Yes, friends, it is possible to have a fun time in Miami on the cheap. Mr. Thrifty is returning to parts north on the heels of having fun in the sun in Miami.
Here are a few Miami tips and recommendations:
Be flexible in your choice of accommodation.
Yes, it’s possible to pay $500 per night at the Delano (if you get a discounted rate that is), but be open to Airbnb off the beach. Mr. Thrifty scored a 900 square foot, one bedroom apartment on the edge of the very edgy and cool Wynwood neighborhood for a very reasonable $70 per night. Nice enough to even impress Mrs. Thrifty — and that’s no easy feat. Daily trip to South Beach – $12 in a Lyft or Uber each way, a short 15 minute ride. Daily Savings, at least $200.
Plan in advance and don’t become hostage to a resort’s exorbitant fees for beach equipment rentals.
Mr. Thrifty ordered a highly rated beach umbrella from Amazon, delivered right to the concierge of his Airbnb. Great sun protection for the beach and, for $40 with free shipping, Mr. Thrifty comes out ahead. Warning: be prepared to disappoint your many envious neighbors on the beach when you tell them that your beach umbrella is not available at their resort. You might even want to re-sell it at a profit on your final day at the beach. It was that popular.
Game plan for your meals and look for happy hour specials and other deals.
Most travel blogs recommend saving money on meals by making lunch your biggest meal of the day. Solid advice for the average traveler. But, who really wants to load up at lunch ? And, who wants to be average ? Certainly not Mr. Thrifty. Mr. and Mrs. Thrifty saved a bundle while dining at two of the best places in Miami — Kyu, a hip Asian-fusion BBQ spot in the Wynwood district with a kick ass happy hour deal. Another night featured Quality Meats’ Wine Dinner: a 3 course meal and all the wine you can drink for $59 ! Yes, Lyft or Uber does come in handy after an all-you-can drink meal. Also, Joe’s Stone Crab, a Miami institution, is not to be missed. Many tourists are put off by the lengthy wait for a table. But here’s a tip — sit at the bar at lunch or follow the locals at dinner time and stop by Joe’s Take Away right next door to the main dining room.
Exploring Wynwood
And if you tire of the beach, consider checking out Wynwood with its many attractions, including (the free) Wynwood Walls, Kush – best burger spot in all of Miami and many microbreweries, including the renowned J Wakefield Brewing Company (order a flight and tell them Mr. Thrifty sent you. It will be our little secret).
Use Priority Pass for Additional Savings
Take advantage of Priority Pass membership, available free with select credit cards, including the Scotia Passport Visa Infinite Card. Miami International Airport is one of a growing list of airports where Priority Pass members get a credit at select airport restaurants. Mr. Thrifty and Mrs. Thrifty ended their Miami trip with a free dinner, courtesy of Priority Pass, at the Corona Beach House at Miami International Airport.
Get a Temporary US SIM to Avoid Exorbitant Canadian Roaming Charges
Mr. Thrifty has written separately about the best deal on a temporary US SIM.