What gives these people the right to flee the scene in their motorhomes while the rest of us are contemplating a seasonal purchase in the snow blower aisle? As you’ll see, “snowbirds,” as they are known due to their migrating tendencies, can—and do—have the best of both worlds.

Anatomy of a Snowbird

The one factor separating the typical camper from a snowbird is an adaptable schedule. Hard-core “birds” have the freedom to lead their flock out of town as soon as the temperatures dip and return only when it’s absolutely safe, meaning that there is an absolute zero chance of experiencing a sudden cold front or impromptu blizzard.

In the Midwest, that could mean July, however, a November to April campaign is not atypical.

However, such an extended getaway requires some serious planning and a little bit of bankroll, as the expenses of the trip plus the costs of maintaining the home front are doubly taxing.

But Where?

Unlike the geese who inhabit your swimming pool and head south en-masse come October, snowbirds head in any number of directions. Itineraries are as diverse as the lives of those taking them.

Generally, however, the motivation is the same—to follow the sun. Warm-weather hubs such as Florida, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and California are certainly tops for their predictable, hot climes and their welcoming dispositions to northern ex-patriots.

One’s destination often has a lot to do with whereabouts of family and friends, with few finding a better excuse to leave their everyday routines than a chance to make goo-goo eyes at the grandbabies and to catch up with loved ones.

It’s then just a matter of finding a place to stay, preferably with a pool, and enough of an agenda to keep paradise from getting too dull. Of course, there are those travelers who prefer to live on the move, visiting relatives, seeing the sites, and touring the nation, always a step ahead of that impending snowfall or cold front. When it comes to escaping one’s hometown, there is really no wrong way to do it.

The Hard Life of Leisure

You know what’s surprisingly stressful? Not having anything to do, which is why the bird-lover in you should give some thought to how you’ll spend your days under a warm sun.

Yes, lounging poolside sipping on tropical juices (tiny umbrellas included) does indeed work wonders for the spirit. And then what? Are you the type who needs structure in your days or is it okay to live like a 22-year-old straight out of college for months at time?

How will you fill all those days? Will it be a part-time job to help pay off the trip? There are lots of seasonal and volunteer gigs if you know where to look.

Will you have a network of friends and family to share your time with? Are you the type of traveler who gets “itchy wheels” when you stay in one place too long, preferring to spend your time recreating on the move, a new adventure ’round every bend? Are you going to write the Great American Novel, play catch with the grandkids, visit every state capital, or finally read the entire works of Chaucer in order? Just what is the plan?

Ready, Set…

You know the snow’s coming, so what are you waiting for? Entertaining full snowbird status requires more than just grabbing a travel atlas and pointing your RV south (although, that would be a fun experiment).

For the true snowbird—or snowbird trainee—the planning stage is twofold: First, arranging all the where’s, how’s, and why’s of your winter trip; second, taking all the necessary steps to safeguard the homestead while away.

Hopefully you’ve given careful thought as to a destination(s) in mind, secured lodgings, and pondered prospective things to do once there. Devising a way to keep the home fires burning (not literally, of course) come next.

Pulling out of the driveway knowing you won’t be seeing the four-bedroom colonial for six months is a daunting feeling to say the least. There’s indeed work to be done. Forward the mail, cancel the newspaper subscription, and set up automatic bill paying, if that works for you. If you’re toting along prescriptions, it’s best to determine where and how to get refills. Talk with your doctor about your travels if that makes sense to you. It’s also not a bad idea to consult the veterinarian about your pooch’s new adventure, either.

An impending trip is a real good time to get friendly with a dutiful neighbor in hopes they agree to look over the place, water plants, shovel the walk, and be your eyes and ears while you’re away. It may require a monthly donation of chocolate cakes to keep them happy, but it’s worth it.

Moreover, keeping friends and families in the collective loop about your whereabouts is not only polite but warranted.

Obviously, you’ll have a cell phone with you at all times, right? Before departing, unplug appliances (the fridge is OK as is), lock doors and windows (you gave the neighbor or trusted pal a key), set up a few timers to flick the lights on and off, and whatever you do—don’t change the answering machine to, “Hi, we’re off for six months sunning in Florida while our home and all our valuables stand unprotected.” Criminal-types just love that.

Leader of the Pack

It’s hard enough packing for a weekend trip, let alone one that might expose you and yours to many months of various climates, activities, and levels of formality.

So when it comes to packing, don’t skimp. Your RV can handle it—as long as you don’t exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and overload the RV—bring it, especially in terms clothes. One outing might require a swimsuit and flip-flops, another something dressy for a night out. And probably every outfit in-between.

Definitely bring anything you’ll miss, including such easily forgotten items such as medicines, pet gear, spare eyeglasses, pillows, maps, important phone numbers, and that frozen box of white castle hamburgers you probably won’t be able to find in Palm Beach.

With this much driving, it’s best to make sure matters such as your insurance, emergency roadside service (a must), cell phone plan, e-mail provider, and finances are all up to speed with numbers at hand.

Is the RV Ready?

How’s the condition of the RV itself? Best to take it to a trusted service center for routine maintenance and a check-up now before finding yourself stranded on the side of the road with some inky fluid trickling out underneath the engine.

As always, loading the RV requires special considerations. Heavy stuff on the bottom, the light and fluffy items on top, where they won’t fall out and break your toes. Don’t be like the guy who put his bowling ball in the overhead compartment and now is no longer speaking to his aunt as a result of it. Wrap breakables in blankets to keep from, well, breaking.

Remember, weight distribution is key, front and back, side and side. A motorhome leaning portside is a dead giveaway to relocate the tuba. So don’t be afraid to weigh the rig once in a while. Driving an overloaded vehicle is a no-win situation for everybody.

If you’re driving a motorhome, it’s best to weigh the RV one wheel at a time to assure proper weight distribution. However, if a platform scale (check the phone book under Scales) is all that is available, it is best to weigh the coach five times: gross weight (the whole RV), front axle, rear axle, left side and then right side. Do this while the RV is fully loaded to get an accurate rolling weight.

If you are towing a trailer, get two weights: trailer wheels only (hitched, with the tow vehicle off the scale) and gross trailer weight (trailer unhitched standing alone).

The Journey

Getting there may be half the fun, depending on your point of view. On one on hand, if you’ve got a sweet retreat with beachfront property lined up down south, why dawdle? On the other, the United States is a fascinating place, with no shortage of compelling side trips, diversions and planned detours to take and enjoy on the go-go.

Again, if you’ve got six months to kill, what’s the rush, especially when Graceland is on the way, the kid’s new house is en-route, and there’s a world of new places to explore? What better opportunity to finally see all those National Parks, greasy spoons, and the World’s Largest Ball of Twine?

Whatever the level of urgency, just remember to play it safe, take your time, and bring your neighbor back a souvenir. He’s the guy thawing out his driveway with an Army Surplus flamethrower.