Planning a trip to Miami? Now’s the time to go- before it gets too hot. If you’re visiting for the first time, or it has been years since you’ve visited, this post is for you. Read on for some top tips to keep in mind for your trip to Miami.

Consider hiring a car

Miami is a great city to visit, but many of the attractions you’ll want to see are spread out. Be sure to rent a car in the airport so you can immediately get around and won’t need to worry about taking a shuttle to your hotel, or using public transport the entire time you’re visiting. While it’s easy to assume Uber and Lyft will be a good option, traffic can be crazy in Miami so you can easily end up spending more on one ride that you’d spend on a day of car hire.

Choose the right accommodation

There are a plethora of accommodation options available in Miami- from massive five-star resorts to tiny boutique hotels. Many of these hotels are known for their picturesque views, amenities, and yes, prices.

As incredible as some of these beautiful hotels are, you’ll often find that they charge added fees. This is particularly true during festivals and high-tourist seasons. Plan ahead to get the best availability and lowest rates. Options like vacation rentals and Airbnb can be a good choice, since you’ll often get many of the same amenities but also kitchen facilities which can be a great way to save money if you have kids.

Before you book your accommodation, make a list of what you need. Make another list of the ‘nice-to-haves,’ and then consider whether a rental or hotel will be your best option.

Pack appropriately

Miami is home to millions of good-looking people who are constantly wearing the latest fashions and looks. At the same time, you’ll need to be practical when you’re packing as well. Be sure to bring swimsuits, walking shoes, flip flops, and heels and cocktail dresses if you’ll be clubbing. If you’re a beach lover, don’t forget lip balm with sunscreen, a sun hat, plenty of SPF, sunglasses, a coverup, and of course, a great book. If you’ll be exploring the area, don’t forget to pack jeans, some supportive shoes, and light jackets in case the nights are cool.

Keep an eye on flights

Depending on where you live right now, your flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. But airlines are constantly having sales, which is why it’s well worth checking flights in advance. Don’t procrastinate- if you see a great sale fare available for the time period you’re hoping to travel, snap it up before it’s gone. Be sure to check if it includes baggage before purchase, otherwise, it can be worth going with a slightly nicer airline.

Plan your days

This doesn’t mean that you need to schedule each day down to the minute, but having a rough itinerary can mean you get the most out of your trip while still ensuring you have plenty of downtime. Make sure you pack correctly and bring comfortable canvas sneakers that let your feet stay cool. There are lots of different blogs and websites with information about the top Miami attractions, so make a list of the top things you’d like to do and see, and purchase tickets in advance if you can.  If you rent a car in Miami, you’ll also be able to take a day or two for a road trip, which can mean you get to see much more of the area- like Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, the Everglades, or Key West.