Grassy expanses on a horizon to clear blue nothing, amphibious reptiles lying languidly in the heat of the mid-day sun, birds gliding lazily on a tree-to-tree mission, mangrove forests lapped by the shores of a turquoise blue ocean.
All this and more can be found in The Everglades, Florida. This isn’t a cheap part of the world to travel in, but it’s possible to enjoy the state’s best natural attractions, washed down with a sweet mojito and a slice of Key Lime pie, without breaking the bank. Here’s your guide to seeing The Everglades on a flashpacker budget.
It’s hard to believe The Everglades (entrance fee $10, valid for seven consecutive days) were once considered a swampy nuisance. Fortunately, an appreciation for this mammoth haven and home for numerous bird species and the other wildlife has prevailed; although the pressures of a Miami-and-surrounds population that’s growing by 800 people every day makes the balancing act of environment vs development ever tougher.
The Everglades span almost the whole area to the west and south-west of Miami. The urban sprawl of the city is in evidence as you drive to the Glades either west on the Tamiami Trail, or south on US 1. Mile upon mile of malls, car dealerships, Starbucks and more pave the way for an hour or more, until …
Peace. Grasslands and waterways finally take over from concrete and supermarkets.
Feel the wind in your hair as you hire a bike ($9 p/hr) to take you around all – or part – of the 15-mile Shark Valley Loop Rd, accessed via US 41 (Tamiami Trail), west of Miami.
Marvel at the alligators, basking at the side of the trail, mere footsteps from your pedals.
Gaze in awe at the majesty of the birds that perch on seemingly every other tree branch; and laugh at those that cheekily turn away from you as you seek to capture their image for digital posterity.
In the south-west part of the park (accessed from near Homestead) drive the road to Flamingo, and stop to take the numerous short trails en-route. Spot wildlife, go under the “hammock” woodland areas, witness nature in action – this is a place where snake-eating birds could appear on a tree at any moment.
Get out your camera, your inner ornithologist, or both.
If you fancy a little more adventure (and to part with more money), whizz though the waters on an Air Boat tour (outside the park boundaries), paddle through the backwaters on a kayak, or get your swamp thing on with an organised trek IN the glades.
OK so there’s no getting around this. You’re going to need to rent a car (around $150 p/w for a compact). Fortunately petrol (gas) is super-super cheap at around $2.30-$2.70 per gallon.
A useful stop-off near the south-west entrance of the park is Homestead, which has some AirBnB properties.
Homestead is also home to the Coral Castle Museum (entrance including tour $16), a bizarre collection of honed coral rock that was a labour of love for creator Ed Leedskalnin over a period of 20 years.
Hi, I'm Julie, a York (UK)-based travel blogger and comfort-zone pusher. Join me as I bring you pics and musings from my mildly adventurous travels around the globe. My mission is to hear you say, "I"m so glad I did it!" instead of, "I wish I could, BUT ..."
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2 Responses
What’s a flash packer budget? How much per day?
Hi, thanks for your query. My budget for the US was around £100/$150 per day, travelling solo. Travelling in a couple wouldn’t be anywhere near double that. This budget included accommodation in simple private rooms, car hire, meals at simple restaurants/diners, plus some picnic lunches. A “backpacker” budget could be less if you’re happy to stay in a dorm room.
I’m currently in Nicaragua, and my solo flashpacker budget here – travelling solo – is around £33-£40/$50-$60 p/day. Again that’s staying in simple private rooms; taking the local buses rather than tourist shuttles, eating at some restaurants, getting some supplies from the bakeries/markets, and taking the occasional tour.
Hope that helps 🙂