Snowbirding – Being in Motion Vs. Staying Put
December 5, 2022
However improbable it may seem, have you ever pondered the potential of living somewhere that promises moderate temperatures year-round? No ice and snow, no rainy season, no blistering heat, no suffocating humidity, no hurricanes, no tornados?
I felt prompted to pursue the possibility that such a place exists. I was pleased to immediately learn of six such locations!
- Medellin, Columbia is often referred to as the “City of Eternal Spring.” The average temperature is a perfect 72° Fahrenheit (22°C).
- San Diego, California is known as America’s Most Pleasant City. Temperatures rarely exceed 26°C in summer and are in the low 20° range in winter.
- Lisbon, Portugal is Europe’s most sunny capital. Its Subtropical-Mediterranean climate is never too hot or too cold.
- Canary Islands, off the coast of Morocco but claimed by Spain, feature temperatures as high as 30°C but the winter nights are never below 10°.
- Kunming, China has beautiful temperatures all year long.
- Hawaii, the entire state. Temperatures don’t fluctuate much.
The mention of San Diego grabbed our attention. We recalled exploring the lovely beach pictured below when we visited the city briefly last December. I did a little online research and was able to assemble the following information and images.
San Diego is considered by many to be the ideal place to live. It appeals to Gary and me for a variety of reasons.
- We understand the language, currency, and culture.
- We can easily drive, fly, or cruise from Vancouver Island to San Diego.
- Numerous world-class attractions, including many that are free.
- Seventy miles of pristine beaches.
- Top-notch cuisine.
- A port that is the starting point for a variety of cruise destinations:
- Hawaii & the South Pacific
- Mexican Riviera & Beyond
- South America
- Panama Canal
- Pacific Coast
- Amazing sunsets
- Kayaking and snorkeling heaven (I’ve not yet done either, but they’re both on my bucket list)
- One of the most beautiful and cleanest cities in America
San Diego also has less crime than other major American city, ranking 24.4 out of 100 on the scale for violent crime, and 31.4 out of 100 for property crime.
Among its many attractions is Balboa Park. Covering1,200 acres, the park includes a variety of attractions including:
- Cabrillo Bridge
- California Tower
- a miniature train
- an original menagerie carousel
- a giant century-old fig tree
The San Diego Zoo is located on 100 acres of Balboa Park. It houses 4000 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies. I was able to spend a few hours there on my way home from a cruise to the Panama Canal, and it is truly remarkable. Seeing all the amazing animals and plants it has on display would take many more hours.
Other attractions in San Diego include an historical naval aircraft carrier museum, the city’s waterfront embarcadero, and 230 acres that comprise Old Town.
Situated just across the bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado boasts a gentle surf, sparkling wide-sand beaches, charming downtown shops, and great hotels, including the famous Hotel del Coronado.
The downside, of course, is that San Diego is in the state of California. Still, we started rethinking our lack of interest in staying in any one place for months at a time.
On one hand, when you’re in motion you’re planning and strategizing and learning. It is my preferred state of mind. On the other hand, staying in one place is easier and less costly. You also have time to explore all that location has to offer, especially if changing weather is not a factor.
Perhaps on the way home, in March or April, we will spend some time close to San Diego, rent a car and explore the possibility that when temperatures are becoming uncomfortably hot in other places San Diego is the ideal place to be. Or maybe we will find the idea was just a passing fancy.
