Miami is famous for a lot of things: Candy-colored Art Deco buildings, stretches of gold sandy beaches and being a playground for the rich and beautiful. But perhaps the most interesting aspect of the city is the Latin flavor it gets from its large population of Cuban immigrants and Cuban Americans. Not only will exploring the Latin character of Miami leave you with an unforgettable experience, it could also end up cutting your travel costs.
There are no two ways about it: Even if you find cheap flights to get there, Miami can be expensive. At certain times of year, such as during Art Basel Miami or the International Boat show, hotel prices skyrocket, putting them out of reach of most budget travelers. However, some smart planning, like combining Miami cheap flights with hotel rooms and car rentals, will go a long way toward saving cash.
The heart of the Cuban scene in Miami is Calle Ocho, otherwise known as 8th St. outside of the area known as “Little Havana.” Here you’ll find everything from tailors hand making boxy Cuban guayabera shirts to hand-rolled cigars and, of course, delectable Cuban food. You can drive Calle Ocho yourself or take a city bus – the Little Havana Circulator.
What you should look for:
* Tropical fruits — Miami’s climate is ideal for growing varieties of fruit rarely seen in other parts of the United States. Even if your hotel room doesn’t have a kitchen, just walking through fruit and vegetable markets is a great experience. If you encounter something you’ve never seen before, just ask about it, and the friendly vendors will give you an explanation, if not a sample.
* “Cultural Friday” — The last Friday of every month means celebration in Little Havana. Whole blocks of Calle Ocho are closed off to traffic so that people can gather to listen to music, watch street theater, nibble on delicious snacks and let loose with some Cuban dancing. Many artists also come to the event – it’s a great place to find authentic artwork.
* Fritas — One can’t-miss Cuban specialty is the frita, a real more-than-the-sum-of-its-parts treat. It’s a take on the hamburger that is packed with exotic and bold flavor: the patty is often made of ground chorizo and ground pork and seasoned with a variety of spices. What really sets it apart is the pile of shoestring potatoes topping it off. Put it all on a soft bun and you’ve got a frita.
* Guarapo — Don’t expect this traditional beverage – fresh sugarcane juice – to be overwhelmingly sweet. It’s light and refreshing, rather than thick and cloying. It’s a unique taste of the tropics that is hard to find outside of Miami, so it’s definitely worth seeking out.
Spending time in Little Havana and along Calle Ocho might leave you thinking you’ve actually stumbled outside the United States. It’s a place unlike any other, so when you’re creating your itinerary, be sure to include it. To get the best deals on Miami cheap flights and hotels, scour the Internet and compare prices. Sites like Travelocity.com can often help you stretch your dollars to get the most out of your vacation.
