I'm in Miami B****

SOUTH BEACH MIAMI- one of the city's iconic lifeguard huts

Still in Florida, but leaving the family behind, it was time to get my shades on, find my teeny bikini and start my search for Horatio Caine. 

I had maxed myself out on CSI episodes and could not have been more prepared for any mysterious murders that may have cropped up during my Miami stay. Oh I had Horatio’s back. 

If he could have seen the way I climbed out of my Grandma’s pick up van, stumbled over the kerb, snapped my sandal, flashed my knickers and burst open my suitcase as I arrived, he’d have known he had a trusty companion in his midst.

I rocked up at the Days Inn Hotel, adjusting my skirt and slightly limping from the fall, where 4 boys lay in wait for me. And by lay in wait I mean sprawled out amongst dirty clothes and empty beer cans whilst nursing hangovers. 

I was reuniting with some of the guys from camp and walking into that room I suspected this might not be the most glamourous few weeks.

The boys had opted for a 2 person room for 4 of them and me. This is a good money saver, albeit not technically allowed, so there are risks to consider. You’re probably expecting me to outline hotel rules and the consequences of being caught but no, I’m talking about the dangers of co-existing in a room, littered with half eaten chinese food and 4 “I washed my clothes month” kind of guys. It’s a dangerous job people but needs must when you’re aiming for minimal spend and maximum fun.

But who needs the lap of luxury when you’re already in Miami? As LA’s cooler younger brother I couldn’t wait to grab the beach bag and head down to see just whether Miami lived up to Will Smith’s promise that "Yo ain't no city in the world like this."

First place on my agenda was South Beach. This stretch of lush golden sand and sparkling blue sea offers every Miami stereotype in one sun kissed bundle. There’s the surfer dudes catching the waves and the model babes slapping on the oil, hippy musicians playing on the sidewalk and the city’s elite hitting the designer boutiques. Sitting on South Beach is like watching some amped up and much sexier version of Corrie. Eyes peeled for Ken Barlow's six pack.

Staying near to South Beach can be pretty costly which is why we had opted to stay further inland. This distance didn’t stop me and my “posse” from making our way there every day though. The bus was easy enough to catch and took us across town in no time. 

A massive piece of Bex FYI that I stick firmly to is avoid taking taxis. Wherever you are in the world one of the best ways to see a place and get a taste for its true culture is to board that bus. It may seem scary but if you check your info and ask for help you’ll be fine, and it's often a lot cheaper. And if you get lost who cares? You’re exploring and that’s what traveling is all about. 

After South Beach, Ocean Drive is the next big name that needs to be scratched off the list. The quirky buildings offer excitement and a bit of glamour even if all you can afford to do is gaze through the windows and wish you were rich. Known as the start of the Art Deco district, Ocean Drive holds some of the world’s most photographed houses including the Versace mansion-very posh!  

My trip in Miami was short and sweet. It gave me enough time to do a few Baywatch runs down the beach, hit the malls for yet more shopping and enjoy some beachside boogies. Although there's a lot more things that could be done in Miami after a few days in the sunshine and glamour I was all set. I had seen all I wanted and know what I had always thought...Miami is pretty cool. You were right Will.

Florida Magic

KEY WEST, FL SUNSET 

Beautiful white beaches, crystal clear sea and fish every colour of the rainbow. This was Key West, the next location on my US tour.

After a wonderfully amusing adventure on the west coast it had been time to say goodbye to my girls from camp. Whilst they flew back to the Big Apple I headed southeast to visit my grandmother in Florida. 

Now I don't know how much prices have changed but in 2009 I managed to fly across country for $80- a bargain flight! But often internal flights can be that bit cheaper meaning those long haul buses can sometimes be avoided.

An obvious tip here, but if you have connections in different locations use them. I just happened to be very lucky that my grandma had decided to uproot to the sunshine state 10 years previous leaving me a very comfy spare room to crash in and a great opportunity to see Florida. 

Now don’t get too excited, she doesn’t live anywhere near Disneyland, which had been my original hope, she lives in a city called Sunrise- sounds so idyllic right? Sunrise is located six miles west of Fort Lauderdale and is full of highways, malls and that’s about it. 

One thing about Florida is that it is extremely hard to travel around if you do not have a car so, piece of Bex FYI for ya: if you’re planning to visit rent a car as everything is a good drive away.

My brother and cousin had come out to meet me for this next leg of my journey and boy was it a laugh. Arriving in September, the area’s hurricane season, meant that we were hit with rain from 12pm onwards everyday- bad time to go visit grandma. This ruined my plans of sun bathing and pool lounging. Instead we visited the famous Sawgrass Mills Mall (sixth largest in the US) a dozen times, had extremely dodgy super-cuts (never recommended) and watched a series of bad movies. 

However, after a while it was time for us to venture a bit further afield. We rented a car and headed towards Key West, an island in the Straits of Florida. The island is surrounded by lush beaches, filled with gourmet restaurants with a stack of ice cream on offer at every corner. Thankfully, the weather here was a lot different to Sunrise. It was swelteringly hot, despite it being September, with no rain in sight which meant I could catch up on those rays.

Although only 4 miles long and 2 miles wide, Key West holds host to a multitude of attractions including the Key West Botanical Forest and Garden, the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory and the Key West Gay and Lesbian Museum and Archive. 

Now I have to admit that our day trip to Key West meant that time was limited. However, we still managed to wander around the town, check out the beach and end the day with a cruise of the island and a snorkel expedition.

Key West has loads of options for outdoor sport, boating trips and sunset sails and often they can be the best way to enjoy a new place.

Myself, the bro and cousin, ventured into North America’s only living reef and spent time snorkelling in the colourful sea. Sounds a lot more glamourous than it was because, as an adult, I still can’t master the art of not swallowing sea water and having it go up your nose. This became a point of hilarity on the trip but the sea life views were worth it. 

A trip like this could not come more recommended. The cruise was a reasonable price and allowed us to see the best of the island.  Everything about Key West was stunning and the boat trip highlighted that by ending our day with a sunset view from the water. This picture represents the wonderful day I had in Key West made all the better by spending it with family. Florida Magic.