Miami Beach: Vacation Survival Tips

Miami Beach, a popular vacation spot for both singles, and families. Television series such as Miami Vice, and C.S.I. Miami involve crimes taking place in Miami, but also use the beautiful tourist filled beaches as a back drop. However, there are things you should know about Miami before planning a vacation there, information that could keep you from becoming a victim.

Miami Beach is beautiful, there is no question about that. The white sandy beaches, draw tourist from all over the world, making Miami a hot vacation spot. You'll find plenty of Hotels along the beach, which fill up quick during peek months. Beach hotels, on popular beaches don't come cheap. In fact you can expect to pay double or more, then other hotels charge just a short drive away. Unfortunately, vacationing on a budget isn't a smart move in Miami. Several tourist a day make the mistake of reserving hotel rooms just a short drive from Miami beach, at a bargain rate. This can be a big mistake!

The neighborhoods in Miami are like night and day. We have all heard that old saying "the wrong side of the tracks" well, in Miami that can happen quicker then you think. Even though the violent crime rate has decreased in the past few years, there are still area's that you need to avoid at all cost. This means, for no reason should you drive, park, walk, or stay in these area's at any time. The worst parts of Miami include Liberty City (Lemon City), Opa Locka, Overtown, Downtown Miami, and parts of Coconut Grove.

Not everyone can afford to stay directly, or across from the beach, especially when basic hotel room rates are an average of $95.00 a night, and that doesn't include a room with a view. There are area's of Miami that is safe to stay in, and have more reasonably priced rooms. Coral Gables for instance is a little more affordable, safe, and offers nice rooms for less then Miami Beach. Coconut Grove also has nice area's, but remember the night and day rule, it strongly applies to Coconut Grove.

There are many ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim while vacationing in Miami. After all this is your vacation, you would like to return home from it right? As basic as these rules might seem while reading them, we are all guilty of breaking them from time to time. The top 10 things to remember are as follows:

1. Try not to look like a tourist.
2. Never take your purse to the beach. Purses, wallets, and beach bags are stolen all the time without even being noticed.
3. Do not wear expensive jewelry, or clothes. Even if the jewelry is fake, if it draws attention to you, you could be luring in a criminal.
4. Stay out of neighborhoods your not familiar with. Make sure you know the route to and from your hotel room, and never travel to far from your room.
5. Do not drive around at night. Your more likely to get lost in the dark, and there is spots of Miami you do not want to slow down in.
6. Make sure your hotel room door is locked at all times. If your at the beach, then your purse, wallets, and jewelry are in the room, and an unlocked door is inviting trouble. If the hotel room has a safe, use it.
7. Do not walk on the beach at night. I know that a moonlight walk on the beach is awesome, however single females have been raped, and couples robbed in the past. If you do decide to take a moonlight walk make sure your not alone, and keep an eye out for strangers following behind.
8. Only use credit cards when paying for stuff. You don't want to be seen flashing cash.
9. If you do somehow end up in a rough looking area, do not stop to ask for directions, by a map, and please try not to look lost. Just keep driving until you find a nicer area, or a police officer to ask for directions.
10. Watch your camera. Who don't take pictures when there on vacation? However, if you leave your camera on a blanket while you take a dip in the ocean, it might not be there when you get back.

Even though Miami Beach, and the Miami area has a strong Spanish influence, most professionals speak English just fine. You might find that your hotel maid, or the bag boy at the local grocery store don't speak English, so remember to be polite. After all you are a visitor to a place where they live. Not all of Miami is bad, but some of it is, so please us caution when visiting. Make sure you map out exactly where your hotel is located, before you book a room. If you follow these simple tips you should have a safe, and fun vacation full of memories. There is one more major danger, the Florida sunshine. Please be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen, even if your only going out for a few minutes.