North America

Deciding to visit one of the countries in North America provides you with an enormous range of choices for vacation destinations. This continent consists of three countries that will take you from the frozen North to the tropical beaches and mountains of the South.

Canada

Canada consists of ten provinces and three territories, each which their unique culture and attractions. Start in the east and slowly make you way to the west with cities, towns and villages that will awe you with their beauty. Enjoy the delights that only a trip up North will bring and experience the culture of the Native Peoples. Each of the provinces will take a lot of time because the area of each one, with the exception of PEI, is quite vast.

The Atlantic Provinces

Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick

Visit Cabot Tower in St. John's, Newfoundland to see the location from which Marconi sent the first trans-Atlantic wireless signal. Explore the many fishing villages and visit the multitude of museums. Trek the historic trails, such as the rock walls in Grates Cove, see where John Cabot came ashore in Bonavista, visit the site of the movie "Random Passage" in Old Bonaventure and visit Robert's Arm where you just might see Newfoundland' own Loch Ness monster. The Viking Trail will take you through the mountains of Gros Morne and into Labrador, which is part of the mainland. In order to visit the villages on the coast, you will have to travel by boat.

Nova Scotia is famed for its apples and the many orchards in the Annapolis Valley will delight you with the spectacular scenery. Explore the fort at Louisburg where the French and English fought for control of the continent, the site of the first settlement in North America at Annapolis Royal and drive the Cabot Trail around the rim of Cape Breton Island. Survey the beauty below you from the top of Kelly's Mountain and visit the hometown of the Canadian singer, Anne Murray, in Amherst. The tides of the Bay of Fundy, among the largest in the world, are a sight to behold when you can walk out to the boats in the evening, but have to swim in the morning. This province was originally settled by immigrants from Scotland, so you may just be in time for the "Gathering of the Clans".

Prince Edward Island is the home of Anne of Green Gables. Spend some time at Cavendish Beach and drive the Confederation Bridge, which links this island with the mainland. See the many potato farms and explore the delights of Charlottetown, the birthplace of Canadian Confederation.

New Brunswick is a scenic sight with many fishing villages dotting the coast. St. John, Fredericton, Edmundston, Chatham, some of the places you can visit. Fundy National Park gives you the chance to connect with the land, sea and sky and the "Village Historique Acadien" ( Acadian Historic Village ) will help you to understand one of the great tragedies of Canadian history. Take in many of the festivals and events and see the original wood salt shaker tower in Harvey.

Central Canada

Quebec, Ontario

Central Canada consists of Ontario and Quebec, where you will find two distinct cultures.

In Quebec, the two cities favored by visitors are Quebec City and Montreal, but there are many other cities, small towns and villages. Visit the Shrine of St. Anne de Beaupre, just outside of Quebec City or walk the streets of the Lower Town. Chateau Frontenac is an imposing structure holding guard over the city which now also serves as one of Canada?s finest luxury hotels. The Plains of Abraham, within walking distance of the Chateau Frontenac, is the site of the last French-English battle fought on the continent. Along the coast you will see many fishing villages and in the center of the province is dotted with scenic farms.

Visit Niagara Falls, the most popular tourist attraction in Ontario. While in this area visit the local vineyards, G. B. Shaw plays in Niagara on the Lake and the locks of the Welland Canal on the Seaway. Take in a baseball game or a hockey game in Toronto, the site of the CN Tower, the tallest free standing structure in Canada. Join Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russels in renting an amenity filled cottage in the Muskoka Region amongst many lakes and see where the Canadians relax during the summer (and winter for the hardier types). The Thousand Islands is surely a sight to behold and farther north you can reach the shores of Hudson and James Bay where Polar Bears march through towns. There are many small native reserves where you can experience the life and culture first hand.

The Prairie Provinces

Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta

The flat prairies that stretch for miles without a hill in sight will leave you breathless. Pass the fields of growing wheat, see the herds of roaming buffalo and visit the towns along the Red River Valley. Visit the sites of battles in the Riel Rebellion and the old forts where Indians traded their furs. Manitoba is the outdoor enthusiast?s paradise with many opportunities for fishing, hunting and boating. Museums and historic sites abound making your vacation one you will remember.

Regina, Saskatchewan is the training ground for the RCMP and the musical ride is one that all visitors enjoy. Visit the Great Wall of Saskatchewan in Smiley and the water tower in Kerrobert. Fort Saskatchewan will take you back to the past when fur traders portaged the rivers and lakes and the names of the many communities will remind you that many of these people are descended from towns and villages all over Europe.

Alberta is the oil capital of Canada and the home of the Calgary Stampede. Visit West Edmonton Mall for a shopping center with a hotel and a waterpark located in the center of the mall. Travel North to Fort McMurray to see the tar sands or take a tour of a cattle ranch. Take part in a cattle drive or enjoy the skiing delights that Banff will provide. Travel high into the Rocky Mountains and marvel at the skill involved in creating roads through this area.

The West

British Columbia

British Columbia lies along the Pacific Ocean and the climate of Vancouver Island is temperate year round. It is rare to get snow along the shores, but farther inland, Whistler with it's Olympic level skiing and snowboarding will delight you. Visit the Glacier and camp out in the wild. Visit the farms of the Okanagan Valley and see the totem poles of the Nootka and Haida native peoples. Explore the many forts or enjoy rafting down the expansive rivers. Follow the Kootenay Trail that led many gold miners to their fortune in the 1800?s.

The North

Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut

Enjoy dog sledding and the many wildlife that roam the tundra. Visit the many small native settlements where you will be welcomed with open arms. See the Inukshuks that the early Eskimos used as signposts and cross the ice floes on skidoo. This area is not always frozen and in summer the temperatures do get quite high. Fishing, boating, swimming and hunting are yours to enjoy when you come to the North.

The United States

The United States consists of 50 states and Puerto Rico. All of the states are adjoining except Alaska and Hawaii.

Alaska

Alaska is part of North America, but is located north and west of Canada. Here you will find many delightful little villages and the Hubbard Glacier, which is constantly changing. The mountains seem to rise from the sea and touch the sky and the wildlife is something you might only hope to see in books. Coyotes, wolves, bison, polar bears, moose and elk roam freely in the wild and you can take a helicopter tour to see them up close. Select a fishing or hunting expedition under the supervision of expert guides and stay in one of many luxurious hunting lodges.

The Eastern States

Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, North Carolina, Florida

From the tree-covered mountains of Maine to the sunny Florida coast, this area of the country has a wealth of things to see and do. It positively exudes history with pioneer villages, Civil War battle sites and covered bridges; you will be amazed with everything it has for you. Visit New York City, with the Empire State Building, Ground Zero, the site of the fallen World Trade Center, Central Park, Staten Island, Brooklyn Bridge and the United Nations. Washington, D.C is the site of the White House and the presidency. Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and the many beach resorts along the coast will provide you with an unforgettable vacation. The Florida sunshine is the main attraction that draws many visitors to this state and it is also the site of Disney World. Take time to explore the mountains of Tennessee and Kentucky and experience the Ozark culture.

The Gulf States

Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas

The states along the Gulf of Mexico are blessed with glorious sunshine and scenic beauty. This area is oil refinery country, but there are many attractions for tourists. Fishing, hunting, canoeing and kayaking are only a few of the activities you can enjoy.

Enjoy the Cajun culture of Louisiana and the bayous. New Orleans is traditionally one city where you are assured of a good time, no matter when you visit. Texas, the Lone Star state, is very large and as the Texans say, Everything is bigger in Texas. Experience the ranches of the state and the delights that only Houston and Dallas can provide. Visit Alamo of San Antonio and relive the days of Davy Crockett; or stop and dine along the San Antonio River Walk. Visit the many Spanish mission towns and take in the many sporting events that take place here.

The Mid-West

Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, Wyoming

Feel like Dorothy from the Wizard of OZ as you visit Kansas or Laura from the ?Little House on the Prairie, as you take in all that the Midwestern states have to offer. Travel the routes of the covered wagons as the pioneers journeyed westward and visit the sites of many Civil War battles. See the ancient rock paintings left by the native peoples and follow the Trail of Tears through the Cherokee Nation. Cattle ranches, mountain top towns and spectacular scenery await you here. See the cliff dwellings of the ancient peoples in Colorado and walk the tracks of the dinosaurs. Visit the stomping grounds of Buffalo Bill in Wyoming and trek through the Black Hills of South Dakota.

The Northern States

Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana

Fish the waters of Lake Superior foe muskie when you visit Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Take a tour of the many automobile manufacturing plants in Michigan or sit for a while in the breathtaking parks. See where Yogi Bear came from in Yellowstone National Park and see Old Faithful, the world famous geyser. Take in the many museums, parks and festivals that these states have to offer. Follow in the footsteps of the many explorers and fur traders that opened up this area to settlement.

The Western States

California, Nevada, Washington, Oregon

The warm temperatures of the Pacific Coast draw millions of visitors each year. California is home to Disney World, Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley, known for its exquisite wines. Tour the wineries, shop the same stores as the movie stars and take a tour of the mansions of Bel Air. Visit the casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada and dance with lady Luck. Visit Yosemite National Park and the see the giant sequoia trees. Oregon and Washington are farther north, but no less beautiful. The wealth of history in the maritime and logging towns will keep you busy for weeks, not to mention the plethora of activities for any time of the year.

Mexico

Mexico is a country of contrasts bounded by mountains and beaches along the coasts with desert in the north growing into jungle in the south. Mexico City is high in the mountains and is the main entry point to all other places in the country. The exquisite architecture will take your breath away and the pyramids built by the ancient Aztecs are truly spectacular, Visit the Mayan ruins at Cancun, see the cliff divers at Acapulco and relax in the sun and the sand at Puerto Vallarta. The many small towns and villages have a wealth of attractions and many fascinating markets. You can immerse yourself in the colorful, local culture and fall in love with what Mexico has in store for you.

  • Canada   ( 1 Articles )

    Canada

    Canada, while mostly covered by tundra, has a large well populated strip along south that is broken into six distinctive zones: Maritimes; Québec; Ontario; the Prairies; the Mountains; the Pacific Coast.

     

    Maritimes

    The first, the Maritimes, consist of the four easternmost provinces: Nova Scotia; New Brunswick; PEI (Prince Edward Island); and Newfoundland and Labrador.  Of great interest here is the Celtic music and picturesque Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia; lobster fishing and wilderness exploration in New Brunswick; the Viking Meadows in Labrador; and the sandy beaches and literary home of Anne of Gables in PEI.

     


     
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    Québec

    The province of Québec, the main French region of Canada, is home to Québec City and Montréal both of great interest to luxury tourists.  Québec City is an old walled town that was capital of New France before the British conquered it over 250 years ago on the now historic Plains of Abraham.  It still retains much of its continental charms and has a wide array of unique luxury hotels within the walls.  Montréal is a true mix of old and new, French and English.  Its cathedrals, nightlife, historical areas all make for wondrous long weekend trip for anyone.  In both cities and through Québec locals appreciate your attempt at French but will happily help you in English.

     

    Ontario

    Ontario, the most populous and prosperous province in Canada, is most easily accessible by the majority of Americans.  Southern Ontario and especially Niagara Peninsula jut down well below 49th parallel.  Ontario is home to many wilderness parks such as Algonquin Park where visitors can canoe and camp away from it all.  The North has its share of resorts made for both summer and winter.  In summer there are guesthouses to rent ranging from small cottages all the way up multimillion-dollar mansions.  Most of these are lakes allowing you to water ski or simply just lacks for their way sitting on a comfortable lounger.

     

    Ottawa

    Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is home to the neoclassical parliament building, as well as many museums and it items of historical interest that one would expect to see in a grand capital.

     

    Toronto

    Toronto, capital of Ontario, is home to professional teams of all major North American sports including the Jays, Argonauts, Raptors, and of course the Toronto Maple Leafs.  It also has the CN Tower, Chinatown, Castle Loma, and is home to many full-scale Theatrical Productions including Phantom of the Opera, Lion King, and others.

     

    Ontario also has Stratford on Avon, which is home to the Globe Theater and many Shakespearean and other plays.  The Niagara Peninsula has many wineries and has many harvest festivals during the fall season, plus some during the winter dedicated to the wine unique to the Niagara region, ice wine.

     

    The Prairies

    The Prairies, as the name suggests, are flat grasslands thousands of kilometers wide.  As woes being beautiful travel across, they've unique features of their own.  There are forts, and other remnants of the Hudson's Bay trading company (which used to own most of what is now Canada), spread throughout the Prairies.  Calgary, capital of Alberta, is well known for Calgary Stampede, a modern massive rodeo and fair.  South of Calgary are the Badlands which are chock-full of dinosaur bones.

     

    Canadian Mountains (Rocky Mountains)

    West of the Prairies are the Canadian Mountains, including the range called the Rocky Mountains.  These straddle the border between Alberta and British Columbia and range from the Southern border with the USA all the way up to the Yukon and Alaska.  Containing both Jasper Park and Banff Park, and home to Lake Louise, Whistler and other ski and snowboarding resorts, many tourists enjoy the Mountains in both winter and summer.

     

    The Pacific Coast

    The gentle weather and many inlets along the Pacific coastline mean that this is the year-round destination for luxury tourists.  The Queen Charlotte Islands, and Vancouver Island with the province?s capital of Victoria, are pulled into either by cruise ships or through charters and ferry boats.

    Vancouver

    Canada's third-largest city, Vancouver, is similar to the city just further south, Seattle.  It shares much the laid-back attitude, and love of the outdoors.  The ethnic mix means that there are fantastic restaurants seemingly on every corner.  Whale watching, salmon fishing, kayaking, are available and easily booked with the concierge at your hotel.  Day trips for skiing or snowboarding in the Mountains are possible too.

     

    Booking a vacation in Canada is easy booking a luxury vacation, well that's just pleasure.

  • Mexico   ( 2 Articles )
    Mexico is more than all those little towns around the borders; Mexico is a great country with a lot of culture and beautiful architecture. You can find friendly people, delicious food and a lot of things that can surprise you. There are resort destinations in Mexico on both the Pacific and the Caribbean coasts and all of them have beautiful beaches for you to enjoy.

    The weather is fantastic no matter when you visit because the rainy season in this country is usually only during May and June. This means that it will rain for a short period at some point during the day, but not enough to interfere with your holiday.

    You should only use the taxis belonging to the hotel and you need to be careful when in crowded locations. Pickpockets are very swift and can relieve you of your wallet in a matter of seconds. The currency is the Mexican peso, but there are many currency exchangers in all the major locations. At the resorts, US currency is also accepted.

    For most tourist destinations in Mexico, you will have to fly through Mexico City. Although this is not known as a tourist destination, there are many attractive features that make it worth a few days of your time on vacation.

    Mexico City

    If you are planning to visit Mexico City get ready for a real adventure. This is one of the most populated countries in the world with a lot of action going on. You may want to stay in one of the best hotels located in Reforma Avenue, such as Nikko Hotel, Fiesta Americana, Marquis Hotel, Fours Seasons or Marriott Hotel. These hotels have amenities at your fingertips with rooftop swimming pools, buffet meals and even a bakery in the hotel.

    You can take the tour bus to see the most popular buildings and streets. Don?t forget to take your camera with you and get ready to see The National Art Palace, which is something you should not miss. Other important sites are the Angel of Independence, the Cathedral and some other important buildings downtown.

    If you want to know more about the ancient Mexican history don?t forget to visit the Pyramids. This is a must see on any itinerary and you will find them in Mexico City and Tulum on the Yucatan Peninsula

    Mexico Resorts

    Mexico has wonderful beaches, such as at Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Veracruz, Manzanillo or Acapulco. Here you will find many beautiful resorts, attractions and activities. Acapulco is famed for its cliff divers, some of whom dive with torches. Wherever you go, you should be ready to have a wonderful party time with Tequilas and Margaritas that will blow your mind.

    But if you are looking for something more rustic and relaxing you can visit San Miguel Allende, Dolores Hidalgo or Guanajuato. These are very small towns where you will find a lot of artisans, rocky streets, red brick roofs and colorful houses.

    All-inclusive vacations are the best way to go when you take a vacation at any of the Mexican resorts. There is always a variety of food served at the buffets so you can stick to what you know you like or sample some of the spicy Mexican cuisine.

    Shopping in Mexico

    There are many luxurious shopping malls in all the tourist destinations. Most of these have extremely high prices compared to Canada and the US. The best place for shopping is at the many small market stalls. Here you will find a fascinating array of clothing and crafts. The main thing is that you never pay the first price. The vendors are expecting you to barter and the more you do, the lower the price gets. Of course, you may not be getting authentic jewelry if you shop at these locations, but for souvenirs, it makes a great gift.

    Everyone that visits Mexico wants a poncho or a sombrero. These are two things that you will certainly be able to find at the markets and in beautiful designs. The only think you have to decide is how you are going to manage to fit them in your suitcase.

  • USA   ( 14 Articles )

    The United States of America is the most populous country in North America. Its northern neighbour is Canada and to the south is Mexico. There are 50 states in the US, with Hawaii in the South Pacific and Alaska north of Canada. Puerto Rico, sometimes called the 51st state, is in the Caribbean between the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands.

    Depending on the part of the country you decide to visit, you will find seaside fishing villages, mountain towns and beach resorts. All along the Gulf coast from Florida to Texas, you will enjoy warm sunny conditions all year long. White, sandy beaches, wildlife, calming ocean waves and a multitude of activities await you including St.George Island Rentals Florida. Stay in one of the beach vacation rentals and experience a paradise like no other. California is also a stunning example of beautiful beaches and elaborate cities, but even in this southern state, you can enjoy skiing in the mountains.

    Experience the Old West in the towns of the Midwestern states, try you luck in the casinos of Las Vegas and walk in the footsteps of the pioneers as they opened up the west. Gaze in wonder at the faces carved on Mount Rushmore and see the active volcano at Mount St. Helen?s. Visit the Capital Building, the Pentagon and gaze at the home of the President. The White House, when you visit Washington, D.C.

    Step back in time to the days of the American Revolution in the towns of New England and browse the exhibits at the many museums dedicated to the Civil War. Disney World in both Florida and California has many hours of fun fro children of all ages and at the movie studios in Hollywood, you just might be able to sit in on the shoot of one of the many dramas and sitcoms that you see on TV.

    You will not have any problem traveling throughout the country with the vast network of Interstate and state highways that crisscross the nation. There are many airports where you can get a flight from one major city to another and the Greyhound bus service travels throughout the land.

    Mayflower Tours, for example, offers many tours of various states and cities, departing from Chicago as well as other locations in Indians and Wisconsin. With luxury hotels, bed and breakfasts galore and rustic cottages to rent, you will not have any difficulty finding accommodations wherever you go.


    New York City

    When you visit the US, you have to spend some time in New York City. The Alex Hotel is the ultimate in comfort and sophistication. With a panoramic view of the city skyline and close proximity to all the attractions, you can rest in elegance during your visit. The fine dining in the restaurant with its gourmet food will please you to no end.

    New York has many 5 star hotels and bed and breakfast accommodations as well as world-renowned restaurants. Times Square is one place you should visit while you are in this city that never sleeps and here you will find such popular restaurants as McHales, Becco and the Edison Café. No matter what your taste in food might be, you will find in the Big Apple.

    Take a tour of the Empire State Building; visit Ground Zero, the site of the World Trade Center tragedy, and the Brooklyn Bridge. A luxurious tour of New York Harbor awaits you with the Circleline cruises. Take a boat ride to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and explore the attractions of the South Seaport, with its shopping, museums and historic ships. To avoid the long lineups for these cruises, the best thing to do is to purchase your tickets online.

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