When we first discovered we were going to the States we called our well-traveled friends and asked for their best tips, because we’re not {or I should say we weren’t} the traveling types and we pretty much have no experience at all. Lu suggested that we book everything through Expedia before we left, and save all the hassles of finding places to stay, hire cares and all that jazz.
After we’d finished at Disney we knew we wanted to see more of the States. I was hoping for a trip to New York, a life long dream for me, or a stop at Hawaii on the way home, but with limitations on time and budget we decided to just take a road trip to Miami from Orlando instead.
From home we booked a SUV for the drive so that we’d have enough room for our luggage and be comfortable during the drive. When we turned up to pick up the car, the guy must have seen us coming. He upgraded us twice {at a cost!} and before we knew it we were paying twice as much as we’d planned, and a much bigger car too.
With our pockets a little lighter we headed for Miami, thankful that we’d been able to grab the very last GPS the hire care company had left. Phew!
{Hubby’s turn to pose}
{Lacey posing on request}
{Almost at Miami!}
And then we hit Miami.
My Dad had warned us that the roads were crazy in Miami. He also said that in America they sometimes have crocodiles on the side of the roads and that we should try and avoid being out on the streets at night, so I thought that he was just slightly exaggerating.
Turns out he was telling the truth. We got lost, stressed out and ended up in Miami’s version of the Bronx where we had to stop for petrol and a toilet stop, which we did as quickly as we could and then returned to the safety of our luxury vehicle.
Being in Miami after being at Disney took quite a bit of adjusting. We were used to being on a Disney high, everyone being so happy and friendly. It was a reality check to be around everyday people.
{And eye candy too!}
{Happy Lacey!}
{Beach time!}
{Our rooftop pool where we spent most of our days – no one used it except us – Bliss!}
{Miami came alive at night – the streets starting to fill}
It was a magical time, and we honestly had the time of our lives. xx
The most I ever remember from the few times I was in Miami was that if you didn't speak Spanish, good luck getting directions from anyone!! I probably would have recommended Tampa, Sarasota, Key West (sorry, I know it's too late and no use now!). But it would be hard for anywhere to live up to Disney!
I know I have been the worst commenter ever! But I've been enjoying your travels. I feel like I'm having a tour of USA via your blog right now. (And it's saved me thousands!) xx
Awesome pics! Eye Candy pic = hilarious! I wonder if they knew they were going to end up on a blog… actually, I think they would probably have liked that ;o)
Thanks for sharing the joy of it all!
how fun road trips…..and i love the photos lacey took and the comment about the look on hubbs face, i'm sure my hubbs thinks the same of me often hehehehe that makes me giggle out loud…..i've enjoyed all your posts about your trip toooooo cool lisa xx
Love that you're taking us on this adventure with you! So much fun. Suddenly, I really really want to go to America.
What cute photos!!! I have to know what phone app for camera did you use- or is this editing thru photoshop- I love it!!! Just msg back on my blog-thxs
Kelly
I've loved reading about your trip, I think it's made me extra excited about heading of on our family trip to the US in just over 3 weeks! tatum xx
Did you see Horatio Caine? Tell me you did!
Lacey is soooo cute. Love that last photo of her. She's beautiful.
Hehe, there aren't any crocodiles in Miami. Alligators? Yes, I'm sure there are plenty of those! We once had an alligator walk through the automatic doors and straight into our building! This was in Fort Myers, which is a ways from Miami, but still.