"Sunbirding"

[FLSUnFIRE]

As I start my 4th year FIREd, I'm enjoying summers less here in FL. I remain active but once I shower for the day, I'm inside and feel a bit shut in. Add in many working friends are traveling etc and the bike tours drying up and it's becoming the lull in my year and I notice I get a bit of reverse SAD. Who'dathunk?

I'm thinking I'd like to leave for a couple months during the summer and trying to figure out how I might go about that in a budget friendly manner (=<$100/day). I don't need to go someplace "cool" but mountains and north or even northwest do appeal. It would be neat to set up camp in a locale for a while and "live like a local" and hopefully make some connections that one doesn't make "fast traveling."

Some thoughts I've had so far:

Long term visit with my folks: Pros, cheap and time with family, could get somewhat plugged in socially and this might help when I end up "stuck" there helping them/dealing with medical/estate stuff in the future. Cons, don't really like the area, potential family conflict stress (breaking of routines of both me and them -now when I visit I just do their thing but would want to live my life a bit more on a longer stay), less novelty.

Housesitting: Not sure how to get into a good arrangement, insurance/liability issues.

Summer Job somewhere (AK?): Pros, if find the right one (like the tours I do here) would be fun and offset some of the cost, social connections with other seasonal workers? Cons, *have* to work. Scams?

RV (Class B): Pros, easier to slow travel, can boondock some to offset costs, if money was no object this would be my #1 choice, ability to maintain routines easier (diet/exercise). Cons, still seem way overpriced and stretch the budget, concern buying a lemon especially a late model used that was slapped together even cheaper than normal during the pandemic.

I'm in the brainstorming mode and don't know where this will go but always appreciate the collective wisdom of this community and welcome your thoughts and suggestions for other options I may not have considered. FYI, renting out my place to offset costs is not an option I'd consider.

Thanks!

 

[surfFL]

I hear you... I've been sunbirding for the past couple of years in Rockaway Beach, NY. I love it. I put the car on the Amtrak Auto Train. Then I really do not use it up north, but it's great to have the option! Rockaway is Queens / NYC so you have all the City transportation options (busses, subways, ferry). It's 1 hour ferry ride to Pier 11 / Wall St (or 1 hour subway A train). It's the City, you can walk everything. Then you have access to all NYC has to offer. Of course Rockaway Beach is not for everyone... Make your research before.
But now that I've own a house (1st year) in FL, I got busy with the garden (it's growing season now!) during the summer.
Last year I drove couple of times to Long Beach and Hampton Bays. Surf was great in Hampton Bays, not so much in Rockaway / LB... We shall see this year...
Peace!

 

[audreyh1]

It’s pretty nice in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Smoky Mountains this time of year. Not so far for you.

We always do some longer traveling in the summer to get away from the heat.

 

[pb4uski]

We know a couple people who have a seasonal site at a very nice local campground that includes nice amenities and a 5th wheel camper that stays on the site year round.... IIRC it costs them about $4k a season for May-Oct and that includes the site, electricity, water and sewer and internet.

 

[The Cosmic Avenger]

Like any move, I'd start with the lowest cost and lowest commitment options to test the waters -- e.g., a few weeks near your parents, an AirBnB somewhere else for 2+ weeks, etc. Or do an extended road trip in an RV, either rented or purchased used, so the resale value won't plummet like a new one. Me, I'd probably just do more traveling, both domestic and international, but I've got a fair amount of travel planned for retirement, so shifting it around isn't a huge change of plans.

 

[bloom2708]

Get a short term rental or book a seasonal campground spot by Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

Lakes and summer activities. June 15th to August 15th is probably the prime time to visit.

Good luck on your search.

 

[sengsational]

^ For testing the waters, you can rent for a month or more, furnished places, much cheaper than Airbnb through sites like FurnishedFinder, and the like. Those might only have city places, though.

As to the RV idea, they want a good amount of money to park them. I'm not sure how much effort boondocking is, but might be a challenge. If the US were like Europe, I'd say go for it, but here, you just can't park anywhere without someone hassling you.

 

[cathy63]

Combining your summer job and RV ideas, what about being a campground host?

 

[pb4uski]

At the campground that I was referring to in a previous post, I know of a plumber who did some work around the campground in exchanged for a discounted fee for staying there. May have even been free... I don't know the details.

 

[Trailwalker]

In Wisconsin, you can find a seasonal campground for May 1st to October 1st and store an rv there year-round (no need to move it) for 4-6k. Another option is to rent an rv site for a month at a time and move around a bit. We just stayed at a small city-owned rv park on Lake Superior in Ashland, WI that rents by the month (reservations made far in advance). Sunbirds from Florida were present.

We enjoy boondocking, but more and more of those places are shutting down, due to abuse of public land (trash dumping, squatting, etc.). The places that are left can be crowded and noisy, especially on weekends.

 

[wrigley]

I follow this young couple on YouTube. They travel all over the US camping in their truck camper. Many of their videos take place in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming where they camp for free on public land. I specifically recall them saying that camping is significantly cheaper out west compared to the east and in a lot of cases even free. I have never been to Colorado, but just watching their videos Colorado is one the most beautiful states I have seen. Check it out, something might catch your eye. https://www.youtube.com/@LivingLargeCamping

Mike

 

[38Chevy454]

I like the RV with being a campground host idea. You typically don't work a full 40 hours. I think the scheduled time is closer to 20-30 hours/week, depending on what you are doing. The host sites almost always have full hookups and you get free rent in exchange for the hours worked. My only recommendation on this idea is that you will want a larger RV than a class B for that length of time. A class C is quite popular size and can tow a small car behind. You will want a means for local transportation beside the RV. Lots of used class C to consider, and cost-wise not much different than a class B. Or if you have a full size truck, you could buy a trailer to pull. Check out the sister site to this board at www.irv2.com if you want to learn more about RV and campground hosting.

Edit: I was over on IRV2.com and saw this link, which I quickly scanned and it seems to have a good description of the camp hosting, with several youtube videos and some other links.

Becoming A Camp Host: Insights and Stories from Workampers

Discover the world of camp hosting, where RV living meets seasonal work. Find out what it entails and the perks it offers.

campersmarts.com

 

[teej1985]

If I ever move back to AZ after hitting my target numbers...my plan is to not be in AZ during the worst of the summer, so I'm curious to see what you end up doing.

 

[FlaGator]

Get a short term rental or book a seasonal campground spot by Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

Lakes and summer activities. June 15th to August 15th is probably the prime time to visit.

Good luck on your search.

Good advice, but you forgot to mention "upgrade your body armor" . The mosquitoes there are bigger and more aggressive than anything I've seen in FL.

I enjoyed my time there and the locals were far more friendly and well-behaved than many of the tourists arriving in the Panhandle from nearby states. "All the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average", and I agree. I'm a big fan of Midwestern sensibility

 

[AllDone]

You might appreciate the time you spent with your parents once they're gone, even if relations haven't always been that great in the past.

I like Oregon and Washington state beach towns -- I like my beaches cool and grey. Bellingham is nice and if you have a passport, it puts you in easy reach of an exotic foreign country. Unfortunately, my part of the Pacific coast is not for the budget minded and beach camping has to be reserved well in advance.

Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Utah are gorgeous. I have family in Santa Fe, NM, but I don’t really understand the attraction.

 

[FLSUnFIRE]

Thanks for the responses. The RV is really cost prohibitive at this time unless I figure out a major hack... maybe if the market keeps rising. It is a BTD item on my list. I'd use it to extend my roadtrips into multi-month and keep on the move at a slower than in a car and hotels. Definitely some ideas to explore. I think this year, since I took my big road trip earlier in the year to hit the Solar Eclipse summer is hitting me extra hard. I am taking another week+ trip late this month. It's a last minute thing but a couple relatives are on the road for various sports competitions and I'll make a bit loop to catch both of them. All in the south so won't be cool but will be a fun diversion from my house!

 

[Music Lover]

I like the RV with being a campground host idea. You typically don't work a full 40 hours. I think the scheduled time is closer to 20-30 hours/week, depending on what you are doing.[/URL]

20 - 30 hours a week seems like a lot of work just to get "free" camping.

What does it typically cost to stay for a week or a month?

 

[38Chevy454]

20 - 30 hours a week seems like a lot of work just to get "free" camping.

What does it typically cost to stay for a week or a month?

Typical private owned campground rate is $50-100+/night for short term stays. Monthly rates depend on location and season; typically you also have elec billing on long term. . State parks are more in $25-40/night range. Most state parks have a 2 week limit for vacationers.

The work for most host type is not real strenuous or stressful. It's still time, but not much more than basic low skill type work.

 

[steady saver]

I have a neighbor who is currently sunbirding in Philadelphia b/c she's a Phillies fan. She rented an short-term apartment. Now that her dog just passed away, her plan is to get some housesitting gigs with Trusted House Sitters during the hot summer months. I've read of others using this approach (and honestly I think it sounds like a neat way to travel as you get more imbedded in the community). I believe the competition for getting great house sits can be high but the more you house sit, the more positive reviews you get and the better situations you find yourself in. You are typically caring for pets and plants but it varies. This is international so you can find house sits domestically or internationally if you're so inclined.

 

[pb4uski]

Thanks for the responses. The RV is really cost prohibitive at this time unless I figure out a major hack... maybe if the market keeps rising. It is a BTD item on my list. I'd use it to extend my roadtrips into multi-month and keep on the move...

What is your budget? I sold a 2016 truck with 70k miles and nice 24' trailer last year for $46.500. If the buyer had already had a truck it would have been $16,500. I haven looked but I think you can find a decent Class C for $15-35k.

 

[harllee]

I spend my summers in Banner Elk, NC in the mountains. High elevation, cool. Lots to do and see, many folks from Florida summer here. Nice hikes, music, dancing, food , etc. You can find a small condo on airbnb for less than $3000 per month.

 

[FLSUnFIRE]

What is your budget? I sold a 2016 truck with 70k miles and nice 24' trailer last year for $46.500. If the buyer had already had a truck it would have been $16,500. I haven looked but I think you can find a decent Class C for $15-35k.

I don't really have the purchase budget at this time... would have to raise the cash which would exceed my comfort level while blowing up my taxes. Class B is definitely the way I'd want to go even though they are ridiculously expensive compared to what you get for your money with a class C. I live in the city so storage/even parking a full size RV temporarily for loading/unloading would be a challenge. Really I'd like it to extend my roadtrips longer than is comfortable in a car. The RV is more of a dream right now but in a couple years should be more realistic for me as I anticipate my free cash-flow increasing faster than my spending. I appreciate the input as it is something I am considering at some point. Again, brainstorming ideas so nothing is off the table.

 

[Teacher Terry]

In Wisconsin, you can find a seasonal campground for May 1st to October 1st and store an rv there year-round (no need to move it) for 4-6k. Another option is to rent an rv site for a month at a time and move around a bit. We just stayed at a small city-owned rv park on Lake Superior in Ashland, WI that rents by the month (reservations made far in advance). Sunbirds from Florida were present.

We enjoy boondocking, but more and more of those places are shutting down, due to abuse of public land (trash dumping, squatting, etc.). The places that are left can be crowded and noisy, especially on weekends.

The Ashland area is beautiful. My favorite place in Wisconsin is Copper Falls. There’s hiking trails and it’s beautiful. I read that because of its location it’s not crowded because many don’t know about it. My folks had a summer resort near Cable on lake Namekagon when I was a kid so I’m familiar with the whole area which is nice. I can’t remember how to spell the name of the lake correctly).

 

[Going camping]

Thanks for the responses. The RV is really cost prohibitive at this time unless I figure out a major hack... maybe if the market keeps rising. It is a BTD item on my list. I'd use it to extend my roadtrips into multi-month and keep on the move at a slower than in a car and hotels. Definitely some ideas to explore. I think this year, since I took my big road trip earlier in the year to hit the Solar Eclipse summer is hitting me extra hard. I am taking another week+ trip late this month. It's a last minute thing but a couple relatives are on the road for various sports competitions and I'll make a bit loop to catch both of them. All in the south so won't be cool but will be a fun diversion from my house!

Some food for thought with RV ownership. There are also auto insurance, storage fees if you don't have a dedicated space near your home, personal property tax (if valid in your state), fuel expenses, and cost of upkeep. We found long term rentals or using hotel points when traveling to be comparable without the hassle of toting a home on wheels. (Plus campgrounds aren't what they used to be, thus we are back to tent camping in the shoulder season and slow travel in a hybrid vehicle and staying in hotels.)

That being said, I have a friend who lives in FL and purchased a small travel trailer. He and his wife go to Canada in the summers to escape the heat.

I agree with the advice here to try a long term rental to see if you like an area. I would also add to maybe rent a Class B to see if you like that type of travel.

Good luck in your search.

 

[AudiDudi]

Have you considered a small (16-18 ft) travel trailer? You don't say what kind of vehicle you have but maybe an rPod would work. Put a couple hundred watts of solar on the roof and get a lithium battery and you could likely boondock for a couple nights. One drawback of a small class C or class B(+) with out a toad it you have to break camp everytime you want to go somewhere. One plus is you can pretty much park them most anywhere. This will be our 12th yr snowbirding from MT to AZ in the winter.