Riding to Boquillas, Mexico across the Rio Grande river from Big Bend State Park, Texas, USA

We slept like stargazers in a sea of flying saucers - our last night in Roswell (see Landing in ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO – UFOs, Aliens, Burgers & Americana on the Outskirts of Reality) was surreal in the best way. Between the cow-abducting dreams and Zog (our souvenir grey alien) perched on the nightstand, it was hard not to chuckle as we packed up and fired up Shehzadi for the next leg of our epic journey.

We waved goodbye to the high desert quirks of New Mexico and again steered Shehzadi south on US-285, toward the heart of Far Western Texas. Our destination? The far-off frontier town of Terlingua, perched near the Mexican border, nestled against the mighty spine of Big Bend National Park. But first, we stopped in the proud little town of Pecos, Texas, for lunch - and unexpectedly, to meet a legend.

Carnival cruise ship sailing from Miami Photo: Carnival Cruises

We fly from our home in the Washington, DC metro area to Miami. The next day, our cruise ship, the Carnival Imagination, sets sail from Miami, kicking off an adventure with turquoise waters and tropical breezes. After a relaxing day at sea, pastel-colored Key West welcomes us with its quirky charm and conch fritters. Next, Cozumel unfolds, a paradise for divers and sunbathers alike. But our adventure extends beyond the beach. A thrilling excursion whisks us to Playa del Carmen when we board a ferry to the mainland. From there, the ancient Mayan city of Tulum awaits, its weathered stone temples standing sentinel against the Caribbean Sea. We are dazzled by history and breathtaking views before returning to our luxurious cruise ship for an unforgettable evening.