Flying to Miami with flexibility re return date?

I'm looking for advice re booking flight to Miami in a way that gives me the flexibility to alter the return date with the least cost and hassle. I'll be flying out mid Feb and returning sometime between mid March to mid April. I'll be travelling alone. My plan is to take a cruise for a week with Norwegian Cruise Liners and then travel in Florida for a while.
I have never holidayed in USA and it's been more than 10 years since I had a holiday, so I'm long out of practice. In years past I used to just book flight only and then sort out where to travel and stay. Now that I've entered my 60's I want to reduce any stress and hassle. Any advice, particularly regarding booking flights in a way that gives me flexibility regarding the return date would be most welcome. Any other advice re Florida and hotels/resorts would also be great.

Hi Julius. I am also researching flights/hotels for Florida, including cruise too, but for Feb 19. It seems to me that, if you want to fly direct, Aer Lingus is the best bet. They have a 'Flexible' fare which is higher than economy but allows you to make a change. It is cheaper to book economy and stick to a return date, obviously. Accommodation seems to run at $125 ish per night for hotels but we are looking at hiring a house in Orlando for a week or two and using as a base. Car hire seems reasonable. Enjoy your holiday. S

Hi Slim. I'll travel on an Economy ticket and if I need to change the return date from Miami I'll take the hit on the fee for this and on any difference in the ticket price. After the cruise I'm going to spend a few days in Lake Worth area and then I'm likely to hire a car and drive to New Orleans and spend a week there and then drive back to Miami to catch the return flight. I imagine hiring a car in the States is cheaper than here and very straightforward. I don't want to arrange car hire before I leave as the road trip to New Orleans may not happen (might take internal flight there instead). I've booked no hotels as yet but any tips re hotels in the Miami, Palm Beach and Lake Worth areas would be welcome. I may not book hotels ahead except for the few nights in Miami before the cruise starts.
Have a great holiday!

Hi Julius. I have read on Tripadvisor that hiring a car when you get there is problematic and we should book from this side of the Atlantic, something to do with insurance if l recall correctly. Have a great trip! Slim

Slim said:

Hi Julius. I have read on Tripadvisor that hiring a car when you get there is problematic and we should book from this side of the Atlantic, something to do with insurance if l recall correctly. Have a great trip! Slim

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The major car rental companies will have no issues, they're well used to hiring cars to non-nationals. US citizens can use their own insurance to cover some of the usual fees, if you present an Irish licence, they'll know what to do. At the desk rentals are likely to be more expensive though.

Long road trips are pretty tedious for the most part though.