Shrinking Canadian dollar

John&Joey wrote:

ipeltier wrote:

John & Angela wrote:
We are about 7 years away from turning 60 and ending our snowbird lifestyle in the USA.

Why would you end the snowbird lifestyle at 60?

I'm guessing the snowbird lifestyle isn't ending, just the USA part of it. I'm betting it'll have to do with the cost of medical coverage, but like you, I'm curious about the logic.

Mmm, The medical coverage may have an effect on it but its actually a little more complicated than that. We still work every summer and need to be within a reasonable driving distance to our home. There are a few reasons for this but suffice to say we are somewhat limited right now. Once we hit 61 we intend to be fully retired and are able to snowbird in a much bigger circle. Assuming health and mobility is good that will include the rest of the Americas, certainly southern europe and north africa and a few other places on the list. I can see a few months every winter in Southern Spain which we have come to love and will be heading back to in a couple months. Re travel insurance: It is a lot cheaper if not travelling to the US but I don't think that would be a main driver. We enjoy our time in the US and have seen a lot of it. We enjoy time with our American friends and hope to continue to for years. Having said that, we enjoy a variation in culture, language and history that is somewhat limited in Canada and the US. Certainly Mexico has much to offer in North America but there are many interesting places to snowbird and while we can we hope to be able to visit more of them.


Many new Canadian snowbirds are finding places like Costa Rica and Ecuador as interesting alternatives to the US experience. Spain as well but it is better suited for those only looking for a three month get away from the cold as there is a 90 day visa limit. This changes for those who buy real estate there but that won't be us. Although, show me the right deal in Sevilla and you never know. :)