Miami is one of the most popular cities in the United States. It is located in the southern part of Florida and is also a port city. Apart from being the business and cultural center of South Florida, it is also frequented by tourists because of its beaches.
The city is known for being an expensive getaway location, having been one of the best vacation destinations in the United States. Even living there could cost a lot. But there are places for people who want to explore Miami without shelling out a lot of cash.
Miami is just adjacent to Cuba. One thing about Miami and Cuba is that they both have the Carribean charm because of their location. In the 1960s, several Cuban refugees immigrated to the United States, particularly in Florida.
Most of these Cuban refugees settled in Miami and eventually created Little Havana. You can explore cigar shops, listen to salsa that’s just blaring around the area, and even enjoy Cuban food in several restaurants around the area.
There are also plenty of beaches around Miami that you can visit such as Fort Lauderdale Beach, Virginia Key Beach, South Beach, and many more.
You can also go join boat tours around several bays and appreciate the beauty of the coastal area and experience the wilderness that Miami has to offer. A sunset cruise in Stiltsville and Key Biscayne would also be a great idea.
There is also a Brew Bus in Miami that allows you to tour the city and get to sample different locally brewed craft beers. There is nothing wrong with day drinking as long as you are on a vacation.
Enhance your Instagram feed by walking around Miami Beach and take pictures on Art Deco structures in the area.
As mentioned, Miami is not just a tourist spot but also the business and financial district in South Florida. This means you can also go shopping in several malls in the city.
But one of the things that you should consider most is where to stay in Miami when you are traveling. Accommodation is as important as the destinations you plan on going to. But if you are on a budget, here are some options for your Miami tour:
Hostels
There are several hostels located around the city, especially in beach areas. What is great about the hostel-type of accommodation is you get to share your room with other tourists, thus cutting the costs. And you also get to meet fellow travelers as you stay.
One advantage of having friends during your travels is that you get to do the same things together. If there are packages that are specifically made for a larger group of travelers, you will be able to afford it with your newfound friends––especially when you are traveling alone or there’s just the two of you.
You could also enjoy several facilities that hostels have to offer. And they also several services that can help you get around the city, which is convenient.
Hotels that are quite far from the beach
The rates of hotels usually vary depending on their location. If it is in the center of the business district, it could be pricey. If it is near beaches with great views, it could be pricey. Though staying at hotels near these areas is convenient and spectacular, it is not really practical if you are on a tight budget.
There are plenty of hotels outside these areas, but still, make some destinations around Miami accessible. These hotels may also offer the same types of facilities that you can enjoy in high-end hotels. Their locations are the only difference.
According to recent listings in Expedia, accommodations near the Miami International Airport, including other communities such as South Miami, Miami Springs, and Downtown Miami, are a lot cheaper than those in Miami Beach and Eastern Shores––which are near the beaches.
Staying in hotels far from tourist spots could also mean that they are less crowded. You also get to explore more of Miami if you are in areas that are not densely populated by tourists. That is when you truly get to know a city––when you get to know its essence, not just the parts that are often visited.
Book an Airbnb in Miami
Airbnb is an app that allows you to find lodging and homestays in an area of your choice. It operates mostly everywhere, including Miami. The accommodations listed on Airbnb Miami are usually a lot cheaper than actual hotels and hostels because they are not commercial accommodations. Airbnb accommodations are often offered by homeowners who want to rent out their spare rooms. Some of them rent out their homes when they are away
This is a great setup because you get to be accommodated by locals. You get to know more about Miami firsthand from its actual residents. These accommodations also provide more of a homey feel rather than service-based accommodation.
Some of the homeowners that rent out their rooms or homes are located near the beach, which means you get to be near these spots without paying as much as you would at a hotel.
Miami is a great place to go to and you can still enjoy it on a budget. Spending less on accommodations would mean that you get to spend more on scheduled tours, eating out, buying souvenirs, and more.
Just thoroughly plan your trip to Miami so you get to make the most out of it, especially if you are there in a limited time. You would not be able to actually tour the whole city, but through research, you can handpick the spots you personally want to visit. Create an itinerary so you can save time, like scheduling the spots that are near each other on the same day. Itineraries also allow you to not push yourself too much by doing a lot––it would really be a bummer to get sick during a planned trip.
A well-thought trip could be successful even when you are on a budget if you consider some of our tips.