Are you already dreading the dark winter days and long nights? Believe me, you are not alone! More and more people are escaping the dark, cold and wet season by heading south. Sun, sea and pleasant temperatures sound more tempting than slush and fog. In this blog article, we will take you by the hand and show you how the so-called “snowbirds” prepare and what you should keep in mind. And we wouldn’t be us if we didn’t pick out some (sustainable) destinations for your long-term vacation as well!

Long-term vacation – yes, please!

Thanks to home offices and remote working, it’s no longer just well-heeled retirees who have the privilege of escaping the winter of the Northern Hemisphere. More and more younger people prefer the Canary Islands or Portugal to the sleet. The buzzwords here are snowbirds, long-term travel, workation and vanlife.

But can you just take off on a long-term vacation? Unfortunately, that’s not possible in most cases, even if you’re self-employed. You should prepare for it in advance. We have put together a handy planning checklist that you can simply copy, print and tick off.

Preparing for wintering in the south – planning checklist to check off

In the flat / house

• Arrange for someone to air the house regularly while you are away to prevent mold.
• Do not turn off the heating completely! Keep the heat on low while you are away to prevent mold.

Tip: Find a subtenant

If you decide to sublet, start looking for a suitable subtenant well in advance. If you are renting yourself, get your landlord’s permission first. There are also opportunities through housesitting websites.

• Remember that you may need someone to shovel snow and empty the mailbox for you.
• Set up a forwarding address if necessary.

At work

• Find out if and how you can work remotely and discuss the details with your employer. For more tips on working remotely, check out this blog post.
• Familiarize yourself with the technology and, if necessary, set up or reconfigure your laptop. For example, think about Software keys, server access, mail program, and logins.

Documents and Organizational Matters

• Find out if you need a visa for an extended stay at your destination. In most EU countries, this is not the case for EU citizens. A stay of six months and one day is usually critical, as you will be spending more time abroad than in your homeland.
• Will your passport or identity card be valid long enough?
• Get travel health insurance for the entire stay.
• Get a credit card and perhaps a debit card that will allow you to withdraw money abroad free of charge. Remember to activate them for your destination country.
• Make sure your cell phone or SIM card will work in your destination country, and that you will not be charged for roaming or need to get a new one.
• Check your immunization status and update certain vaccinations if necessary. If you are traveling far, it is best to consult a travel or tropical medicine physician.

Download the list

Sustainable Destinations for your Long-Term-Vacation

Pleasant temperatures and sunshine are the ingredients for a perfect long-term stay. However, many of the destinations we know from summer vacations are also rainy in winter, although not quite as cold. Nevertheless, you should make sure that your destination has heating. Especially, accommodations that are normally only used for summer vacations often do not have heating.

In Europe, the top destinations for a long-term vacation in the winter are Portugal, the Spanish region of Andalusia, and Greece. Outside Europe, popular wintering destinations for snowbirds include South Africa, Southeast Asia and the US state of Florida.

Wintering sustainably in the South

You can take the same sustainability measures on a long-term vacation as you would at home. Especially if you are staying in a vacation home or apartment and cooking for yourself, try to buy local and seasonal. Heat only as much as you need, and dispose of your waste properly and as separately as possible. For more tips on sustainable travel, click here.

Sustainable wintering in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands, off the west coast of the African continent, have always been a popular destination for people looking to escape the winter. Their mild climate and proximity to the sea make them ideal for this purpose. If you don’t feel like staying in a holiday apartment or villa, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the islands’ hotels. They often offer discounts for longer stays.

Sea views instead of slush in Tenerife

At the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel, extended stays are the rule rather than the exception. It is not uncommon for guests and spa guests to stay for around three weeks. Even outside of the spa and fasting offerings of the sustainable health hotel, travelers are happy to spend a month and a half at OCÉANO in the winter, enjoying the amenities of the oceanfront hotel.

Long-Term Vacation at OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel Tenerife

• • Long Stay Special: For a vacation of 21 days or more, there is a 5% discount on the stay. If you book at least thirty days in advance, you will receive an additional 10% discount.
  • Included: Half board with breakfast and either lunch or 3-course dinner, filtered water, daily sports program “Awakening by the sea”.
  • Your stay: Spacious rooms, some with balcony and sea view, stable WLAN connection for your work, several saltwater pools, yoga terrace and various fitness, health and wellness offers to book.
  • Perfect for: sustainable work, carefree wintering
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Active winter in Gran Canaria

One island away, Gran Canaria invites travelers to take advantage of the mild temperatures for all kinds of excursions and activities. Getting out instead of staying in is the motto for wintering in the south. Casa León Royal Retreat is happy to help with suggestions and guided hiking and mountain biking tours. In winter, Gran Canaria is a popular destination for climbers who don’t want to miss out on outdoor climbing during the wet and cold seasons.

Snowbirding at Casa León Royal Retreat in Gran Canaria

• • Long Stay Special: special conditions from 14 days (for example: stay 14 days, pay 13); offers from 21 days on request
  • Included: Garden and sun terrace, pool use (also after check-out), shuttle to Maspalomas, movie nights
  • Your stay: Comfortable rooms decorated in the natural colors of the country, outdoor pool, sauna, wellness treatments, active program with yoga, aqua fitness and more; cooperation with golf courses in the area.
  • Perfect for: active winter break
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A Winter in Southern Italy

While the north of the long country Italy is not so cold in winter, but quite rainy, the south attracts with mild temperatures. Even swimming in the sea is still possible in some places.

Long-term vacation with sea views in Campania

Just a few kilometers south of Naples lies the Cilento National Park, with its olive groves, hiking trails and views of the Mediterranean. In the middle of it all: the historic farmhouse A’ Cràpa Mangia. Lovingly restored according to the original plans, it now offers nine apartments, each with a terrace overlooking the sea. On request, you can even get an office kit for your long-term vacation or work (including an external keyboard and mouse, desk lamp, multiple sockets and everything else you need to work). Or you can just use the bright conference room, which turns into a co-working space when not in use.

Long-Term Vacation at A’ Cràpa Mangia in the National Park of Cilento

• • Long Stay Special: on request (by the way: A’ Cràpa Mangia also offers ideal conditions for group workshops and seminars. The team has been working for years with local service providers for catering, photography, etc.)
  • Included: Sea view, a small farm shop selling bread, homemade pasta, jams and extra virgin olive oil on request: Office kit for the apartment or workplace in the co-working space (with whiteboards, W-LAN, coffee corner and terrace).
  • Your stay: Lovingly furnished and fully equipped vacation apartments for 2-6 people, including kitchen, bath and each with its own terrace with sea view, with central heating and some with fireplace.
  • Perfect for: Working with sea view, creative time out.

Wintering in the South – Sicily

A little further south, Sicily, with its rugged nature and rich history, invites you to stay longer. In addition to the mild climate, historical sites, nature shaped by the volcano Etna and wild coastal areas await you. This is also the case in the Torre Salsa nature reserve on the south coast. At its “gate” you will find the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA, a true refuge of peace and relaxation. It is the perfect place to escape from stress and hectic, especially during the December holidays.

Long-Term Vacation at ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA

• • Longstay Special: If you stay more than six nights, you will receive a different daily rate. If you stay longer, you will be rewarded. There are no classic percentages. The ADLER Spa Resort is open until January 7, 2024, so you can relax during the holidays.
  • Included: Buffet breakfast and dinner menu featuring regional specialties and local ingredients, Wi-Fi and digital TV in every room, access to the spa and fitness area, an activity program and free e-bike rental.
  • Your stay: Stylish, bright rooms decorated with natural materials, some with private terrace; garden and botanical oasis, direct access to the beach, a large spa area with various pools (including brine pool and sports pool), saunas and relaxation areas.
  • Perfect for: Relaxing days and weeks in the hustle and bustle of December, special holidays

Summer, Sun, Seychelles – Sustainable Long-Term Holidays in the Tropics for Snowbirds

The above destinations weren’t exotic enough for your winter escape? Do you want sun, beach, turquoise water and palm trees? Then how about a long-term vacation in the Seychelles? On the one hand, a longer stay is worth the flight, on the other hand, you have the chance to really get to know the culture and the people. And who has not dreamed of winter under palm trees?

If you want to book a hotel for all or part of the time, we can highly recommend the Cerf Island Resort. The resort, with its authentic Creole bungalows, is adjacent to the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, making it the perfect base for exploring by kayak or for snorkeling and diving excursions.

Long-Term Stay at Cerf Island Resort, Seychelles

• • Long Stay Special: For stays between 4 and 6 nights, there’s a 15 percent discount on half-board accommodations. For 7 nights or more, it’s 20%, and if you book 60 days in advance, you get an additional 10% off.
  • Included: Breakfast and dinner, activities desk, beach access, kayak and snorkel rental.
  • Your stay: Fully equipped, luxurious Creole-style villas with private balconies and some with ocean views, restaurants serving authentic Creole cuisine, infinity pool, direct beach access, spa with treatments and massages
  • Perfect for: Wintering under palm trees

Experience Thailand on an extended vacation

Much like the Seychelles, the long journey is what keeps sustainable travelers from vacationing in this Southeast Asian country. On the ground, however, you can travel in a very eco-friendly and socially responsible way! For example, there are several overnight train connections that make traveling by train in Thailand convenient. So why not combine your extended vacation with a slow travel adventure?

Eco-friendly accommodations are available almost everywhere and for every budget. For a few days of pure luxury, check into the Zeavola Resort on Koh Phi Phi. Located right on the beach, the resort offers “barefoot luxury” and a large, natural garden into which the bungalows blend.  

Wintering in the South – A sustainable Long-Term Vacation

Long-term vacations are a great way to travel sustainably. Because here it is already in the concept to stay in one place for a long time. This is good for the environment and also for the local people. They benefit from the fact that you spend more money (make sure to buy as much as possible locally and not from international franchises) and get to know the culture and way of life in detail. Of course, the type of accommodation you choose is even more important if you are staying for a longer period of time. So: keep your eyes open and book long-term 🙂

What would appeal to you about a long-term vacation? Or have you ever spent a winter in the South?

Are you planning to spend the winter in the south or do you definitely want to be a snowbird one day? Then bookmark this article on Pinterest for later!