do RV Snowbirds Travel?
We asked our survey respondents, who travel to warmer destinations, where they go and 53% answered that they travel to the southeast. The southeast part of the U.S. includes states like Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
Florida is one of the top destinations in the country for snowbirds. A 2021 study from STORAGECafe, a self-storage company that specializes in RV storage, ranked six cities in The Sunshine State among the top 10 cities for snowbirds. Since Florida is the southernmost state in the contiguous U.S., many snowbirds hit the road for the warm winter weather and array of attractions and activities, such as theme parks and beaches.
The southwest part of the U.S. was the second-highest answer, with 37% of respondents saying they travel to states in this region, including California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The typically scorching desert weather in this region cools down to more comfortable temperatures during the winter season. This is a great time of year to visit one of the many national parks in the southwest for a less crowded experience compared to spring and summer.
Following the southwest region, 21% of survey respondents said they also travel to the south central part of the country. This region includes states like Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. In the south central region, Texas boasts some of the most popular destinations for snowbirds. Snow is rare in most parts of Texas, allowing snowbirds to take part in an array of outdoor activities.
Another locale our survey respondents said they travel to in winter is Central America (7%). If you do travel outside of the U.S., make sure you have a valid passport. You should also verify any regulations when crossing the border, especially if you’re traveling with pets.
How do RV Snowbirds Travel?
While there are several types of RVs for travelers to choose from, a majority (33%) of our survey respondents answered that they use a Class A motorhome to get to their warm-weather destinations. This was followed by Class C RVs (16%), indicating that our respondents may consider drivable RVs, such as a motorhome, easier to maneuver than a towable RV.
Class A RVs are the largest option on the market. These spacious motorhomes are perfect for long-distance trips, such as traveling hundreds of miles south for the winter, with the sleeping capacity to accommodate everyone from couples to families with children. These RVs often come equipped with full kitchens, cozy lounge areas, and luxury amenities to keep everyone comfortable, both during the drive and once you arrive at your southern destination.
Smaller than a Class A motorhome, but larger than a Class B, a Class C motorhome was the second choice for travel among survey respondents. Most Class C RVs offer some living space in addition to the raised sleeping or storage areas that extend over the cab of the RV. Since Class Cs are smaller, they’re also a more fuel-efficient option compared to Class A.
Fifth-wheels (15%) and travel trailers (14%) are towable options that are popular choices for RVers who spend more time on the road. Both come in varying sizes and floorplans, allowing you to find the right model for your snowbirding needs. Towable RVs also give you the ability to leave your camper at the RV park or campsite and just travel by truck once you’re at your snowbird destination.
Instead of storing your RV for the winter season, become a snowbird and hit the road for a warm-weather getaway. And, if you’re searching for a winter-ready RV, browse the nationwide online inventory of new and used RVs on RVTrader.com.
One Response
Tennessee snowbird flying first year at 66 in my class c and loving it. At Fort Pickens Campground off Pensacola. White sand warm weather. Get u an rv and come join us.