North America Travel Guide
Planning a trip to North America? Read this comprehensive travel guide covering everything from places to visit, food and drink scene, local culture, safety, transportation options, and more.
- Introduction to North America
- List of Places to Visit in North America
- Hiking/Biking Routes in North America
- Best Things to Do in North America: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for North America
- Food and Drink Scene in North America
- Where to Stay in North America: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in North America: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of North America
- Best Time to Visit North America
- Do’s and Don’ts of North America
- Safety and Health
- Getting to North America: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in North America
- Conclusion
Introduction to North America
North America is a vast and diverse continent that is home to some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With its rich history, stunning natural scenery, and vibrant cultural offerings, there is something for everyone in North America.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this comprehensive travel guide will provide you with everything you need to know to plan the perfect North American adventure.
List of Places to Visit in North America
North America is home to countless attractions, each with its unique charm and appeal. Here are some of the must-see destinations that should be on your list when visiting North America:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
- The Getty Center, Los Angeles
- The National WWII Museum, New Orleans
- The Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver
- Teotihuacán archaeological site, Mexico City
Natural Attractions of North America: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
- Niagara Falls, New York/Ontario
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana
- Denali National Park, Alaska
- The Northern Lights, Canada and Alaska
Hiking/Biking Routes in North America
North America is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and biking. Here are some of the best hikes and bike routes in North America:
- The Appalachian Trail, United States
- The Pacific Crest Trail, United States
- The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, United States
- The West Coast Trail, British Columbia, Canada
- The La Ruta de los Conquistadores, Costa Rica
Best Things to Do in North America: Activities and Tours
North America offers endless opportunities for entertainment and adventure. Here are some of the best things to do in North America:
- Visit a theme park: Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Six Flags are just a few of the many available.
- Take a helicopter tour: See spectacular views of cities, national parks, and coastlines from above.
- Go whale watching: Experience close encounters with whales off the coasts of Alaska, Hawaii, and California.
- Take a food tour: Explore the culinary wonders of North America, from sushi in Vancouver to BBQ in Texas.
Week-Long Itinerary for North America
If you only have a week to spend in North America, here is a suggested itinerary to get the most out of your trip:
Day 1-2: Explore New York City
Day 3-4: Visit the Grand Canyon National Park
Day 5-6: Enjoy the beaches in Cancun, Mexico
Food and Drink Scene in North America
North America is a melting pot of cultures, and its cuisine reflects this diversity. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in North America:
Must-Try Dishes
- Lobster roll, New England
- Poutine, Quebec, Canada
- Philly cheesesteak, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Tacos al pastor, Mexico City
- Jambalaya, New Orleans, Louisiana
Local Beverages
- Bourbon, Kentucky
- Wine, Napa Valley, California
- Whiskey, Tennessee
- Craft beer, Portland, Oregon
- Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico
Where to Stay in North America: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
North America has a wide range of accommodation options to fit any budget and style. Here are some of the best places to stay in North America:
- The Ritz-Carlton, New York City
- Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Alberta, Canada
- The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
- Hacienda Uayamon, Yucatan, Mexico
- HI-Miami Beach, Miami, Florida
What to Buy in North America: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home from your North American adventure:
- Maple syrup, Canada
- Alaskan smoked salmon, Alaska
- Mexican pottery, Mexico
- Cowboy boots, Texas
- Native American jewelry, Arizona
Local Culture and Customs of North America
North America is a diverse continent with various cultures and customs. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting:
- Tipping is customary in restaurants and for tour guides.
- Always use common courtesies, such as saying “please” and “thank you.”
- Be aware of cultural differences, such as personal space preferences.
Best Time to Visit North America
North America is vast, and the best time to visit varies depending on your chosen destination. Here are some general tips:
- Summer is a popular time to visit, but it can be crowded and more expensive.
- The fall and spring are ideal for enjoying pleasant weather and avoiding crowds.
- Winter is excellent for skiing, snowmobiling, and other winter sports.
Do’s and Don’ts of North America
Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting North America:
Do:
- Respect the local culture and customs.
- Follow the rules and regulations when visiting national parks.
- Enjoy the local cuisine and food scene.
Don’t:
- Don’t forget to tip in restaurants and for tour guides.
- Don’t litter or damage natural habitats.
- Don’t forget to pack for the weather and climate of your destination.
Safety and Health
North America is generally a safe continent, but it is still essential to take precautions to stay safe and healthy. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Safety in North America
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas known for crime.
- Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi or public computers.
- Always wear a seatbelt when driving or traveling in a car.
Health in North America
- Always carry any necessary medication with you.
- Stay hydrated and eat nutritious foods.
- Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
Getting to North America: Transportation Options and Logistics
North America has a range of transportation options to get around the continent, including:
- Air travel
- Amtrak trains
- Greyhound buses
- Car rental
Airports in North America
Some of the major airports in North America include:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City
- Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles
- Vancouver International Airport, Vancouver
- Cancún International Airport, Cancún, Mexico
- Toronto Pearson International Airport, Toronto, Canada
Bus Stations in North America
Greyhound Bus Stations are located in most major North American cities, including:
- New York City, New York
- Los Angeles, California
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- San Francisco, California
Other Options
- Uber and taxi services
- Bike and scooter rentals
How to Get Around in North America
North America has a range of transportation options to get around the continent. Here are some of the best ways to get around:
- Public transportation
- Car rental
- Amtrak trains
Conclusion
North America is a fascinating and varied continent with something for everyone. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan the trip of a lifetime. Happy travels!
North America Image Gallery
![Concrete canyons below New York skyscrapers](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/80/NYC_wideangle_south_from_Top_of_the_Rock.jpg/100px-NYC_wideangle_south_from_Top_of_the_Rock.jpg)
![Grand Mayan ruins at Tikal, Guatemala](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c1/Tikalas.jpg/100px-Tikalas.jpg)
![Niagara Falls straddles the border between Canada and the United States](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9a/July_2012_Rainbow_Over_Niagara_Falls_Aerial_View_%287673532324%29.jpg/100px-July_2012_Rainbow_Over_Niagara_Falls_Aerial_View_%287673532324%29.jpg)
![The Trans-Canada Railroad travels through areas that are hard to get to by other means of transportation, like this view of Banff National Park.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/93/Bow-river-banff-np.jpg/100px-Bow-river-banff-np.jpg)
![A mammoth cruise ship stopping by Labadee in Haiti](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/34/Labadee_beach_and_cruise_ship_cropped.jpg/100px-Labadee_beach_and_cruise_ship_cropped.jpg)
![Busy nightlife at Times Square in New York City](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c0/1_times_square_night_2013.jpg/100px-1_times_square_night_2013.jpg)
![Figures for the Day of the Dead in Mexico](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/71/Catrinas_2011.jpg/100px-Catrinas_2011.jpg)
![Salsa dancers in New York](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a3/Salsa_performers_in_New_York.jpg/100px-Salsa_performers_in_New_York.jpg)
![Jazz, dancing, marching, and general revelry at New Orleans Mardi Gras](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/St._Anthony_Parade_at_Mardi_Gras_Panorama_Band_2010.jpg/100px-St._Anthony_Parade_at_Mardi_Gras_Panorama_Band_2010.jpg)