North America Travel Guide

Pack your bags to be enthralled with North America's natural beauty, mesmerizing metropolises, and wildlife!

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NORTH AMERICAN COUNTRIES EXPLORED

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NORTH AMERICA UNESCO SITES VISITED

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NORTH AMERICA NATIONAL PARKS

Step into the Melting Pot of Culture!

With the buzz of music, art, and culture looming throughout the continent, North America is a melting pot of different cultures. North America is the third largest continent, with 23 sovereign states and 23 non-sovereign territories. Shaped like a triangle, North America gained its name from an Italian explorer, Amerigo Vespucci.Β 

North America stretches between the Pacific ocean and the Atlantic ocean. Through this North America Travel Guide, we will highlight the popular countries to visit in North America, the best time to visit, things to know before you travel to the continent, and the best things to do in North America.

North America is one of the continents that every traveler wishes to visit at least once in their lifetime. There are numerous lush green tropical forests, glaciers, lakes, sandy beaches, and many more places worth exploring. North America has 79Β UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 110 national parks. Under which the United States has 62 national parks, and Canada has 48.

You can always go on a wilderness trek, take a stroll down Central Park, enjoy the Grand Canyon and Mount McKinley in Alaska. The mesmerizing nightlife offered by the cities is yet another attraction.

Featured North America Destinations

Β  Β Visit the USA
Β  Β Visit Canada

Popular countries to visit in North America by region

North America Travel: Moraine Lake Canada

Canada

Canada is famous for its cosmopolitan cities as well as its wilderness. It has ten provinces and three territories. Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland, Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatch, and Cuan are places worth traveling in North America. You can also add Jasper National Park, Banff, Niagra Falls, Vancouver, and Montreal to your list while backpacking in Canada.

North America Travel: USA

The USA

With 50 states, a federal district, and five major self-governing territories, the USA is a bustling metropolis with places that offer scenic beauty as well. Alaska, Hawaii, California, New York, Florida, Texas, Washington, North Carolina, and Ohio are some of the states in the USA worth planning your trip to. Some of the major attractions of the USA include the Statue of Liberty, Broadway theatre, Hollywood, the Grand Canyon, and Walt Disney.

Travel to Greenland, North America

Greenland

Greenland is the largest island in North America. The Caribbean is yet another group of islands you can visit in North America. Although Greenland is geographically a part of North America, it is under the rule of Denmark. Greenland is famous for its icebergs, glaciers, and scenic beauty. Aasiaat, Nuuk, and Qeqwstarsuaq are some of the popular regions to visit in Greenland. You can enjoy whale watching, hot springs, and Viking ruins as well while you are in Greenland. Ilulissat Icefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site you can explore in Greenland.

Travel to Mexico, North America

Mexico

Mexico is in the South of North America. Cabo Sans Luca, Puerto Vallarta, Guanajuato, Chichen Iza, and Playa Del Carmen are some of the places to visit in Mexico. You can include Aztec, Mayan sites, and colonial sites in Mexico as well.

Visit Central America

Central America

Central America offers a plethora of options for conducting explorations and adventures. Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, and Belize are some places you can travel to while planning a vacation to Central America. Caye Caulker and Arenal Volcano are two other destinations in Central America.

What is the best time to visit North America?

Best time to visit North America

The best time to visit North American countries is during the dry season. You can avoid traveling during the winter season as it can be pretty cold.

  • You can travel to Mexico in the dry season, which is between December and April. November is the best month to travel to Mexico.
  • Central America has a dry season between January and March. If you enjoy spending time when there is a downpour, Nicaragua is the best region to visit in the rainy season.Β 
  • Canada has an extreme winter season. It is best to travel to Canada during the summer season between June and August. You can also consider heading for a vacation to Canada during the Fall season, between September and October. In these months, the prices are lower, and the places are less crowded.
  • You can plan a trip to the USA either during the Spring or Fall season. Spring is from March to May, and Fall is from September to November. You can also travel to the USA during the summer season, between May and September. However, the climate would be hot and humid. It is better to avoid traveling during the winter season. But, visiting the USA during Christmas or the New Year is yet another story!
  • Greenland is a cold country. You can plan your trip to Greenland in the summer season when the temperature would be about 10 degrees celsius.

Things to know before you travel to North America

Is it safe to travel to North America?

Most North American countries are safe to visit

Countries in North America are mostly safe. Central America, Greenland, Canada are safe places for travelers.Β Crime rates in Canada and Greenland are pretty low. Apart from in some regions of Nuuk, other areas in Greenland are safe for travelers. However, pickpocketing and petty crimes happen in these regions at times. Mexico is a place where violent crimes often occur. Travelers have to avoid traveling to non-tourist places in Mexico. Cancun, Tulum, and Cabo San Lucas are safe places to travel to in Mexico. The USA is statistically a safe place. However, petty thefts, gun shootings, and traffic accidents are common in the USA.

What is the currency in North America?

Currency in North America

In North America, there are 25 official currencies. However, the US dollar is the most popular currency. People commonly use them in Central America and the Caribbean islands as well.Β The Canadian dollar is another currency in use in North America. If you are traveling to a country in North America, you can exchange your money from the exchange centers in the airport, banks, or other shops. You can also use a credit or debit card to make payments.Β You can also use a traveler's check to manage finances while in North American Countries. Always keep cash with you because not many places accept cards or online payment options.

Is tipping in North America normal?

Tipping in North America is encouraged in most places

Most countries in North America consider tipping as a kind gesture. You can always provide 10 to 15% of your bill as a tip to your service providers. Most of them receive low wages, and they depend upon tips to take care of their daily expenses. In the USA, tipping is customary. If you are traveling to the USA, try to tip in sit-in restaurants and other food services. Canada also follows a similar pattern for tipping as in the USA. You can offer a tip in Mexico either in US dollars or pesos.Β In Mexico, you can give tips based on the quality of service provided. In Greenland, tipping is not necessary as most bills include tips and gratuity. In most parts of North America, it is common to offer tips to waiters, travel guides, and private drivers.

Responsible Travel and Tourism in North America

Sustainable Tourism in North America

North American countries encourage sustainability and eco-tourism. Vancouver, Canada, focuses on green tourism. Similarly, Joggins Fossil Cliffs World Heritage Site (Canada) includes programs with residents of the region. Long Point Biosphere Reserve in Norfolk County, Canada, conducts causeway improvements. They also organize events concerning the need for reducing tortoise poaching. In Prince Edwards Island National Park in Canada, the government has built wind turbines to generate electricity. San Francisco, Hawaii, and Downtown Vegas also highlight sustainable and responsible tourism.

What vaccinations do I need for North America Travel?

Vaccinations to be taken while traveling to North America

If you are traveling in North America, vaccinations are not mandatory. However, if you are visiting the USA, Canada, or other regions in North America from elsewhere, you have to take some regular vaccinations. You can get vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles, Diphtheria, Chickenpox, Shingles, Pneumonia, and Rabies. In Mexico, vaccinations are not necessary for short term visits. If you are traveling from a place infected with yellow fever, it is essential to be vaccinated.

Do I need a Visa for traveling to North America?

Visa while traveling to North America

US citizens do not require a Visa to travel within North America. They can travel with a valid passport or identification card. For traveling to the US, you have to apply for a Visa. Canadians can travel to the US without a Visa. For Greenland, the Visa is not a requirement for travelers from Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA. Visa requirements depend highly on the country you are traveling from and how long you plan to stay. Visit the Official website of each country in North America, to check the visa requirements. Don't use a third party visa service, they are more expensive. Always visit the country's official (visa) website.Β 

Things to do in North America to add to your travel bucket list

New York City Travel: September 11 Memorial and Freedom Tower

September 11 Memorial and the Freedom Tower

Located in New York City, the September 11 Memorial and Museum is a remembrance offered to those who lost their lives during the September 11, 2001 attacks. They present the story of the incident through monuments and narratives. They offer live and interactive tours to travelers. You can always volunteer and donate to their cause as well. 9/11 Memorial is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and 9/11 Museum functions from Thursdays to Mondays with the same timing. You can pre-book your tickets online to avoid crowding. Freedom Tower is in Lower Manhattan in New York City. It is the centerpiece of the World Trade Center. You can travel to the Freedom Tower as well while in New York City.

New York City Travel: Lady Liberty

A boat ride to Lady Liberty (Island), New York City

Located on Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. It is a symbol of freedom and is open all round the year.

You can take a boat from New Jersey or New York City to view the statue. You can travel without any reservations as well. However, it is better to reserve beforehand and travel early in the morning to avoid crowding. You can book a ticket to get into the 80m high crown of Lady Liberty. It is the highest accessible point. You have to book your tickets early as there are only limited tickets available for the high crown view. You can visit the Pedestal and Liberty Island Museum as well. If you are planning to travel to North America, do add Lady Liberty to your list! Do consider visiting the Statue of Liberty during the Fall season.
Canada things to do: Pyramid Island, Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park, Canada

Jasper is a railway town in the province of Alberta, established in 1907. It has a historic trail as well. It is famous for its mountains, wildlife, crystal clear lakes, and glaciers. It is one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.Β 

It is a traditional land and is the largest in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It has a plethora of diverse wildlife, such as bears, moose, elk, lynx big horn sheep, and more! You can go for a good hike, biking, camping, rafting, canoeing, and trekking while visiting the Jasper National Park.

North America Travel: Moraine Lake Canada

Banff and Lake Louise, Canada

Located in Alberta Province of Canada, Banff National Park is just 90 minutes drive along the scenic paths from Calgary. It is open around the year and is the first national park in Canada. Millions of people visit the park every year. Banff village is also part of it. You can enjoy the mountain scenery and take part in a variety of activities as well. Don't forget to visit Lake Louise, which is close to Bow River Valley and is an Alpine Lake. You can go fishing, ice skating, and paddle sports in Lake Louise.

Canada Things to do: Ice Castles in Edmonton

Visit the Ice Castles in North America

It is one of the most popular events in Alberta.Β The Ice Castles in Edmonton is a winter event that resemble fairy tales. When you travel to North America, you can visit these hand-made castles by professional ice artists. There would be tunnels, frozen slides, LED-lit sculptures, and frozen thrones. Due to Covid-19 these stunning Ice Castles are currently only in four locations: Colorado, New Hampshire, Utah, and Wisconsin. Usually they have 6 locations, including Edmonton.

USA Travel: Empire State Building New York City

Admire the view from Empire State Building in New York City

Around four million people visit the Empire State Building every year. It is better to go to the place on a clear day. You can see the Chrysler Building, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and Rockefeller Center from the Empire State Building. They are open all day, and you can purchase tickets online to avoid crowding. To visit the building at night, you need to get a night pass. On some days, you could see up to Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.

USA Travel: Walk the High Line in New York City

Stroll the green High Line in NYC

The High Line is a 1.45m long elevator linear park. It is a greenway that covers a distance of 5km. The High Line functions from 7 am to 7 pm on weekdays and weekends. They operate from 10 am to 6 pm.Β 

Best thing to do in New York City: Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn Bridge is a hybrid bridge that boroughs Manhattan and Brooklyn. It is one of the best things to do and see on your New York City trip. Bookmark us, and you can browse back to our North America Travel Guide before planning your trip!