5 Tips for Traveling Solo to Miami

By Iris Alon, about.com

Miami might be a social city and best enjoyed with a group, but don’t let that notion stop you from taking a vacation at this vibrant and exciting metropolis because there are ways for solo travelers to minimize their concerns regarding where to stay, what to do or where to eat. Whether you’re here on your own for business or pleasure, consider these five tips to help make your stay in Miami more enjoyable.

Know Where You’re Going[post_ads_2]

It may sound like a banal statement, but it’s something that needs to be said, primarily because there’s nothing worse than getting lost, except getting lost on your own. In general, Miami is a safe place to be, but there are still parts of the city that remain sketchy. With that said, it never hurts to sort out your logistics beforehand if only to save time and money. Miami is also a large city, covering over 55 square miles for the city proper alone. Provide allowances when you travel and ensure that the cardinal attachments to addresses (NW, NE, etc.) are included when you input the information in your GPS considering there are parts of Miami that are divvied up in quadrants.

Carry a paper map as a backup as well just in case technology fails you.

Consider Booking Rooms With Airbnb[post_ads_2]

Hotels are great if you want pampering, absolute privacy, and conveniences, but it can also be a bit lonely. Airbnb rentals on the other hand, will give you the opportunity to not only make friends with your hosts, but also present you with less pricey options. The private rooms offered in popular areas like Miami Beach, South Beach, and Brickell are cheaper than you’d think especially during the summer season when everyone else in Miami escape to their seasonal homes up north. The average nightly rate is around $75 but you can find a few room rentals as low as $45 per night. What’s more, you’ll get to experience more of the local flare considering many of these listings lie on residential streets.

Go on Walking Tours[post_ads_2]

Another great way to meet people is to join walking tours. Some are free, but even those that charge a fee are often worth the price. The city has a handful of interesting ones to take. There’s the popular South Beach Art Deco tour, the downtown Miami city tour, the Little Havana cultural tour. If you’re an avid art lover, check out the art walks offered in the Design District or the Wynwood neighborhood. Most of the people you’ll meet will likely be tourists themselves, but at the very least, you’ll get some exercise and acquire a bit of insight about Miami.

Sidebar Dining[post_ads_2]

Part of enjoying your vacation is eating a great meal. That usually means finding yourself dining at restaurants with table service. If you’re the type who feels uncomfortable eating alone, don’t fret because you’re probably better off dining at the bar anyway. Solo travelers will find that sidebar dining has its advantages. First, you’ll get the opportunity to chat up the bartender, especially if the restaurant’s not busy. Second, you’ll get a front row seat on cocktail making, which in some restaurants is a fascinating show in itself. Third, you’ll get more opportunities to talk to other diners. People at the bar are often more inclined to talk to strangers than say the couple on a table next to yours. So don’t limit yourself to self-service cheap eats and dine at the bar instead.

Savor the Freedom[post_ads_2]

One of the best advantages of traveling solo is having the freedom to explore and visit as many places of as possible without anyone contradicting your choices. Leave your worries behind and take this opportunity to do what you want, when you want. If you fancy seeing something controversial or unusual, go for it because no one else will pass judgment. The bottom line here is to savor the freedom solo traveling provides.