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With its subtropical climate, South Florida is a year-round destination. However, late spring and summer can be uncomfortably hot, with rain showers almost every afternoon. The high season is from about December to April.

Stay as long as possible. Besides the beach life, South Florida has a great deal to offer, especially in high season, when there seems to be a festival just about every week. Many hotels offer special deals if you stay by the week.

If coming from abroad, bring an international driver’s license, a voltage converter, and any special prescription medicines you need. Also bring some good walking shoes, or, better yet, sandals. Otherwise, bring as little as possible.

Visa regulations may change without notice so it is always best to check before you travel. See www.USCIS.gov for information. Canadians need to show only proof of residence. You may need to be able to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay, and, of course, you must have a return ticket.

Allowances for visitors over 21 years of age entering the US are: 1 liter (2 pints) of alcohol, gifts worth up to $100, and 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars (but not Cuban!), or 3 lbs (1.4 kg) of tobacco. A number of goods are prohibited, including cheese, fresh fruit, meat products, and, of course, illegal drugs.

Travel insurance is essential for foreign visitors – a minimum of $1 million of medical coverage, including accidental death and emergency care, trip cancellation, and baggage or document loss. Travel with as little cash as you can manage, for safety reasons and to avoid questioning by customs officers.

Most major countries have diplomatic offices in Miami. Most consulates are set up to help their nationals if they run into difficulties.

Given Miami’s dangerous reputation – though considerably improved of late – many travelers prefer to visit as part of an organized group. This can save a great deal of doubt and stress by answering many questions for you in advance. However, be aware that this type of tour tends to put you up in the least appealing parts of town. Choose a group tour that gives you a maximum of flexibility.

The US uses the imperial system of ounces, pounds, inches, feet, yards, miles, etc. (This book gives both imperial and metric values.) Voltage is 110-115 volts, and the electrical plugs have two flat prongs. Miami is in the Eastern Time Zone, five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, and 3 hours ahead of California.

The Bureau has both local and international offices, and a website. It offers maps and pointers on everything in the Greater Miami area, including the Keys and the Everglades.

The Visit Florida and MetroGuide Miami websites are worth a visit.

Miami Beach, Coral Gables, and Coconut Grove have their own Chambers of Commerce, which offer local maps and information.

Guided tours and selfguided tours (including audioguides) are available, as well as literature on the District and Deco style.

Tips on tours and walks, fishing and boating, diving and snorkeling, sights and attractions, restaurants and lodgings.

Provides brochures and discount coupons for the entire South Miami and Everglades area. The office is housed in a period building with a photo exhibit recounting the history of Homestead. The suggested walk around the historic center is worthwhile.

For information about Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Sunrise, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, or Deerfield Beach.

The free glossy magazine Vacation Planner , covering the South Florida area, is available at many information centers.

The Palm Beach Country Convention & Visitors’ Bureau has a boatload of materials. Its Chamber of Commerce also publishes an extensive Official Guide to Palm Beach .

Several major international and regional airlines serve the Greater Miami area, among them American, Continental, Delta, United, US Airways, AirTran, and Southwest; and from the UK, British Airways, Northwest, and Virgin Atlantic.

The airline market in the US is quite volatile, with newcomers entering it every year, so bargains can be found – especially with a little time spent searching the Internet. Currently, for domestic flights, AirTran and Southwest are good. Flying midweek is usually cheaper.

One of the busiest in the world, which can mean long lines at immigration. There may be lots of walking to do, too. There are tourist information desks and car rental counters outside the customs area, but they are not always staffed when you need them.

This is the area’s second airport, less crowded but just as convenient and served by almost as many airlines as Miami Airport. It’s the perfect choice if you’re staying along the southern part of the Gold Coast.

Options for getting from the airports into Miami are numerous: rental cars, shuttle services (see SuperShuttle), taxis, limousines, and shuttle buses to the Metrorail and TriRail lines.

This company, and other competitors, offers 24-hour door-to-door service for much less than the cost of a taxi. The catch is that you have to share with other travelers, so you may have to ride around for a bit while others are picked up or dropped off. You can book your pick-up on their website.

The major Interstates that lead to Miami are I-95, down the north coast, and I-75, from the Gulf coast. There’s also Florida’s Turnpike, which shoots down from Central Florida. These highways are well maintained, with welcome centers along the way. Highways 1, A1A, and 41 are not efficient choices unless you’re exploring the Greater Miami area.

The Port of Miami is, quite simply, the largest in the world. From here endless mammoth cruise ships depart for romantic Caribbean adventures. People arriving by private yacht have a choice of excellent marinas.

Amtrak serves Miami from everywhere in the US. Sleepers and restaurant service are available. For train service within the Miami area, there’s the excellent Tri-Rail, which hooks up with the Metrorail system up and down the Gold Coast.

The Metrobus routes cover the whole Miami-Dade area, but don’t expect them to hold to any schedule, or to come even once every hour. You’ll need the correct change, a token, or a Metropass.

Metrorail is a 21-mile (34-km) elevated rail system running from Hialeah in the north to Dadeland in the south. It serves Downtown, Coconut Grove, and Coral Gables. Metromover is a monorail extension of Metrorail that runs a circuit around Downtown (see A Ride on the Metromover).

This electric shuttle service is a fast, scenic way to get around South Beach. There are two separate routes, via Collins and Washington avenues. The cars are airconditioned and smooth.

Taxi meters start at $1.50 and click away speedily at $2 a mile, so they’re not a good deal for long distances. In Fort Lauderdale you may well decide to try a water taxi, just for the fun of exploring the “Venice of America.”

These zippy modes of transportation are definitely the top choices for “doing” South Beach. Many stores will suggest self-guided tours and offer free skating lessons. If you want to ride the American Dream, rent a motorbike.

Car rental in Florida can be expensive, but you can get better deals by looking for fly-drive packages, or by booking through the Internet in advance of your arrival. You’ll need a valid driver’s license, photo ID, and a credit card (cash or a debit card are rarely accepted). Watch out for hidden extras.

Freeways and tollroads in Miami are generally good and fairly easy to negotiate, but the local drivers are another thing. Lane-changing at top speeds is a local sport, as are all sorts of other erratic habits. The result can be myriad fender-benders and some terrible traffic snarls.

There are tours all over Miami, some even include the Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, or a cruise. See www.key2miami.com for more information.

Being a star-studded place, stretch limos are a common sight here, the longer the better.

This daily newspaper is Florida’s largest, and its weekly supplements The Street and Weekend are major sources of information about local entertainment and events.

This is the main free alternative weekly, which you can pick up in many restaurants, stores, clubs, and drop bins all over town. It reviews restaurants, movies, clubs, etc.

The island’s eponymous weekly newspaper features news about upcoming events, arts, theater, attractions, music, clubs, local news, features, and opinions. And like all true Conch undertakings, it’s notoriously iconoclastic, taking on the local police and other authorities in articles.

This is Miami’s Spanish-language edition, which naturally focuses more on issues and events relating to the huge Hispanic community.

In the “tonier” hotels, you’ll often find Ocean Drive and Where . The former is not much more than a super-stylish fashion vehicle. Where is an international publication – the Miami version, which comes out monthly, has some excellent basic insights and even some captivating articles. Note, however, that all the restaurant listings are there because the owners paid to be included, rendering the reviews less than entirely genuine.

The programming of the main national networks are carried by four Miami channels: Channel 4 is CBS, Channel 6 is NBC, Channel 7 is FOX, and Channel 10 is ABC. Unless your TV is connected to cable, this will be the configuration for receiving all the regularly scheduled sitcoms, sports, and news programming. The PBS station is normally Channel 2.

Most TVs you encounter in Miami will be connected to one cable company or another. Most likely this will mean that you receive not only the major networks but also CNN and MSNBC for news, ESPN for sports, the Weather Channel, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon (for the kids). You might also be lucky enough to get all or some of the innovative HBO programming, as well as excellent Showtime offerings.

Miami may seem mostly Spanish-speaking, but when you turn on the radio, you’ll find that most of the banter is still in English. There’s the usual big-city mix of country, oldies, new rock, hard rock, jazz, and NPR (National Public Radio) programming and similar local stations, for people who want to hear the topics of the day intelligently considered by interesting thinkers.

There are, of course, several Spanish-language stations, featuring very high-energy programming and the compelling, nonstop rhythms of every sort of Latin American music, from more or less traditional to the very latest international Latino heartthrobs. It’s not a bad way to practice your Spanish, particularly because some of the time the announcers are speaking an easy mixture of Spanish and English, often called Spanglish.

The emergency number 911 is toll free, including from payphones.

Always keep your antennae out for potential trouble (see Things to Avoid). Park in well-lit areas, and keep doors locked and windows closed while driving. Make sure you know where you’re going, or at least give that impression. Don’t go into uncertain neighborhoods at night.

If you follow the basic precautions, you’re unlikely even to come close to being mugged violently, but do watch out for less aggressive crime. Pickpockets work the crowds, so keep valuables tucked away.

Most area hospitals operate 24-hour emergency rooms, and there are a number of walk-in clinics. Look in the Yellow Pages under “Clinics.” You can find 24-hour pharmacies in most areas.

The sun is intense here, especially when near the reflective beach and water. Wear sunblock or at least sunscreen at all times, and a hat. Avoid heatstroke by drinking plenty of liquids and knowing when it’s time to head for shade.

Biting and stinging insects, including annoying mosquitoes, can be a real nuisance between June and November. Wear insect repellent, especially when striking out for the Everglades. Other nasty critters are sand flies, which bite in the evening, and fire ants.

Some areas along the Atlantic have rough surf or are subject to strong currents. Small children, in particular, might be better off in some of the more protected waters away from the ocean, especially the gentle Keys waters.

Stinging jellyfish, in particular the man-o-war, sometimes frequent the waters off the coast. Be careful of the ones washed up on the shore, too. Shark attacks are thankfully quite rare. Stingrays are generally gentle creatures, but be careful not to accidentally tread on one.

Hurricanes are infrequent but devastating. If one should occur, follow the announcements on TV and radio, or call the National Hurricane Center.

Most of these areas are in the northern part of Greater Miami, but be aware that just two to three blocks from popular Coco Village, the socalled “Black Grove” is unfortunately quite rundown and dangerous.

In outlying areas, outside the bubbles of Miami Beach, Greater Miami and Key West sophistication, you suddenly find yourself in Old Florida, where values can still be quite prejudicial if you are in any way “alternative.”

Ordering alcoholic beverages in a bar if you are under 21, and having alcohol on the beach at any age are strictly prohibited. Needless to say, drunk driving is also entirely unacceptable – often roadblocks are set up on causeways leaving Miami Beach to nab suspicious drivers.

Buying tobacco if you are under 18 is against the law in Florida. Not that it makes much difference if you’re a smoker because smoking in public buildings is illegal, and they’re also considering making it illegal to smoke in restaurants and bars. Many hotels are entirely non-smoking.

Tipping is not an option in the US. Waiters and waitresses get minimum wage or less in the US and depend on whatever tips they clear. Very rarely, the gratuity will be automatically added to your bill, so check. If not, 15 percent of the total before taxes for lunch, and 20 percent for dinner is considered about right.

To avoid the dangers of pick-pocketing, as well as the nuisance of being accosted by the occasional panhandler, try not to appear to be lost, and don’t load yourself down with too much stuff, such as bags, cameras, maps, etc. How you dress is really not such an issue here, as everyone tends to dress down – lots of men even go shirtless all over South Beach streets. One thing that’s a definite fashion no-no, however, is wearing socks with your sandals.

If you didn’t bring any sunscreen or sunblock with you, go out immediately and buy a good one. Sunburn is the number one health hazard here, and the sun will get you, you are not an exception. Be sure to apply sunscreen liberally and often, especially to the exposed areas you tend to overlook. If you go to the nude beaches, that advice goes double!

Standing in line at a popular club can be a real drag – and you might not get in at all. Talk to your hotel concierge about getting you into the VIP lounge of the club of your choice. For a little extra money, you can save yourself a lot of time and potential disappointment.

Getting on the wrong side of the Miami cops is never a good idea. There are three separate law enforcement agencies here – city police, county sheriffs, and the highway patrol, and they are generally friendly and helpful, in the spirit of promoting Miami’s image as a tourist mecca. However, in the same spirit, if they suspect you are a trouble-maker, they can be notoriously harsh.

Except for American Express, there are virtually no exchange places as such, but you can go into any bank to exchange money. All in all, however, it’s best to avoid this ritual (see Automated Teller Machines).

This is the most sensible way to get the cash you need. If you have an ATM card of any sort, chances are it will work in almost any machine and you will be able to draw cash out any time, up to your daily limit. There will be a fee, but the time and hassle you save is worth it. Don’t forget your PIN!

Doing anything in the US without a credit card is almost unthinkable, especially in a hotel.

As a backup, travelers’ checks can be useful, but these days they are outdated and almost pointless.

Banks are numerous and all have walk-up ATM machines handily located. If you must perform some sort of transaction inside, the hours are usually 9am–4pm, Monday to Friday, and sometimes later on Thursdays. Some banks are also open on Saturday mornings.

Unlike in some countries, sales tax is not included in the marked price of anything, including restaurant meals. The only items sales tax is not added to are most groceries. Florida’s sales tax at present is 6 percent, but local taxes can bump that up considerably. Hoteliers in Miami add on 12.5 percent to your bill.

You’ll find these at gas stations, restaurants, hotels, on the sidewalk, and elsewhere. For long distance calls, it’s easier to use a phonecard, which you can buy from any convenience store. Using your credit card is possible, too, but pricey. For making any call in Miami, even next door, you must dial the 305 area code, but not the 1 before it.

If your cell phone (mobile) is not compatible with US networks, then renting a cell phone to use while here is a sensible option. You’ll find vendors at the airport upon arrival.

Post offices are usually open from 9am– 5pm on weekdays, with some open on Saturday mornings, too. Stamps are sold in many drugstores, hotels, and department stores. All domestic mail goes first class, and you should use airmail for any overseas mail. If you want it to get there the next day in the US, go for Express Mail.

To get the most out of Miami, you need a car. Some of the fly-drive packages can save a great deal of money.

There’s no doubt that visiting the area out of season costs much, much less. Hotel prices can be reduced by up to two-thirds. It’s true that the weather is a lot muggier, but the ocean breezes make beach life tolerable, and everything else is air-conditioned. Also ask your travel agent or check the web for promotional fares, but be sure to get all the details.

Coupon brochures – often with useful maps – are available free at most tourist stops or information desks. Savings can often be significant if you’ve got a large group or family to pay for. There are sometimes accommodations and tour discount coupons, too.

Not much is free here, apart from the stupendous beaches. But there are parks and gardens that charge no admission, and strolling around the busy streets doesn’t have to involve any outlay. One of the greatest pleasures is watching the ships go by, either from the bottom of Miami Beach, at South Pointe, or from Mallory Square in Key West.

It’s always worth trying to bargain the price down a bit, since no rates are cast in concrete. You can get an especially good deal in many places if you negotiate a weekly rate. If you’re traveling on business of any kind, you can also request a commercial rate.

Although there are many very expensive restaurants, there are many more chain fastfood franchises. If such fare disagrees with your palate, you’ll also find excellent local eateries that charge relatively little for good sandwiches. Otherwise, restaurants and bars often supply free food during cocktail hour, if you order a drink. Some restaurants also offer early bird specials for patrons dining between 5pm and 6pm.

You can have your picnic anywhere that there isn’t a sign forbidding it. Many public parks and all state parks have tables and other facilities, often really pleasant ones, and you can take your snack to the beach with you, too. However, be aware that littering in the US is severely frowned upon, so dispose of all refuse in the bins provided.

Often when making a purchase of any kind, especially in a shop, you can negotiate a discount if you pay in cash, rather than by credit card. The shopkeeper will be saving the charge from the credit card company and willing to pass on some of that saving – usually 2–5 percent – to you.

Not only is it healthier, allowing you to work on your tan and breathe in the energy-charged air here, but it’s also one of the very best ways to get around most of the prime areas in South Florida. Biking around South Beach, Key Biscayne, Key West, and even along certain trails in the Everglades is, for many, the only way to go, and the money you can save is significant.

For decades, all of Florida has been retirement heaven – or “God’s Waiting-Room,” as it’s sometimes not so graciously called. Hence, there are many facilities for senior citizens.

Traveling in South Florida is relatively easy for seniors, and there are good programs to allow seniors to get the most out of their experience here. Contact Elderhostel and Interhostel.

Take advantage of the extra time you’ve earned, allowing yourself to get to know Miami in greater depth than the fly-by tourist. Use the cooler modes of getting around – on South Beach the air-conditioned Electrowave, and on Key West the shaded and breezy Conch Tour Train.

Membership in the American Association of Retired Persons is open to US and Canadian residents age 50 or over. They provide up-dated travel information and discounts. Elderhostel and Interhostel are for people 60 and over.

Senior citizens are eligible for discounts on travel, car rental, accommodations, museum entrance, and more. Take your ID. Sometimes the definition of “senior” can be as young as 55! If you’re a US citizen or permanent resident, get a Golden Age Passport, which entitles you to free entry into all national parks, monuments, and historic sites.

Generally speaking, the area is well-set-up for disabled travelers. Mobility International USA and the Society for the Advancement of Travelers with Handicaps (SATH) have more information.

All public buildings in the US are required by law to provide wheelchair access. However, older Deco hotels and many of the old guesthouses might have only one disabled-accessible room.

Public buses “kneel,” and the other public forms of transportation also have wheelchair access. Some taxis and car rental companies have special equipment: ask in advance.

For getting around such areas as South Beach or Key West, take full advantage of electrically powered transport, either your own wheelchair or a rented one. The heat and humidity can make exertion uncomfortable.

The all-purpose number for any emergency is 911. For less acute situations, use the hotlines and helplines listed here.

The poison control helpline gives quick advice on antidotes and how to handle any crisis related to poisoning, including food poisoning and allergic reactions.

The Gay Anti-Violence Hotline offers support and referral services to gay and bisexual victims of harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, and hate crimes that occur anywhere in the Greater Miami Area.

Miami provides a First Call for Help/Crisis Line, which is like a 911 line for psychological or emotional problems and dilemmas.

The Teen Link Line aims to provide “Straight Up Information on Stuff that Matters” to teens, with 80 taped informational messages on topics of concern to adolescents and links to counselors. There are also the toll-free Parent HelpLine, the Florida Child Care line, Runaway Hotline, and Teach More, Love More line.

Counseling is provided for any sort of trauma relating to sexuality and sexual abuse.

The Miami-Dade Central Intake and Detoxification Center is geared up to take calls from anyone suffering from substance abuse problems.

The 24-hour Switchboard of Miami and Team Metro Citizen have information about local services.

If you’re planning an outdoor activity of any sort, you can look in the newspaper or online to see the weather forecast. The best way to get the most current report on weather conditions and probabilities is to the call the special number for the Greater Miami area.

Every sort of accommodation is available in South Florida, from a simple dorm bed in a hostel to a villa in an unbelievably luxurious resort on its own island. Most of the hotels, motels, and the like are on or near the beach, or at least some body of water. Inland, good choices might put you in an interesting and colorfully ethnic urban area, or in a quaint old Everglades town.

Motel

The best way to decide what suits you best is to read up on this fascinatingly rich destination. If it’s the outdoors and sports you’re after, head directly for the Keys. If it’s world-class nightlife, the choice is South Beach.

The price range is vast. Even on South Beach in high season, just two blocks from the beach, you can find a room for two, with private bath, for as little as $25 per person per night. Or, a block away, a penthouse suite in some fabulous Deco landmark is up for $2,500.

Be aware that many hotels have a minimum stay requirement, but often offer a good deal if you book by the week.

If you want to go for the bargain accommodations in high season, it’s crucial that you book as early as you possibly can. Make sure the reservation is solid by guaranteeing it with a credit card, and doubly confirming it by way of both fax and email. If you’re expecting to arrive late, find out the latest acceptable arrival time before your reservation is subject to cancellation.

Trying to find something on the spot from December to April is not recommended, at least not in South Beach or Key West, especially on weekends. It might take a long time to find, and you run the risk of having to pay even more than top dollar. Taking pot luck is only a good idea in low season.

The usual practice is to tip the bellboy $1 per bag, both when he brings your luggage to your room and when you depart. If you leave your luggage in storage, the tip should be the same. If your hotel has valet parking, you should tip the guy $2 or so each time he delivers your car to you. If you enjoyed their service, you can also tip the front desk staff and concierge whatever feels right.

There can be many of these, so get it all clear from the start. If there’s valet parking, that can cost about $15–20 per day. Phone calls made from your room phone generally start at 50 cents each, and can be charged on a perminute basis in some cases. Finally, when you check out, you will notice a rather hefty hotel tax of at least 10 percent has been added on, depending on where the hotel is in South Florida.

Family travel is the breadand-butter of South Florida tourism, and every major hotel or resort offers a wide range of activities and services – supervised play areas, baby-sitting, special games, coloring books, etc. Usually children under a certain age (sometimes as high as 18) can stay free in their parents’ room. In addition, many restaurants offer kids’ meals at reduced prices.