Tag: Miami

6 Reasons Why You Should Go To Fort Lauderdale Instead Of Miami For Your Next Trip

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When someone is looking to vacation in South Florida, they probably think of Miami first. That may soon change, though, because Fort Lauderdale is quickly becoming the perfect South Florida destination.

Here are six reasons why Fort Lauderdale should be your number one choice when booking your next vacay:

Cheaper Accommodations That Don’t Skimp On Luxury

I recently visited Fort Lauderdale and stayed at the phenomenal Hyatt Centric Las Olas, which turned out to be the perfect place to call home while exploring the endless fun that Fort Lauderdale has to offer.

The hotel was designed to resemble a nautical theme, from the artwork to the floorboards, and the entire property had a very upscale and luxurious vibe that came at nearly half the cost of similar hotels in Miami.

Image Courtesy Of: Hyatt Centric Las Olas

Less Crowded Beaches

Miami Beach has been overcrowded for years, and while it’s still worth a visit, it can be a bit much for travelers looking for more peace and quiet.

In contrast, Fort Lauderdale Beach has everything you need and more without the hordes of people.

It’s a gorgeous white sandy beach with warm but refreshing clear water, and there are plenty of food and beverage options along the Fort Lauderdale boardwalk if you need a quick bite.

Breaking for a refresh is quick and easy. You can head up to the boardwalk, grab something from one of the many bars and restaurants then you can hop right back to the beach and enjoy the sun and waves.

More Laid Back Vibes

Sometimes the hustle and bustle of Miami can be way too much. If you’re like me, you may be seeking a beach destination that can match the chill vibes you’re looking for, and Fort Lauderdale is the perfect place to slow down and actually enjoy your vacation.

Still, while the city may be chill, there’s still something for every type of traveler to enjoy.

Fort Lauderdale is more than just a laid-back beach. There are tons of options for nightlife, bars, art, culture, and cuisine, and most of these spots have a laid-back overtone that isn’t as easy to find in Miami.

One of the coolest spots that screams laid-back and chill is located right inside the Hyatt Centric Las Olas hotel —a speakeasy!

The 901 is a 1920’s themed speakeasy where you can enjoy classic cocktails in a cozy and private environment, but don’t forget to book a reservation in advance!

@traveloffpath The Hyatt Centric Las Olas is the perfect place to explore Fort Lauderdale from! . #hyatt #travel #fortlauderdale #florida #summer #hyattcentric ♬ A tropical house that feels Summer vibes – Roa

Easier To Get Around

One of my favorite things to look for when picking a place to stay is the walkability factor of the hotel. I love being able to walk to cool bars and restaurants and enjoy the scenery around the city.

Luckily, the Hyatt Centric Las Olas is within walking distance to local hotspots, like Java and Jam for brunch or Bodega Taqueria y Tequila for amazing tacos and margaritas (which is right across the street from the Wharf Fort Lauderdale).

Even when your next spot to check out is out of walking distance, there are so many public transport options in Fort Lauderdale it is still easy to get around. My favorite to use was the free electric transport service through Circuit (think of a suped-up golf cart dishing out free rides).

If you want to get around a little faster but still enjoy being outside, then you should definitely take advantage of one of my favorite perks at the Hyatt Centric Las Olas – free bicycles!

I absolutely loved biking through the palm trees and along the Riverwalk (which is directly behind the Hyatt Centric Las Olas). We even biked to a yoga class at Las Olas Yoga Studio from the hotel!

@traveloffpath Free bikes at Hyatt Centric Las Olas! . #hyatt #travel #biking #fortlauderdale #florida #summer ♬ Feels Like Summer – Samuel Jack

Less Populated In General

When we were biking through Fort Lauderdale, you could easily bike along without worrying about running into pedestrians in most areas. A lot of the super fun activities we did felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.

Our group went to the Chops and Hops Axe Throwing Lodge and had a blast without ever feeling overcrowded. We even went to make our own candles at Candle Land right in the heart of Las Olas Boulevard, and it felt like we rented the entire place for a private experience.

Everything Feels Brand New & Modern

It had been almost ten years since I was last in Fort Lauderdale. The city has been entirely transformed. New luxury buildings have popped up all over the city, but it’s still kept its laid-back charm.

For example, the Hyatt Centric Las Olas was just recently built and opened its doors in 2020.

The building is beautifully modern with nautical colors, elements, and stunning artwork, but more importantly, the food meets all the high standards of modern cuisine — including for vegetarians and vegans.

I’ve been to many hotels where the food was average at best and severely overpriced, and I’ve always tried to eat out as much as possible to avoid hotel food. However, the food at Hyatt Centric Las Olas’ Harborwood Urban Kitchen and Bar is to die for.

The food was so good that I wanted to eat there as much as possible, even though there are so many amazing local restaurants within walking distance of the hotel! I highly recommend the corn flake crusted brioche French toast or the avocado toast with poached eggs for breakfast.

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June 1, 2023
Top 6 Reasons Why Travelers Should Visit The Gulf Coast Instead Of Miami This Summer

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Millions of travelers will visit Florida for beaches, great hotels, and nightlife activities this summer. Most travelers think Miami and Miami Beach are the places to find these things, but there’s more to Florida than the east coast.

Even though Miami and Miami Beach have fantastic beaches and cultures known globally, other places in Florida have something for travelers to enjoy. Florida is covered by water west and east, and some might argue that the west (Gulf Coast) has better waters due to its connection to the Gulf of Mexico. The waters are gentle and calm, and the beaches are less crowded with the spring break crowds. Not to say that parties don’t happen there; it’s a different vibe than Miami.

You should head over this season and check it out for yourself. The Gulf Coast, which consists of places like Sarasota, Perdido Key, Fort Myers, and Honeymoon Island, is some of Florida’s best-kept secrets. It’s also a road trip haven for those who like driving alongside beautiful scenes like clear coastal blue waters. Check out the top six reasons travelers should visit the Gulf Coast instead of Miami this summer.

@pensacolabeachproperty POV: You didn’t have to travel to the Maldives and you found perfect beaches in Florida. ???? Pensacola Beach, FL #pensacola #PensacolaBeachFL #NavarreBeachFL #destinfl #placestovisit #beachdestinations #placestovisit2023 #visitfloridabeaches #floridabeaches #traveltiktok #fyp #floridabeachtrip ♬ golden hour – JVKE

It’s One Of Florida’s Most Scenic Areas

You must check out the Gulf Coast if you enjoy doing anything by beautiful beaches or coasts. It’s known for having some of the cutest bars, restaurants, and destinations facing the water. Even if it’s not by the ocean, most establishments like Ophelia’s on the Bay in Sarasota face some water. This spot is extremely laid back but with a touch of fancy that doesn’t intimidate.

Other areas like Lido Key have roads right next to the ocean. This gives the driver an incredible backdrop if you’re there on a sunny day. Other scenic drives include Pensacola to Destin. You’ll cross bridges with water on both sides and feel like you’re driving on the water for you and your passengers. It’s an excellent experience for basically any traveler.

Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

The Beaches Are Unreal

If you’re ever in this area, you know the Gulf Coast has some of the best beaches in Florida. Places like St. Pete Beach have been rated the top beaches in the world for the last couple of years.

Other excellent beaches are Indian Rocks Beach, Henderson Beach, Boca Grande, and more. You’ll find some of the softest white sand nesting against almost crystal-clear blue waters. If you head over in the summer, it’s the perfect way to cool off against the sometimes unbearable Florida heat.

It Has Amazing Diverse Historical Architecture

It’s not all about beaches here. You can find some cool architecturally significant hotspots on this side of Florida which will surprise you. Places like the Mediterranean revival house Ca’ d’Zan epitomize 1920s design, and the 20th-century Rationalism paradise, Ybor City Historic District, are some of the exciting spots here.

Known as the former cigar capital of the world, Ybor has been a destination for travelers since 1885. There are plenty of 1920 Spanish and Mediterranean revival-designed buildings in the area, and finding them could be a fun way of looking at this area differently.

The Hotels Here Can Be Quaint

Even if you’re in a massive hotel, the vibes here are different. Take the Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota. It’s a modern hotel but is near some of the best areas in Downtown Sarasota. The beach is next door, and walking along some of the nearby streets here gives you a small coastal beach town vibe.

The hotel has excellent amenities, like a semi-indoor pool with city views and rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows on all four sides. It’s the perfect place to get a sense of places like Sarasota.

Nature Here Is Abundant

The Gulf Coast has some impressive natural areas; if you’re visiting, it’s worth seeing. The western Everglades are full of endemic flora and fauna in this area. You can kayak through mangrove tunnels to spot manatees at the Ted Sperling Nature Park. You can even take a boat out to see dolphins at Marco Island.

There’s Nothing But Laid Back Leisure Around

The Gulf Coast is known for many things, but the most important is its ability to be laid back. Even if you’re partying the night away in Siesta Key, a vital chill element still exists here. It’s the perfect place to relax and not be bothered too much. We can’t guarantee you’ll be relaxed here the whole time, but it’s the ideal place to try.

Florida’s Gulf Coast is a hidden gem destination for many travelers, and it’s the perfect place to spend your summer vacation. There’s plenty to do here, and it’s a destination you should check out soon.

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March 6, 2023
Record Amount Of Seaweed Washing Up On Miami Beaches
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Tons of sargassum seaweed have been invading the most popular beaches, including top destinations like Cancun and Puerto Rico, and ruining travelers’ vacations— or at least their beach expectations.

These algae have also arrived in South Florida. Miami Beach has been one of the places where the sargassum has covered its white sand and pristine water, annoying tourists with its smell and unpleasant presence.

Only in June, more than 24 tons of this seaweed were collected across the Atlantic coast, a record high compared to the previous year.

NBC News Channel interviewed beachgoers in Miami that weren’t impressed by the sargassum. Tana Suarez had spent some time on the beach this week and tried to swim but said: “It’s all over the place. We tried to go farther but the farther you get the more seaweed you’re gonna get all over.”

Gigi Rodriguez, another frequent visitor said: “I’ve never seen it like this. Never.” Seasonal seaweed has been reaching the coast of Florida for a long time and has been significantly growing since 2011, but it has considerably increased its size and presence this year.

The large amounts of sargassum across the Atlantic have been causing concern among authorities and experts worldwide.

What Travelers Must Know About Seaweed In Miami

The Miami-Dade county recently published guidelines and relevant information about the sargassum seaweed on their official website. These are the most important facts and recommendations for travelers:
- Seaweed season in Miami is from March through October.
- Coastal areas worldwide experience two tides per day. The second tide arrives in the afternoon and, if there is wind, it can bring the seaweed to the shoreline.
- Authorities and workers at Miami-Dade Parks tackle the sargassum very early in the morning before beachgoers arrive. So, if you are in Miami, the best time to go to the beach would be in the morning after the seaweed has been cleaned out.
- According to experts, the great sargassum belt could be the “new norm” and should be expected in the following years. Miami lovers should consider the sargassum season when planning their trips to this fascinating destination.
- The seaweed itself cannot harm people, but small creatures living in it can cause rashes or blisters on the skin. Travelers should avoid touching it.
- When sargassum decomposes it gives off hydrogen sulfide, a substance that smells like rotten eggs and can also irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Visitors with asthma or breathing illnesses should take precautions although the current levels of hydrogen sulfide at the beach are not considered harmful.
- Special permits are required to manage this seaweed on the beach since it could affect turtle nesting season which takes place during the same period. Before the cleaning operation of the 17 miles of coastline begins every morning, the Miami Dade County Parks’ Sea Turtle team must survey and mark sea turtle nests for their protection.
- The sargassum cannot be removed from the water before it reaches the shoreline. The water is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environmental Resource Management and the “The Sargassum Fishery Management Plan” approved in 2003 prohibits and limits the seaweed harvest.
- The seaweed removed is transported to a special landfill where it dries and is composted and recycled into fertilizer.
- Radical measures to avoid or remove sargassum from the coastline cannot be taken considering that this seaweed provides crucial habitat for many species including sea turtles.
Travelers must consider these algae when planning their vacations and understand that the sargassum belt is here to stay. It not only affects the coast of Florida. Other destinations like Cancun, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Barbados have beaches covered by this seaweed as well.

It is an international matter and organizations across the world, including the United Nations, are working on sustainable solutions to contain and reduce seaweed growth.

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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August 11, 2022
French Bee Airline Announces $281 Nonstop Flights From Miami To Paris

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French Bee Airline, France’s first budget long-haul carrier, will be launching new direct flights from Miami International Airport to Paris Orly Airport beginning this December. Fares will start at $281 each way for a basic economy ticket and $641 for a premium economy ticket. The flight will operate three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with plans to scale to four flights a week by the following April.

Travelers will leave Miami at 9 pm and arrive in Paris at 11:40 am, allowing those who can sleep on planes the opportunity to adjust to the new time zone quickly. There is no need to rush to the airport for the trip back as the return flight from Paris will leave at 2:30 pm and arrive in Miami at 6:45 pm. Total flight time from Miami to Paris will be 8 hours and 45 minutes, while the flight back to Miami from Paris will take 10 hours and 25 minutes.

Those who travel light will love the prices of French Bee‘s basic economy tickets, starting at $281 each way. If flying in basic economy, passengers are allowed to bring one 26lb carry-on bag. While this sounds very small, a 26lb bag can be more than enough for a quick getaway to Paris if packed correctly. For those who need more luggage, French Bee allows passengers to customize their ticket by upgrading to a ‘smart’ ticket which allows a 50lb checked bag and includes an in-flight meal. For those with even more luggage, upgrading to a ‘premium’ ticket allows for two 50lb checked bags and includes two in-flight meals, complimentary drinks, premium seats, and priority boarding.

The new flight addition comes after four years of success in the U.S. market, which began with a direct flight from San Francisco to Paris and Tahiti in 2018. After several years of successfully operating flights out of San Francisco, French Bee added two more routes to Paris, flying out of Los Angeles and New York. With the latest flight offering coming out of Miami, French Bee is gaining a better foothold in the U.S. market as a wonderful option for those seeking nonstop flights to Paris.

“Paris remains one of the most desired international destinations in the world for South Floridians and with the continued growth that Miami is witnessing, we are confident that this is the best market for our first Southeast route. We are excited about this expansion as we know that passengers will find value in booking competitive prices in the market,” said French Bee President Marc Rochet in a press release. And while the company may be excited about the new flight, travelers are sure to be even more eager for the new offering.

Paris is a well-known destination that almost every traveler has on their bucket list. It is one of the most visited cities in Europe and is home to many famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame cathedral. French cuisine is some of the best in the world, and the café culture is a highlight of Paris for many visitors. No matter what sort of traveler, there is something for everyone in the beautiful French capital.

While it’s clear that a stay in Paris will be an unforgettable experience, what about the time spent aboard French Bee’s aircraft? Currently, French Bee only flies Airbus A350s, which are considered to be a very modern aircraft. To reduce jet lag, the plane is equipped with mood lighting that will simulate the sunrise and sunset. The A350s are also considered very quiet compared to other aircraft, which helps reduce fatigue from long flights. All seats include USB ports and electrical plugs, large screens for in-flight entertainment, and headphone jacks.

For travelers on a budget, or those looking for a direct flight to Paris, French Bee’s new route offering shouldn’t disappoint. Bookings are already being accepted for December 15^th and beyond, and rates are still low.

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June 24, 2022
Miami Airport Will Verify Every Passenger’s Identity Through New Biometric Scanners

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Travelers will just have to show their faces instead of the boarding passes to get authorized to board within seconds

The future is arriving at Miami International Airport (MIA) Airport authorities recently announced that they would soon have the largest biometric boarding technology implementation in the United States. The new installation will allow passengers to quickly board international flights with a touchless click of a camera.

According to the official information, the deployment of the technology in over 130 gates is expected to be finished by 2023. The project is part of an alliance with multinational technology company SITA and the collaboration and authorization of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, said: “The launch of biometric boarding at MIA is the latest way that Miami-Dade County is leveraging technology to improve customer service and simplify operations. I am proud to see our airport lead the nation with this cutting-edge innovation that will streamline the boarding process for our passengers.”

The new technology will use the passenger’s picture to confirm identity and authorize travel within seconds. It was first tested with selected airlines during a pilot program in 2019, and the boarding time significantly improved.

Ralph Cutié, MIA Director and CEO, said: “We look forward to elevating our passenger experience with this state-of-the-art boarding solution. MIA is now the busiest U.S. airport for international travel and continues to set new records each month for passenger growth. Biometric boarding is one of the major steps we are taking to pave the way for additional growth in the years to come.”

This news comes to counter the airport’s bad reputation since Miami’s airport has the longest wait time at security in the United States. Airport authorities hope that the new technology speeds up processes and allows passengers to board faster than ever.

More About Miami’s New Installation

The implementation of this new technology that quickly recognized individual traits comes as a response to passengers’ needs —according to the information shared by the airport— and also to follow a program of expansion and process enhancement set in 2020 by the CBP to use facial biometrics for admission into the US.

Matthys Serfontein, President of Americas at SITA, said: “Globally we see that passengers want a faster journey through the airport where key steps in the journey are automated. Our Smart Path biometric solution will enable future expansion to other touchpoints at MIA as well as the use of multiple forms of digital identity.”

However, Miami’s airport isn’t the first to use the Biometric Facial Comparison in the United States. According to the information shared on Phocus Wired, in 2018, Orlando International Airport became the first to use SITA’s system—at 30 boarding gates— for international flights.

In a video, the airport shows travelers how biometric boarding works: Travelers just have to stand for a few seconds in front of the camera and wait for the approval sign to keep walking and board the plane. Passengers should soon start seeing this system at their international boarding gates at Miami’s airport.

Traveler’s Faces Are The New Boarding Passes

Other airports around the world have already started using similar technology during the past few years. These biometric systems are already being used in international airports in Beijing, Rome, Athens, Istanbul, and Kuala Lumpur.

Recently, Singapore announced that it will be deploying iris and facial biometric verification by the end of 2022 at the Changi Airport. The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) authorities also announced a recent investment in biometrics for air travel, and Brazil has also been deploying the technology at Congonhas (São Paulo) and Santos Dumont (Rio de Janeiro) airports.

Travelers in the United States who do not feel comfortable with biometric facial recognition can refuse—as reported by PCMag— and the airline should offer the traditional method.

Read More:

These U.S. Airports Have The Longest Wait Times At Security

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2021

U.S. Airports Are Getting New High Tech Scanners That Will Speed Up Security Lines

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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May 21, 2022