PUERTO VALLARTA HAS BECOME ONE OF THE BEST SUMMER DESTINATIONS FOR MANY VISITORS FROM CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES - PART II

Summer approaches and gives Puerto Vallarta a slower pace, with fewer crowds, less noise, and no lines at the best restaurants. To many, this is the best time to be in our tourist destination.

For others, it’s time to jump back into activity. Pack up what’s necessary to take, empty the cupboards and fridge, and store valuables in a safe place. Safeguard fine clothes and electronics against humidity with dehumidifiers, lock up, bid farewells and climb into a car or plane, knowing that Vallarta will welcome back its old friends with open arms.

Last year we bought a home in the pines of Northern California. With this change of primary residence came all the tax, voting and auto registration considerations. We loved creating our home there. An unusually long Indian summer made us postpone our travels south so we had plenty of time to say goodbye to new friends while closing up the home for cold weather, which was a surprisingly simple process.

Colder climates require weather proofing to prevent pipes from freezing and subsequent damage. To reduce expenses, stop the internet and garbage service, put a hold on the phones and turn down the thermostat. Have a friend collect and forward important mail, ask neighbors to check on the house and alert the police to your absence. Then head back south.

There are many different ways to snow bird and we’ve tried various. The usual is to live in Vallarta between two and four of the coldest months back home. Or break up the trips to last all winter. One can stay for one continuous, longer visit, maintaining a rented apartment for the whole year at a discount. Or use economical hotels by the month.

When we finally left California and arrived in Vallarta, the warm breezes and intense colors confirmed we’d made the right decision. And with additional savings from local food, transportation and entertainment, snow birding for us just makes sense.

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