Miami in May on a budget

DESTINATION OF THE WEEK - SOUTH BEACH


South Beach in Miami, Florida is a favorite winter destination. However, May is the perfect month to go to Miami for a number of reasons: The water in the ocean is far warmer than it is during January; the prices are cheaper than during peak season; and the place is still bustling, not totally deserted as it may seem during the schorching month of August.

I have found some amazing deals and prices for your South Beach escape:

VACATION PACKAGES

I have searched for flight and hotel packages for departure on May 13, 2008 and return on May 20, 2008. You can try your own dates, of course, but generally I find that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to fly pricewise.


Travelocity has great deals on airfare/hotel packages. Hotel Shelley is a boutique hotel right in the heart of South Beach. It seemed by far the best pick on Travelocity, along with the Days Inn Oceanside on 21st and Collins Ave, which is a only a little pricier. Search for "Fligths+Hotels" from your city, with the dates you want to travel. Then, sort hotels "by price". (beware of hotels in the Hialeah area. Downtown Miami hotels should be fine as it is a great area for shopping and is bayfront).

Hotel Shelley

travelocity Package: vacation for 2 from JFK airport in NEW YORK to Miami International Airport including flights, 7 nights stay at Hotel Shelley, total $1024.32 including all taxes and fees.Use Coupon SAVE50 if you use a MasterCard to take an additional $50 off.



Travelocity Package: vacation for 2 from CHICAGO ohare Airport to Miami International Airport including flights, 7 nights stay at Hotel Shelley, total $970.99 including all taxes and fees. Use Coupon SAVE50 if you use a MasterCard to take an additional $50 off.


Travelocity Package: vacation for 2 from CLEVELAND to Miami International Airport including flights, 7 nights stay at Hotel Shelley, total $1033.00 including all taxes and fees. Use Coupon SAVE50 if you use a MasterCard to take an additional $50 off.


Travelocity Package: vacation for 2 from PHILADELPHIA to Miami International Airport including flights, 7 nights stay at Hotel Shelley, total $983.00 including all taxes and fees. Use Coupon SAVE50 if you use a MasterCard to take an additional $50 off.

If you add a rental car to your package, it will run you up a lot, so book your rental car seperately.

Thrifty has a great deal on rental cars in Miami. The total compact rental for the one week period of May 13 - May 20 is around $165 inclusive of all taxes and fees when you use coupon AU11. (5% off). If you are using an American Express card, use code AX10 for 10% off. Thrifty also offers you a "wildcard" rental for the same price as a compact. with this offer, the garantee to give you any available car, midsize or larger. You can also try Dollar Rent A Car using "Corporate Discount" code BR0312 to get 5% off.

FLIGHT ONLY

If you prefer to buy just airline tickets without the hotel,

Spirit Airlines has the best rates by far to Florida. Spirit flies to Fort Lauderdale, which is about a 45 minute drive to South Beach (depending on the traffic). You could fly to FLL from many cities for less than $200 round trip with Spirit.

AirTran also has competitive rates. I found that from NY to Miami International Airport is more expesive than from NY to Fort Lauderdale, so check both destination cities to determine the lowest rate.

OTHER HOTEL OPTIONS

If you're traveling with a larger group, you may want to consider vacationrentals.com, or greatrentals.com, where people rent their vacation properties privately, often in ocean front apartment resort complexes, which offer most luxury amenities much like the hotels. (including spas, pools, concierge services and valet parking).

WHAT TO DO IN SOUTH BEACH

Find entertainment, dining, and everything you need to know about South Beach things to do, then print a few Coupons for area attractions before you go.

You can print a map of South Beach or find a bus schedule if you are not renting a car. There are plenty of buses to and from the airport, and you can pretty much walk everywhere in South Beach. So if you are on a really tight budget and do'nt mind a long trip to the airport, ride the MiamiDade buses.

ENJOY YOUR TRIP!


If you are looking for a cheap vacation to any specific destination, email me at deliatravels@gmail.com and I will try to find you your dream vacation at a price you can afford to pay.