5 things you need to know before going to Miami
Miami Travel Tips: 5 things you need to know before going to Miami
Rich with beauty, culture and diversity, Miami welcomes over 15 million visitors per year and racks up travel accolades from the worldwide experts. The city’s location on the southern tip of Florida makes it a must for beach lovers, and its art deco district adds extra flair. But before you get another idea that Miami is all style and no substance, it’s hard to know what to expect there, especially if you gonna go there for the first time just like me. So yeah, for those considering their first trip to Miami, here are some Miami travel. Here are the 5 things you need to know before going to Miami.
Check out my “Miami Travel Guide” HERE
1. Public transportation in Miami? It’s there, but it’s tricky
Miami boasts the largest transit system in Florida, but unfortunately that doesn’t mean it’s easy (or convenient) to use. Buses, while they are clean and air-conditioned, chug along very busy routes and often run behind schedule. The Miami Trolley is a fun and free way to get around the city, but it operates only in certain parts of the city; same goes for the limited Metromover and Metrorail routes. The preferred mode of transport here is Uber or Freebee, a free shuttle service (it makes money from the advertisements on car doors, although tips are expected) that runs through Miami Beach, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne, Downtown, Brickell and Wynwood. Both are apps available to both Android and iPhone users.
2. The Weather is crazy
Miami features a warm climate with winter lows around 60 degrees and summer highs around 90. The city also has a subtropical climate that’s warm and sometimes rainy in the afternoons.
From March to May, high temperatures range in the high 70s and low 80s, with an occasional daily shower. Its coastal location also lends itself to tropical storms, and hurricane season runs from June to November.
3. Miamians take their beach etiquette seriously
Coming to Miami and passing on the beach is like going to Paris and forgetting to see the Eiffel Tower – it just doesn’t happen. But before you head to one of Miami’s many beaches, there’s something you should know: when it comes to sand time, Miamians have some non-negotiable rules they expect everyone to follow.
First, don’t strip off any part of your bathing suit unless it’s a nudist beach (there are spots, like popular Haulover Beach, designated specifically for that). Second, respect people’s sunbathing space. Miami’s beaches are long and wide, leaving plenty of space for you to find your own spot. Third, it’s illegal to drink in public spaces in Miami. This includes the beach, so, even if it’s just one beer, don’t do it. Finally, the following goes without saying: leaving rubbish behind is not cool, and won’t go unnoticed by Miami’s beach-loving residents.
4. You better practice your Spanish
Miami is super multicultural. It is known as the Capital of Latin America. As 70% of Miami residents speak Spanish, you’re going to need to practice Spanish or at least learn a few words – Because you are definitely going to need them; more than English words!
5. For greetings, you’ll need to pucker up
Strong Latin influences in Miami mean that a handshake introduction is pretty rare around these parts. Instead, Miamians will often greet (not just their friends, but also complete strangers) with a kiss on the cheek (sometimes two). This intimate greeting originates from Europe (in Spain, Italy and Eastern Europe, a kiss-on-the-cheek welcome has been customary for centuries), and is thought to have been brought over to Latin America during the colonial conquest in the 16th century. If you’re not accustomed to this back home, just follow when prompted and try not to jab anyone in the stomach with a misplaced handshake gesture.
