Many people assume that Miami is the type of place you travel in groups, couples, or solo. But this is also an incredibly family-friendly destination- you’ll simply have to plan in advance. Here’s how you can get the most out of your family trip to Miami:
Choose the right accommodation
One of the best places to stay is Miami Beach. While the city has a gritty, urban feel, the beach can feel more like a resort- giving you the vacay vibes you’re looking for. The Loews Miami Beach Hotel is a standout here, and the Family Concierge program will get in touch before your stay, to let you know all of the in-hotel and local activities that will be happening during your visit.
Hire a car
When you’re traveling as a family, you can’t be quite as flexible as when you’re traveling solo or as a couple. That’s because you’ll often find a toddler won’t have the patience to navigate public transport or wait for Uber when it’s time for their nap. If you rent a car in the airport, you’ll have so much more flexibility and freedom- making your trip much better. You can also explore the greater Miami area or take a road trip down to Fort Lauderdale, Key West, or the Everglades.
Pack well
While we usually think of sunny days when we think of Miami, it’s a good idea to keep the changeable Florida weather in mind- after all, Mother Nature can be a little unpredictable sometimes. Of course, you’ll need to take plenty of summer vacation clothes, but you should also add a light jacket for each person, comfortable shoes, and even a poncho or rain jacket if there’s a chance of rain. Don’t forget hats and plenty of sunscreen.
Orlando is relatively close
While Miami is a great family vacation destination alone, it’s also just a four or five-hour drive from Orlando- another good reason to hire a car in Miami. If your kids have always wanted to see DisneyWorld, combining both Miami and Orlando into one trip can be a good option- you could always pick up your car in Miami and then drop it off at Orlando before you leave. If you do plan to visit the theme parks, consider staying onsite. It’s also a good idea to book your tickets online before you visit- this can help you get a great deal, plus you won’t need to spend hours waiting in lines.
Set a budget
Florida is not cheap. And there are so many amazing attractions to choose from that if you’re not careful, it’s easy to blow your budget. That’s why it’s a good idea to begin buying tickets to the best attractions a few weeks or months in advance- you can often snag some great deals this way, and you won’t need to allocate funds from your travel budget once you’re in Miami.
It’s also a good idea to set a total travel budget for your trip and then split it up into each day. If you’re having a day at the beach, you may not spend the entire budget, but you can then roll it over for days where you’re exploring, visiting numerous attractions, or visiting Disney World.
It’s no fun worrying about money while you’re traveling, which is why it’s a good idea to set your budget in advance- and then stick to it so you don’t feel broke when you get home.
Have you been to Miami with your family? What are your top tips? Leave me a comment below and let me know.
