Leaving New Orleans on an eleven-hour journey across Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi, I arrived in Orlando at around 10am. Based on advice from Brendan, who had travelled from Orlando to New Orleans, I booked a stay at the Days Inn near Universal Studios. The location turned out to be perfect, within walking distance of the parks. Having a hotel room to myself for two nights at roughly $60 a night felt like an absolute win.
A taxi from the Greyhound terminal brought me to the hotel, where I dropped my bags and took a short rest. Curiosity got the better of me, so I decided to wander over to Universal Studios ahead of my planned full day there. This turned out to be a great decision. A two-day pass was only slightly more expensive than a single day, and with two theme parks sitting side by side, it made perfect sense.
The afternoon and evening were spent jumping on rides and exploring the park. Many of the attractions were impressive, and rain earlier in the day kept crowds low, making it easy to get through a lot without long waits. The Jurassic Park ride involved a serious amount of water, and buying an overpriced poncho turned out to be a smart move. Plenty of other people were completely soaked.
After a long day of rides, dinner and a movie near the park followed once the attractions closed. The walk back to the hotel capped off a full first day, and a long rest felt well earned.
Plans to wake early the next morning were ambitious, though sleep won out for a little longer. Heading back to Universal, I went straight to the second park that I had missed the day before. The pace was slower, but just as enjoyable, ticking off more rides and soaking up the atmosphere.
Another full day wrapped up with dinner and a second movie. Feeling thoroughly satisfied with the Universal experience, I stopped by TGI Fridays for a late drink and snack before returning to the Days Inn for a few hours of sleep. An early shuttle pickup marked the next leg of the journey, heading south toward Miami Beach.
Departing Orlando early, after a long drive, I arrived in Miami Beach and checked into the South Beach Hostel. Hunger and excitement set in quickly, so I headed down the esplanade and found a hotel offering a cheap lunch special. Stunned by the Art Deco architecture lining the strip, I sat and watched the world go by, expensive cars rolling past under the Florida sun.
A walk down to the beach followed, and it finally hit me. I was standing on Miami Beach. Unbelievable. Time passed slowly there before wandering back along the strip and returning to the hostel to plan day trips to Little Havana, a harbour cruise, the Everglades, and Key West. A movie tour crossed my mind as well, though it required a minimum group. Cuban food became the priority that evening, followed by exploring bars around town. Later that night, a pub crawl with people from the hostel led to a club and a late finish.
The following morning started early with a trip to Little Havana, followed by a tour past famous mansions and celebrity homes. Downtown Miami came next before heading back toward the beach, grabbing boardshorts, and jumping into the water. The ocean was chilly but worth it. Another day involved a bus trip to the Everglades, cruising across the wetlands on an airboat and spotting countless alligators before returning to Miami Beach. Wandering into the night continued, including checking out a local festival, before an early crash ahead of a pre-dawn pickup.
The bus ride south to Key West brought another adventure, parasailing over the water and taking in the scenery from above. Time in town included visits to the Butterfly House, the southernmost point in the continental United States, and Hemingway’s House, home to the famous six-toed cats. Drinks followed back in town before boarding the bus north again. A Peter Lik gallery appeared unexpectedly along the way. Key West had a relaxed, friendly energy, even in winter.
Sleep came easily on the return journey to Miami Beach. Downtown Miami offered a brief wander, including a walk past the Miami Heat’s stadium, before returning to South Beach. Cuban food made a third appearance, and a conversation with a local led to a story about watching Cameron Diaz and Matt Dillon filming There’s Something About Mary years earlier in the same restaurant.
The walk back to the hostel carried a mix of emotions. A familiar sense of loneliness that sometimes surfaced during solo travel lingered briefly, balanced by excitement about returning to Canada and starting a new chapter in Vancouver. An early departure the next morning marked the end of Florida and the journey west.
selected Images
