Destination North America
Bryce Canyon Utah, USA
Unfortunately, North America has been somewhat neglected in my travels so far. I've only been to Detroit and the Dominican Republic. But that's going to change! Mexico is high on my list!
North America is a continent located north of South America, covering an area of approximately 24.5 million square kilometers. It is the third largest continent in the world and consists of 23 countries. The largest countries in North America are Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The highest mountain in North America is Denali in Alaska, with an elevation of 6,190 meters. The longest river in North America is the Mississippi, with a length of 3,778 kilometers. North America has a diverse landscape, ranging from deserts to Arctic regions. The Rocky Mountains in the west and the Appalachians in the east are two of the most well-known mountain ranges in North America.
North America also has a rich history and culture. The first people came to North America during the last ice age via Alaska and were the ancestors of today's Native Americans. Among the great civilizations of North America were the Maya, who lived in what is now Mexico. The first Europeans in North America were Vikings. Today, the United States and Canada are the two largest economic powers in North America, while Mexico is considered an emerging economic power.
Travel destinations in North America
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The USA is one of the world's most captivating travel destinations, boasting an incredible diversity of landscapes, cultures, and attractions.
Here's a glimpse into what awaits you:
Spanning over 9.8 million square kilometers, the US is a vast country made up of 50 states, each with its own unique charm and character. From the historic East Coast to the laid-back West Coast, you can explore diverse regions like New England, the Deep South, the Pacific Northwest, or even the tropical paradise of Hawaii.
With over 400 national parks, the US is home to some of the world's most breathtaking natural wonders. Imagine standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, exploring the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone in Wyoming, or hiking through the towering sequoia trees in Yosemite National Park in California. These parks offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, including hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife watching.
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The USA is also known for its exciting cities, offering something for everyone. For instance, you can visit New York City, the city that never sleeps, and see its famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, or Central Park. Alternatively, you can head to Los Angeles, the City of Angels, and explore Hollywood, Disneyland, or the beaches of Malibu. Other popular cities include Chicago, San Francisco, Las Vegas, or Washington D.C.
Times Square, New York
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The United States boasts a rich and diverse culture, shaped by numerous influences. Visitors can delve into the nation's history through museums, monuments, and historic sites. They can also savor the arts, music, and literature of the U.S., created by renowned figures such as Andy Warhol, Elvis Presley, and Mark Twain. Additionally, travelers can experience the culinary diversity of the United States, which ranges from regional specialties like Cajun cuisine in Louisiana to international flavors such as Mexican food in Texas.
The history of the United States, spanning from the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to its current role as a global superpower. You can learn more about the key events, figures, and movements that have shaped the nation, such as the American Revolution, the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, or the moon landing. Unfortunately, I have only been to Detroit, Michigan so far. But there are still a few trips to the US on the agenda!
So far, I've only been to Windsor, but of course, several tours in Canada are on the agenda! Here's a quick overview of Canada. Canada is a North American country composed of ten provinces and three territories. It's the world's second largest country by land area and boasts the longest coastline globally. It shares a southern border with the United States, forming the world's longest international land border. Canada has a diverse population of approximately 40 million people, primarily residing in the southern part of the country. The capital of Canada is Ottawa, and the three largest metropolitan areas are Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
Canada has a long and fascinating history shaped by the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited the land for thousands of years. From the 16th century onwards, British and French expeditions explored and settled the Atlantic coast. After various armed conflicts, France ceded almost all of its colonies in North America to Great Britain. In 1867, Canada was founded as a federal state with four provinces through the union of three British North American colonies. This began a process of expansion and increasing autonomy from Great Britain, culminating in the Statute of Westminster in 1931 and the Canada Act in 1982, which severed the last legal ties to the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Canada is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy based on the Westminster model. The head of state is the Monarch of Canada, currently Charles III, who is represented by the Governor General Mary Simon.
Nationalpark in Canada
The head of government is the Prime Minister, currently Justin Trudeau, who holds office due to his ability to command the confidence of the elected House of Commons. Parliament consists of the Senate as the upper house and the House of Commons as the lower house.
Canada is a diverse country that is officially bilingual, with English and French as its official languages. It is also a multi-religious country, with Christianity being the predominant religion, but also with significant minorities of Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and others. Canada is known for its tolerance and respect for human rights and the rule of law. It is also a strong advocate for multilateralism and international cooperation. It is a member of many important international and intergovernmental organizations such as the United Nations, NATO, the Commonwealth of Nations, La Francophonie, the G7, the G20, the OECD, and the OAS.
Toronto, Canada
Beyond city trips, Canada's main focus is undoubtedly on outdoor activities. Numerous national parks invite you to go on extended hikes. Rafting or climbing tours are also possible!
The weather in Canada is pleasant from June to mid-October, with July and August being the ideal travel months. Temperatures in the west range between 15 and 22 degrees Celsius during the day, and slightly higher in the east. The travel season for Alaska and Yukon is somewhat shorter.
Mexico, another captivating nation, is a vibrant tapestry of cultures and landscapes. Its history is a rich blend of pre-Columbian civilizations, colonial influences, and modern times. Renowned for its art, music, literature, cuisine, and festive spirit, Mexico offers an unforgettable experience.
Covering approximately 1,972,550 km², Mexico is the third largest country in Latin America. Bordering the USA, Guatemala, Belize, the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea, it boasts a diverse geography. With a population of about 124 million, primarily Spanish-speaking, Mexico is also home to numerous indigenous communities, each contributing to the nation's rich cultural mosaic.
Mexico has a tropical to temperate climate, depending on altitude and latitude. Temperatures vary between 10°C and 40°C throughout the year. Throughout the year, temperatures in Mexico City typically range between 6°C and 27°C. The rainy season lasts from May to October, with heavy rainfall occurring frequently, especially in coastal regions and the south. From June to November, it is hurricane season, which primarily affects the Caribbean coast.
Mexico City
Mexico is a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world who want to discover the country's beauty and diversity.
There are many attractive places to visit, such as:
Mexico City, the capital, is one of the largest and most vibrant metropolises in the world. It offers numerous attractions, such as the Zócalo (main square), the cathedral, the Palace of Fine Arts, Chapultepec Park, the National Anthropology Museum, and many more.
The archaeological sites of the Maya, Aztec, and other pre-Columbian cultures, which bear witness to their impressive architecture, art, and religion. Some of the most famous include Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza, Palenque, Uxmal, and Tulum.
The beautiful beaches on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, which invite you to swim, surf, dive, or simply relax. Popular beach resorts include Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas.
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The colonial cities offer a glimpse into the country's Spanish past. Characterized by their picturesque streets, churches, convents, and palaces, they are truly captivating. Some of the most beautiful include Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca, Puebla, and Mérida. It is also highly recommended to attend a local festival in these places. The people are incredibly welcoming.
El Morro National Monument
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Mexico's natural diversity is on full display through its stunning landscapes and ecosystems. Volcanoes like Popocatépetl and Paricutín, canyons such as the Copper Canyon and Sumidero, waterfalls like Agua Azul and Cola de Caballo, caves like Cacahuamilpa and Sótano de las Golondrinas, and biosphere reserves including the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve and Sian Ka’an are just a few examples of the country's natural wonders.
A few words about safety in Mexico. Mexico has a relatively high murder rate and crime is also quite high. I would not recommend visiting certain places, such as Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Monterrey, Veracruz, or the beach resort of Acapulco. For more information, check with your government's travel advisory.
However, I wouldn't let fear stop you from visiting Mexico entirely. While caution is advised, it's not necessary to be overly alarmed. The usual precautions are sufficient. Avoid dark alleys, use official taxi stands, and stay out of arguments. Keep your distance! Additionally, it's best not to rely too heavily on local police, as corruption is high due to low pay. If you want to be extra cautious, consider booking a package tour. Personally, I would travel to Mexico any time.
Check below this post for package deals to Mexico!