STEP 3: CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOTEL...LOCATION LOCATION
I noticed right away that hotels have a large price point that doesn’t only account for location. Not only that but the architectural styling of Miami and its hotels are known for its “oh my god” factor. You can stay in a “hipper-than-thou” or “minimalist’s dream come true” hotel, or trot on down to an art gallery or museum, fork over some cash and stay there. I’m not saying there isn’t a room out there for your budget, just know what that budget it, cause from what I’ve checked out you need a lotta chedder, dinero, mula, whatever it is you call it, you are going to need it.
So as I was writing this 10 Step Guide I decided to turn my sights on a site (pardon the pun) that I’ve gone to religiously. Actually my love for www.timeout.com started with their weekly magazine in London England. I lived there for a year and found it the best, at the time they were just putting out time out guides to top cities and now global ones too.
Please note the address of the Conference, which may be different from some of the party event places, it all depends where you want to be close to.
The Address for the WMC is Miami Beach Resort and Spa 4833 Collins Ave Miami Beach, Florida 33140 you can also contact them for accommodations and specials.
Check out the timeout guide for Miami on line and see their varied suggestions for hotel accommodations. You can also check out The Lonely Planet books, they are amazing. And you’re going to want to buy one of the two cause you can’t bring your laptop around with you everywhere. These two books always have maps and suggestions on so many things. Also make sure you pick up a local guide when you arrive at the airport. Or better yet, print this guide out..wink wink.
I have included some suggestions but if you have the time to peruse the internet for options please do so, you may even get some sweet deals with your flight package.
STEP 4: PASSPORTS, FLIGHTS AND HEALTH INSURANCE
As we know from past year experience the laws of flights and bookings has changed drastically. Please visit your local passport offices ahead of time if you don’t already have a valid passport. Also please be aware of all the flight carryon luggage restrictions that are all on the airline websites. Every airline has a posting but all air traffic is governed by the same rule.
True story, my girlfriend was being piggy backed across wet pavement in Hawaii when the guy (drunk who she’d just met) slipped and fell backwards on her. The ambulance arrived and to my friends horror they discovered that the EMT’s wouldn’t take her without proof of Insurance. So her sister left her half paralyzed on the side of the road to go back to the hotel to retrieve the documents....thank god she had some.
Note to self, buy Insurance, don’t be cheap...nuff said.
In short, don’t be a dumb ass and bring unnecessary things that will prevent you from getting to the big WMC 2008. All airlines post list on their sites so please double check all items.
Also please be reminded that the USA can deny you entry with a valid Passport if your renewal is less than 6 months. Oh yeah, they can, will and have done this. So if you are not sure just visit you’re local Passport Office, usually all info is displayed on their prospective websites.
As for flights please read your contract with your booking agent. Know what happens if you miss a flight, if you need to get insurance and it’s not that much more, than by all means do it. And this doesn’t mean Health Insurance; I haven’t even gotten to that yet.
Health Insurance is a must, absolute must have when travelling. If you are not from America then buy the best you can. There are some really great agencies out there that provide amazing coverage for the days you will be out of the country. You never want to be caught with your pants down in this area. Read steps 5 and 6 of the Winter Music Conference Guide
STEP 3: CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOTEL...LOCATION LOCATION
