America's "Sun Belt" sees an impressive upshot of winter tourism each year, from Florida to Arizona. Millions of individuals come from all over the Northeast and Canada to winter over in a temperate climate.
The vast majority of so-called "snowbirds" are Baby Boomers, and about ten percent come from Canada. There's even a Canadian Snowbird Association comprised of more than 80,000 members.
Whether you fall into the Baby Boomer or Canadian category, if you head south for the winter, you need to make snowbird auto transport choices. After all, who wants to take a road trip in the dead of winter when you can fly and ship your car to warmer temperatures?
Keep reading for everything you need to know about snowbird auto transport.
What Is Snowbird Auto Transport?
Snowbird car transport services are seasonal. They involve shipping cars from northern climates to the American Sunbelt for the winter months. Like clockwork, they return these vehicles to their origin points sometime during the spring or early summer.
Why the annual migration patterns? Because it permits residents with geographic flexibility to enjoy cooler summers in northern climates and warmer winters in southern climates. It implies having two houses, and it isn't for everyone.
But for a select group of individuals who have retired and have two homes, there's no better way to take advantage of their retirement. As the statistics above make clear, huge crowds of people undertake these bi-annual moves each year.
The Most Common Snowbird Routes
Wherever winters prove harsh, you'll likely find a snowbird route to warmer temperatures. There are many routes that snowbirds follow, and you'll find auto transport companies who cater to transport along these well-worn pathways.
Snowbird routes include interstate and coast-to-coast travel within the United States. Many winter tourists ship vehicles from New Jersey, New York, Maine, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin (all known for brutal winters) to desirable destinations like:
- Florida
- Arizona
- California
Let's look at each of these locations and why they prove so popular during the winter months.
Florida: Escaping Winter in the Sunshine State
Florida boasts endless sunny days, temperate winters, and thousands of miles of stunning coastline. No wonder snowbirds flock to this state in droves. Where do they head?
- Orlando
- Fort Lauderdale
- Jacksonville
- Tampa
- Miami
Besides plenty of sunshine, you'll enjoy water activities such as parasailing, wakeboarding, and windsurfing. Florida also boasts a wide variety of theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, and SeaWorld Orlando.
For those more interested in a wild escape, Florida also has fascinating state and national parks. Among the must-see destinations are Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, and Biscayne National Park.
Besides natural scenery, Florida has many upscale and sophisticated urban areas. There, you can immerse yourself in local foodie scenes as well as dinner theatre, museums, and broadway-style shows.
Arizona: Fleeing Snow in the Southwest
What do you think of when you hear the name "Arizona"? Most people immediately think of the Grand Canyon. While it marks an impressive geological feature of Arizona, the stunning natural landscapes don't end there.
Individuals fleeing Jack Frost tend to live in or near:
- Tucson
- Phoenix
- Sedona
- Scottsdale
- Tombstone
These individuals can't get enough of the state's winter weather. Temperatures typically hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. (That said, be prepared for significantly cooler nights.)
Arizona bakes during the summer months, and many snowbirds don't want to deal with the sizzling temperatures. So, they're ready to pull up stakes and head north in March or April. After all, Arizona's summer temperatures can easily top 100 degrees come July.
Destinations such as Sedona prove picturesque desert oases where you'll find excellent restaurants, mind-boggling natural scenery, and plenty of cultural attractions, including museums, archaeological sites, and art galleries.
You'll also find many incredible national parks, monuments, and recreation areas, including Petrified Forest National Park, Saguaro National Park, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, and, of course, Grand Canyon National Park.
California: Beach Life the Golden State
What's another hot spot for snowbird auto transport? None other than Southern California. Millions of people head to California each year to enjoy its gold rush history, breathtaking sunsets, and brilliant poppies.
The southern part of the state's warm winter temperatures also makes it a favorite snowbird destination. Besides beaches, California has lovely national parks, including Redwoods and Yosemite.
You'll also enjoy plenty of opportunities to visit theme parks such as Disneyland and Universal Studios. And don't forget about iconic, historical monuments and sites of interest such as San Francisco's Alcatraz and Gold Gate Bridge Park as well as Los Angeles's "Hollywood" sign and "Walk of Fame."
Where do snowbirds nest in California? Destinations include:
- San Francisco
- San Diego
- Los Angeles
- Santa Monica
- Monterey
Each of these cities offers seasonal residents an excellent restaurant scene. You'll also find great shopping, plenty of cultures, and endless opportunities for beach time and hiking.
Why Snowbird Car Transport?
Why do winter tourists opt for snowbird car transport when they head south for the winter? There are many different reasons, although most snowbirds agree that car transport services reduce:
- Transportation time
- Stress
- Vehicle wear and tear
Snowbird car shipping nix the need for an interstate or coast-to-coast road trip. Instead, you can fly to your destination in comfort.
Yet, you still enjoy the comfort and convenience of having your vehicle at your winter abode. Snowbird car shipping also takes the stress out of making a move. After all, driving long distances ups your odds of being in a car accident.
You'll also have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle has avoided unnecessary wear and tear as well as mileage. Your car will also winter over in a temperate location where you don't have to worry about the effects of winter weather.
Best of all, once you arrive at your destination, you'll have your vehicle of choice for exploring the many lovely sights of your home away from home. It doesn't get much more convenient than that.
What to Look for in a Great Snowbird Auto Transport Service
As we've already mentioned, snowbirds move bi-annually based on changing weather patterns. If you fall into this category, you need these long-distance moves to be as streamlined and straightforward as possible.
That means working with a snowbird car shipping company that understands your unique needs. What should you look for in the right company to handle your car transport services? They should have:
- An experienced staff
- Convenient shipping options
- Hassle-free services
At every step of the snowbird auto transport process, you should work with employees who put customers first and have proven experience and expertise. They should be able to sufficiently and succinctly answer your questions. After all, you don't want any surprises down the road.
You'll also want to work with a company that has plenty of convenient options. That means the ability to choose between open car haulers and enclosed transport services as well as terminal-to-terminal versus door-to-door shipping. The best companies also offer expedited shipping options.
The company should also ensure that your car shipping experience is as hassle-free as possible. That means an easy-to-navigate process from start to finish. This experience starts with receiving an instant, no-obligation quote that requires no personal information.
Snowbird Auto Shipping Tips
Now that you know where snowbirds head and how they get their cars delivered to them, there are a few more tips you should keep in mind. Make sure that you book your snowbird transport needs well in advance.
After all, you're far from the only person in need of these services. By planning ahead, you'll get the best deals and the peace of mind that come with making arrangements ahead. That way, you can focus on other things like the clothes and personal belongings you'll pack.
You should also clean your car carefully before the driver arrives for pick up. Most car carriers don't permit individuals to pack personal belongings in their vehicles due to hazards associated with theft and weight distribution.
Make sure you wash your vehicle before pickup. After all, you must inspect your automobile before and after the shipping process. You don't want road grime and film to obscure dents and other possible damage that may have occurred in transit.
Car Transport Services for Your Seasonal Moves
Whether you're headed to Florida, Arizona, California, or somewhere else, make snowbird auto transport a part of your next seasonal move. It'll save you time, money, and the stress associated with an interstate or coast-to-coast road trip.
Get an instant, no-obligation quote from Nexus Auto Transport, a car shipping company that specializes in the needs of snowbirds on the move.
