It’s “Ready when you are!” for Quebec’s snowbirds

Press releases
Published on October 27, 2021

Despite a strong desire to travel, only 18% of snowbirds made it to their usual winter destination last year. This year, nearly 70% of ‘birds surveyed intend to spend winter where it’s warm. And with the United States land border reopening on November 8 to Canadians who have received two vaccine doses, travellers should finally be able to make their intentions a reality.

CAA-Quebec’s survey on snowbirds’ winter travel plans (1), first launched in the midst of the pandemic, is back again this year to provide a clear picture of our snowbird members and get a better sense of their travel needs come winter.

This year’s survey shows that a majority of Quebec snowbirds are intent on wintering in warmer climes, but the data was gathered before the Canadian government had withdrawn its advisory to avoid all non-essential travel and before the U.S. government announced that it would be reopening its land borders. The results may have changed since.

An expected return to normal

More than two out of three snowbirds (68%) say they’re likely or very likely to travel to a sunny destination in winter of 2021–2022. Although nearly a third (30%) had already locked in their plans at the time of the survey, 30% of respondents were still waiting for the American border to reopen to decide—a factor that is now settled.

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“Our snowbirds are creatures of habit and are eager to get back to their usual destinations. Our survey shows that while confident, they’re also aware of the importance of getting the right insurance before they go and taking all the necessary precautions.”

Sophie Gagnon, CAA-Québec Vice President, Public Affairs and Road Safety

The vast majority of people who answered the survey said they planned to go on their usual winter trip. For the average Quebec snowbird, that means leaving Quebec in November (36%), driving (43%) to Florida (70%), and staying there for four months or more (54%).

The importance of comprehensive travel insurance

Among those who plan to winter outside the province, the ability to secure proper insurance coverage for their trip is the main deciding factor (72% of snowbirds)..

And a full 98% of respondents who plan to leave this winter said they would be taking at least one additional measure to stay safe upon reaching their destination, such as wearing masks, limiting their social interactions, or avoiding public spaces.

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“Our insureds are clearly aware of the importance of being properly insured when they travel and knowing how their coverage will work if difficulties arise before or during their trip. We want them to be able to leave for months at a time without any worries.”

Suzanne Michaud, CAA-Québec Vice President, Insurance

Concern over the COVID-19 situation in their usual destinations remains palpable and is the reason most often cited among those who plan to stay home this year. Some travellers also said they were worried about the availability of health care.

“Those are legitimate questions and our people can provide all the answers, before and during the trip,” says Suzanne Michaud. “It’s important to make sure you’re well informed, especially during a pandemic.”

Quebec’s snowbirds according to CAA-Quebec’s survey

One key trend is apparent in the surveys from both this year and last: snowbirds are creatures of habit! Despite everything that’s changed since the start of the pandemic, they still want to go to the same places, stay in the same type of accommodations, and spend the same amount of time they’ve been accustomed to, year after year. Since even a pandemic can’t change their ways, here’s a general portrait of Quebec snowbirds:

Usual destination

  • Florida: 68% (Fort Lauderdale and Miami: 30%, Palm Beach: 13%, Tampa: 5%)
  • Another American state: 7% (mostly Texas and Arizona)
  • Mexico: 8%
  • The Caribbean: 5%
  • Different destination each year: 7%

Accommodations

  • Condo: 43%
  • RV: 15%
  • House: 13%
  • Trailer or mobile home: 13%
  • Tourist accommodations: 9%
  • Vacation rentals: 7%
  • 45% are owners, 53% rent

Length of stay

More than half plan to stay down south for four months or more. 78% of those who plan to travel this winter hope to stay for the same amount of time as usual.

  • 46% plan to stay 4 months or more
  • 21% plan to stay 3 months
  • 13% plan to stay 2 months
  • 12% plan to stay 1 month
  • 7% plan to stay less than a month

Departures and arrivals

  • 34% leave in November; 23% leave in January
  • 26% come back in March; 55% in April

About CAA-Quebec

CAA-Quebec is a not-for-profit organization that assists each of its members by providing mobility, travel, insurance, and residential benefits, products, and services. CAA was named Canada’s most trusted brand in the annual Brand Trust Index for 2021 by the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria. 

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(1) Web survey carried out by CAA-Quebec from September 24 to October 16 on a sample of 996 respondents, all CAA-Quebec members 55 and older who see themselves as snowbirds (they flee winter and spend it in a warm climate). A probability sample of this size has a margin of error of ±3.1%.