Results: Will the snowbirds head south this winter?
Published on 07/31/2020
Every year many retirees who want to escape the cold Canadian winters head across the border to the southern US (and beyond) by plane, car, RV or any other way they can think of and wait until the spring to return. Many have property in these warmer locations and many "commute" there each year in their RVs. These "snowbirds" now have a difficult choice that may be made by them or for them due to the COVID-19 crisis: - to head south before winter or stay in Canada for the first time in years. Either way this decision will raise several questions that I have outlined below.
QUESTIONS
GO to COMMENTS
Comments
1.
1.
Will you feel welcome in the USA and be open about being from Canada or will you keep a low profile? I am Canadian and proud of it. No need to hide that.
13%
297 votes
COVID has made people wary of outsiders. I will keep a low profile.
10%
219 votes
I/we spend a lot of money in the USA - they should welcome us.
3%
72 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
21 votes
Not Applicable
74%
1690 votes
- The last time I wintered in the USA was 2014/15. I was welcomed by ordinary Americans like I always have been but you have to be very careful about what you talk about. There is no middle ground. Also prices for everyday items are insane. We can't afford to stay there any more because of greedy big business (small business is dying off) and we get hosed on bank fees, medical costs and exchange rates. I don't know how Americans survive.
- NOT APPLICABLE
- Not applicable
- Not always when Canada didn’t invade Iraq
- I am from the US, but I have been a snowbird in Arizona before, I live in Oregon.
- Yes I believe so
- No intention of going - Covid and Trump = bad combo
- NA
- na
- ?
- I'm not a snowbird, yet, but I live in the states. Thank you for the survey. One last thought...please be mindful of yourselves if you choose to come to this country at any time given the failure of government concerning C19. I don't even like to think about others, whether from your country or any other country, contracting this virus, or any other virus, by making a trip to the states after your country, and many others...aside from the USA...have handled this ongoing pandemic well. You're always welcome in my book but please be careful. :-)
- no
- Labore vitae eaque quaerat minim delectus eaque magna modi laudantium odio qui et molestiae
- yes
- N/a
- Yes
- N/A
- not applicable
- Na
- No
- na
- niiiiiiiiiiii
- Not from Canada
- Yes
- not applicable
- i'm not Canadian
- will never again visit the usa,not safe.
- not applicable
- I live in the United States
- Not applicable
- Right now the borders are closed to all non essential commuters between the U.S. And Canada
- yes
- NO
- have not left the USA
- Na
- n/a
- Don't come to Canada, we have crazy covidiots up here that will not welcome you.
- Not applicable.for me.
- I am not from Canada, so question is not fot me.
- Yes
- If I were Canadian, I'd keep it to myself, especially down in the Southern USA. If necessary to disclose it, not discussing politics and religion is an absolute necessity!
- yes
- yes
- Yes. Never any issues
- We do not like the snowbirds. Stay home!
- n/a
- N/A
- N/A
- I don't travel
- no opinion
- Yes.
- N
- Yes, but I will not be travelling anywhere with the US until there is a vaccine and good uptake on it by Americans.
- Yes
- I have been o the Us in the past but never as a snowbird, though I am old enough now to considered as such. Beside Covid 19 the idiot Trump is my main reason for staying away as he is so unpredictable.
- Yes
- I’m not interested
- Yes
- n/a
- Not a snowbird.
- am not a snowbird
- Yes
- Not applicable
- na
- na
- I do not know
- YES
- Na
- Maybe
- I have never visited US
- n/a
- None
- Not sure how to answer.
- never been
- Not a snow bird or Canadian.
- Yes very much so
- Yes
- .
- Yes
- Canada
- Not a snowbird.
- Na
- yes
- american
- yes
- I live in the United States and have never visited Canada. I don’t participate in snow sports.
- It's the americans we should be worried about! So many 0f them deny even the existance Covid - 19, and the massive death toll it is waging on their own people! INSANITY!!!
- born and raised in US
- yes
- I have no desire what so ever to set foot in the USA ever again in my life!
- n/a
- am from the us
- n/a
- yes, Canadians spend a lot of money there and the American economy is going to suffer this winter if they don't get their act together.
- N/A
- Yes
- I'm not a snowbird
- not applicable
- yes
- Never went
- Everything
- yes
- not sure
- so so
- Not in that kind of situation.
- n/a
- yes
- Nice
2.
2.
Given that there will be an election this November, will the outcome impact your decision whether or not to head south. If Trump gets reelected the country will go even more nuts and I wouldn't feel safe going there.
11%
243 votes
If Biden gets elected the country will go even more nuts and I wouldn't feel safe going there.
7%
165 votes
Regardless of who wins the election, it won't impact my decision as to whether or not I head south.
11%
257 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
15 votes
Not Applicable
70%
1619 votes
3.
3.
Even without the COVID crisis and the elections in the USA, there are several other issues that are currently dividing the country that have worried Canadians. Americans have more issues that divide them than they have things that unite them. I won't feel safe going there.
13%
288 votes
Americans have their issues that divide them but have the freedom and systems to discuss and resolve them. I'm not worried.
8%
173 votes
Americans will figure out a way to resolve the issues or accept them as a way of life. Canadians have figured these things out and can help our American friends do the same when we get there.
9%
199 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
12 votes
Not Applicable
71%
1627 votes
4.
4.
COVID-19 is the "elephant in the room" that will impact any decision snowbirds may make. What do you think your choice will be? COVID will keep the border closed so I won't be able to enter the USA anyway.
12%
265 votes
COVID will remain out of control so I won't be going anyway.
12%
268 votes
COVID will be under control by the fall and I will be able to keep myself safe - I'm heading south!
5%
111 votes
Other (please specify)
0%
11 votes
Not Applicable
72%
1644 votes
- I am doing whatever I can but some people see any attempt to stay safe as an infringement on their rights.
- NOT APPLICABLE
- Not applicable
- Anxiety
- YES
- Less likely to go to the US
- If I get it, I will die, it's simple
- So far I’ve been lucky,staying away frfrom people do shopping when I have to. Play a low profile
- what
- Not at all,,I pray everyday not just for myself but for the whole Covid-19 thing.Hope they soon find a vaccine to work..
- NA
- no
- We have both stayed home as much as possible, only going out once every 2nd week for necessary groceries. We do not get take out good generally, but have twice got either Pizza or Joey's for Supper in the last 4 months... We are still socially distancing but have friends who have come once or twice, but they are staying home as much as we are. Only wear masks when we leave our house for groceries.
- Nihil inventore est veniam ab sed non quia quisquam laborum iusto
- being a senior i do not tempt fate. don't go anywhere i can't keep 6 ft apart from people. don't mix even with family or good friends unless it's that 6 ft apart thing.......much easier to do in the good weather and outside. keep as healthy as i can!!
- 4 U.S. governors, including Gov. Cuomo (NY) and Gov. Whitmer (MI) forced nursing homes/long-term care facilities to accept Covid ill people. That's why the US mortality rate seems high. Jayden Hayden, a young black Covid patient placed with seniors, beat up and killed at least one senior.
- Health insurances companies will not give snowbirds any coverage for covid
- I am high risk @ 65. Im soo careful
- Staying at the house I only have to go to the bank and get back home do all of my family shopping from Amazon
- So Far So Good Hope All These Covid 19 Will End Soon
- N/A
- I am staying close to home.
- We are self isolating- go out only for essentials.
- N/A
- not applicable
- Its a crazy Virus thats going around, We need to be more Careful, Everyone.
- mnnn
- I am 61 years old. I do believe that I have contracted COVID in January of this year when I had a severe headache that still has not gone away, and a also got a really severe sore throat that took two months to go away. I still don't feel 100%. While I have never been tested, I do believe that I had/have a mild form of COVID.
- na
- No serious effect on my lifestyle
- mllllllllllllllllllllllll
- Same at risk
- No impact.
- It is limiting, I seriously consider where I will go, what I will do and who I will spend time with. Extreme caution is the primary focus.
- It has not yet!
- Staying at home, not risking the odds.
- I worry about my grandmas.
- I am a senior at risk and I don't and will not travel to the US
- It just keeps my nerves rattled.
- I do not go anyplace without a mask,and only go out for essentials, I miss going out to eat very much
- None
- isolation for protection. I have auto immune desease
- A LOT...I am in the US and have been self-isolating for the past 6 months and will continue to indefinitely. I make the best of it, read a lot, work on remodeling projects and refuse to get depressed or let things get to me.
- its not that odd seniors are at risk when they go into old folk homes now called retirement living..that age group has always had a high death rate ..if one can afford the best homes they have a good chance of living but the cheap homes are killing many people..and no one in power seem too interested in that
- with this pandemic no age group is safe
- Been staying home
- so far just wearing a mask
- Well no one is allowed to visit here anymore and the peoply people hate that there are no activities.
- it hasn't
- n/a
- It has not.
- You sound like a complete Canadian jerk!!!
- I'm very careful...I wear a mask and social distance
- I am a senior
- Just can't go to the store as often, and at different times. That's all.
- I am not a senior
- I have not seen friends or family for almost 5 months.
- I don't pay much attention to this scam except for the ridiculous rule of wearing a mask...why?
- No but i have had younger people that I knew passed away that are younger with the COVID19
- I'm very healthy and not concerned
- not
- can't spend time with my grandkids
- it has impact very big
- Not a great deal
- minimal impact. reopen everything NOW and get the kids back in school.
- I stay inside mostly and away from people because I have multiple health condition
- n/a
- N/A
- has had no impact so far
- My husband and I are seniors, and he has health issues that make him vulnerable. Our eldest son and hiss family live in Reno, NV, and there is no way we would go there. I worry that we'll not see our grandchildren in person for several years!
- CHILDREN CAN GET COVID AS WELL IT'S VERY DANGEROUS & EVERY ONE SHOULD NOT GET IN CROWDS PARTIES WEAR A MASK SOCIAL DISTANCING WASHING HANDS EVERY ONE SHOULD KNOW ALL THE PRECAUTIONS BY NOW & GO BY WHAT THEY ARE OR THIS VIRUS WILL NEVER GO AWAY UNLESS A VALID CURE IS FOUND
- Les personnes à risque sont décédé. Qu’attendons Nous pour réagir gardons nos distances, l’avons nous les mains et portons le masque et tout ira bien. Sans oublier de rester chez nous. Écoutons les consignes de la santé publique et tout ira bien.
- Im a senior what do you think ?
- Some people under 40 are also high risk now. It's seniors mostly in nursing homes.
- high risk no matter what germs are out there
- For now, COVID, has kept me alert. I wear a mask when going out, and make sure I wash my hands thoroughly when I get home.
- Those are my opinions - I live in Arizona
- No
- not a senior, but have NO plans to go to or through the US if i can at all avoid it
- I go out and about much less often than I was used to doing, and when I am out and about I do my shopping as quickly as possible, always wearing a mask, and get back to the safety of my home as soon as possible. I also shop online and use delivery and/or pick-up services.
- I am a senior so need to be careful with self distancing, masks, washing hands frequently and sanitizing frequently used items
- My mother in law had it and recovered from it but has residual issues from it and is in a hospital now. I am personally being careful and staying home.
- None, I continue to protect myself and my family as best I can and hope it is enough.
- Not applicable
- Fairly bad my mom is vulnerable
- nope
- I am a senior and so far in good health. I don’t take chances but I feel this covid is overblown
- Hasnt
- I am staying home and abiding by all the rules set my Bonnie Henry.
- Yes
- I am a 58 year old with diabetes and high blood pressure, I’m the trifecta of death, lol!
- Good
- No impact at all
- it is terrifying how seniors have been identified at risk for covid
- I am self quarantining.
- n/a
- Not yet a senior, inching my way there, but with two comorbidities, I'm mostly sheltering in place, and will be for the foreseeable future.
- no
- No
- No impact. COVID-19 affect those with weak immune and respiratory systems.
- I worry about elderly family members
- na
- na
- I am not a senior and I don't have the money to travel.
- no
- it hasn't impacted my life at all
- As I have copd every time I cough the stares and comments are plain rude and hurtful
- I am a senior but I am not a bit afraid.
- na
- no
- I am 66 years old and have pre-existing conditions. I am an American.
- N/A
- loss of health
- Not at all other than being no longer permitted to volunteer or attend church services.
- I live in the US, very difficult to plan travel and noone feels safe, only the young who do not know the ramifications of this Covid19 spread but are learning as jobs are lost, homes, families separations' etc
- It has not impacted me
- Not at all
- n/a
- At risk. Not taking any more risk than necessary.
- Like everyone else, I have tended to stay home and shop less.
- None
- I am avoiding crowds completely and have not had a hug from anyone except my husband since the middle of March. I get out for a walk early each morning and thoroughly enjoy that freedom. I shop during seniors hours only and far less often than pre Covid.
- I am a Senior. I'm angry that the government wont trust us to make our own decisions regarding our health.
- I'm a senior as well and have asthma which also adds to the risk factors.
- It hasn't
- I am immune but I wear a mask when I go to stores.
- I don't go out as much as isual
- .
- the insurance for Canadians going to the United States is formidable.
- I'm on oxygen 24/7 ,so I'm not traveling anywhere .
- I am in this group and I am staying as much as possible
- It hasn't.
- Na
- nope
- I am 78 and my husband is 81. We have never had any symptoms and are living our life as usual. This includes traveling both by plane and car. We eat out at restaurants and bars, entertain friends shop, and visit friends and neighbors.
- I haven't left my ranch since march 13th. Thankfully I live on10 acres, have a bunch of animals to care for. Guess I'm one of the lucky ones. At least I get to roam around outside with no visitors.
- if you lay down with dogs you come up with fleas,do not judge Americans for a trump We out number the the bad guys and always will.he will pay for his sins.
- Nothing yet. Following guidelines.
- did not
- I stay at home as much as possible.
- Lost my pt job. My sin lost his job and moved in with me.
- I wouldn't be going down there no matter what happens! I don't have a death wish!
- Not
- doesn't apply
- n/a
- very worried due to age and compromising conditions
- I'm not an senior.
- N/A
- I am not a senior.
- it hasnt
- Not yet
- Not much , just wear a mask, social distancing and avoiding large groups.
- danmn
- nothing
- Staying in more
- at my job, i come into contact with them
- Just stay at home as always.
- I am careful.
- so far so good
- Staying inside and not going out.
- No impact de
- B
- yES HAVE SUPPRESSED IMMUNE SYSTEM
- I'm an at risk person, so I depend on my family to assist me with groceries and medical needs. I have not left my home otherwise in months. While I have many American friends and some relatives, I find that COVID has shown the world an extremely ugly side of the U.S.
- I don't travel so it hasn't affected me.
COMMENTS