North America - Tour Highights and Travel Tips
The northern half of the Americas is made up of a complex tapestry of 23 independent states that are made up of large land masses and smaller islands. From Ellesmere island, the most northern point of Canada to the famous feat of the Panama Canal and the paradisiacal Caribbean islands, a trip to North America brings together a mass of cultural influences. The European impact is seen heavily throughout, especially within the United States and Canada, while more African and indigenous American influences remain towards the south of the subcontinent.
Travel Highlights
- Look out across the ever-skyward New York city skyline from the 102 floor of the Empire State building.
- Kayak along the crystalline Lake Louise under the Victoria glacier in Alberta, Canda.
- Wander the winding streets, grand squares and galleries of Old Montreal.
- Cycle across the Golden Gate bridge, San Francisco.
- Sample the delicious blend of where east meets west in San Francisco’s China Town.
- Step out onto the North Rim Lodge of the Grand Canyon and just try to comprehend the scale of what you’re seeing.
- Dare to cross the Capilano suspension bridge, Vancouver.
- Grab a few friends, a convertible car and traverse the classic Route 66 between Chicago and Los Angeles.
- Stay in a majestic, restored hacienda of the Yucatán before climbing the pyramids of Chichén Itzá, one of the seven wonders of the world, found on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
- Watch a traditional Lucha Libre wrestling show at Arena México, Mexico City’s largest wrestling arena.
- Climb through the cloud forest of Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde in Costa Rica.
- Explore the surprisingly cosmopolitan Panama City, the most sophisticated in Central America. Don’t forget to check out the Panama Canal.
- Relax amongst the colourful huts of the tiny island of Caye Caulker island in Belize.
Travel Tips
- Hostels and guest houses are great accommodation options in North America. They’re a surefire way to meet locals and other travellers and, especially in the more southern parts can be as cheap as $5-$10 per night.
- Camping in national parks is also a different way to experience the country you’re visiting. Spend a night under the stars and make a memory that will last forever.
- In the United States and Canada, food portions are usually giant compared to other parts of the world. Don’t be afraid to ask for leftovers to go - one meal can end up lasting you the whole day!
- In more southern countries, such as Mexico, local restaurants are where you want to eat. A decent local meal can cost just a couple of dollars and will be a taste explosion.
- While in North America, embrace buses. From cross-country coaches to mini-van style local routes, they’re by far the cheapest way to get around in almost any country you’ll visit.
- Flying is also another easy, and often affordable, transport method. Though it won’t equate to a bus journey.
- Tipping is a big deal in North America. Hospitality wages in almost all North American countries are low, so an appropriate tip of between 15-20% of the bill. Having a wad of $1 bills will make your time tipping in North America much easier.