Travel to Miami, Florida – Episode 245

Michael

Wow! I have listened to so many of the Amateur Traveler podcasts in preparation for some extended traveling coming up that I was really excited to see an eipsode on Miami. Living in Boca Raton, Miami is practically in our back yard.

But I must say, the episode had me wondering if I could trust the content of other episodes! There’s no doubt your guest included all the great things to see and do, but I do feel she left out a major observation: People in Miami speak Spanish, not English. It is so prevalent, you simply cannot escape it.

When asked “What do you need to know before visiting Miami?”, the answer should have been “fluent Spanish!” I nearly laughed out loud when your guests spoke the words “latin influence”. It’s not influence – it’s the farthest you can be in the United States and still be in a foreign country.

I don’t mean to come across as a xenophobe, but the truth is you can’t accurately describe what Miami is like to visit unless you at least mention the language. There are huge portions of Miami where if you don’t speak Spanish, you will have a tough time, including several of the places your guest mentioned.

I feel very strongly that not highlighting the language barrier may end up being a disservice to your listeners.

It’s not so bad that you’ll need an interpreter or a guide, but it can be quite a shock if you’re not ready for it.

Ira H. Bernstein

I enjoyed Kara. However, let me make an arguement for enjoying Miami Beach in August. We used to go there in the 1950s. It was the only time my father could take off. It was not as uncomfortably hot and humid as New York where I was born and grew up, and the air conditioning was a lot better. Hotel prices were much lower.at that time of year. If you live in a place where the weather is bearable in August, by all means go at some other time (if you can), but keep in mind that like Dallas where I live now, the air conditioning is much better than in many Northern cities even at this late date.

Robert Morales

Hi Chris,
Enjoyed your episode about my adopted hometown, and I agree, Miami is HOT in August. You can’t be outside for more than 15 minutes, unless you are in the water, in South Beach, or cooling off with a frozen drink at Wet Willy’s. It is true that we take this paradise for granted sometimes. I live 30 minutes from my doorstep to the sand, and I go only a few times a year. Another note about the weather, in the summer, it rains nearly every afternoon, so hit the beach early. There is also this vast area to the west of Little Havana, where there’s not a whole lot to see, except for some restaurants and night clubs, but it is a unique experience if you want to “step” outside the United States, brave some of the worst driving you’ll ever see, and enjoy authentic and diverse Hispanic culture. Basic conversational Spanish recommended. Cheers!

Agagooga

Wow, that was [almost] too many pictures of people with hot bodies in skimpy bikinis. I am [almost] glad that the next episode is about Northern Ohio!

Florida John

I love all the photos of the South Beach hotels you took. Right now South Beach is still busy, especially busier than other areas of Florida.

Florida John

Every time I go to South Beach, it still so packed with Tourist so they don’t mind the heat. The only problem is the sand is sooo hot during the summer. Have fun traveling here!