Welcome To North America

 

North America is home to some of the most breathtaking natural sights on Earth as well as some of the most powerful cities in the world. The continent’s first inhabitants date back to the formation of the Bering land bridge 10,000 years ago who remained largely uncontacted by Western influence until the Spanish arrived in the late 15th Century. From the tundra to the tropics, North America offers a wealth of incredible travel opportunities for even the greenest of travelers.

 

Must see countries in North America quick links: British Virgin Islands | Canada | Costa Rica | Dominican Republic | Guatemala | Jamaica | Mexico | Nicaragua | Panama | The Bahamas | United States of America

 

British Virgin Islands

 

The Baths

The Baths are a geological wonder disguised as a gorgeous beach. The large granite formations, or batholiths, were created by volcanoes and eventually eroded into the boulders we see today. Be sure to take the boardwalk down to the Cathedral Room where you’ll find a tidal pool in a small cave and undoubtedly, a little serenity. While you’re in the area, you can take a short jaunt over to Devil’s Bay National Park for some swimming and snorkeling. Alternatively, you can head north to Spring Bay on your way back to Spanish Town.

Tortola

Tortola is the largest of the British Virgin Islands and is a fantastic destination for those looking for a more laid-back Caribbean destination. Your home base on Tortola is Road Town, the capital of the British Virgin Islands. Rather than spend a lot of your time here, venture out to see Tortola’s natural beauty like the beaches found on the north end of the island, Sage Mountain National Park to the southwest, or Cane Garden Bay, home to the Callwood Rum Distillery. Rather than trying to drive the island yourself, take a taxi wherever you’d like to go or if you’re feeling adventurous, one of the local “safari” busses.

 

Canada

 

Banff

Situated in Alberta’s Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park. The town of Banff is a resort town and one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations. That said, if you are keen to avoid crowds and tourist traps, feel free to skip it. For an incredible view of the entire park, hike or take the gondola in town up Sulphur Mountain. The park is a 90-minute drive from Calgary; if you aren’t accustomed to driving in snowy conditions, maybe save your trip for the summer…

Moraine Lake & Lake Louise

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, two glacier-fed lakes, provide arguably the most stunning views in Canada. The lakes are known for their striking turquoise waters and there are ample viewpoints from which to view them on the numerous hiking trails found around them, most notably on the Fairview Lookout and the Plain of Six Glaciers routes. Should you take the 5.6 km hike around Lake Louise, you’ll be greeted at its conclusion with a rustic tea house to nourish you before your journey back. If you choose to hike around Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the “20 Dollar View” awaits you, made famous by its illustration on the Canadian $20 bill. In addition to the ample hiking opportunities, there is great skiing to be had in the area as well as opportunities for other winter activities.

Toronto

Toronto is the thriving metropolis of the Great White North home to cultural diasporas from every corner of the world. Without a doubt, the most famous attraction and most notable feature of the Toronto skyline is the CN Tower which not only gives you an incredible view of the city, but also a view of Niagara Falls on a really clear day! Toronto is home to Yonge Street, the longest street in the world, which you can take to Dundas Square, where you can always find something happening, like one of Toronto’s many cultural festivals. If you head up to midtown, you’ll find Casa Loma, a stately mansion-turned-museum often used as a location for film and television shows. Toronto is notorious for bad traffic, so to get around, you’ll want to stick to the city’s well-developed public transportation.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is the kind of place where you can just sit in awe of our planet. Niagara Falls is the collective name of three waterfalls on the Niagara River: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The falls are best seen from the Canadian Side, though may also be seen (though not as well) from the American side. The Canadian side has more to offer in other ways in terms of attractions like the Skylon Tower, the Butterfly Conservatory, and Whirlpool Rapid as well as food, drink, and nightlife. While you’re there, be sure to take a little trip out to Niagara-on-the-Lake about 25 minutes north. It’s a great place for shopping and strolling, not to mention sampling the local wine!

Vancouver 

Break out the raincoat and galoshes–you’ll need them when you explore all Vancouver has to offer! Granville Island is a fun shopping destination anchored by its large public market. A little ways north, you’ll find the massive Stanley Park where you can get away from the hustle-and-bustle and get a nice glimpse of the city at a distance.If you want to burn the midnight oil, Robson Street is the place to be, featuring international cuisine and bumping clubs, not to mention Vancouver’s gorgeous public library. If you don’t mind going a little way out of town, it’s worth spending a morning out hiking the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver and possibly doing the Cliff walk, if you’re a thrill-seeker. Vancouver has ample public transportation to get you from Point A to Point B including busses, light rail, and ferries.

Victoria

If you’d like to extend your western Canada flyby, hop aboard the ferry from Vancouver to British Columbia’s capital, Victoria. Here you can visit Butchart Gardens, a world-renowned garden featuring an incredible 26 greenhouses and 900 plant varieties. This floral influence extends into the city’s undeniably cute downtown, with brightly colored facades and sidewalks graced by overflowing hanging baskets. Victoria is also home to Canada’s oldest Chinatown which is home to not only well-established Chinese-Canadian businesses, but also a host of fun shopping and dining opportunities. All in all, Victoria makes for a great two-day addition to you.

Montreal

Montreal is Canada’s second largest city which, in places, will make you feel as though you’re not in Canada at all. Much like the rest of Quebec, Montreal is characterized by its French influence. This is particularly apparent in its incredible food scene, its citizens’ deep appreciation for arts and culture and the festivals that celebrate it, as well as its architecture. One of the most stunning architectural features of the city is the Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal which also features a religious history of Montreal in its stained-glass windows. Much of the city’s other famous attractions such as the Place Jacques-Cartier and the Bonsecours Market can also be found in Old Montreal, but even more fun awaits in other neighborhoods like the nightlife of Chinatown or the artsy Latin Quarter. All of Montreal’s neighborhoods are connected through its four metro lines and bus systems, so travelling around town is pretty simple.

Costa Rica

 

Monteverde

Costa Rica has natural beauty in spades and if you want to get a front-row seat to it, visit the Monteverde district. It’s one of the most popular ecotourism destinations in the country and is home to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, known for its incredible biodiversity. Speaking of wildlife, the birdwatching in Monteverde is incredible, as it’s home to over 400 bird species. The village of Santa Elena is your hub for exploring the district. Accommodations in Santa Elena, much like the bumpy local roads, aren’t necessarily the nicest, but they get the job done. To get here though, you will need to acquaint yourself with those roads, as the best way to get to Monteverde is by car.

Poás Volcano

Costa Rica has a lot of volcanic activity due to the subduction of the Pacific tectonic plate under the Caribbean plate. Poás Volcano is one of the most frequently visited national parks in the country due to its proximity to the Costa Rican capital, San José and makes for a nice day trip. The volcano itself is active, yet not dangerous. It has two crater lakes with viewpoints accessible by short trails through the cloud forest. Unfortunately, Poás Volcano National Park isn’t a place where you can visit on a whim; reservations must be made in advance. If you don’t mind a little structure to your visit, you can book a tour out of San José which takes care of the reservation part for you.

 

Dominican Republic

 

Punta Cana

Picture yourself on a beach in the Caribbean. Okay, that beach is probably in Punta Cana. Is it a resort town? Yes. Are there a lot of people in beach chairs claiming their little scrap of paradise on the beach? Yes. But, if you want that idyllic beach experience, Punta Cana is a great place for it. In addition to the all-you-can-sunbathe buffet the town offers, there’s a number of other activities you can indulge in like rafting, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing. To get here, you can fly into the local airport, then use taxis to get around town, or rent a car if you’d like to explore the surrounding area.

Samaná Bay

If exploring the Dominican Republic’s natural beauty is more important to you than a drink in your hand and your toes in the sand, spend some time taking in Samaná Bay. Your starting point for exploring the bay will likely be the town of Samaná and is a great (and quieter) alternative to other resort towns around the Dominican Republic. The area is known for whale watching, specifically humpback whales, so be sure to book a trip if you’re here in the winter. Prefer to view wildlife on land? Swing by Los Haitises National Park to see flora and fauna endemic to the region, caves, and Taino pictographs dating back thousands of years.

Jarabacoa

Are you the kind of traveler who aspires to go south but can’t handle the heat? Jarabacoa, in the heart of the Dominican Republic, is known as “The City of Everlasting Spring” due to its consistently mild temperatures. These comfortable temperatures are due to its location within the Central Range, which also happen to be a major tourist attraction in the area. There are ample opportunities to venture out into the wild, including the Ébano Verde Scientific Reserve, a habitat for over 600 species of plants and animals.If you find the weather’s still too much for you, cool off at the El Arroyazo bathing spot just inside the reserve. If hiking in a park isn’t extreme enough for you, consider booking an ATV tour or maybe even a paragliding excursion for a birds eye view of the area…

Guatemala

 

Tikal

Nestled in the jungles of northern Guatemala is Tikal National Park, home to the ancient Mayan city of the same name. Once the greatest Mayan city prior to the collapse of their society, it was once a cultural and economic hub. The city was eventually abandoned, but its ruins are a popular tourist attraction. To this day, records of the happenings in Tikal can be found etched into the facades of the temples within. The shortest way to Tikal is by bus from Belize City which takes about three hours, though you can also depart from Flora, Guatemala and secure a tour from there, if you’d like.

Semuc Champey

Pack your bathing suit–you’ll need it when you get to Semuc Champey! Tucked away in the jungle, the limestone pools and waterfalls are a very well-hidden gem. Admittedly, it’s difficult to, but when you see the turquoise waters set against the lush, verdant forest, you’ll be glad you made the effort. We recommend taking a guided tour when you get here so you can enjoy the surrounding forest and caves safely before your final stop at the limestone pools.

Jamaica

 

Negril

Negril is one of the most popular destinations in Jamaica with a strong resort presence, but that’s not to say it’s worth skipping. There are a number of natural attractions in the area like the Blue Hole Mineral Spring, Roaring River Park, and Mayfield Falls a little ways out of town.Seven Mile Beach is lauded as one of the best beaches in Jamaica, if not the Caribbean, though there are several other gorgeous beaches in the area that are worth a look, like Half Moon Beach or Bloody Bay. All that said, if a little R&R is in the cards, maybe stay at that resort and grab a drink–travel doesn’t always have to be complicated.

Dunn’s River Falls and Park

Just an hour outside of Jamaica’s capital of Kingston lies Dunn’s River Falls, one of the most popular attractions in the country. The falls can be explored in two ways, depending on how wet you want to get, though if you want to make it to the top, opt for the wet option. If you need to take a breather on the way up, you can hang out in one of the many lagoons on the way up. Pro tip: make the hour-plus climb early in the morning to avoid large crowds, unless you’d like to be a part of a very long human-chain ascending the falls. Admission is around $25 USD for adults and includes a tour guide, required to view the falls.

Green Grotto Caves

Under half an hour away from Dunn’s River Falls are the Green Grotto Caves, appropriately named for the green algae that adorns the cave’s walls. The caves have quite a history, serving as shelter for the indigenous people of the island, a haven for pirates, and a hiding place for the Spanish from the invading British. For $20 USD, you can enter the cave and explore the two caves here, one significantly wilder than the other (so much so that it’s off-limits to tourists). The subterranean lake within is truly a sight to behold, being crystal clear and incredibly still. If you’d like a tour of the caves, they usually take just under an hour, making it easy to stack Green Grotto Caves on to your day trip along Jamaica’s northern coast.

Luminous Lagoon

Another half hour down A1, you’ll find Luminous Lagoon. This was once a port in Jamaica’s colonial past critical during the height of the sugar trade in the 1700s. These days, it’s known as a home of dinoflagellates, which are microscopic, bioluminescent organisms which is what makes the Lagoon so luminous. You can visit the lagoon solo if you’d like, but you can also book a tour to take a boat out for a ride around the lagoon where you can hop into the glowing waters for a swim. This is a great way to cap off your northern Jamaican adventure before calling it a night and heading the final 30 minutes west to Montego Bay.

 

Mexico

 

La Paz

La Paz is found near the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja peninsula. Settled by the Spanish in the 16th Century, its colonial feel can still be seen in the local architecture. The city came to prominence in recent years for its eco-tourism opportunities, like the Isla Espíritu Santo, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its reefs and wildlife. This focus on nature and its laid-back feel is increasingly setting La Paz apart from popular resort destinations in Mexico like Cabo or Cancun, though there are still plenty of opportunities to take it easy and enjoy the sunshine.

Mexico City

Formerly the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, Mexico City is one of the oldest cities in the Western Hemisphere and has a rich, albeit fraught history. The city is absolutely massive and is home to the wildly powerful to the poorest of the poor, the disparity of which can be seen the further you stray from the city’s center to the east and northwest. Starting at the Plaza del Zócalo, there are a number of historical locations you can visit like the national palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral, then wander down the road to the gorgeous Palacio de Bellas Artes. If you want to see the finer things Mexico City has to offer, head over to the Polanco neighborhood and visit the National Anthropology Museum and the Soumaya museum while you’re at it. To get around town, you can take the bus or the subway, but keep in mind that Mexico City has some of the most crowded roads on Earth.

Cancun

Sometimes, you just need to let loose and that is exactly what Cancun is known for. Cancun tends to cater to first-time international travelers and spring breakers, but believe it or not, there are some meaningful things you can do while getting some R&R here. If you want a more authentic experience, ditch the Hotel Zone and head out to Avenida Tulum where you can eat some tasty street food or take the bus out to Mercado 28 to buy some souvenirs. Isla Mujeres is easily accessible from the Hotel Zone and offers gorgeous views as well as a turtle farm. If you don’t mind a little time on the road, you can see Chichen Itza, a well-preserved Mayan city. That said, if kicking back and relaxing is all you need, set up a beach chair on one of the many white sand beaches in town and breathe easy.

Holbox

If the idea of going to a Mexican resort town sounds exhausting to you, consider giving Holbox a try. Holbox is about 2½ hours north of Cancun with an entirely different vibe. While it does cater to tourists, the tourists here are a different breed and consequently, so are the vendors you’ll see around Holbox. Holbox was made for relaxing, but there are plenty of activities you can enjoy there, like kayaking, snorkeling, or catching a glimpse of the local wildlife.To get here, fly into Cancun and take a bus north to Chiquilá where you can catch a ferry to Holbox for about 140 pesos.

 

Nicaragua

 

Masaya Volcano

Masaya Volcano makes for an easy day trip from Nicaragua’s capital, Managua. As part of Nicaragua’s national park, you can observe the twin volcanoes, Nindirí and Masaya, and five craters. Visitors can view the lava lake within the Santiago crater and also have the opportunity to view local wildlife that have taken up residents in the nearby lava cones like bats and parakeets. Entrance fees cost around $4 USD and you can book a nighttime tour of the park to view the lava lake in its full glory for an additional $10 USD.

Playa Maderas

If you’ve ever had dreams of learning how to surf, take your flyby down to Playa Maderas in southwest Nicaragua. The area is great for beginner and advanced surfers alike. If you’re keen to give it a try, you can take a class from one of many surfing schools or rent a board for around $10 a day. You can find accommodations in town, or you may want to stay down the road in San Juan del Sur. Shuttles operate between the two towns, making it easy to create the experience you want depending how nice you want your hotel to be and how many people you care to be around.

Somoto Canyon

The Somoto Canyon is such a hidden gem, even scientists didn’t know it existed until 2004! The canyon can be explored in a number of ways, depending on how adventurous you are, including walking, boating, tubing, or repelling off the canyon walls. The canyon is situated in a dry forest in northern Nicaragua which serves as a home for deer, parakeets, iguanas, and numerous other species of plants and animals. There are a few different tours that correspond to desired levels of activity and lots of them involve a little cliff-diving. Due to it being very far off the beaten path, it will take you a while to travel here from Managua, but if you like to hike and don’t mind a bumpy bus ride or two, give it a try!

 

Panama

 

Panama City

Panama City is like the ultimate crossroads of the world, connecting North and South, Atlantic and Pacific, as well as old and new. You can get a history lesson simply by walking through the ruins of Old Panama and Casco Viejo, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites and lasting reminders of the colonization that would eventually give rise to Panama’s fast-growing economy. If you want to make your Panamanian flyby a little more active, hike Cerro Ancon to get an amazing view of the city, the Panama Bay, and some native wildlife if you’re lucky. And no trip to Panama City would be complete without a trip to see the engineering marvel of the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal. At the locks’ visitors center, you can have a drink as you watch massive ships on their journey between oceans. Should you wish to follow those boats through the canal, you will find the Bridge of the Americas, connecting the continents North and South America, which is absolutely stunning at night. Panama City is easily traversed by bus so once you pick up your metro card, the city is yours!

 

The Bahamas

 

Eleuthera

As popular a destination as the Bahamas is, Eleuthera is relatively untouched compared to New Providence, home of the Bahamian capital of Nassau. Here, you won’t find crowds or giant cruise ships. Instead, you’ll be able to enjoy the best that the Bahamas has to offer in relative peace. Eleuthera is known for its pink sand beaches, colored by crushed shells. You can catch a glimpse of a good number of shipwrecks along the northern coast of the main island due to the presence of shallow reefs with a reputation for eating ships for breakfast. While you’re up that way, pop up to Harbor Island to see Pink Sands Beach and putter around the positively quaint Dunmore Town.

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

Reefs are incredibly important to the survival of a large swath of marine life, so it’s no surprise the Bahamian people wanted to preserve their structure and beauty. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is home to the second largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. You can see the reefs for yourself through a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure. There’s plenty to keep you busy on land too, from gorgeous birds to the endangered Bahamian rock iguana to the ancient stromatolites, among the oldest organisms on earth.

Pig Beach

Weird question: have you ever wanted to swim with pigs? Well, in the Bahamas, this is totally within the realm of possibility. On Big Major Cay, Pig Beach has but one draw and that is being able to swim with feral pigs. It’s not much, but it would make for a good story, wouldn’t it? You can get to Pig Beach pretty easily by hopping a 30-minute plane from Nassau.

 

United States of America (USA)

 

New York

New York can be a polarizing place, but even if you’re more of a wide open spaces-kind of person, check it out at least once so you can experience the magic of standing in Times Square, the gravity of the 9/11 Memorial, and the majesty of the Statue of Liberty, just to name a few. If you can, try to explore the city as a whole rather than keeping to the attractions in Manhattan. For example, music fans might consider heading to the South Bronx for a walking tour exploring the birth of hip-hop culture or take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry to see the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden. The possibilities are endless in New York, so get yourself a MetroCard and get exploring!

San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most culturally rich cities in the United States, due to it being a former entry point into the United States. In every corner of the city, you can feel the impact immigrants have had on this city, most notably in Chinatown, both North America’s first and largest. There are so many ways you could play a trip to San Francisco depending on what you want to get out of it, be it landmarks and museums, the food, the nightlife, or the culture. If you’re a lover of true crime or history, take the ferry out to Alcatraz to see where some of America’s most famous criminals were housed. If you’ve come to San Francisco by car, you can get a really nice view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city across the bay at Battery Spencer Overlook. If not, check out the beautiful gardens at Golden Gate Park. San Francisco has a moderate climate but come prepared with layers just in case. The city boasts some of the best public transportation in the United States, so it shouldn’t be difficult to get anywhere you’d like to go in the Bay Area.

Las Vegas

Vegas is a modern-day oasis. If you’re looking for a good time, this is it–they don’t call it the entertainment capital of the world for nothing! It’s primarily known for its casinos, but if gambling isn’t for you, you can catch any number of shows, be it Cirque du Soleil or a pop star’s residency, hit the clubs, or marveling at the sheer bizarreness of the Strip. Be sure to check out Fremont Street to experience a campiness that only Vegas can provide. Las Vegas is incredibly uncomfortable in the summer, so avoid it at all costs since you’ll probably be doing a lot of walking. That said, public transportation or cabs can get you where you need to go if you don’t feel like hoofing it in the Vegas heat.

Grand Canyon

One simply does not go to the Grand Canyon and feel nothing. It’s easy to be awe-struck marveling at its sheer immensity and knowing that a little river made it all possible somehow feels unreal. The park is easily accessed by road, though there are plenty of flightseeing opportunities that operate out of Las Vegas if you’re not up for a road trip. There are several entrances to the park, though the South Rim entrance is open year-round and has museums, restaurants, and helpful services for those hiking or camping in the park. How much time you spend in the park is heavily dependent on how outdoorsy you are, but plan to at least spend three hours to really take in the sights and to appreciate the forces that shape our planet into what it is.

 

Must see places around the World by continent: Africa | Antarctica | Asia | Australia/Oceania | Europe | North America | South America