Located in the sunshine state of the US, Miami is one of the most popular international tourist destinations around the globe. The heart of Miami Dade County in Florida is renowned for having some of the most luxurious beaches in the nation, not to mention its spectacular warm climate, lots of restaurants, and multiple business opportunities. Many people go on vacations here, thanks to iconic attractions like the Zoo Miami, South Beach, Miami Beach, Little Havana, Bayside Marketplace, and many more.
Just like any other place, however, it takes a little planning to enjoy your trip to the fullest to Miami. This means considering several factors beforehand, including your budget, accommodation, things to do, and transportation options, among others. If you want to make the most out of your stay in Miami, here are some tips you may find helpful.
1. Start Planning Early
Regardless of your vacation destination, you can never go wrong by planning your trip early. Planning basically entails several things, from getting your finances together to booking your flight, choosing accommodation, and jotting down your itinerary. It also means knowing what to pack in your suitcase based on factors such as the weather, how long you intend to stay, and the activities you plan to engage in. If you start planning your trip early, you will have higher chances of avoiding inconveniences and uncomfortable situations that might impede your entire experience during your stay in Miami.
2. Know How to Get Around Miami
Depending on where you’re coming from, many airlines offer direct flights to Miami International Airport. You could also book a flight to a nearby airport and travel by train, bus, or taxi to your intended destination. Once they land, many travelers consider using Miami chauffeur services to get to their hotels or intended destinations comfortably while exploring the city. Chauffeured rides give you a custom-tailored transportation option to meet your travel needs, whether you’re on a corporate or leisure trip to Miami.
What’s more, many of Miami’s neighborhoods are walkable, plus the Citi Bike Scheme lets you explore the city using a rented bike. As for the latter, you just need to pick a bike from an unmanned station and drop it off at another designated location within the city once you’re done. Hop-on hop-off bus tours are also quite common for those who really want to explore the city.
3. Budget Wisely
Budget is always a key consideration whenever preparing for a tour. Your budget should include everything from airfare to local transportation, meals, accommodation, shopping, entertainment, and other expenses you might incur during the trip. Emergencies should also be budgeted for.
Now, how much you spend on your trip to Miami will depend on several factors, including where you stay, the activities you engage in, and which time of the year you travel. It will also be determined by how long you stay. Basically, you can expect to spend an average of $1,500 give or take per person each week for a comfortable stay in Florida’s “Magic City”. They call Miami America’s sixth most expensive city to visit for a reason. The costs tend to be higher than in most other tourist destinations because, in Miami, you have a myriad of irresistible things to see, do, and eat. If you’re taking a trip to Miami on a budget, you might want to think twice about visiting luxurious destinations like South Beach and Miami Beach.
4. Know the Best Time to Visit
While Miami has one of the best climates that favor tourism all year-round in the nation, this doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t consider when to visit. So when’s the best time to get the most out of your trip to Miami?
- Spring: March, April, and May are considered the best months to visit Miami, especially on a budget. During this season, the hotel rates are the best, there are numerous special events, and you can get a bang for your buck in Miami.
- Winter: The winter season (December-February) is exceptionally spectacular because precipitation is low and the temperatures are mild, but the hotel rates can give you a run for your money.
- Summer: From June to August, it’s summer in Miami. Humidity is higher and the risk of hurricanes can be alarming. The only perk is that hotel rates plummet during this time of the year.
- Autumn: This is usually September through to November. Many travelers shy away from vacations here because hurricanes are still a threat.
Finally, don’t forget to put your travel documents in order before you leave. Some of these may include your passport, travel visa, and other identification documents. Having travel insurance can also keep you at ease while exploring the magic city because you know you are protected in case you lose luggage, fall ill, or run into an accident.
