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Snowbird season is among us in Vancouver. With the temperatures slowly dropping and the days getting shorter and shorter, snowbirds throughout British Columbia are booking their flights and packing their bags to escape the long winter ahead.
Given that Canada’s Covid requirements for travel ended on October 1, 2022, this is the first winter in the last two years that snowbirds can easily skip out on. The excitement in the Vancouver air is palpable, with people eagerly awaiting winter to come since that coincides with their international getaway.
Just be sure to check the expiration date when dusting off your passport- most countries require 6 months of validity left to enter.
If you haven’t yet decided where you’d like to fly away to this winter, let’s take a look at the most popular Vancouver snowbird destinations and a handful of underrated gems you should consider for a really special welcome back to travel.
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Popular Places for Vancouver Snowbirds to Spend Winter
These most popular places are trusted favorites among Vancouverites. When snowbirds book their holidays here, they know just what they’re in for: a fantastic vacation far, far away from anything that resembles a snow flurry or winter wind.
Year after year, these destinations top the charts as where Vancouver snowbirds spend their winter and thanks to Destinations Insights, this is confirmed for 2022 as well.
For a winter getaway where you’ll likely rub elbows with fellow Canadian snowbirds, consider a stay at one of these 7 sunny destinations.
1. Las Vegas
Vegas tops the charts as the #1 snowbird getaway destination. Spending your winter in the desert city that never sleeps is certainly one of the most distracting ways to drown out those winter blues.
With round trip direct flights as low as $100CAD, you’ll have more money to put towards your favorite vice, and given you’re spending your winter in Vegas, your options are plentiful.
Other than gambling, snowbirds in Vegas love the upscale golf courses, entertainment options, fine dining, and of course, nearly endless sunny weather.
2. New Delhi
This past year, India has skyrocketed in the rankings of countries where snowbirds are itching to spend their winter. Maybe it’s the urge to get far away after so many years of limited international travel. Maybe it’s the hot, humid weather they’re eager to wash over them. Maybe it’s the fact that even though it’s far away, there’s still a direct flight.
Whatever the reason may be, India is seeing a surge among Canadian visitors and you could be among them. I’m sure a lot of it has to do with a great bang for your buck while you’re there, too.
If you decide to immerse yourself in a distinctive culture, language, and cuisine, you can’t get more unique than New Delhi. Just be sure to apply for a visa online before you go.
3. Los Angeles
Back to somewhere you probably expected to find on this list, Los Angeles is the third most popular snowbird destination for 2022.
Los Angeles is the perfect hub for exploring Southern California. From here, you can book a cruise down the Pacific Coast of Mexico, sail to the Catalina Islands, or head inland towards the Coachella Valley and the Greater Palm Springs area.
With such a large variety of things to do and landscapes to immerse yourself in, it’s no wonder Los Angeles, and Southern California as a whole, call snowbirds home each winter.
Round trip direct flights to L.A. are as low as $170CAD but if you plan to spend your time in Palm Springs, you can fly directly there for roughly the same price.
4. Cancun
For the calm, clear waters of the Caribbean, snow-white sand to stroll down, and beautiful blues and greens as far as the eye can see, Cancun is your snowbird haunt. Plus, by spending your winter in Mexico, you’ll spend far less than you would by spending it in the U.S. instead.
With direct flights to Cancun for less than $700CAD, you’ll easily be able to explore the entirety of the Yucatan Peninsula. From Cancun to Tulum, that entire coastline is littered with great towns, beautiful beaches, and more than its fair share of friendly locals and delicious food.
Given that Cancun is such a tourist hotspot, you won’t need to rely on speaking Spanish. The locals that work in the hospitality and tourism industry will speak enough English to carry the conversation.
Canadians can also spend up to 180 days in Mexico visa-free, making it a hassle-free international destination, too.
5. Honolulu
For just as much nature, smiling locals, and beautiful beaches as Mexico, a popular alternative for snowbirds is to spend winter in Honolulu. Keep in mind though, you can expect to pay more for your flight and daily expenses while on the Hawaiian Islands compared to Mexico. The flight there, albeit longer, is cheaper than to Cancun at just under $400CAD on average for a round trip.
Many snowbirds choose to stay on Oahu, enjoying the modern conveniences of Honolulu with the pristine nature of the northern end of the island. Here, you really can have it all. Just keep in mind that winter is the rainy season in Hawaii, so while the weather will be warm, you can’t expect each day to be as sunny as the last.
6. Orlando
For Vancouver snowbirds who are young at heart, Orlando is the perfect place to spend your winter. Surrounded by some of the best amusement parks in the world, you won’t run out of entertainment options. Plus, it’s a great place for your grandkids to come visit, too.
While most snowbirds enjoy the perks of Orlando, many choose to base themselves in Kissimmee. That way, you can enjoy even more of what Central Florida has to offer, without needing to deal daily with the Disney traffic or prices.
On top of the amusement parks, Orlando offers premier golf courses, fine dining, and great weather. An Orlando winter isn’t nearly as hot or humid as its summers are, it’s actually the perfect temperature for spending time outdoors without immediately breaking a sweat.
7. Punta Cana
Although Punta Cana is the only destination on this list that doesn’t (yet) offer a direct flight for Vancouver snowbirds, it still remains one of the most popular places to spend winter. For now, you can get to the Dominican Republic with only one layover. Plus, once you’ve arrived, you shouldn’t need to spend too much driving around to fully enjoy your holiday.
A winter spent in Punta Cana means a winter spent in Caribbean paradise. With pristine Caribbean beaches yet plenty of amenities geared towards other snowbirds and tourists, you’ll have everything you need to forget winter at a low price.
Underrated Gems for Vancouver Snowbirds to Consider
Year after year, Canadian snowbirds revisit their favorite sunny destinations. The places listed above are known for their great weather, direct flights, and comfortability. Either they’re somewhere you or a friend have visited before, or like the places in the U.S., they’re ones where you can skip over a language barrier or any culture shock, except for the obvious exception of New Delhi.
But, what if I told you that there are so many more snowbird destinations waiting to welcome you with a warm smile and blue skies? All of these underrated gems offer summer weather, direct flights, and either no language barrier or a significantly lower currency exchange rate.
If you’re up for something new, these 6 places are certain to please.
1. Cabo San Lucas
While most Vancouver snowbirds flock to the Caribbean coast of Mexico, the Pacific coast has plenty to offer, too. This resort city offers high-scale Mexican living. If you’re interested in more local flavor, you’ll want to skip ahead to #2 on the list.
Snowbirds will love spending their winter in Cabo for a handful of reasons. You can book a round trip direct flight for just over $400 CAD with a flight time of only 4 hours. You’ll have plenty of watersports, picturesque beach views, and more spas and restaurants than you’ll actually have time to try.
Cabo San Lucas is the perfect place for snowbirds looking for an upscale vacation on the Mexican Peso.
2. Puerto Vallarta
Another resort town on the Pacific coast of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta mixes high-end amenities with local living flawlessly. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy a stroll through their cobblestone downtown flowing with live music, local shops, and Mexican restaurants.
On the other hand, given the number of luxury travelers who come to Puerto Vallarta year after year, you’ll receive everything with a dash of prestige.
While both Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas cater to similar demographics, in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll have the innate feeling of being in a coastal Mexican town. Fly directly to Puerto Vallarta from Vancouver for a slightly smaller price yet with a slightly longer flight time.
3. Kauai
Oahu is where you go when you want to mix modernity with nature yet Kauai is the island you go to really get away from it all. Lovingly known as the Garden Island, the lush landscapes throughout Kauai will not disappoint.
By spending your winter in Kauai, you’ll have the famous Napali Coast right at your fingertips. Best viewed by water, you can take a catamaran to enjoy the sights and spot whales along the way. For snowbirds looking to fully immerse themselves into their natural surroundings, it’s hard to do better than Kauai.
Enjoy shockingly low flight prices, with a round trip from Vancouver to Lihue, Kauai for less than $400CAD. Although the Hawaiian Islands are extremely remote, the flight time is only 6 hours.
4. The Philippines
Now, for somewhere you probably haven’t considered spending your time in, book your winter getaway to Manila, Philippines. While most snowbirds won’t want to base themselves in Manila itself, it is where you’ll fly into and is a good spot if you enjoy exploring foreign cities.
To really make the most of the direct flight to Manila, book a hopper flight to one of the more secluded islands in the Philippines. Did you know the Philippines is home to more than 7,000 islands? While a good majority of them are inhabited, that still means you could sleep on a different island every night if you desired.
With some of the best scuba diving in the world, ease of domestic travel, and endless things to see and do, you’ll love getting off the beaten path in the Philippines.
5. Fiji
A smaller but no less spectacular South Pacific winter destination is Fiji. Vancouverites favor from direct flights to Nadi, the capital city. Surprisingly closer and cheaper than the Philippines, a winter spent in Fiji isn’t as unimaginable as you might have assumed.
Just as with the Philippines, most people who make the long flight don’t stay put in the capital city but instead choose to move to one of the smaller islands with more secluded beaches. With 300 islands in Fiji, you’ll have plenty to choose from based on the amenities you crave.
6. Auckland
Last but certainly not least on our list of underrated gems for Vancouver snowbirds to spend their winter is Auckland, New Zealand. Offering direct flights from Vancouver, Auckland is a fantastic place to spend winter given that in the southern hemisphere, it’ll be summer.
Just like Canada, New Zealand recently opened back up its borders to foreign tourists. If you’ve dreamed of visiting New Zealand but haven’t been able to due to restrictions outside of your control, now’s your chance!
Auckland, the City of Sails, is a beautiful city that seamlessly merges city amenities with natural scenery, much like Vancouver itself. While basing yourself in Auckland is sure to lead you to a great winter, the best way to see New Zealand is by driving it. You won’t believe the natural beauty that will play out in front of your eyes at every turn.
It’s Time to Plan Your Snowbird Getaway
With borders finally open and travel restrictions easing up around the world, this is the winter all snowbirds have been anxiously awaiting: the one they can finally skip out on again. With great popular destinations to choose from and a handful of underrated gems, you’ll have no trouble leaving winter far behind this year.
The only question left for you to answer is, “Where will you go?“
Hero Photo by Shutterstock.com/iploydoy
