Snowbirds are people who leave their homes when the temperature drops and head to warmer climates. They are mostly retirees (退休人员) and business owners who can afford to take the winter off. While it is snowing in the Northern states, they are enjoying golf, sailing and barbecues in mild temperatures in the South. Then, after winter passes, they return to their homes in the North.
Most snowbirds are away from Canada and the Northern states between the middle of October and the end of November. They pack up and head to Florida, Alabama, Texas, California, and all of the other Southern states. Some may even go as far as Australia or Italy to escape the cold winter weather. There are special communities for snowbirds in many areas. Snowbirds are also offered special discounts in some restaurants, hotels and area attractions. Several states even have special snowbird resorts (度假胜地). There are several online communities and local resources to help snowbirds get set in their seasonal homes.
Some snowbirds own homes both in the South and in the North. Both homes have everything they will need for their stay, minimizing the amount of packing necessary when moving from one to the other. Other snowbirds will rent apartments for their stay outside their home state.
RVs (房车) are a huge part of the snowbird lifestyle. RVs allow snowbirds to move from place to place on a whim (奇想), bringing everything they need with them. They spend nights in RV parks, large parking lots or anywhere else they choose to stay. RVs have beds, bathrooms, and most other modern conveniences at home. Although the space is small, there is more than enough room for a couple to live in.