IN the depths of a New York City winter, it’s easy to forget what tropical warmth really feels like — that close, comforting pressure on your bare skin, the humid aroma of vegetal growth and decay, the way vistas both urban and pastoral seem to shimmer, sigh and relax in the heat. You can remember these things, sure, but they seem abstract — faded dreams from another life.
Until, that is, you find a cheap flight down south and plan a one-day escape from the frigid slush. Even with airfares edging back up, deals are still plentiful for those with a little flexibility. So, a couple of weeks ago, when I spotted a Delta Airlines flight for $189 (taxes and fees included) that would take me to Miami in the morning and return that very evening, I snatched it. In between, I would have about nine hours to soak up as much of that city’s sockless, pastel culture as I could afford on a budget of, as usual, close to nothing.
A few days later, I boarded Delta Flight 87 from Kennedy Airport and stepped out of Miami International at 11:45 a.m. into that all-consuming heat. It was in the high 70s that Wednesday, and the sun was struggling to break through storm clouds that hovered disconcertingly close to the ground. The air felt thick in my throat, and I shed my jacket and hat. I could sense the sweat ready to bead on my skin.
Then I climbed into a rental car and turned on the air-conditioning. I know what you’re thinking: a rental car is frugal? But via Kayak.com, I found a Toyota Corolla from Ace Rent a Car (acerentacar.com) for $29.55, includ
ing taxes, fees and a 10 percent discount for using the “Winter2010” coupon code. (I didn’t ask about the recall — not at that price.) It might not have been strictly cheaper than taking buses and trains, but with less than nine hours before my flight home and a severe thunderstorm warning hanging over the area, it made a lot more sense. Pulling out into traffic, driving past strip malls with Latin restaurants like Don Camaron and Don Pan, listening to salsa music on the radio, I had the distinct sense I’d entered another world. I turned off the air-conditioner and rolled down the window — the air smelled like rain.
This could be trouble, I thought. I had one goal in mind for the day — something very Miami, I imagined. I wanted to play golf. Perhaps it’s a perverse idea for a frugal traveler, but the Miami area abounds with courses, from chichi country clubs to public links. To fly to Miami for an affordable round of golf seemed like a delicious way to play hooky from winter.
Until, that is, you find a cheap flight down south and plan a one-day escape from the frigid slush. Even with airfares edging back up, deals are still plentiful for those with a little flexibility. So, a couple of weeks ago, when I spotted a Delta Airlines flight for $189 (taxes and fees included) that would take me to Miami in the morning and return that very evening, I snatched it. In between, I would have about nine hours to soak up as much of that city’s sockless, pastel culture as I could afford on a budget of, as usual, close to nothing.
A few days later, I boarded Delta Flight 87 from Kennedy Airport and stepped out of Miami International at 11:45 a.m. into that all-consuming heat. It was in the high 70s that Wednesday, and the sun was struggling to break through storm clouds that hovered disconcertingly close to the ground. The air felt thick in my throat, and I shed my jacket and hat. I could sense the sweat ready to bead on my skin.
Then I climbed into a rental car and turned on the air-conditioning. I know what you’re thinking: a rental car is frugal? But via Kayak.com, I found a Toyota Corolla from Ace Rent a Car (acerentacar.com) for $29.55, includ
ing taxes, fees and a 10 percent discount for using the “Winter2010” coupon code. (I didn’t ask about the recall — not at that price.) It might not have been strictly cheaper than taking buses and trains, but with less than nine hours before my flight home and a severe thunderstorm warning hanging over the area, it made a lot more sense. Pulling out into traffic, driving past strip malls with Latin restaurants like Don Camaron and Don Pan, listening to salsa music on the radio, I had the distinct sense I’d entered another world. I turned off the air-conditioner and rolled down the window — the air smelled like rain.This could be trouble, I thought. I had one goal in mind for the day — something very Miami, I imagined. I wanted to play golf. Perhaps it’s a perverse idea for a frugal traveler, but the Miami area abounds with courses, from chichi country clubs to public links. To fly to Miami for an affordable round of golf seemed like a delicious way to play hooky from winter.
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