Thursday, 29 October 2009

• Escape the Holidays with a Trip to Miami!

  User Submission from April Lentini of Apartment Guides
  

  Have you ever fantasized about disappearing during the holidays –rebelliously ditching gift-giving consumerism, traffic, grumpy, stressed-out people and boring family gatherings?  Sure, you could book an expensive, exotic cruise if you plan far enough in advance. But if you are looking for a quick getaway during the holidays, you need not look further than Miami.

  
  

  Photo by Sami Keinanen ( Flickr Creative Commons)

  What makes Miami a great holiday retreat?
  

  First, Miami has warm weather. If you live in a cold climate, Miami in December is a terrific break. Also, Miami has an exotic feel, without the expense or hassle of leaving the country. Since Miami is heavily influenced by Latin, Italian and French heritage, you’re bound to find a new club, restaurant or clothing store that envelops you in another culture.

  Plus, Miami has more to offer visitors than crystal clear beaches and plenty of sunshine. If you are a history buff, visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an Italian sixteenth-century style mansion on Biscayne Boulevard, for a day. This house is where James Deering, a wealthy agricultural developer, used to spend his winters from 1916 to 1925. Let your imagination take you back to what life was like for this family as you tour the elegantly restored rooms of this house.
  

  You can also visit the Deering Estate at Cutler, a historical, environmental and archeological preserve, where you can take canoe rides, nature guided tours and butterfly hikes. If you really like tourist attractions, Miami also has a sea aquarium, a zoo, a monkey jungle and charter boats if you like to fish.

  Of course, you can spend a day strolling around the charming historic district of Coral Gables. Take a dip in the public Venetian pool filled with the water from natural springs. Or, stroll around the Outdoor Lincoln Road Mall in South Beach. If you are looking to see and be seen, there are endless nightclubs where you can dance the season away –and further deny any taxing holiday responsibilities.

  
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  Isn’t Miami expensive?

  Like any popular tropical getaway, Miami certainly can be expensive, but not if you are a savvy holiday escape artist. Because you are visiting during a time when many other local residents are traveling, you can probably score a great house for rent in Miami. Many times, renting a house or apartment on Miami Beach is cheaper than staying in a hotel, and if you are staying more than a week, staying in a place with laundry facilities and a full kitchen is much more accommodating.

  You still must budget in the cost of night clubs, attractions and shopping. But as with any other vacation, it is up to you to decide how much money you are going to spend. Hanging out by the beach or pool is always free. Plus, there are some cool farmers markets where you can buy your own groceries and cook your own food. Make friends with the locals, and soon you’ll be invited to private parties.  Not only will you save money on drinks and cover charges, but you will probably have more fun.

  
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  What do I tell my family?

  Hopefully, your family will understand your need to blow off the holiday madness and treat yourself to a relaxing getaway. You can argue that it is for your mental health, that your job is stressful. If they don’t buy that, tell them that your holiday retreat in Miami was a gift from your boss or Aunt Nita and that it was already booked (conveniently) during these dates.
  
  For many, sneaking away to subtropical places such as Miami during the holidays is practically an American tradition. Consider it a gift to yourself and whoever you decide to take with you.

  April Lentini writes for apartmentguide.com

  Would your family disown you if you blew off your holiday "responsibilities"  and took an exotic trip instead?
  

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