Miami and Miami Beach are located on the Atlantic coast of the US state of Florida, and whilst they are technically two separate locations, very close together, when most people say that they want to go on a holiday to Miami, they really mean they fancy going to Miami Beach. This world-famous destination has been a celebrity holiday haunt for decades and spring break holidays in Miami as well as winter sun breaks are big hits with both US tourists and worldwide visitors.
Thanks to its great weather all year, there is never a bad time for a holiday in Miami. Expect winter and spring to have the best weather, whilst summer and autumn can see rainier weather and a more humid climate, so this is when you've got a better chance of bagging a cheap holiday in Miami.
There are two choices when it comes to booking a cheap flights to Miami, with Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale International Airport both within easy distance of all the Miami and Miami Beach holiday destinations. It's best to check the prices for both, especially if you're after a cheap holiday to Miami, as there can be big savings here.
Expect to be in the air for around eight hours if you're heading direct, or upwards of 11 hours for indirect flights. Make sure you check your Miami holiday travel itinerary carefully as you might find that flights can take close to 24 hours to arrive without much of a saving to compensate. Booking a package holiday to Miami can be a great way to get the best value flights combined with a good hotel.
Once you touch down you will need to get from the airport to your hotel. Miami car hire can be a great way to enjoy freedom on your holiday, but there are some alternatives as well. Before you start investigating, check whether your hotel or holiday package includes transfers, as these are definitely the easiest way to get there!
If you arrive into Miami Airport to start your holiday, the cheapest way for onward travel is the orange line of the Metrorail. You can also hop on the free shuttle bus to the Tri-Rail station, from where you can take the train into central Miami. There are also local bus options. It's much easier to use these if you are going to be on holiday in Miami itself rather than Miami Beach. If you're heading to Miami Beach then a taxi is probably the best bet.
From Fort Lauderdale Airport, your choices are much more limited, with public transport only available to take you into Fort Lauderdale, so getting a hire car or a taxi, or perhaps a hotel shuttle, are your main options. Think about the increased cost of a taxi from Fort Lauderdale when comparing prices with Miami Airport!
Whether you are on holiday in Miami or in Miami Beach there will certainly be a range of budget hotel options if you're looking to keep a strict hold on your budget, but you shouldn't expect to be in the heart of the action!
In Miami look out for the Art Deco boutique hotels to get a real feel for the city, but be warned that some of the rooms can be quite small. It's the character you're paying for, as well as the location, not the floor space!
For hotels in Miami Beach, it's understandably all about the beach! South Beach is the most upmarket, and this celeb-filled area boasts plenty of swanky hotels, but away from the high prices here you will be able to find better value places. Look for those set just back from the beach itself to save even more on a cheap Miami holiday.
Most holidays to Miami are beach based as Miami is known for its beautiful beaches, which can usually be found with more than their fair share of gym bunnies and muscle men! You needn't worry so much about keeping up appearances - you're on holiday, so a glam outfit or two should do the trick!
Visiting some of the famous places you've seen on film can be great here because many of them are even better in real life. Even if you can't afford to stay on South Beach, it's a must-see and is great for the beach by day and partying at night. You could also head off on an eco-park adventure, snorkelling or kayaking in the super clear and warm waters here.
There are plenty of other attractions for a Miami holiday if you're prepared to leave the beach behind. Take an Art Deco walking tour to understand Miami's past, or splash the cash at one (or two) of Miami's numerous shopping malls! A little off the beaten track you will find family-friendly treats like Parrot Jungle Island and Monkey Jungle where the people are caged and the monkeys roam free!
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