Miami is served well from the UK and you can get charter seats if you don't mind a longer flight, or the cramped seating. Cheap flights to Miami with the scheduled carriers are available according to season. The summer months are peak and published fares usually apply during this period. Go out of school holiday times to get the best airfare deals.

Shopping:

Recommended Stores - Dadeland Mall & Adventura Mall provide everything from designer wear to basic items with bargains galore compared to UK prices.

Best Buys - sports equipment and clothing.

Opening Times - 10.00 to 21.30 hrs Mon - Sat, 12.00 - 20.00 Sun

Shopper's Tips - take an extra suitcase to bring back your bargains, but please check against tax allowances for goods brought in to the UK.

Sightseeing Attractions:

Miami Seaquarium - home of Lolita the killer whale and TV superstar Flipper. The site covers 38 acres with entertainment, great shows and exhibits including sea lions and dolphins. Open from 9.30am - 6pm. Adults $21.95, children (3-12) $16.95

Miami Metro Zoo - a 290 acre site with more than 191 animals and 91 species. Open from 9.30am - 5.30pm. Adults $8, children (3-12) $4

Biscayne National Park - a 53-foot glass bottom boat and 45-foot catamaran take you on an adventure around Biscayne Bay to exotic locations to study this sea wilderness - takes approx 4 hours. The park has water sports ranging from snorkeling to canoeing, plus walking trails, fishing and camping. Entry is by reservation only. Adults $19.95, children $9.95.

Monkey Jungle - this is the ultimate experience of humans swapping places with the monkeys. The monkeys run wild while the humans walk through cages. Open from 9.30am - 5.30pm, Adults $13.50, children $9.95.
Everglades National Park - this is the third largest continental US park covering over 1.5 million acres and home to fierce alligators and rare species, providing a beautiful ecosystem for its inhabitants. The park provides all amenities for those wanting to come here and set up camp.

Jewish Museum of Florida (Sanford l. Ziff) - housed in a beautifully restored synogoque with exhibits reflecting Jewish culture and history.

Miami Museum of Science & the Space Transit Planetarium - this is a fantastic day out if you are interested in robotic dinosaurs, space expeditions, the universe and the many more science related topics. Open from 10 am - 5pm from Tues - Sun. Adults $9, children $5.50, Seniors and students $7

Recommended Entertainment:

Theatre - Coconut Grove Play House - this playhouse is recognised for its original productions. Jackie Gleason Theatre is located in the art deco area and is the showcase for a variety of talented actors and actresses. Performances include the Miami City Ballet Company, MasterCard Broadway Series. Gablestage and Edge Theatre specialise in classical and comedy productions.

Opera - Florida Grand Opera House stages fine performances including five grand operas and educational programs per year.

Night Clubs - Miami has plenty of nightclubs suiting all taste and styles, but the supreme club to be seen at is the Club Tropigala at Fontainebleau Hilton. This club has live entertainment most evenings and plays the most up to date music around.

Bars - you can't fault the American attitude to enjoy themselves as there are so many venues to visit here. Two recommendations are the Marlin Bar and Mango's Tropical Cafe, both to be found within the Art Deco area.

Discos - There's no shortage of places to go but Bash and Shadow Lounge are 'in' places within the Art Deco area.

Others -Miami has major sports venues including Miami Dolphins (NFL Football), Florida Marlins (Baseball) and Miami Heat (Basketball).

Eating Out -Greater Miami & Beaches has an abundance of restaurants serving local dishes and international cuisine. Prices are lower than the UK and you'll get a far larger portion. At the Thunderbird Hotel you'll find one of the best Chinese restaurants in Miami Beach. Try the locally caught fresh fish and other seafood varieties cooked in the local style. The South American steaks are juicy and tender.

Gratuities - It's a custom to tip in hotels and restaurants and you may find that some restaurants will add this to your bill. For a full listing see the recommended amounts below: -

Tipping - Baby Sitter 10-15%, Barber/Beautician 15%, Bartender/ Waiters/Waitress 15%, Bellman/Skycap 50 Cents-$1 per bag. Chambermid $3-$5 per week, Cloakroom 50Cents per coat, Delivery/Room Service $10-15%, Doorman $1 to call for taxi, Golf Cart Attendent $1 per cart, Masseur/Masseuse 20%, Parking Attendent/Valet $1, Shoe Shine 50 cents, Taxi Driver 15% (25 cent minimum).

Local Transport :

* Bus, Metro and Trams - public transport is reasonably cheap here, charging a flat rate of $1.25 for adults and 60 cents for seniors, disabled and students. Children will obviously have cheaper concessions and you can take advatage of a travel card costing from $3.25 - $9.50 a day.
* Taxis - charge $1.25 per mile.

Driving around town:

Please observed the driving laws which are much as per the UK. All passengers must wear seatbelts and children under five should be strapped in car seats. The speed limit varies from 15-65 mph and you must give way to any police, emergency vehicle or any vehicle showing a flashing light. Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited and carries tough penalties