During a September 2024 stopover in Miami en route to South America, my husband and I explored the city in an unexpectedly large pickup truck, braved mosquitoes in the Everglades, and discovered a hidden gem in Sam's Hideaway Tavern. While Miami itself didn't impress me much (I'd recommend San Diego or New York instead), we still managed to enjoy some authentic American experiences and local hospitality.

From navigating river crossings in our beaten-up 4x4 to discovering Costa Rica's stunning landscapes and wild life, we spent two weeks exploring this rain-soaked paradise. At €1,800 per person, we packed in adventures like turtle tours, horseback riding and rafting. The verdict? 6.5/10: beautiful nature and veggie-friendly, but pricey with limited cultural experiences.