Miami Is So Much More Than South Beach
Miami Is So Much More Than South Beach
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https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/florida/miami/experiences/news/how-to-spend-a-perfect-day-in-miami-florida
How to spend a perfect day in Miami, Florida.
While many people head directly to Miami’s South Beach for the beautiful beaches and warm weather, Miami has several colorful, creative and cultural neighborhoods to explore as well. Travelers discovering Little Havana, Wynwood, and the Design District will find neighborhoods that are full of surprise and delight, each offering a unique perspective on Miami.
Here’s how to make the most out of your next visit to Miami.
Little Havana
Come hungry to enjoy a culinary food tour around Little Havana. From Cuban sandwiches to Cuban coffee and more, Miami Culinary Tours will introduce you to the sweet and savory flavors along Calle Ocho. You’ll also get a feel for Cuban traditions, watching locals play games at Domino Park, and seeing how Cuban cigars are rolled at a local shop.
Return in the evening for Cuban cuisine and live music at Cafe La Trova, a culinary hotspot thanks to Maestro Cantinero Julio Cabrera and James Beard Award-winning Chef Michelle Bernstein. Late night, pop into the 80’s 305 Bar tucked away in the back, celebrating Miami lifestyle through and through.
Wynwood
Bring your camera to capture the colorful street art in Wynwood. Wander the streets on foot or by car, or take a guided buggy tour to spy on impressive murals. Start out at Wynwood Walls, an impressive open-air gallery of murals that has welcomed 100+ artists from around the world to share their art on 80,000 square feet of walls. Grab a can of spray paint and let out your inner graffiti artist during a hands-on experience, such as those offered by Wynwood Art Walk.
Design District
The Design District is home to many designer fashion brands, but different than a traditional mall, the brand design begins on the building exterior. Even the parking lots deserve a double take. Admire the creative architecture throughout the neighborhood and stumble upon interesting sculptures along the way. Stop in at Aubi and Ramsa, an ice cream shop with an adult spin. Their alcohol-infused frozen flavors, such as passionfruit Casamigos sorbet or pina colada made of Venezuelan rum, offer 21+ visitors a cool treat on a hot day. This upscale, creative neighborhood is full of surprises.
No matter where you go, don’t miss Miami’s unique neighborhoods on your next trip. It’s always an adventure in the 305.
You Can’t Just Show Up at Some Italian Beaches Anymore. You Need a Reservation
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https://www.fodors.com/world/europe/italy/experiences/news/you-cant-just-show-up-at-some-italian-beaches-anymore-you-need-a-reservation
Travelers should know all the beach rules this summer.
Italy is trying to manage overtourism with various measures, and crowded beaches are a key concern. Beaches in Sardinia have introduced a booking system to limit the number of visitors each day, and some of the most popular sites are fully booked through September. This, along with the cost of sunbeds and parking, has changed the landscape of a beach vacation in Italy.
Visitors in Sardinia can’t show up at the beach without a plan. You need to book in advance, not only to pay for entry but also to reserve a slot, which fills up quickly. Cala Goloritzé beach has a cap of 250 people at a time between March and November, while Su Sirboni beach allows 786 people a day, and Cala Brandinchi restricts the number to 1,447. For beaches that may not have reservations, you may need to arrive early to secure a spot before the beach reaches maximum capacity.
Travelers may run out of luck late in the season. According to The Independent, the slots for La Pelosa beach, which has 1,500 spots a day, are sold out until September 15.
Additionally, some beaches have time restrictions, such as Cala dei Gabbiani, which allows stays of only up to 90 minutes. The price for a slot ranges from €2 to €7 ($2.29 to $8), but children can access the beach for free. You can book through the Heart of Sardinia website or local municipality sites, and you should keep the QR code accessible on your phone.
About 33% of the Italian coastline is leased to private companies that operate beach clubs and offer beach amenities and food. These operators charge hundreds of euros for loungers and umbrellas, and the costs are becoming prohibitive for locals. For a multi-day family vacation, the costs for just beach spots can add up to thousands of euros.
Moreover, there is a new debate happening on the beaches: the governor of Puglia, Antonio Decaro, recently stated that private beaches in the region should allow picnics. He called for visitors to be allowed to bring food and drink from home because “The sea is a common commodity; it cannot become a luxury.” Operators, however, argue that changing the rule will cause littering and damage the image of the beaches. Beaches allow visitors to bring their own food, but beach clubs don’t allow revelers to enter with outside food.
There are other things to remember when you’re planning a beach vacation in Italy.
Beach Rules to Know
Earlier this summer, authorities banned beach umbrellas and parasols from Sardinia’s popular beaches. Only those with visitors under 10 or over 65 years old are allowed to bring umbrellas. This measure was introduced after beachgoers had to be evacuated by boats in case of a fire in the area. Umbrellas and other shade structures made it impossible for emergency services to evacuate people by land.
Additionally, you can’t take sand away from the beaches of Sardinia; it can cost you up to $3,500 in fines. The authorities have also introduced fines for swimmers who don’t use a straw mat under their towels—they are trying to prevent people from accidentally taking sand home from the beaches. Smoking is also not allowed on beaches, while many cities will fine you for walking around in your swimwear away from the coast.
10 Things Tourists Should Never Do in Amsterdam
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https://www.fodors.com/world/europe/netherlands/amsterdam/experiences/news/photos/10-things-tourists-should-never-do-in-amsterdam
Not everything goes in the Dutch capital.
Amsterdam is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. The Dutch are famously friendly and tolerant, overlooking many tourist faux pas. But there are some rules—whether rooted in etiquette or enshrined in law—that can earn offenders an angry glare, a stern rebuke, or even a fine. And you don’t want to mess with people who can move mattresses on bicycles while eating a sandwich. If you’re planning a trip to the capital, make sure to avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll stay on the good side of Amsterdammers (and the law).
PHOTO: ADISA / ISTOCK
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Smoking Weed in Public
Did you know that cannabis is not actually legal in Amsterdam? It is rather tolerated. But the Dutch capital is not a weed paradise where anything goes. It has strict rules about smoking weed, and while it is tolerated, tourists should be aware that it is illegal in some parts of the city to smoke up in public.
Do not light up in public in the city center—you will get fined. Additionally, public drinking is also prohibited. If you are caught smoking weed or drinking outside in the city center (De Wallen, Dam, Nieuwmarkt), you can get fined €100 ($114).
Locals would also appreciate it if you didn’t roll it in residential areas, parks, or anywhere around kids and families. Look out for smoking bans, but in general, you are better off inside a coffee shop. Also, verify if you can smoke inside your hotel room—it may be prohibited, too.
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Walking in Bicycle Lanes
There are more bikes than people in Amsterdam, and it’s the number one mode of transportation. But it can be stressful when the city is busy. The Dutch hate it when unaware tourists get in their way. Look out for cyclists when you cross the streets and never walk on cycle lanes—aimlessly drifting in the city can cause an accident.
And, if you decide to rent a bicycle, learn all the road rules, both spoken and unspoken. The city center, with its overflowing crowds, is not the place to get back on the saddle if you’ve not cycled in years. Remember that locals are comfortable on bikes, so they can get away with not following all the rules. Tourists need to be more aware and sensible.
PHOTO: S.BORISOV/SHUTTERSTOCK
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Paying €7 for a Stroopwaffel
Spoiler: you don’t need to wait half an hour for a sandwich or fries because there are other options. And you don’t need to pay a pretty penny–€7 ($8) for a stroopwaffel is highway robbery–for something you can find for much cheaper outside of the popular spots. You will hardly ever find locals queuing up for these snacks, and it is very inconvenient for them when tourists take over sidewalks and bridges. If you do decide to wait for something, make sure you check off-peak times and don’t block anyone’s way. You may get a mocking stare or laugh, but that’s because locals really don’t do this.
PHOTO: YASONYA/ISTOCK
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Staying in the City Center
Tourists are concentrated in the city center, but there are so many pretty neighborhoods in Amsterdam, like Oost and Zuid. Amsterdamse Bos is a forested area on the southern edge of the city, and it’s a wonderful place to spend a day swimming, walking, and attending concerts.
Also know that the ferry is free and takes you to Noord, which is much quieter than the city center. Across the IJ River, this part of the city is a hip contrast with cool museums, chill terrace restaurants, and lively nightclubs. You can do a cycling tour here and see the peaceful lives in quaint villages, or attend a festival at NDSM.
PHOTO: TRAVELPIXS/SHUTTERSTOCK
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Staying in Amsterdam Only
Better yet, take a train to other parts of the Netherlands—Maastricht in the south or Groningen in the north. You can also travel to Gouda fairly easily to learn more about the famous cheese, or see the picturesque village of Giethoorn, which is a no-car haven.
The beaches, pretty small towns, and bigger cities are all easily accessible thanks to a robust public transportation network.
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Getting Train Tickets at Full Price
In the Netherlands, you can tap in and out using your cards on every mode of public transportation. However, for train travel, it is much cheaper to buy tickets through the NS app or website. If you already know your dates, book in advance (between a day and a month prior to your travel) to get as much as a 60% discount. You will have to travel off-peak for these deals, but it’s worth it. For those traveling with friends or family, group tickets are also much cheaper on the NS app, so book together rather than paying individually.
PHOTO: ROB VAN ESCH, COURTESY OF TROPENMUSEUM
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Not Booking Museums in Advance
In the summer season, the Anne Frank Museum is impossible to get into on short notice. People plan their trips around museums in Amsterdam, including Van Gogh and the Rijksmuseum, so make sure you book tickets online weeks before your trip. In case you miss out on your first choices, the city has beautiful museums that may not be on the radar as much. The Grachtenmuseum (Canals Museum) on Herengracht showcases how the city was built in an interactive way; Our Lord in the Attic Museum is a 17th-century secret church museum in a canal house; and FOAM museum is a photography museum on Keizersgracht, which is much loved by art lovers.
PHOTO: SCSTOCK/SHUTTERSTOCK
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Taking Pictures in the Red Light District
The Red Light District (De Wallen) is a part of the city’s heritage, but it is not Disneyland. Sex workers should be allowed to work with dignity and respect, so photographing them is strictly forbidden. To protect their privacy and reduce nuisance in the neighborhood, guided tours are also not allowed to pass through their windows.
PHOTO: PRASIT RODPHAN/ISTOCK
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Peeing or Jumping in the Canals
This one’s especially for men—do not pee in the canal. Not only is it disgusting and illegal, but it’s also dangerous because you can fall over. Same for going for a swim. Canals are not the cleanest, especially in crowded areas, and bikes often fall into them, making them a hazard if you jump. The city has designated areas for swimmers if you’re here in the summer and feel like taking a dip. Otherwise, the beach in Zandvoort is 30 minutes from Centraal.
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Trying Space Cakes or Mushrooms Without Prep
This one is also a warning: do not eat mushrooms or space cakes without checking how much cannabis they contain. Some of these things can be very strong, and they can ruin your night (or two). If you can, go with a local to a trusted place, or ask the shop staff for recommendations as per your tolerance. Make sure you’re in a safe space when you try something new.
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