Long stay & snowbird vacations
Trade winter for a month or two in the warmth. Extended escapes across the Mediterranean, Latin America and the Sunbelt, for travellers who would rather settle in than rush through.
Featured long-stay destinations
A handpicked set of places that reward a longer stay: mild winters, good value by the month, and enough to keep you settled for weeks. Filter by region or month.
Why a long stay
More time, slower pace. Weeks instead of days means you unpack once, find your routine and actually live somewhere for a while.
Better value by the month. Long-stay rates, weekly grocery runs and fewer flights bring the daily cost well below a string of short trips.
Skip the worst of winter. Leave in the cold months and come back when it turns. One trip covers the stretch that drags.
Where to spend your long stay
Three regions cover most long stays, each with a different draw. Pick by climate, budget and how far you want to be from home.
Mediterranean Europe. Portugal and Spain lead for mild winters, long coastlines and widely spoken English, with Italy, Greece and Cyprus for culture and warmer southern pockets. Canadians can spend up to 90 days in the Schengen area, which suits a one to two month stay.
Latin America & Caribbean. Mexico is the biggest long-stay market of all, with up to 180 days on entry, followed by Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Curacao. Dry-season sun, low daily costs and established expat communities.
The US Sunbelt. Florida and Arizona are the classic snowbird choice: drive or fly, condo-style stays, and up to about six months for Canadian visitors. Familiar, warm and set up for a long season.
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Long stay & snowbird vacations FAQ
What is a long stay or snowbird vacation?
A long stay is an extended trip, usually around 30 to 60 days or more, where you settle into one place rather than moving around. Snowbird travel is the winter version: heading somewhere warm for the coldest months and returning in spring.
How long can Canadians stay abroad without a visa?
It depends on the destination. Canadians can spend up to 90 days in a 180-day period across the Schengen area (Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece), up to 180 days in Mexico, and up to about six months in the United States. Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Curacao allow 90 days or more. Always confirm the current rules with official sources before you book.
Where are snowbirds going instead of the US?
More travellers are looking beyond Florida and Arizona to Mediterranean Europe and Latin America. Portugal, Spain, Mexico and Costa Rica offer mild winters, lower daily costs and plentiful long-stay rentals, which makes a month or two abroad straightforward.
How much does a long stay cost?
Often less per day than a week-long package. Monthly rentals, cooking some meals and fewer flights bring the daily cost down. Mexico, Portugal and parts of Latin America are among the best value; the US Sunbelt sits higher but is closer and easier.
When should I book a long stay?
Book two to four months ahead for winter, since the best long-stay rentals and snowbird rates go early. Flexible return dates and shoulder-season starts, in late autumn or early spring, usually cost less.