Since sunny days and shores all year long are the main selling points of Fort Lauderdale, hotels and beaches tend to packed during the winter months.
Tourists flock from near and far to avoid the wintry cold temperatures of neighboring states.
Costs and queuing times stretch one's pocket and patience as locals contend with visitors at their favorite restaurants and beach spots.
To avoid the bumper-to-bumper traffic on the roads, risk of beach umbrellas staking one's body parts as well as snaking lines for a meal or restroom, it may be best to adjust one's travel dates towards the off season.
This however may land one in a sauna as sweltering temperatures are a norm of this Caribbean gateway during the summer months.
Fortunately, every grey cloud comes with a silver lining in the form of shoulder seasons.
Arriving before the winter swarm or after the spring horde leaves, lesser crowds on the roads and beaches offer the best times and temperatures for an enjoyable break.
It is however worthy to keep an eye on the weather channel as rains and hurricanes have a knack of dropping in uninvited during these months.
Perhaps the change in temperatures causes wind speeds to build up and swirl out of control.
Whatever the case, it should not put off the tourist from getting a tan at one of the best beaches in the world.
In line with its role as a Caribbean gateway, some Fort Lauderdale hotels offer cruise and stay packages to vacationers.
By including airport and port transfers, holidaymakers receive doorstep to doorstep treatment without the hassle of relying on public transportation.
Out-of-towners who drive to the city may also park their vehicles at the hotels at a lower cost for long term parking.
Depending on their travel dates, dayrooms can be arranged for pre and post needs.
Collaboration between hoteliers and cruisers helps to boost the tourism industry to greater heights.