54% of snowbirds still hope to go south this year
Even though 92% of snowbirds say they’re uneasy about the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and despite fear of a second wave, border closures, and the risks involved, more than half still hope to winter in warmer southern climes according to a survey by CAA-Quebec(1).
More than half (54%) of respondents think they will probably travel next winter. Those who own property in sunny destination spots (about half of all snowbirds) are even more inclined to go. But they are still realists. Barely one respondent in five (20%) has decided whether to travel this year, and the answer for 88% of them is “no.” One in four (25%) still do not know when they will make this decision. The main issue is how the virus progresses. Among those staying in Quebec, 84% worry about a second wave.
- Suzanne Michaud, Vice President, Insurance, CAA-Quebec
Travel insurance matters to snowbirds
Snowbirds have every reason to be cautious with regard to the virus and to ensure they have insurance coverage during COVID-19, especially since health care is extremely expensive in the United States. More than a third (37%) of those who will remain in Quebec this winter made the decision because they’ve been unable to get COVID-19 insurance. For suggestions and more information about permitted destinations and restrictions with COVID, consult our website or a travel agent.
COVID-19 compels snowbirds to take precautions
Six in ten snowbirds admit they fear contracting the virus. It hardly comes as a surprise that almost all (98%) of those who intend to travel plan to take extra precautions similar to those in force in Quebec, even going so far as to avoid public places (65%) or contact with locals (60%). Two-thirds of respondents (66%) say that health measures in place at their destinations will influence their choice of whether to travel.
Travelling this winter? It’s all or nothing
Even though seven out of ten snowbirds had to rush back to Quebec when the pandemic broke out last March and April, their enthusiasm for returning is unabated. Those who plan to travel will go to the same place, using the same mode of transportation, and will stay the same length of time. Only 15% think they will cut their stay short.
A portrait of Quebec snowbirds according to the CAA-Quebec survey
· Customary destination
- 68% to Florida (33% to Fort Lauderdale–Miami, 9% to Palm Beach)
- 7% in a state other than Florida, mainly Texas
- 10% to Mexico
- 5% to the Caribbean
- 3% to Spain
· Accommodation
- 46% condo
- 18% house
- 11% mobile home
- 15% recreational vehicle
- 5% hotel, inn, etc.
- 48% owners, 47% renters
· Length of stay
- 43% 4 months or more
- 22% 3 months
- 14% 2 months
- 13% 1 month
· Travel dates
- 33% leave in November and 24% leave in January
- 57% come back in April and 25% come back in March
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 is the most trusted brand in Canada according to the 2020 edition of the Gustavson Brand Trust Index published 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 August 6 to 16 on a sample of 1,834 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 ±2.3%, 19 times out of 20.