Art Basel Is Not the Same Without a Tesla

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Art Basel 2024 is here, and this year, I’m doing it old-school—no Tesla, no premier rides, just Uber X and regular Lyft. While the big money isn’t rolling in like the $400 nights I used to see, I’m staying on the west side, avoiding the Miami Beach gridlock, and keeping it consistent. This vlog takes you through the daily grind of Art Basel weekend, navigating insane traffic, road closures, and the app frustrations that only rideshare drivers truly understand.

I break down the ridiculous bonus offers from Uber and Lyft (seriously, $35 for 30 rides, Lyft?), and weigh my options on how to make the most without the premium vehicle perks. From short trips around South Miami to dodging the chaos of downtown and Wynwood, I’m finding the balance between consistent rides and keeping my sanity. Spoiler: The cancellation rate math still doesn’t make sense.

There’s a lot of venting here—about shared rides, Miami Beach surges that aren’t worth the wait, and passengers who think rideshare drivers are mind readers. But I also reflect on how stepping away from the high-pressure Tesla mentality has made driving less stressful and more sustainable, even if it means fewer of those jaw-dropping payouts.

Stick around for some classic Mario rants, a $5 McDonald’s meal hack, and a look at what’s next with the holiday season approaching. The rideshare life isn’t always glamorous, but it’s got its moments. As always, leave a like, comment, and hit that subscribe button if you’re vibing with the hustle.

Timestamps:
0:00:00 – Art Basel 2024 kicks off, no Tesla this year.
0:00:45 – Comparing Tesla days to now: no $400 nights.
0:01:18 – Uber vs. Lyft bonus offers: insultingly low.
0:02:30 – Avoiding Miami Beach traffic and sticking west.
0:03:26 – Why Art Basel feels different this year.
0:04:17 – Miami Beach chaos: road closures and city mismanagement.
0:05:34 – "Don’t be birdbrain," Miami traffic rants.
0:06:31 – Avoiding the fire: my big event driving strategy.
0:07:02 – Lyft penalties and the dreaded "standard" status.
0:08:14 – First ride of the day: Art Basel in a regular car.
0:09:14 – Group chats on Tesla rides and traffic disorganization.
0:10:56 – Uber X surges vs. the time wasted in traffic.
0:12:23 – Annoying passenger behavior: the phone talkers.
0:14:09 – Why the $100/hour Tesla days are gone.
0:15:57 – Staying chill without chasing Premier rides.
0:18:02 – Cancellation rate frustrations: the math doesn’t add up.
0:19:19 – Rideshare realities: consistent money over big risks.
0:21:09 – Spark plug fixes and reflecting on Monday off.
0:24:06 – Airport runs and Wynwood chaos during Art Basel.
0:26:57 – The beauty of driving Pinecrest during perfect weather.
0:29:26 – Uber Teen rides in Pinecrest: better pay, no drama.
0:32:33 – Daylight savings throws off driving schedules.
0:34:03 – Diamond Transition to late-night driving.
0:36:02 – "Art Basel week: just a good week in a regular car."
0:38:44 – Why I hate Uber Share: "Follow the rules!"
0:41:17 – Comparing Tesla rentals and missing out on big events.
0:44:02 – Ranting about multiple stops and lowball offers.
0:46:33 – Final rides of the night: calling it quits at 186.
0:48:54 – Reflecting on Art Basel week earnings and strategy.
0:50:32 – Upcoming events and the holiday season grind.
0:54:47 – The $5 McDonald’s meal hack: small fries conspiracy.
1:00:17 – Weekly recap: the game has changed without a Tesla.
1:04:33 – Wrapping up: looking forward to holiday vlogging and podcasts.