Forum Discussion

Dave_A's avatar
Dave_A
Explorer
Nov 11, 2016

Rentals

We are a Canadian couple that hate winters. We started out motorhoming through US and Mexico then bought a mobile home in South Texas. I now have cancer so am not able to go south (medical insurance) for extended periods so we sold our home in Texas last year. This year I am OK to go until mid January (CT Scan) then if OK, can go again in February & March. We have rented a mobile home in Central Florida - Lakeland- for December and want to have some ideas for renting in Feb. if medically OK. Any areas you suggest to look in Florida? We loved the Rio Grande Valley but is just too far to drive given the frequency we will have to return to Canada.

Thanks for your help.
Snowbirds
  • alfredmay's avatar
    alfredmay
    Explorer
    Nov 15, 2016
    Go to Google and type in VRBO. This stands for Vacation Rental By Owner. VRBO has thousands of listings by people who own properties and want to rent them. There are hundreds in the central FL area around Disney. Many people have purchased 2nd homes and rent while they are not using them. Some people have purchased them as investments. I have used this company a few times...... one time in central FL to see the Mouse. I found everything from mobile homes to super fancy villas for rent. Make sure you also check out their last minute rental section as reserving in Jan for Feb and Mar would probably be what you want.
  • Dave_A's avatar
    Dave_A
    Explorer
    Nov 13, 2016
    Thanks all for the replies. We used to fly home for Christmas but from RGV it was always an ordeal - connections, weather etc. We want to try Florida as it does have great flight connections to Toronto.

    We are not on all that tight of a budget. More concerned with good weather, reasonable accommodations and recommendations.

    Thanks again and look forward to any other comments.

    Dave
  • almcc's avatar
    almcc
    Explorer
    Nov 12, 2016
    Another "non-Florida" suggestion. Westjet flies out of Toronto to Palms Springs Ca, the town we stay at (Borrego Springs) has some very inexpensive monthly rentals (Road Runner Club), you are guaranteed no rain and good weather (but no beach!).
  • alfredmay's avatar
    alfredmay
    Explorer
    Nov 12, 2016
    I know you said you want Florida, but if you really like the RGV have you considered flying back and forth to Texas instead of driving. My wife and I do that every year. We own a mobile home in Victoria Palms in Donna, TX. They have 100 suites that are rented to Winter Texans. The suites have a bedroom, living room and eat in kitchen. I can give you more info if you are interested.
  • John_Joey's avatar
    John_Joey
    Explorer
    Nov 12, 2016
    I know this sounds a little strange, but when I plan our migration north I use the hummingbirds as a guide. Seems like 1-2 weeks after they arrive is beautiful spring weather.

    Given you don't want to drive too far and maybe are willing to have chilly mornings because you'll be renting a S&B then maybe I would try the panhandle of Florida to somewhere east of New Orleans. I'm also thinking the southern part of Georgia might be a very good value at that time of year.

  • pawatt's avatar
    pawatt
    Explorer
    Nov 12, 2016
    On Craig's list they are usually listed under vacation rentals.
  • pawatt's avatar
    pawatt
    Explorer
    Nov 12, 2016
    It will be difficult as it is peak season and many want a 3 + 5 month minimum rental period. Watch Craig's list but use caution to avoid scams.

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