Miami and Mexico: Magic City meets Maya mystique

Off to the airport and into your plane to the legendary Sunshine State! After a few hours, it's time. 'Welcome to Miami'! With Will Smith's iconic track in your head, you make your way to your hotel, check in and put your feet up. But after a short while, your curiosity is just too strong – it's time to explore The Magic City! First stop? South Beach. The famous palm-lined Ocean Drive is just a stone's throw away, so, true to the motto 'see and be seen', you stroll along Miami's chic Art Deco buildings and let the salty ocean breeze blow through your hair. Pro tip: When it's time for a bite, check out Naked Taco. From the next-level taco creations to the laid-back atmosphere, everything here is 100% on point!

Ocean Drive was just the beginning. You can't wait to experience more of this unique city! But first, you need a good breakfast (at your own expense). Our tip: head to Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana! Here, you can treat yourself to a hearty Cuban breakfast that'll make you question whether you're still in Miami or you've been teleported to Cuba. And when you walk down Calle Ocho, answering that question will be even harder. Let the Cuban way of life in the heart of the city sweep you off your feet. Discover restaurants and bars and find out which Cuban stars and starlets are immortalised here on the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame. And once you find yourself standing between the sparkling skyscrapers of the city's downtown area, you'll be reassured that you are in fact in Miami. When you get to Wynwood, your last stop for today, you'll see streets littered with graffiti and murals, each one more beautiful than the last. The former warehouses here are now home to countless art galleries, breweries and fancy fashion boutiques. And everywhere you look, you'll find perfect spots to snap some pics!

Back to the start! Today, you're heading back to the airport and saying goodbye to the US. But there's no reason to be sad! As Miami gets smaller and smaller beneath you, your excitement about the adventure ahead grows with each passing minute until it's finally time: 'Hola, Mexico!' The warm sun tickles your skin as you step off the plane in the capital of the Yucatán.
Colourful, vibrant and lively – that's Mérida in three words. You drop off your bags and dive right into the city for a total sensory overload. First, you head to Mercado Lucas de Gálvez and tuck into Mexican street food classics that are just perfect for your Insta story. Then it's time to chill out in a cosy café on the city's magnificent boulevard, the Paseo de Montejo. Historic villas, buzzing street life and pure vibes – 'Mérida, what an experience you are!'

The locals of Mérida are both warm and approachable. And so it's fitting that free walking tours through the city are offered every morning. Sign up at the Palacio Municipal on the western Plaza Grande and experience the city through the eyes of a local. Get tips and insider suggestions and follow the trail of the Maya, whose ancient symbols can be found everywhere. You can find Mérida's must-sees around the sprawling Plaza Grande, such as the Catedral de San Ildefonso, the oldest church in the country and a shining example of how strongly intertwined faith and culture are in Mexico. And the pink town hall is a sight that's definitely hard to miss. If you're in the city on a Monday, be sure to come back in the evening when dancers and musicians come together for the Vaqueria, a traditional Mexican dance event.