Smathers Beach in Key West is one of the places that is sure to be overrun with tourists this winter.
They come, Key West and Miami Beach.
The tourists, that is. They’re eyeing us and making their reservations, and all too soon they’ll be clogging highways, restaurants, and beaches. We know it’s good for business after a tough year, but we’re already tired.
TripAdvisor just released its top 10 favorite winter destinations for Americans, and Key West and Miami Beach are among the top five. No surprise here: Tripadvisor reported that tourists wanted to come here in summer too. What crazy person wants to be here in the middle of hurricane season? We don’t want to be here at all.
Tripadvisor also recently recognized these restaurants in Key West and Miami Beach at the Travelers’ Choice Restaurants Awards 2021. The hospitality industry loves you, but you aren’t helping us locals stay healthy, Tripadvisor.
Winter is of course the perfect time to travel to Florida, and this winter comes after a year and a half of pandemic restrictions. Tripadvisor reports that Americans are now booking travel for the winter of 2021, with more than half (55 percent) saying they will travel this winter. Most (94 percent) say they will stay in the United States.
Key West ranks fourth on the most popular list, which isn’t exactly a shock. My god, there is now a Margaritaville Beach House open by the sea – blame Jimmy Buffett. Key West even has one of the 10 most booked experiences in the country, reports Tripadvisor: the Key West Sunset Sail with Full Bar, Live Music & Hors D’oeuvres. A “full bar” is exactly what the locals need through June and maybe even after.
Miami Beach doesn’t look shabby in winter, that’s for sure.
Miami Beach came in fifth, just behind Key West. Apparently, no visitor is too concerned about the shootings and the noisy crowds and crime that caused Miami Beach residents to make one final call for residents at 2 a.m. earlier this month to approve an alcohol referendum.
The top destination for winter travelers is New York City, again at the top for the first time since the pandemic. Orlando follows New York, because who wouldn’t want to squeeze themselves and their offspring into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and fight for a Butterbeer with several thousand other fans, many of them short and with wands waving?
Las Vegas was ranked number 3 on the list. The rest of the top 10 most popular winter destinations are Nashville; Chicago; Anaheim; Los Angeles; and savannah.
Connie Ogle loves wine, books and the Miami Heat. Please don’t let them eat mango.
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