With its subtropical climate, South Florida is a year-round destination. However, late spring and summer can be uncomfortably hot, with rain showers almost every afternoon. The high season is from about December to April.

Stay as long as possible. Besides the beach life, South Florida has a great deal to offer, especially in high season, when there seems to be a festival just about every week. Many hotels offer special deals if you stay by the week.

If coming from abroad, bring an international driver’s license, a voltage converter, and any special prescription medicines you need. Also bring some good walking shoes, or, better yet, sandals. Otherwise, bring as little as possible.

Visa regulations may change without notice so it is always best to check before you travel. See www.USCIS.gov for information. Canadians need to show only proof of residence. You may need to be able to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay, and, of course, you must have a return ticket.

Allowances for visitors over 21 years of age entering the US are: 1 liter (2 pints) of alcohol, gifts worth up to $100, and 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars (but not Cuban!), or 3 lbs (1.4 kg) of tobacco. A number of goods are prohibited, including cheese, fresh fruit, meat products, and, of course, illegal drugs.

Travel insurance is essential for foreign visitors – a minimum of $1 million of medical coverage, including accidental death and emergency care, trip cancellation, and baggage or document loss. Travel with as little cash as you can manage, for safety reasons and to avoid questioning by customs officers.

Most major countries have diplomatic offices in Miami. Most consulates are set up to help their nationals if they run into difficulties.

Given Miami’s dangerous reputation – though considerably improved of late – many travelers prefer to visit as part of an organized group. This can save a great deal of doubt and stress by answering many questions for you in advance. However, be aware that this type of tour tends to put you up in the least appealing parts of town. Choose a group tour that gives you a maximum of flexibility.

The US uses the imperial system of ounces, pounds, inches, feet, yards, miles, etc. (This book gives both imperial and metric values.) Voltage is 110-115 volts, and the electrical plugs have two flat prongs. Miami is in the Eastern Time Zone, five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, and 3 hours ahead of California.

Though English is widely spoken in the main tourist areas, bear in mind that the majority of Miamians speak Spanish as their first language. It is worth learning some basic Spanish phrases as a matter of courtesy.