North America.
From the Arctic Circle to cactus-scattered desert, snow-capped peaks, pristine beaches and deepest jungle, North America has something for every type of traveller.
It is such a diverse area of the world, with so different climates, landscapes and cultures - there are no end of bucket-list sights to tick off and hidden gems to discover. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your trip, check out our travels to the region so far.
North America Blog Posts
How to plan a visit to North America…
Why visit the USA?
The USA is a land of contrasts. It's home to some of the world's biggest cities, yet it also offers wide open spaces of untouched nature. The USA is where you can find some of the most iconic road trip in the world, from Route 66 to the California Highway 1, driving through some of the most beautiful areas on the coast.
It's a place where you can see iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Golden Gate Bridge, but also get lost in nature at Yellowstone National Park or Yosemite National Park. You can visit desert cities like Las Vegas, or New York City at night, but also experience tiny towns straight from Westerns. With Florida's beaches, the Great Lakes and with deep southern culture and cuisine, there's something for everyone in the USA.
How to plan a trip to the USA?
When is the best time to visit the USA? When it comes to the best time to visit the USA, the shoulder seasons either side of summer are best for mild temperatures, fewer crowds and lower price - aim for spring (April-May) or fall (September-October).Areas in The Rockies like Yellowstone National Park are best visited in Summer, and Florida experiences a wet season from May to October, making early Spring and Winter best. The big cities can be magical all year round - Christmas and New Years in New York is iconic.
How to travel around the USA? Don’t expect the same train networks as in Europe - driving is by far the most common way to explore the USA flexibly and go at your own pace and itinerary. For those who don’t drive, Greyhound Bus has a great network that is cost-effective, but consider the long journeys - you’ll need time. A more expensive option is to take a pre-arranged tour, and there are good deals to be found on internal flights.
How long to spend in the USA? The USA is a flexible holiday destination. A city break can take up only a few days, and given a week you can experience two or three stops in a state, or fly between major cities. A coast-to-coast road trip would need three to four weeks (there would be up to a week of driving time), and longer if you want to take a scenic route.
Why visit Canada?
Most Canadians are proud of their country's reputation as one of the most open and welcoming nations on earth. And they're right. Canada is a great place to visit, whether you're looking for a taste of the arctic, natural wonders or a winter sport wonderland. Canada's vast natural beauty includes mountains, glaciers and impossibly blue lakes. But Canada's charm is not just the great outdoors; discover colourful and diverse cities that are affordable, safe and multicultural.
How to plan a trip to Canada?
When is the best time to visit Canada? Canada is a huge country, so it’s more important to think about what you want to see and work out the best time to visit. For enjoying hiking through forests and the great outdoors, and strolling through cities, June to October have mild temperatures but will see more visitors in peak summer months July and August. Canada is a wonderland in the winter months and can be cheaper depending on the activity - but bear in mind conditions can be harsh, particularly when driving - you need to be suitably prepared and informed of conditions to stay safe. For winter sports, January to March are the best time to make the best of world class resorts in places like Whistler and Banff.
How to travel around Canada? Connecting between cities on either coast can be done by rail, and it is possible to traverse the great expanse of Canada on the tracks - scenic routes are breathtaking, but can cost the equivalent of flying or more. There are a number of great road trip opportunities in the country, and driving provides the most flexibility. Bear in mind that winter driving conditions can be tough and even dangerous for vehicles that aren’t properly equipped.
How long to spend in Canada? Canada is a vast country where massive distances separate some of the biggest visitor attractions. Whilst individual cities can be seen in 4 to 5 days, two weeks allows time to experience a province in depth, or to visit multiple regions to see highlights.
Why visit Mexico and Central America?
Mexico and Central America are some of the most intriguing destinations on the planet. Whether you like sunning yourself on some of the world's best beaches, exploring ancient ruins, visiting bustling cities brimming with colonial architecture, or immersing yourself in lush nature, cloud forests, volcanos and waterfalls, this region of the world has something for everyone.
How to plan a trip to Mexico and Central America?
When is the best time to visit Central America? Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean experience wet seasons and hurricane seasons. The dry, peak season runs from December until April, and whilst temperatures vary depending on country and altitude it is generally mild and pleasant. The rainy season runs June to October, with hurricanes being a threat during this time.
How to travel around Mexico and Central America? Buses are the main form of transportation in the region and a comprehensive network connects major cities and smaller towns. They are generally good value for money and larger operators on national and international lines will have different class options that provide extra comforts - great for long and overnight journeys.
How long to spend in Mexico and Central America? If you want to see the whole region, a minimum of three months will mean seeing the highlights with a few ventures off the beaten path. Mexico is a large country which could take a month of exploration on its own, or two weeks to see the highlights. In smaller Central American countries, 10 days to two weeks can be enough to get a taste of the main attractions.
Not quite the blaze of glory we wanted to go out on… but a good place to reflect on the last eleven months and our incredible 27,000km journey.