10 reasons why Miami fits every budget

 

Miami is one of my favorite cities on the East Coast. Especially during New York's harsh winters, Miami is the perfect getaway to remind you that summer days are ahead. Blessed with seemingly perfect weather all year-round and sandy coastlines, it is lust after northerners who have to experience bundling up and wearing layer to stay warm.

Miami is a great destination for the budget traveler and the luxurious. With budget friendly accommodations and 5 star hotels. It is easy to get around by feet or with very inexpensive cabs. The people are always friendly, happy and welcoming. That may be thanks to the sunny days and half naked women who can walk around in their swimwear. Great food, Great night life, and great views, what is there not to like about Miami?

I have been here countless times and can never get tired. It is culturally diverse, with so much to offer. With many different ethnicities residing in Miami, you can feel like you are in another country, but still be on U.S. soil.  Entertainment is never hard to find.  I have stayed in top hotels and inexpensive house and apartment rentals. No matter your budget, Miami is a great place to vacation. Miami is If you are wondering about a few things to do in Miami definitely research for your own. If you are to lazy to do that, don't worry, I gotchu. I have came up with a few ways/tips you can do to make your experience memorable as a budget traveler and luxe traveler!

 10. flying

Flights to Miami can be ridiculously cheap and insanely expensive, depending on the time of the year. If you are a luxe traveler this tip does not apply. For my budget domestic travelers flying into Fort Lauderdale (FLL) airport can save you some funds that can be put toward other affairs. I have flown into Fort Lauderdale airport for as little as $70 round trip! If you are staying on South Beach the duration of your ride is only 10 more minutes than if you flew into Miami International Airport (MIA). When booking check prices for both and be sure to check out the airline. If you are checking bags, this can offset the price. 

9. Accommodations

Your stay accommodations have many deciding factors. Is this your first time?  Are you traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group of friends?  Do you prefer to tan/swim in a pool or on the beach? Do you plan to cook, eat out, or order room service? The list can go on.

  • Hotels are great for those nights you are hungry and you can order room service or travel a short distance to the lobby. Though this can be the least cost-efficient, it can offer the most peace of mind if you are on a relaxing vacation. Some hotels have night clubs, pool venues, and restaurants that you can gain easy access to, substituting your travel time with more minutes in the mirror. Ranging in stars and prices, there is a hotel to fit your budget.

  • I love apartment renting because it offers many options. It is good for budget and luxury travelers alike. Firstly, you are offered a lot more space than a hotel room for a fraction of the price. You can choose a simple apartment a few blocks away from the beach or an extravagant condo Downtown Miami. If you prefer to cook this allows you the comfort of preparing your own dishes with an equipt kitchen. So many choices. Click here to save money with your first Airbnb rental.

  • Staying in a hostel is often overlooked or frowned upon, but it is actually a great way to meet people especially if you are traveling solo. Not having someone to split the cost of a hotel or apartment rental can weigh your pockets down.If you are trying to be economically cost efficient or if you are an international traveler, hostels offer shared rooms and private rooms. The best part is that there are common areas with like-minded travelers. You can meet a new friend to accompany you on the beach or grab a bite with. Who-knows, they can even become your best friend. Hostels can be as low as $10/night and directly on the strip so getting around would not be difficult. I have never stayed in at one in Miami, but there are a few with great reviews if you research. Besides you didn't go to Miami to sit inside.

 
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Booking.com

The fun part..things to do

8. eating

Sugar Factory via Groupon

Sugar Factory via Groupon

One thing I love about Miami is the food options. You can literally have any kind of food that you like, not to mention drinks. Remember when I said you can feel as if you are in another country? You have that option with food. A city with heavy latin influence tapas and empanadas are not hard to come by. Caribbean jerk chicken, Asian- infused fresh sushi, and Italian pasta and creamy alfredo - restaurants feature dishes inspired from countries around the world. High end restaurants with renowned chef's are not the only options. Miami’s street vendors serve up some wholehearted eats as well. 

There are lots of delicious budget eats right on the strip of Ocean drive. There is no need to assume that you need a fortune to enjoy Miami. There are numerous restaurants with employees standing outside constantly advertising promotions and specials hoping to get your attention and business. These restaurants offer great food and views if seated outside. Don't be shy to politely ask the people eating "how's the food? You can dine on feet, street-side, inside a fancy restaurant or romantically on a boat. just grab a seat and savor your palettes. 

 
 
Sugar Factory via Groupon

Sugar Factory via Groupon

 
Los Vacardas

Los Vacardas

Los Vacardos

Los Vacardos

 7. art

 Miami is becoming an top destination for prominent and aspiring artists nation and word wide, making it a major attraction for art lovers. Art Deco is a historic district right on South Beach dating back to the 1920's. Take a trip a time with preserved unique retro architectures, proving that they are worth keeping for a century. While on South Beach take a nice stroll along Collins Avenue, Ocean Drive, and Washington Avenue to see a few designs. 

The Wynwood neighborhood is where Art Basel Miami is held, an art event where thousands of collectors, dealers, artists and guests unite for the love of art. Walking around you will see so many amazing art work like the Wynwood Walls that is totally FREE. What's better than free? A showcase for electic and contemporary creative designs can capture the attention of anyone walking by. If you are into art abstracts or looking for a cool back drop, come here!

Art Basel

Art Basel

Wynwood

Wynwood

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Wynwood Walls

Wynwood Walls

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6. Museums

Sometimes the word "museum" can sound very boring and historical. Yes there are historical museums but it is 2018 and museum options have turned into so much more than a boring history lesson. A few that I have been to are below. Keep in mind that there are a ton of others that can suite your taste, even if you are a history lover. 

 
Ice Cream Museum Miami

Ice Cream Museum Miami

 
 
WEAM

WEAM

 

 5. Brickell/Biscayne/Views

Miami is not all about South Beach. Downtown Miami has breathtaking city views. I mean it doesn't compare to my magnificent, New York, but very nice for a city girl like me. Grab a drink at a rooftop and take it all in.

 

3. Party/nightlife

PARTY, PARTY, PARTY! The partying never stops in Miami. This is easy to say when there's a club that operates 24-hours!  Miami is a party hub with endless options. When clubs are ranked amongst some of the best places to party in the world, there's no surprise in seeing a celebrity sighting. Parties are not just exclusive to the night time, there are happenings during the day as well. Bring on the bottles!

Sometimes there are insane cover charges and sometimes ladies are free before a certain. A trick for my budgetters for complimentary entry into clubs is to go on Instagram and look at hashtags like #MiamiPromoter, #SouthbeachPromoter and things of that nature and contact those guys. This would only work for women. I've also noticed once you post a pic and have Miami or South Beach as your location these promoters will reach out to you and invite to their section for the night.

If you are more interested in a calmer setting you can opt for a local bar or lounge. Whether your personality or budget, Miami has a scene for you!

24 hour club E11even

24 hour club E11even

Fontainebleu Pool Party

Fontainebleu Pool Party

 2. beach & water sports

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As with most warm climate places surrounded by water, water sports are an attraction. There are so many to choose from. For a calm, chill afternoon you can rent a yacht or boat with your friends, pass the AUX cord to the friend with the most lit play list and live your best lives. If you're daring take a ride on a jet ski or even go jet packing. Are you adventurous enough to parasailing, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing or go kayaking? Windsurfing, paddle-boarding or parasailing are other fun experiences for water lovers.

Relaxing on the beach or pool side is always a good idea. one day of doing absolutely nothing is a needed reminder that you are on vacation away from life responsibilities. Listening to music or even watching the diversity of humans can be amusing and heart warming. Heading to Miami can shorten a few water sports on your activity.

1.shopping

Ahh, my favorite past time. How can you come to Miami and not shop?! Offering extensive store options, shopping in Miami appeals to shoppers of all calibers, budgets, and price-points. Miami travelers can choose whether to spend or save, From outdoor malls decked in designers to wallet-friendly outlets to upscale designer boutiques. You even have the option of soaking up some sun with outdoor malls or catching cool shade with indoor malls. Everything is all in preference in Miami. 

 
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Don't have enough time or too lazy to create your own Miami itinerary? Contact me here for a consultation and I will build your dream itinerary. Have you ever been or want to visit Miami?