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What seems like endless trips to Miami have punctuated me with a wealth of knowledge on the hot spot known as South Beach. Alas, I've been hitting the Ocean Drive strip for about ten years now; since college years to young working professional and have done so on both a modest and earnest budget. A blog reader recently responded to the What To Wear: South Beach Miami Weekend in 25 Glamorous Pieces! post that I did a couple of months ago. The reader admitted that she did like some of my styling suggestions. However was unable to attain them based on her budget. She also lamented that her overall trip to Miami was shaping out to be quite expensive overall and was actually debating whether or not the trip was indeed worth the money.

Here's some fast facts on saving some bounty in South Beach:

1. The Flight: The final destination may be Miami but that doesn't mean you have to fly directly into Miami Airport. Flights into the Fort Lauderdale and West Palm regions can run anywhere from 20%-40% lower than flights landing in Miami. Shuttlediscount.com offers shuttle service from Fort Lauderdale airport into South Beach at $25* each way; compared to the standard $30 flat rate taxis charge from Miami Airport to South Beach. The discount in airfare price can be particularly advantageous if you're traveling in a group as opposed to solo.

2. The Transportation: The going rate for taxi fares in Miami is around $1.85 per mile with $2.00 for every minute waiting. If you're not staying in the heart of South Beach's Ocean Drive trips up and down the strip can get quite expensive; as much as $20 per trip during peak traffic times! My solution? Take the bus! (I know we've all admittedly retorted at one point at another that we wouldn't be caught dead on a city bus; but hey this is Miami no one knows you!). At a $2 fare price, cozying up to the bus schedule could save you more than a pretty penny on transportation!

3. The Hotel: Miami is known for it's outrageously priced hotels! Once you have stayed in Miami a few times you kind of become hip to the fact that a lot of these "boutique" hotels are overpriced and not up to par. These hotels often serve as somewhat of a "tourist trap" and usually offer lackluster amenities with a host of hidden fees. If you're in the market for a resort hotel, check out the Deauville Beach Resort Hotel in Miami Beach. The hotel may lack some of the glamour and poshness associated with some of it's newer and more luxurious neighbors; however the hotel more than makes up for it in charm, character, and amenities. The Deauville was the center of Miami Beach in the glamorous 60s, where Frank, Dino and Sammy romped and John, Paul George and Ringo made history. The Deauville Beach Resort is a full-service hotel situated on over 700 ft. of sun-drenched, white sand beach and a beautiful oversized pool. If you're completely set on staying in South Beach then the award-winning boutique hotel, Crest Hotels is a great option. The hotel is located just steps from the Lincoln Road Mall and only a few blocks from the world famous Ocean Drive. Each suite comes complete with its own kitchenette including a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. Guests can also enjoy a low-cost breakfast at the Crest Hotel's Cafe de Crest restaurant. If you insist on being in the action of it all than the Pelican Hotel is by far your best budget price hotel on Ocean Drive. The eccentric boutique hotel, launched by the fashion company Diesel, has ostentatiously designed theme rooms and is located in the heart of the famous "Deco District". Each Pelican Room is equipped with wireless Internet access, movies, a CD player and the pristine bathroom fixtures which include luxury rainshowers. Located just off the lobby, the Pelican Café is a favorite spot to wine and dine for fashion celebrities.

4. The Date: Know when to go! If you're gung-ho about visiting Miami during Spring Break or the Winter Music Conference expect to pay high hotel fees, airfare prices, and cover charges. Of course it's nice to see and be seen during South Beach's hottest peak times. However, the cost of expensive hotel rates and airfare, as well as the time you spend waiting at crowded restaurants, clubs, and beaches just may not be worth it. Although somewhat less bubbly, South Beach can be a real treat during the leisure months of May and October, when the Spring Break parade is over and many of the locals come out to play.

5. The Food: Pack a Snack! Granola bars, trail mix, even peanut butter and crackers are great snacks when you're in your hotel relaxing. Another tip, upon arrival visit a local bodega (there are a ton of them in the area) and grab some fresh fruit and juices. These items tend to be relatively low priced in the local bodegas and are great options for a quick, inexpensive breakfast. Want to save even more? Make lunch your big meal of the day as opposed to dinner. Some of the best restaurants on the strip offer lunch menus with entrees priced from $8-$15 that are nearly identical to their dinner menus where prices often skyrocket to as much as $35 an entree. Do yourself a favor and eat a nice extensive lunch; then at dinner time opt for pizza, sandwich, or visit a local diner.

6. The Time: Go out early! Since Miami nightclubs can easily run til 4am the bulk of the crowd doesn't get into Miami clubs until after midnight. Due to this most nightclubs and lounges offer reduced admission or free entry into their establishments between the hours of 10-12am. This is especially a great option if you're a newcomer to Miami nightlife as it will give you more time to check out various places without worrying about paying entry fees.

7. The Female Advantage: Smile and look pretty! This city loves beautiful ladies and looking good here pays. Miami men are known for buying pretty girls drinks and will often do so with just a nod or a simple hello. Since club promoters like keeping the ratio of women to men pretty high at nightclubs a lot of times men have a hard time getting into nightclubs. Due to this, men usually have an easier time getting in nightclubs when they are coupled up. Now is your chance to return a favor! If you arrive at a nightclub and are daunted by a long line; look for a group of men that are waiting in line (make sure they're straight) proposition to be their "dates" until you get into the nightclub. This will save the men a great deal of hassle at the front door and save you and your friends some time waiting in line!

Have a Fashionable Day!