Yet, it is the people of this vibrant city that make Miami unique. The linguistic and cultural combination of North and Central America are tangled up here with the delightful tune of salsa and meringue drifting out of stores and down the streets. Half of the permanent residents of Miami are of Hispanic origin (mostly Cuban) making Spanish the mostly widely spoken language. The unmistakable Latin beat that invigorates the city can be tracked down to Little Havana. The smell of Cuban cigars wafts through the air from a group of men dressed down in floral pattern shirts. Cuban coffee and food is quite cheap in this area and always a delicious pick-me-up. For those looking for some fun in the sun, the alluring aphrodisiac that is South Beach continues to draw in year round visitors to Miami. Whether you’re enjoying a cocktail under a sun umbrella on a restaurant patio or people watching down the miles of sugary white sand, South Beach is sure to set the standard for the perfect beach holiday. In the evening, the skyline glows into an intoxicating strip of neon lights and the cool night breeze sways the palm leaves above the funky clubs and lively restaurants. If you are looking for a quieter location, North Beach is in the more secluded, modern side of Miami. Just outside of Miami, visitors can explore the nature reserves of South Florida and the Florida Keys, and families can enjoy the many amusement parks found in the Miami area and further north on the peninsula. There is also the option to try a ride on one of Florida’s iconic air boats, from which it is possible to indulge in some eco-friendly alligator spotting in the Everglades National Park, just west of the city. Whether you prefer to mingle amongst the money-drenched wealth and beauty of Fort Lauderdale to the north, or enjoy some lazy cocktails a la Hemingway in the alternative, laid back island chain of Key West to the south, there is plenty within easy reach of Miami that is accessible by day trippers or those willing to incorporate an overnight stopover. Hotels in Miami range from the budget chains to five-star deluxe properties. There is a wide choice in price, quality and style – cheap hotels in Miami are generally found away from the South Beach and Miami Beach areas. Miami International Airport (MIA) is located just under nine miles west of the city centre, and is one of the busiest airports in the US – being one of the main entry points to Florida and also the major gateway to Latin America. More than 140 airlines operate flights to Miami. Flights to Miami tend to be affordable year-round, and with low-cost airlines now flying into Fort Lauderdale, obtaining cheap flights to Miami has never been easier.