Some trips start smoothly. Mine started with a missing suitcase.
At 3:30 AM, I left for Düsseldorf Airport to catch my first flight to Munich, where my journey to New York City would officially begin. The flights went perfectly, but upon arrival at JFK, one of our suitcases failed to appear on the baggage carousel. Unfortunately, it contained many of our most important belongings. After filing reports and spending valuable time dealing with airport staff, we decided not to let it ruin the adventure.
First Impressions of New York City
That evening, we headed straight into Brooklyn. Our first stop was DUMBO, one of the city's most photogenic neighborhoods. Standing beneath the Manhattan Bridge with the New York skyline rising in the background felt like the perfect introduction to the city.
From there, we walked across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan, taking in the incredible views along the way. After a quick stop at a supermarket to replace some of the essentials that were sitting somewhere in an unknown airport, we made our way to Times Square.
Bright lights, giant screens, endless crowds, and the famous Raising Cane's chicken restaurant. Overstimulating is probably the best way to describe it. We ended up eating right in the middle of Times Square, surrounded by thousands of people and the constant energy that makes New York famous.
Exploring Manhattan
The next day started early. Staying in Queens meant that reaching Manhattan took over an hour, but the savings on accommodation made it worthwhile.
After a classic American breakfast, we rented e-bikes and explored Central Park. Cycling past squirrels, lakes, and landmarks such as Belvedere Castle offered a surprisingly peaceful side of New York.
Later, we visited Hudson Yards and enjoyed lunch at Peak Restaurant, located on the 101st floor above The Edge observation deck. The food was good, but the real attraction was the breathtaking panoramic view across Manhattan. With floor-to-ceiling windows and endless city views, it became one of the highlights of our time in New York.
The afternoon was spent visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Wall Street before ending the day aboard the Staten Island Ferry. As the sun began to set, we sailed past the Statue of Liberty, creating a perfect final memory of the city.
Arrival in Mexico
The following morning, we flew from Newark to Cancún. Unfortunately, the missing suitcase still hadn't been found.
Upon landing, we picked up a rental car and began our road trip through Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Driving in Mexico was an adventure in itself. Traffic rules seemed more like suggestions, and speed bumps often appeared without warning.
Our first base was Tulum Pueblo, where we stayed in a modern apartment surrounded by jungle for less than €30 per night. The accommodation even featured a private plunge pool on the balcony.
Swimming Through Underground Worlds
One of the most memorable experiences in Mexico was visiting Cenote Dos Ojos. Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear groundwater and are scattered throughout the region.
Equipped with snorkeling gear, we explored underground cave systems connected by narrow passages. The highlight was entering the famous Bat Cave, where thousands of bats lived high above the water. The contrast between the cool water and the tropical heat outside made the experience even more special.
Chichén Itzá: One of the Seven Wonders
A two-hour drive took us to Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Founded by the Maya around 800 AD, the ancient city was once an important political and economic center. Walking through the archaeological site and standing in front of the famous El Castillo pyramid was impressive, even despite the large number of souvenir vendors surrounding the area.
The history, architecture, and scale of the complex make it an essential stop when visiting the Yucatán Peninsula.
Snorkeling in Cozumel
From Playa del Carmen, we took a ferry to Cozumel for a full day of snorkeling.
The reefs surrounding the island were packed with marine life. During the trip, I spotted sea turtles, barracudas, lobsters, sharks, and countless tropical fish. At one reef, we were even surrounded by dozens of starfish resting on the sandy seabed.
The crystal-clear Caribbean waters around Cozumel easily made this one of the best snorkeling experiences of the trip.
Relaxing Along the Riviera Maya
Not every day was filled with adventure. Sometimes the best travel moments come from slowing down.
After deciding against spending a small fortune on an adventure park, we drove to Puerto Morelos, a laid-back beach town between Cancún and Playa del Carmen. The beaches were quieter, the atmosphere was relaxed, and it provided the perfect opportunity to unwind.
Isla Holbox: Mexico's Island Escape
Our final destination was Isla Holbox, a small island in the Gulf of Mexico where cars are not allowed.
After returning the rental car and taking a bus to Chiquilá, we boarded a ferry to the island. The moment we arrived, life seemed to slow down. Instead of taxis, golf carts transported visitors around sandy streets.
We spent our days relaxing at beach clubs, enjoying fresh Mexican food, and exploring the island by golf cart. Driving from one end of Holbox to the other takes less than twenty minutes, making it easy to discover places like Punta Mosquito and Punta Coco.
The untouched beaches, peaceful atmosphere, and absence of traffic created the perfect ending to an unforgettable journey.
From New York's skyscrapers to Mexico's underground cenotes, ancient ruins, coral reefs, and island life, this trip delivered a remarkable combination of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Even a missing suitcase couldn't stop it from becoming an experience I will never forget.
