If you’ve already started planning for the best spring break ever, look no further than Florida’s bustling cities. And if you’re looking for a city of kitsch, color, and culture, there’s plenty of things to do in Miami. Pastel art deco architecture, great food, a legendary nightlife and the feel of a truly international city make this Florida hub a spring break destination–and a great change from the work/school grind. Party all night in South Beach and grab the Ultimate Hangover Cure at Mercadito Midtown the next day, or take it slow and soak up a few rays on one of the city’s (many) beaches. Here’s how to stay safe on Spring Break!
Whatever your pleasure, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to stay safe in the Magic City. Though Miami is a noted tourist spot, it’s important to take caution and avoid certain areas and situations. There are plenty of ways to stay safe on spring break but still have fun. With these tips, you’ll be a local before your spring break is up.
Miami is among Florida’s largest cities, and it’s also one of the more wide-ranging, covering 11,000 square miles. As a result, many Miami natives drive to get to point A to point B. But beware of driving if you’re visiting the city, especially for the first time–you’ll be met with congested streets, highways, daily car wrecks and road rage, especially on I-95. And driving becomes all the more chancey late at night.
Instead of driving, explore the city’s plentiful public transit options, including their metrobus and rail system. Plot out the best route on the Miami Transit website’s trip planner, and be sure to study a map. Uber and other ride services are thriving in the city, as well as bike and car share program that will, at the very least, cut down on searching for parking. If you plan on driving, however, make sure you have proper insurance coverage in case of accidents.
Theft is unfortunately common in the city, and with large crowds and busy streets, it’s possible to get pickpocketed or have valuables stolen from your vehicle. If you’re traveling by car, lock up valuable items in the glove compartment, or leave them at the hotel.
When you’re walking in a crowd, stay alert and keep an eye on suitcases, purses or shopping bags in case of pickpockets. Invest in a small crossbody bag for the trip, or carry your bag or backpack on your chest–don’t leave your wallet in your back pocket. Avoid wearing flashy or expensive jewelry, and consider keeping items such as a passport, license, and cash in a travel wallet or money belt for extra security.
You don’t want to be literally burning up. Florida is hot, even in its relatively mild springtime, and if you’re not used to the heat, it can easily become overwhelming. Consider carrying a bottle of water or a canteen with you as you explore the city. When you’re out on the beach, bring water, snacks and an umbrella to avoid heat exhaustion and overexposure. You might even map out a few beachside restaurants or kiosks to take a break from the sunshine.
When you’re out on the town, alternate alcoholic drinks with water to prevent dehydration and to stay alert. Try to have no more than one or two standard drinks per hour, and be sure to eat before you go out to bars or night clubs.
Everything’s just a little bit better with a friend. Don’t fly solo during your trip–plan it with a friend or two. Not only will you potentially save a little money splitting hotel and food costs, you’ll stay safer if you travel in a group.
If you plan on going out at night or drinking at bars or clubs, it’s especially important to bring a few friends. Make a plan with your group on how you’ll get home, what bars you’ll visit and what activities you’ll do. Ask friends to look after drinks and purses and have a rotating designated driver (or designated sober friend) each night.
While much of the city is very safe, some neighborhoods are safer for tourists than others. Brickell, an upscale neighborhood just south of downtown, and the well-known South Beach, a nightclub hub, are typically very safe for newcomers to the city. Neighborhoods like Midtown, Coconut Grove, Wynwood and Little Havana are each fairly safe, but have some surrounding high crime areas, and are generally best carefully planned and visited during the day. Stick to main roads, and try not to avoid getting lost or going alone.
Neighborhoods with high crime rates, such as Allapattah, Overtown, Opa-Locka and Miami Gardens, you’ll mostly want to avoid. Stick to the buddy system, and always have a Plan B in case you get lost.
Though Miami–and Florida in general–typically has beautiful weather, the main tradeoff is having some extreme storms. Miami sees the occasional hurricane, typically in the summer and fall, and is known for having frequent thunderstorms. Tornados have also been known to occur, but only rarely.
Miami’s spring is only rarely blighted by storms, luckily enough–but you’d do well to check the forecast and buy plenty of sunscreen (and maybe an umbrella).
Now you’re ready to dance the night away in one of the nation’s hotspots. Who knows, at this point, you might just get mistaken for a local!
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