Who is going South this Winter?
Looking for tips and tricks from experienced snowbirds heading south for the winter. Where do you go, why and how long. After last winter here in the northeast considering a warmer zipcode for a few m...
Forum Discussion
Will be heading down to Crystal River, FL (about 75 miles north of Tampa along the coast) just after Christmas for 3 months. It's our 4 year. The first year was for 6 weeks, then about 9 weeks, went for nearly 3 months last year, and this year will be 3 months. Notice the pattern here.
First year we traveled around Florida staying 2-7 days in about 8 different locations searching for where we might want to spend more time the next year. Second year we stayed in Crystal River for a month and traveled around. Third year we stayed in Crystal River 2+ months and traveled around a bit less. This coming winter we'll be in CR for 3 months straight unless we decide to take a short side trip or two.
Do some research on RV parks in areas you might want to check out and stay for a few days to get a feel for the surroundings. When I say research I mean using RV Park Reviews.com or inquire on the Snowbirds forum here on RV.net about good parks in areas of interest. We didn't make many reservations the first 2 years, but found that things are getting busier these days as the economy is improving and more boomers are retiring.
Areas south of I-4 are more expensive, especially along the coasts (often $,1000+/month). The middle of the state, along US27 are generally less expensive (can find parks from low of $400+ up to $750/month). We liked the Sebring area (stayed at Highland Hammocks State Park) but didn't find a private park that fit our needs...yet.
We prefer moderate temps over hot, thus the Crystal River area appealed to us. It's not a beachy area, but if you like to fish or kayak it's very good. Great seafood in the area too. Nice golf courses and Tampa is about an hour or so away if we want the big city amenities.
Explore and decide for yourself. Happy Travels!
First year we traveled around Florida staying 2-7 days in about 8 different locations searching for where we might want to spend more time the next year. Second year we stayed in Crystal River for a month and traveled around. Third year we stayed in Crystal River 2+ months and traveled around a bit less. This coming winter we'll be in CR for 3 months straight unless we decide to take a short side trip or two.
Do some research on RV parks in areas you might want to check out and stay for a few days to get a feel for the surroundings. When I say research I mean using RV Park Reviews.com or inquire on the Snowbirds forum here on RV.net about good parks in areas of interest. We didn't make many reservations the first 2 years, but found that things are getting busier these days as the economy is improving and more boomers are retiring.
Areas south of I-4 are more expensive, especially along the coasts (often $,1000+/month). The middle of the state, along US27 are generally less expensive (can find parks from low of $400+ up to $750/month). We liked the Sebring area (stayed at Highland Hammocks State Park) but didn't find a private park that fit our needs...yet.
We prefer moderate temps over hot, thus the Crystal River area appealed to us. It's not a beachy area, but if you like to fish or kayak it's very good. Great seafood in the area too. Nice golf courses and Tampa is about an hour or so away if we want the big city amenities.
Explore and decide for yourself. Happy Travels!
