Adventurous Journey: From Oslo to Miami with Grandpa

Explore Miami: From Oslo to the Sunshine State ☀️🌴

Travelling to the United States had been a dream for many years. My grandpa and I had talked about going on a Caribbean cruise ever since I was in high school, but at the time neither of us could afford it. So we kept saving, and after years of planning, we finally made the trip happen.

It was definitely worth the wait.

The Journey to Miami

Our adventure began with a long journey from Oslo to Copenhagen, followed by a flight to Miami. Including the layover, the journey took around 12 hours.

Unfortunately, we didn't receive the upgraded seats we had expected, but luckily we still managed to sit together, which made the long flight much more comfortable.

The food on board was good, and despite the long travel day, everything went smoothly.

Arriving in the United States

After landing in Miami, we joined a long immigration queue before entering the country.

When it was finally our turn, we presented our passports and our approved ESTA travel authorization, which Norwegian citizens need before travelling to the United States.

We were photographed, had our fingerprints scanned, answered a few routine questions, collected our luggage, and finally headed to our hotel.

Although the process took some time, everything was well organized.

First Impressions of Miami

Stepping outside the airport immediately felt different.

Palm trees lined the streets, the weather was warm, and the impressive skyline made it clear that we had arrived in Miami.

The combination of modern skyscrapers, beautiful beaches, and tropical surroundings gave the city a unique atmosphere that felt completely different from home.

Day 1 – Discovering Miami Beach

Our first full day was spent exploring Miami Beach.

The beach was exactly as beautiful as we had imagined, with soft white sand, turquoise water, and rows of palm trees stretching along the coastline.

For lunch, we enjoyed a delicious hamburger and decided to try octopus for the very first time. Trying local food is always one of my favourite parts of travelling, and it's fun stepping outside your comfort zone every now and then.

It was the perfect way to begin our Miami adventure.

Day 2 – Shopping and Exploring the City

On our second day, we spent time wandering through the streets of Miami.

We explored local shops, enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, and stopped to try different foods along the way. Sometimes the best travel memories come from simply walking around without a strict plan.

My Tips

🌴 Apply sunscreen regularly, the Florida sun is much stronger than many visitors expect.

💧 Stay hydrated, especially if you're walking around all day.

🛂 Apply for your ESTA well before departure.

👟 Wear comfortable shoes, you'll probably do more walking than you think.

🍴 Be adventurous and try local dishes, you might discover a new favourite.

Trip Cost

We booked most of our holiday through MyCruise, which included:

• 3 days (2 nights) at a hotel in Miami before the cruise (without breakfast)

• The cruise, including meals and a drinks package

• 4 days (3 nights) at a hotel in Miami after the cruise (without breakfast)

Total price for two people: 64,189 NOK = 6 230 USD

It was certainly an expensive trip, but it had been a dream for many years.

My grandpa and I had talked about going on a cruise since I was in high school, and after years of saving, we finally made it happen.

Looking back, every penny was worth it.

Stay tuned for the next part of our adventure!