Travel Guides about North America

Explore travel guides for North America with tips on top attractions, how to get there, getting around, and must-know advice for an unforgettable trip.
 
When to visit
The best time to visit North America is from late spring to early autumn (May to October).
Currency
United States: U.S. Dollar (USD), Canada: Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Weather in North America

The warmest months in North America are July and August and they are the most popular time to visit. These months are perfect for exploring national parks, enjoying outdoor activities, and experiencing summer festivals. If you like snow-covered landscapes and winter adventures, December to February is perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Additionally, September to October has mild weather and stunning fall foliage, especially in regions like New England and Canada.

-4°C

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Jan

-2°C

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Feb

4°C

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Mar

10°C

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Apr

16°C

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May

22°C

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Jun

25°C

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Jul

24°C

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Aug

20°C

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Sep

13°C

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Oct

6°C

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Nov

-2°C

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Dec

Best Activities in Winter
  • Skiing and Snowboarding in destinations like Aspen, Colorado; Whistler, Canada; or Vermont.
  • Enjoy Christmas markets, light displays, and seasonal events in cities like New York, Chicago, or Montreal.
Best Activities in Spring
  • Enjoy the stunning cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., or Vancouver, Canada.
  • Hiking the trails in national parks like Great Smoky Mountains or Yosemite.
Best Activities in Summer
  • Relax on the beaches of Florida, California, or the Gulf Coast.
  • Visit iconic national parks like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, or Banff for camping, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
Best Activities in Autumn
  • Experience breathtaking autumn colors in New England, the Appalachian Mountains, or Quebec.
  • Attend pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and food festivals in rural areas across the U.S. and Canada.

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Travel Tips

Most travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries can enter the U.S. without a visa for up to 90 days. However, they must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before travel.

Yes, most states allow visitors to drive with a valid foreign driver’s license, but we recommend you carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well

Popular routes include Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, each offering unique landscapes and attractions along the way

Key attractions include national parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite, historic sites along Route 66, and scenic viewpoints on the Pacific Coast Highway

Iconic dishes are hamburgers, Buffalo wings, poutine, clam chowder, and biscuits and gravy, each representing different regional flavors and traditions.

Must-try desserts include key lime pie from Florida, New York cheesecake, whoopie pies from Maine, and Mississippi mud pie.

How to Get There

By Airplane

North America is well-connected globally, with major international airports such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (USA), Toronto Pearson International Airport (Canada), and Mexico City International Airport (Mexico). Popular airlines like Delta, American Airlines, Air Canada, and Aeroméxico offer direct flights to many destinations. Budget airlines such as Southwest, WestJet, and Volaris also provide affordable options for regional travel.

By Ferry

Ferries operate in select regions, such as between British Columbia and Alaska, or across the Great Lakes between the U.S. and Canada.

By Land

Driving across borders (e.g., Canada-U.S. or U.S.-Mexico) is a straightforward option. Ensure you have the required documents like a passport or visa and an international driver’s license if needed.

 

How to Get Around

Trains

Amtrak in the U.S. and VIA Rail in Canada provide comfortable train travel connecting major cities. While not as extensive as European networks, scenic routes like the Rocky Mountaineer (Canada) or the Coast Starlight (U.S.) are popular options.

Buses

Long-distance bus services like Greyhound (U.S.), Megabus (U.S./Canada), and ADO (Mexico) are affordable and cover vast regions.

Driving

Renting a car is ideal for exploring rural areas, national parks, and scenic routes like the Pacific Coast Highway (U.S.) or Icefields Parkway (Canada). Roads are well-maintained, but some regions may require snow tires in winter.

Cycling

Cities like Portland, Montreal, and Mexico City offer extensive bike-sharing programs and dedicated cycling lanes. Rural areas also have scenic bike routes, such as the Katy Trail (U.S.) or the Confederation Trail (Canada).

Taxis

Taxis are available in most cities, but rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely used across North America. Apps like DiDi are popular in Mexico.

City Transport

Public transport systems vary by city. New York City has a robust subway network, while cities like Toronto and Mexico City offer comprehensive metro systems. Buses and streetcars are common in smaller cities.

 

SIM Card Options

Local SIM cards

  • AT&T: Reliable coverage and data plans across the U.S. and Mexico.
  • T-Mobile: Affordable prepaid plans with good coverage in urban areas.
  • Rogers: A popular choice in Canada with extensive 5G coverage.
  • Telcel: The leading provider in Mexico, offering flexible prepaid options.

eSIM Card Options

  • Airalo: Offers regional eSIM plans for North America with flexible data options.
  • Nomad: Provides customizable eSIM plans for specific countries or the entire region.
  • Holafly: Features unlimited data eSIMs, ideal for short-term visits.
  • Local Network eSIMs: Major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Rogers also offer eSIM services for compatible devices.

What to pack for North America

  • Passport and travel documents
  • Visa or ESTA (if required)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Lightweight jacket
  • Travel-sized toiletries
  • Power adapter ( Type A/B plugs)
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Travel umbrella
  • Medications and a basic first-aid kit
  • Power bank
  • Credit/debit card
  • Local/international SIM card
  • Camera
  • Compact backpack
  • Copies of important documents

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North America Suggested Daily Budget

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On Budget

$75 - $150 per day

On a budget of $75 to $150 per day, you can stay in hostels or budget motels, often costing around $50 to $100 per night. For transportation, using public transport will keep costs low. You can enjoy free activities like hiking in national parks, visiting free museums, and exploring local markets. Eating out at inexpensive diners or cooking your own meals will help you stick to this budget.

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Mid-range

$150 - $300 per day

With a mid-range budget of $150 to $300 per day, you can stay in comfortable hotels or private Airbnb accommodations, typically priced between $100 and $200 per night. This budget allows for occasional taxi rides or car rentals for convenience. You can enjoy a mix of dining experiences, including dining at casual restaurants and trying local street food. Activities may include guided tours, entrance fees to attractions, and some outdoor adventures like kayaking or zip-lining.

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Luxury

$300+ per day

For a luxury budget starting at $300 per day, you can staying luxury hotels or boutique hotel. This budget allows for any activities you desire, such as private tours, gourmet dining experiences, and unique excursions like hot air balloon rides. Transportation can include renting a premium car or taking domestic flights for longer distances. You’ll have the freedom to explore without worrying about costs, enjoying the best that North America has to offer.