Snowbirds are a goldmine for short-term rental hosts. Why? Because marketing your rentals for snowbirds can provide a loyal and stable audience. As a result, you’ll see regular long-term bookings and often repeat visitors. Snowbirds are older adults who tend to “head south” for the winter. They do this annually, and love to come back to the same place, time and time again. If you play your cards right, you could easily almost guarantee your income for years at a time with this income. This blog post will break down everything you need to know about handling your rentals for snowbirds.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!

Why cater to snowbirds?

Snowbirds typically rent properties long-term (think weeks to months) during the colder months. Not only does this keep your booking calendar full for longer, but it also reduces the need for turnover costs. Although some guests might want a mid-stay cleaning, which you could offer as an upsell.

Step 1: Optimize your listing

To catch the eye of a snowbird, you’re going to want to have your listing set up in a way that best speaks to them. For example:

• Snowbirds are looking for long-term booking options. Highlight your discounts for long-term stays. Something like “15% off stays of 30 days or more from December to March.”
• Remind these folks of the excellent weather to inspire them to leave the chilly cold they’re scrolling from. Terms like “Escape the snow and enjoy sunny 75° weather on the Gulf Coast!” can go a long way when a browsing guest is looking for a stay from their chilly home in a NYC winter.
• As these guests tend to be older, try to make your home as accessible as possible. Conser accessibility with a single-level floor plan, wheelchair accessible features, elevator access, etc. Include something like “No stairs and easy access to all amenities.
• As always, photos go a long way. Photos of your home are the first impression. You need to show off how comfortable and stylish your home is, alongside the great amenities you offer (beach views, pools, etc.). Pro tip: sunsets sell. Show off that epic sunset from your balcony.

Step 2: Upgrade amenities

Make sure your property is snowbird-friendly by including amenities that cater to their needs. Here’s what they love:

Fully equipped kitchens

Snowbirds staying for weeks or months will want to cook at the vacation home rather than eat out every day. Ensure your rental has:

• A full kitchen with modern appliances.
• Dining sets, pots and pans, and utensils.
• A Keurig or drip coffee maker for those cozy mornings.

Reliable Wi-Fi and workspace options

Even if most snowbirds are retirees, they rely on Wi-Fi for staying in touch with family or streaming their favorite shows. If your property offers a workspace, like a desk with good lighting, highlight this for remote-working snowbirds.

Comfortable living spaces

Long-term stays mean comfort is paramount. Invest in high-quality mattresses, supportive furniture, and plenty of outdoor seating. Snowbirds love lounging in well-furnished patios or screened lanais to soak in the sun.

Washer and dryer

Provide an in-unit washer and dryer if possible. Snowbirds staying for a season won’t want to drag laundry to a laundromat.

Recreational equipment

If you’re near a beach, include items like chairs, umbrellas, or even bicycles. For properties near golfing destinations, offer space to store golf bags.

Other resort amenities to consider:

• An on-site hot tub.
• Easy beach access.
• A heated pool with amazing views.

Pro tip: Platforms like Host Tools can automate rental turnover and ensure timely communication for long-term renters like snowbirds while also helping you streamline pricing!

Step 3: Advertise in the right places

Once your property is tailored for snowbirds, it’s time to market it effectively.

Leverage social media marketing

Use Facebook Ads to promote your snowbird rentals. Tailor ads with messaging that showcase your property as a winter retreat. Adding imagery of golden beaches, palm trees, or cozy patios will catch their interest.

Email marketing

Build an email list of past guests or inquiring snowbirds. Periodically offer discounts or send updates showcasing your property’s latest features and local seasonal events.

Encourage positive reviews

Snowbirds rely on trusted reviews when booking long-term stays. Ask happy guests to leave detailed feedback highlighting what they loved about your property.

Step 4: Create a community

As snowbirds tend to return to the same place year after year, they’re often looking to build a community with other snowbirds. As a result, you want to show off the many community-focused things they can participate in. This ranges from things to do, locally-owned shops to explore, and other concierge-like services you can provide to them.

Highlight local activities

Show off all the things to do in your welcome book:

• Golf courses
• Fitness and recreation centers
• Farmers markets
• Senior social events or nearby clubs

Offer local discounts

A great way to plug in to your community is to work with local businesses to create special deals for your guests. For example, connect with the owner of that independent coffee shop down the street. Perhaps they can offer a 5% discount to your guests and provide samples for your rental. These types of connections make your rental feel more like a local experience than a hotel.

Provide concierge-like services

Typically, these guests have some disposable income. As a result, they are a market that is worth offering upgraded services to for an additional fee. Perhaps you can make those reservations at that fancy dinner spot or book them on a dolphin-watching tour. Take a look at these 10 essential concierge service ideas.

Step 5: Adjust your pricing

Create special rates for long-term stays. For example:

• Nightly rate for 1-6 days: $120
• Monthly stay (30+ days): $3,000 (15% off)

Step 6: Be flexible and communicate well

Snowbirds need clear and quick communication. They truly value service. Always respond promptly to their questions. These guests also appreciate flexible check-in times if they have an early or late flight. You can help streamline communication by automating pre-arrival messages with Host Tools.

Popular spots for snowbirds

Here are a few common spots you’ll find regular snowbird travelers:

• Panama City Beach, FL
• South Padre Island, TX
• North Myrtle Beach, SC
• Hilton Head Island, SC
• Orange Beach, AL

Final thoughts

Catering to snowbirds is an excellent way to bring stability to your booking calendar. They have predictable schedules, and they love to return to the same location time and time again. This is excellent for driving a repeat booking strategy. Investing in this demographic is an ideal way to keep your calendar full!

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!