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USA
There’s a magnetic force that draws millions and millions to its shores. A long strip of land and islands that extend from the Aleutian Islands to the Isthmus of Panama. This is the third largest continent in the world – and its packed to the brim with personality, charm, diversity and great natural beauty. Whether it’s the streets of global cities like Toronto, New York or Mexico City or the precious islands that are dotted across the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. Snow and Sunshine. Orderly Chaos. United by a single continent, fragmented by multiple cultures, ethnicities and different histories. Surprised? North American Tourism is a lot more, than just the United States of America. So, open your mind, broaden your horizons and take a look at the big picture with us!
Here is the list of countries, islands and their highlights:
The United States of America is the land of opportunity, of dreams, of a brighter future. Perhaps that is why many immigrate to its shores, hoping to create a better future. The air of promise, lingers on every part of this land. This melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, races and political beliefs is filled with hidden treasures to discover. Whether it’s the gorgeous national parks of Yosemite or Yellowstone or the massive beauty of the Grand Canyon. Exciting cities like Los Angeles, New York and Las Vegas are juxtaposed with sleepy and beautiful small towns. From the beautiful beaches in Hawaii to the rugged outdoors of Wyoming, to the snowy slopes in Aspen – you’ve got every kind of landscape waiting to be explored. Dig into every kind of cuisine, including Mexican, Italian, Jewish, Indian, Chinese, French, Ethiopian… America absorbs cultures and cuisines in equal measure. There’s something for everyone here.
Language: English
Currency: US Dollar
Oh Canada! Home of the most beautiful landscapes, warm people and energetic cities. This country is home to awe-inspiring natural wonders, including the grand Niagara Falls, the picture-perfect Banff National Park, the peaceful Bay of Fundy and the winter wonderland of the Yukon where you can see the Northern Lights. Its cities reflect an old-world charm, mixed and mingled with the frenzy of cafes, clubs, high rises and other modern conveniences. Quebec, Montreal and Vancouver will steal your breath away with their serene beauty, while Toronto will offer you a hotpot of global entertainment, cuisine and experiences to immerse yourself in. Parks and gardens are found on every square, adding their soft and glowing touches to the land. You must savour Canada in big bites, including the delicious national dish of fries, gravy and cheese curds known as Poutine.
Languages: French and English
Currency: Canadian Dollar
Just say “Mexico” and your mind fills with music, you can feel the sea breeze on your skin, you can taste the spicy-rich wonders of the cuisine – this country soaks into every one of your senses, leaving an imprint for life. Think about the great beaches at Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Isla Conzumel – perfect for a sunny day of fun and frolic, or a deep dive into the underwater kingdom. Switch that high energy for deeply serene places like Mazatlan and Izamal (where most buildings are a cheerful yellow). Feel a sense of history and heritage at Mexico’s crowded cities like Guadalajara, Mexico City and Merida. Want to see one of the seven ancient wonders of the world? Then Chichen Itza is the place to be – the preserved Mayan temple will leave you awestruck. Dig into iconic dishes like Chilaquiles, Tostadas, Enchilada, authentic Guacamole and Tamales.
Language: Spanish
Currency: Mexican Peso
The seven countries in this region – jam packed with cultural and natural attractions – will keep you on your toes. You have a choice between the gorgeous beaches that make the coastline, the lush land of Costa Rica (which hosts 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity), the thick green jungles of Nicaragua, the slender island of Belize surrounded by the second largest barrier reef in the world, the fascinating culture and heritage of Guatemala, the welcoming local citizens of El Salvador, the extravagant underwater delights at Honduras and more.
Languages: Spanish, Mayan Languages like Nahuatl, English Creoles, Miskito and more
Currencies: Belizean Dollar, Colon, Quetzal, Lempira, Cordoba, Balboa, US Dollar
It may surprise you to know that the North American continent is also home to the Caribbean region. Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola are four of the largest Caribbean islands to make up this region. Visit the gorgeous city of Havana with its white beaches and white-hot music clubs. Spend a dreamy weekend at the island of Jamaica with blue waters, bluer skies and pretty beaches. Explore the Colonial remainders at the lovely Puerto Rican capital – San Jaun. Turn the heat up in Saint Lucia, where the Piton Mountains stand guard over hot springs, lush greenery and volcanic beaches. Explore the coral reefs that spread under the sea at the U.S Virgin Islands, experience the best of French-Caribbean flavours at Martinique and visit the underwater park at Grenada – your choices are endless. Lucky you!
Languages: English, Spanish, French, Dutch
Currencies: Eastern Caribbean Dollar, British West Indies Dollar, Antigua Dollar, Caribbean Guilder and more
Greenland, an enormous island, drifting next to the continent is also a part of North America. Cold, chilly and covered in snow, most of the great settlements are found in the fjord lined coast of the Southwest. This island, boasts of some exquisite ice formations, including the magnificent Ice Cap, Disko Bay, Eqi Glacier and the Ilulissat Icefjord. The island is home to some beautiful buildings like the Knud Rasmussen’s Museum, Katuaq, the Nuuk Cathedral and more.
Alaska is also similar to Greenland – it’s wild, open, untamed and breath-taking. This is especially a treat for nature buffs, who can visit places like the Denali National Park, Tracy Arm Fjord, Kenai Fjords National Park, Inside Passage and more. You can also visit the Alaska Native Heritage Centre, the University of Alaska Museum of the North and the lovely town of Seward to understand the culture and heritage of this beautiful land.
Languages: Danish and West Greenlandic (Greenland), English, Alutiiq, Holikachuk and more (Alaska)
Currencies: Danish Krone (Greenland), US Dollar (Alaska)
The North American continent is bounded by the Arctic Ocean in the North, the North Atlantic Ocean in the east, the Caribbean Sea in the South and the North Pacific Ocean in the West. The Denmark Straight slashes across Iceland and Greenland, separating them into European and North American territories, respectively. The narrow Bering Strait separates Alaska from the Asian Mainland. North America is connected to South America by the slender Isthmus of Panama.
North America is vast and diverse, which means the best time to visit is based largely on where you want to go. The best time to visit Alaska would be mid-May to mid-September, while the Northern Lights usually dance across Canada’s Yukon Territory from February-April. Hurricane weather hits in the Southern states, like Florida, between June and November so proceed cautiously. Summer in the US can skyrocket, so travellers (especially hikers and nature buffs) are advised to avoid this season. March, April and May are exceptional times to visit the parks like Yellowstone (particularly for bear season). The Caribbean islands are at their best between December and April, as it boasts of cooler, dry weather (a welcome change from the chilled northern regions).
By Air: You won’t get a direct flight to the USA or Canada from India. However, you can catch flights with one stop. Canada, Mexico, USA and other regions on the continent have massive international airports that handle hundreds of flights that come from all over the world. Latin American carriers fly between Central and South America, and there are direct flights from Europe to the Caribbean Islands. To travel to the North American continent, the most convenient mode of transport is a flight.
By Ship: It is possible to catch a cruise or freight ship, however, keep in mind that these journeys are often more expensive than flights. Most tourists usually travel by this mode from Europe.
In the pre-Columbian era (before European influences arrived on this continent) the indigenous people of America cite many myths to prove that they have been present on this land, from the time it was created. However, many scholars believe that hunters entered through present-day Alaska 27,000 years ago. European Colonisation only began in 1492, when the famed Italian explorer, Christopher Columbus sailed west with a Spanish expedition to find a new trade route. He accidentally landed in the Northern Part of Hispaniola, which became the first European settlement in the Americas. The third biggest continent was thus discovered by the rest of the world, by sheer accident. In the last 18th and 19th centuries, Independence movements sprung up against British, French and Spanish colonialists. The 13 British Colonies declared independence in 1777, becoming the United States of America. Canada was formed when the British and French combined their Northern Territories. New Spain declared Independence in 1810, becoming the Mexican Empire. In 1823, Guatemala became the first Independent state in Central America. In the next 3 decades, the work on the Panama Canal was completed, making North America a separate continent.
Amazed by the vastness and diversity of North America? Well, you’ve got some great choices to make. Head over to our America Holiday Packages and choose one that fulfils your travel dream!
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