Precautions Every Snowbird Traveler Can Take This Fall
Snowbird Travel is Trending in Canada. Are You Searching for Warmer Weather?
After a long and exhausting pandemic, many snowbirds who own property in places like Florida, Arizona, and California have finally decided to head back down south this winter. Despite international travel remaining complicated due to the emergence of the Delta variant of COVID-19, new health passes, vaccinations, and face masks have allowed many senior travelers to fly safely. Snowbird travel has come out of hibernation.
What is Snowbird Travel?
Snowbird travel typically refers to Canadians who head down south to various sunshine states to avoid the cold weather in the winter months. Snowbirds are generally senior travelers who own property like beachside condos or cottages.
Is It Safe for Snowbirds to Travel?
It is safe for snowbirds to travel this season if they take recommended health precautions seriously. This means wearing face masks when visiting airports, on public transportation, and staying socially distanced from large crowds and gatherings. Snowbirds are also encouraged to perform proper hygiene like handwashing and regular sanitation during travel.
Is There Travel Insurance Specifically for Snowbird Travel?
Yes, many travel insurance providers offer products and services for snowbirds. Traditional travel insurance plays an important role for many leisure travelers but has many exceptions laid out in the fine print.
Five Safety Tips for Snowbird Travelers
Focus on what’s important during your leisure vacation and use these five tips that can help ensure your safety when traveling down south.
Travel with extra medication on hand. It can be difficult to obtain prescribed medication in a different country, so plan accordingly. Consult your doctor and seek out ways to get your required medication, even if you are traveling internationally.
Get ahead and travel while keeping in mind that you could experience significant delays. Screening processes at airports remain highly complicated, and you might require extra time to get to your destination. Ensure your timing is flexible so that you are not feeling rushed or stressed.
Ensure that all travel documents are up to date. Snowbirds might be requested to provide proof of travel insurance or proof of Extra research is required to ensure that you have all the necessary documents to fly without any complications.
Don’t be a hero, and request help when necessary. Some airlines may be willing to assist with heavy luggage or can help address those with Should you need assistance, don’t be afraid to ask!
Eat and drink well during travel and avoid sugary snacks, especially on long flights. Should you be sensitive to certain foods, it might not be time to indulge while on an international flight. Bring along healthy snacks and stay hydrated to ensure you are safe and comfortable throughout the trip.
Snowbird Travelers Should Remain Informed of the Evolving Situation
Snowbirds should keep a keen eye on the evolving situation related to the ongoing pandemic. Travel restrictions and border closures can happen very quickly and put a damper on your travel experience. Stay informed about ongoing travel restrictions that could complicate travel, including testing requirements, required vaccinations, and any other regulations that can emerge suddenly.
Snowbird Travel and Safety Precautions
There is a supplemental travel product that can help seniors address any complications that could arise during international travel.
FocusPoint International’s CAP Travel Medical and Security Assistance Plan comes with a robust mobile app that includes destination-based health, safety, and security intelligence, COVID-19 specific information, a one-touch assistance button, and much, much more.
The CAP Plan includes unlimited 24/7 advice for a long list of travel mishaps often overlooked by traditional travel insurance. It also provides a fully-funded response to incidents of riots, strikes, and civil commotion, natural disasters, with medical evacuation to a home hospital of choice, should you suffer from a medical mishap resulting in hospitalization.
Contact us directly to learn more about available products tailored to snowbirds heading south during this fall and winter travel season.
Snowbird Travel is Trending in Canada. Are You Searching for Warmer Weather?
Is It Safe for Snowbirds to Travel?
Five Safety Tips for Snowbird Travelers
Snowbird Travelers Should Remain Informed of the Evolving Situation