North America

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Eco-friendly travel guide to North America advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in North America.


  • Air quality: 4 / 5
  • Bus connections: 4 / 5
  • Train connections: 3 / 5
  • Hitchhiking: 3 / 5
  • National parks: 2 / 5
  • Outdoor activities: 4 / 5
  • Locals' English level: 4 / 5
  • Safety: 3 / 5
  • Accommodation: US$20 - $60
  • Budget per day: US$80 - $300

Responsible Travel

North America is located in the Northern Hemisphere, and some part of it forms a part near the Western Hemisphere as well. On the north side of the continent is the Atlantic ocean, and on the east side, there is the Arctic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean borders the south and east side of this continent. The total area it covers is 24,709,000 km2 and has 579,024,000 people living, estimated in 2016. The main official languages are English, Spanish, French and a few others. The largest city of this continent is New York City. While exploring different places and the general idea of tourism is great, it is also harmful for the environment because of the way tourists travel today. It is of utmost importance to be a responsible traveller especially when we are at the verge of a climate disaster.

  • Choosing the right transport method: A major part of your travel experience includes discovering every nook and cranny of the city. While you will have transport options like private cars and taxis at your disposal you need to know that not only do they contribute to more congestion and traffic pollution but also emit harmful gases into the environment. So, choose options like walking, cycling, electronic and public transportation in general.
  • Trying local food: A huge part of the local culture is the traditional food that is offered at the local traditional restaurants and by street food vendors. Instead of just sticking to international fast food franchises that contribute to so much waste being produced in the world, you should try the local options. Not only will it help the local economy but also will directly help the families whose sole source of earning are these small food businesses.
  • Do not throw waste: As an eco-friendly traveler, you need to promote sustainable living as much as possible in the city to motivate not only fellow tourists but local people. When you visit any tourists attractions especially city parks, make sure you do not throw any food wrapper and do not just stop at that but if you see any trash, pick it up and throw it in the dustbin. It might look like a very small thing to do but has a huge impact on people watching especially the children present in the park since they learn and mimic the behaviour of other people around them.
  • Choose a green hotel: Plenty of accommodations are available in the city that provide you with a top-notch experience but instead of choosing them, you can pick green hotels for your stay. They use eco-friendly measures to reduce the pollution and waste of the city. This is one of the great ways to contribute towards the city to keep it safe and clean.
  • Shop local: In order to support local craftsmen and artisans always shop local. During your trip to the city, you will come across small shops and food stalls in almost every lane of the city. If you want to have an unforgettable experience in the city, then buy goods and handicrafts from these shops. This will not only help you to save a lot of money but you will be supporting a lot of local people who are dependent on their small businesses to earn a livelihood.


Air Quality and Pollution

Pollution is a real problem in today's world. The United States of America is one of the biggest polluters on the planet and Los Angeles, Visalia, Bakersfield are some of the leading place with the most amount of Air pollution in the US. On the other hand you will be pleasantly surprised by the situation in Canada. They are acutely aware of the situation there environment is in and that is why the government and the citizens have played their part in conserving the environment through different laws like the Canadian Environmental Protection Act that makes it mandatory for businesses to engage in practices like prevention of pollution and elimination of waste in a sustainable manner. The problem of Air pollution is very real in Mexico as well and it causes around 5.9% of all deaths in the country. Similarly the air quality of Costa Rica is also considered moderately unsafe according to the standards set by the World Health Organisation. While the situation may seem grim, if every citizen and tourist played their part and was conscious of their carbon footprint, this can be overturned. In the meanwhile the precautions you need to take include carrying a mask, avoiding industrial areas where you can be exposed to harmful fumes, carrying your anti allergy medication etc.


Respect the Culture

The culture of North America is primarily of Western origin. Still, it is affected by a multicultural ethos that includes African, Native American, Asian, Pacific Island, and Latin American people and their cultures. Sweeping statements and generalisations cannot be made about the North American culture. This is because there every country and community has a culture of their own. It will be better to look at it through an individual lens. This is an important part of respecting the culture of a place, to know and respect the differences because that shows how you have made an effort to actually learn about their culture instead of expecting the same thing from everywhere and applying the same rules in all the places. Canada being the second largest country in the world with two official languages, English and French is known for its multicultural society that includes a little bit of British, french and American influences. The country has its own set of delicacies like Montreal bagels, butter tarts and the infamous poutine which are traditional fries with gravy and cheese pins. You will find Canadians to be big sports fan especially sports like Lacrosse and hockey. The United States of America is the fourth largest country of the world and is known for its pop culture that has an influence all over the world. Famous artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Michael Jackson that are loved by people all around the world are some of the famous faces that represent the importance of pop and entertainment in American culture. It is more like a melting pot of cultures with people from different ethnicities, racial and economic backgrounds calling it their home. Mexico is the 12th most populous country in the world and is known around the world for its delicious food and vibrant culture. The official language is Spanish but you will find most of the people know how to speak English as well. Mexican people love their holidays and festivals.


Top 10 Places to Visit

  • Mount McKinley south-central Alaska: Mount McKinley (Mount McKinley) or Denali (Denali) - the highest mountain in North America and one of those, the conquest of which will be a milestone in any climber's career. It is located in the United States, in the southern part of Alaska, and is part of the Alaska Ridge. It is sadly famous as a place with shallow air temperatures: more than a dozen people have died from hypothermia and subsequent frostbite during the assault. The first recorded attempt to climb McKinley took place in 1903 - James Vickersham chose the northern wall, which later received his name (Wickersham Wall), to climb. Still, he was unable to overcome the highest American peak. In 1903, Dr. Frederick Cook allegedly did this, but later research recognized this rise as a fake.
  • Empire State Building New York City: Today, the second tallest is second only to World Trade Center 1, the heir to the twin towers of the World Trade Center destroyed by terrorists on September 11, 2001. Interesting Facts! The Empire State Building height is 380 meters, and if you count with the antenna, then even 443 meters! The skyscraper was built in 1929-1931 during the Great Depression and is named after the "Empire State," that is, New York. The building has 103 floors, and for more than 40 years, it was considered the tallest building in the world! From time immemorial, the desire to look at the world from above prevails over many, if not all, of man's desires. In most ancient European cities, to enjoy the surrounding area's panorama, it is enough to climb the bell tower - usually, it is the tallest building - or at least the upper tier of the largest cathedral.
  • Niagara Falls North America: The border between Canada and the United States is an epic place that attracts both the minds and tourists' eyes. Once upon a time, people jumped into a waterfall in barrels, hoping to draw attention to their person. Some did not survive, but there were also lucky ones. In terms of the volume of falling water, Niagara Falls is considered the largest in the world. The height of this natural "wonder of the world" is small, which does not prevent it from remaining the world champion in terms of the number of tourists - about 30 million people come to admire this cascade every year. Basically, of course, residents of the two largest countries in North America.
  • Chicago USA: City of Winds - a vast, second-largest metropolitan area in the United States, stretching out on Lake Michigan's shores in Illinois. The predominant color is steel grey with light patches of beige and sand—the primary purpose: to surprise and be the first in everything. About 2.7 million people live in Chicago. Chicago is a unique and still very young city. First spotted on more or less detailed maps in the first third of the 19th century, it quickly grew in the grain and meat trade, in the canning and soap industry. In the timber trade - all the most important trade routes between the country's central states and the megalopolises on the Atlantic coast went through Chicago.
  • Walt Disney World Resort Florida: This Orlando mega amusement park is a top family attraction in the country and has served both young and old for decades. Opened in 1971, Walt Disney World has managed to maintain its relevance and appeal to children and even many adults over the years. The Walt Disney World Resort includes various theme parks and water parks, Downtown Disney with shops and theatres, and more, from fine dining to golf. Although many visitors plan to spend several days here, it is possible to spend a week or more if people are willing to accept everything they see and do.
  • Las Vegas Strip Nevada: Walking along the Las Vegas Strip, the main street that leads through the city past the mega-resorts, is like walking through an adult amusement park. Recreations of the New York skyline, the Eiffel Tower, Venice's canals, and many other foreign objects overlook this famous street. Starting at one end with the pyramid-shaped Luxor Hotel, a walk down the lane reveals an erupting volcano and dancing fountains, and inside resorts, all sorts of oddities and fun. Many of the attractions in Las Vegas are attractions that can be seen for free. Vegas is also known for its shows. World-famous singers were looking to settle in Las Vegas as their home base, where they regularly perform. Here you can find unique performing groups from magic to comedy and acrobatics.
  • Yellowstone national park USA: Yellowstone National Park is home to a vast ancient volcano that has resulted in a dramatic landscape and unique natural phenomena. Geysers and hot springs and incredible waterfalls along the Yellowstone River are just attractions that call many tourists every year. The park, the oldest national park in the United States, is also home to all kinds of wildlife, with free-roaming bison, bighorn sheep, antelopes, black bears, and grizzly bears.
  • Times Square New York City: Bustling Times Square, known for its flashing billboards, New Year's countdown, and constant crowds, lies in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. This intersection touches the energy that you feel when you stand at the corner, with taxis rushing and glowing overhead, rather than in any particular stretch of the square. While this is an exciting spot during the day, it is probably best seen at night.
  • Pentagon USA: The name of this building in Greek merely means "pentagon" and fully meets all the architectural features. This remarkable, largest office building on the planet is located in the state of Virginia. Interestingly, the lawn in front of the entrance to the Pentagon is also pentagonal.
  • Haiku Staircase (Stairway to Heaven) on Oahu Island Hawaii: The Haiku Staircase is a spectacular walking trail on Oahu, also known as the Stairway to Heaven. It is one of the most scenic and breathtaking courses in the world. The staircase trail leads to the top of the Kulau mountain range, which is 850 meters high. Climbing to the "heavens" is only possible for experienced and well-prepared fans of extreme recreation, as the ascent is quite steep.
The Las Vegas strip is one of the most popular tourist attractions in North America


Explore

North America is a continent bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, covering about 24,709,000 square kilometers. The continent is rich in culture and heritage. From local parks to museums and significant landmarks, North America has a comprehensive collection of tourist spots. This continent gives you plenty of places to explore and learn about Americans' rich heritage from large nations to smaller ones. Some essential countries you might be interested in are Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Greenland, Mexico, and the United States of America. Territories such as Bermuda, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and many more come under the visitors' list to visit every year. Here are some destinations you might want to explore under the listed categories:


City Parks

  • Prospect Park New York City: This beautiful park is in Brooklyn, New York City, whose entire design was by Fredrick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. It is 585 acres -full of leafy urban escape worth exploring. It is famous for its existence due to the Battle of Long Island, which took place during the American Revolution. While strolling, do observe plaques dedicated to the battle. You can choose this site for picnicking, relaxing, taking a stroll, horse riding, and many more kinds of stuff. Best-suited for children, and you may enjoy many other facilities on your tour to Prospect Park.
  • Grant Park Chicago: Grant Park is in Central Business District in Chicago – also known as "front yard." Spread over 319 acres of lush green area, you can find this park alongside Lake Michigan. You might experience some significant events on your tour as this park is available for professional/non-professional events. It has a lakefront trail making it perfect for a stroll in the sunshine. You can also see one of the world's largest fountains, Buckingham Fountain, here, which attracts Americans and Tourists from April to October with its exciting water displays and laxer shows. A perfect place for picnics as well as you strolling the rose and lavender gardens.
  • Golden Gate Park San Francisco: Golden Gate Park is on the west-side of downtown San Francisco – 1017 acres of land existing since1800's. It is the fifth most visited park in North America, making visitors see large numbers every year. The impressive display of orchids, waterfalls, and blissful blooms is a mere attraction of this site. People also see the beautiful colorful gardens full of azalea and wisteria. You can also enjoy your morning breakfast here in the Beach Chalet with a beautiful scenic view of the Pacific Ocean. A must-visit tourist spot to relax and wander around.
  • Discovery Green Houston, Texas: Downtown Houston has a beautiful modern park, Discovery Park, where you can enjoy the city skyline's enchanting views. A perfect place for spending time with families, also very children-friendly. People usually come here for morning walks, jogging, wandering around the park as there are many beautiful sights in Discovery Green Park. Every evening you might get involved in captivating performances and outdoor activities, free for all. You will be surprised as this park gives you plenty of opportunities to open up in public along with beautiful arrangements by various bands.
  • Boston Common & Public Gardens Boston: Boston Common Park is a senior public park in America since 1634. Here, you may find many attractive points to click pictures and learn about this park's history. Many major historical events from the Civil War have been taken place in these public gardens. Many memories from those times are on display in the park, which you may learn while walking on the Freedom Trail. There is a Frog Pond in the garden center, attracting locals to enjoy the area's serenity. Many come here for picnics and stuff to pass their time under the park's lush green environment.
  • Patterson Park Baltimore, Maryland: You can find Patterson Park in Southeast Baltimore, existing since 1827 and has an exciting history of the Battle of Baltimore in 1812. It is spread over 137 acres of land; this park has a beautiful atmosphere with blooming flower gardens and small shops, making it a mere attraction for locals and tourists to spend their time in Patterson Park. Along with a swimming pool, there are various other facilities you might be interested in while exploring the park. Many activities, events, and festivals are held throughout the year, increasing visitors every year. Must-visit the Kinetic Sculpture Race – a masterpiece of art you must not miss.
Prospect Park in Brooklyn


National Parks

  • Death Valley National Park California: Sits on the desert in Southern California, Death Valley National Park is home to several noticeably migratory birds, exotic animals, among animals. You must not miss the Salt Creek, Mustard Canyon, and the Devil's Golf. Since this national park is a desert, you can also enjoy pretty fantastic dunes of different colors, something which you might not have seen your whole life. It's very eye-pleasing, and also the history behind the sands is quite impressive. You'll have a fantastic day here; hence, on your trip to North America, you must visit this heritage site to create some incredible memories of your trip.
  • Badlands National Park South Dakota: Badlands National Park is in South Dakota, where you'll find floras and faunas from the world's richest fossil beds to rare species visitors come here in large numbers every year to see the rugged beauty of the Badlands. Earlier in those times, people saw ancient horses and rhinoceros in this very site. Now the number of rare species is limited and protected in Badlands. This park is almost spread over 244,000 acres of land in South Dakota to cover an expanse of wild bison, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and black-footed ferrets. This site's geological formations are something you wouldn't want to miss, along with several other activities you might be interested in.
  • Denali National Park Alaska: In Alaska, Denali National Park is approximately six million acres of undisturbed natural beauty with striking white mountain peaks. You can see various dog species that can survive in this atmosphere, such as beautiful sled dogs. While traveling, you might also spot some giant grizzly bear sleeping in the middle of the road. It is one of the largest parks in North America and is home to massive wildlife from moose to caribou to .dall sheep. Also, its mountain peak is the tallest in North America. You can learn about so many species and meanwhile explore the beautiful mountain peaks of Denali National Park.
  • Isle Royale National Park Michigan: Isle Royale National Park in Michigan, surrounded by Lake Superior, offers explorers an unparalleled solitude and adventurous spot for hikers, boaters, backpackers, and kayakers, scuba divers, and canoeists. Amid the stunning scenic beauty, you’ll find ample opportunities to reflect and explore this beautiful site and make memories that last a lifetime. From group camping to learning about its heritage and culture, you’ll not waste a single second wondering why you choose this place. You may find some small creatures on your way trekking on the hills of Isle National Park.
  • Glacier Bay National Park Alaska: Glacier Bay National Park is a part of a 25-million-acre World Heritage Site in Alaska – home to various spectacular rugged mountains, dewy rainforests, wild coastlines, and deep fjords, wild species porpoises, humpback whales, and seals, and many more. It is one of the world's largest international protected areas, making it one of the highly visited tourist spots in North America. If you're here, you must inherit every bit of mother nature to bless your eyes. There are tourist centers to make your tour easy regarding various tourist spots here.
  • Redwood Forest National and State Park California: In North America, Redwood Forest National Park is the best, and one of the most popular National Parks found along the Northern Coast of California. From above, these tall trees are indeed a beautiful shade of red and are extraordinary in size. People from all over the world come to see these beautiful red trees. For them, many visitor centers are there. You can also hike and camp wherever you like. Must check the picnics areas as well as you'll get plenty of options for spending your day here. Apart from these, you can also see plenty of sea creatures along with the tracking sites.

Some of the other National Parks that warrant a visit include:

View of the scenic Banff National Park in Canada


Beaches

  • Hobuck Beach Washington State: On the tip of Washington’s rugged Olympic Peninsula, Hobuck Beach is surrounded by rainforests and mountains that protect this site from storms offering consistent Surf for boarders and anglers nearly year-round. The water here is cold and breezy wind attracts tourists to explore this part of the country. From here, you might have bald eagle sightings, and rambling amid the evergreens will make your day a memorable one. Best-suited for hiking and other kinds of stuff, hence if you're planning on this one, make sure to pack every necessary item to enjoy your day. You can also get some playing things near the seashore and few popular food stalls with best-served sea-food dishes.
  • Boca Grande Florida: Since the 18th-century, Boca Grande in Gasparilla Island, Florida, is a three-square-mile isle near Sarasota. From this location, you can travel to various other tourist spots in Florida. This beach is connected with the Gasparilla Island State Park; hence you might find some sea creatures while paddling boats to various tourist destinations. This beach provides you with ample opportunities to enjoy water sport activities across the seashore. You will also find many food stalls with freshly served oysters and other local dishes. If you're traveling in Florida, you must visit Boca Grande to spend a beautiful day-night life on this stunning-looking beach.
  • Twelvemile Beach Michigan: Twelvemile Beach in Michigan has clean and cold water with pebble-strewn sugar-sand beach lining Lake Superior's southern shore. Due to the sun's reflection off the seashore, it looks like the azure Caribbean. Visitors come here to see the perfect location for kayaking and paddle stunning shoreline of cliffs and experiencing geologic formations such as Chapel Rock which is a somewhat 4,000-year-old freestanding sandstone column. You can rent a boat to paddle wherever you want within the limited area described by the instructor. You might also get several opportunities to perform water sport activities in Twelvemile Beach.
  • Playa Guiones Costa Rica: Beautifully located on the village side of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Guiones is a surprisingly empty four-mile belt of the jungle-rimmed beach. This beach is children-friendly and the best place for beginners because of its sandy bottom and excellent local instruction. You can learn about various things here, from a day lesson with Coconut Harry's to weeklong Surf Simply camp. This place has a rich quality of sand and plantation, attracting huge visitors worldwide every year. You'll be amazed to see the culture over here. Many yogis and saints perform yoga activities for whoever is interested and aware of yoga's importance in life. A must-visit beach in the whole of North America.
  • Poipu Beach Kauai, Hawaii: Famous for its soft yellow sand and curling surf breaks, Poipu Beach is the best destination for travelers in Kauai, Hawaii. Its dreamy swaying palms and three-quarter-mile expanse of three golden crescents on Kauai's south side attract large numbers of beach lovers to Poipu Beach. The water here is gentle and calm, good enough for swimming, snorkeling, and whatnot. The place is usually crowded with families as this place is safe and secured with enough security. You may find this place a bit noisy, but it is a great spot to hang out with friends and families. You may also find several food shops across the beach to fill your empty stomachs.
  • Beacon’s Beach California: Not a popular one, but surely for loners and fewer crowd people, this beach in California is a perfect destination. You may face some parking problems and find food stalls, but its 80-foot-high bluff from surf-centric Encinitas to Beacon’s Beach is a blessing. Kind of the best place for surfers and toddlers. The venue of this place keeps the crowds away from this secluded city-run beach. Locals come here for morning swims to refresh their minds from the busy life of the city. The water here has a low tide, making it best for children to swim across the shore safely. You might also find various play items from nearby stalls to spend a joyful evening.

Some other beaches popular beaches in North America include:

The serene Isla Mujeres beach


Landmarks

  • Chateau Frontenac Canada: The Chateau Frontenac is a grand hotel in Quebec City overlooking the St. Lawrence River with its copper turrets and stone towers. This hotel has approximately 620 rooms that combine the architectural styles of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The castle also resembles a fairy tale theme built between 1862 and 1893 as a stepover location for those traveling on the Canadian Pacific Railway, making this tourist destination one of the most-visited spots in Northern America.
  • Hoover Dam Nevada, US: Sits between the United States of Arizona and Nevada, the Hoover Dam is just minutes outside of Las Vegas. It is a concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, existing since 1936 during the Great Depression by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The dam's generators provide electricity for public and private companies in Arizona, Nevada, and California. It comes under the critical landmarks as it has a deep history which you may get to learn in the museums built near the dam.
  • The Golden Gate Bridge California: In San Francisco, California, US, the Golden Gate Bridge is an Art deco bridge, 1.7 miles long and orange in color connecting San Francisco to California's northern countries. It is existing since 1937 and is a beautiful monument set against a stunning backdrop. This landmark is one of the highly visited ones on the list of travelers and explorers. You can choose to drive through the bridge, or otherwise, you can walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. From this spot, you will see the beautiful water body beneath the bridge.
  • Mount Rushmore South Dakota: In the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is an essential landmark in the United States. It's a sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore featuring four US Presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. This entire site covers approximately 1,278.45 acres of land. This site is very well known to everyone worldwide as it's a very famous tourist destination, and millions of immigrants travel here to view this site.
  • The Seattle Space Needle Washington: Since 1962, the Seattle Space Needle was mainly built for the 1962 World's Fair in Seattle, Washington, US. It is 605 feet high and 42m wide at its widest point, featuring an observation deck and a rotating SkyCity restaurant. From the top of this location, you can see the Downtown Seattle skyline and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and Elliott Bay surrounding beautiful islands. It would be best if you visited the Space Needle to create a never forgetting memory of Washington's most important building.
  • The Statue of Liberty New York City: Standing since 1886, this piece of art is a gift from France. When you enter the New York Harbor, the very first sight you'll get is of the Statue of Liberty. Since 1886 it has welcomed billions of immigrants who reach the States by sea. It has a rich history behind its construction, mainly pointing out that it is a potent symbol of ideals such as peace, liberty, human rights, opportunity, and democracy. If you're in New York, don't miss the chance to visit this extraordinary sight as it’s the most famous and vital landmark in Northern America.
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognised landmarks of North America


Museums

Inside the Museo Soumaya in Mexico City
  • Museo Soumaya Mexico City: A Mexican architect named Fernando Romero designed this Museo Soumaya displaying collections of famous European artists since 1994. Until now, the museum has gathered 66,000 pieces of art covering 16,000 hexagonal aluminium tiles and floors, which are made from marble imported from Greece. One of the best tourist destinations in Mexico City is seeing many artifacts and ancient buildings still standing on this museum's grounds. It would be best if you shortlisted this place in your travel book.
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art Philadelphia: Famous for the gorgeous stairs, the Philadelphia Museum of Art has a lot more to offer than just stairs as it is one of the largest museums in the United States with a collection of more than 227,000 artifacts. Frank Gehry designed this entire museum with an underground art gallery. It has a rich history of Philadelphians, their culture, and their tradition, along with the fine work of art, which you'll be able to see on the walls of the building while exploring the museum. The stairs mentioned above are pleasant to the eyes, making a perfect spot for clicking pictures and making memories.
  • The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum New York City: Opened in 1959, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum was once called the "Museum of Non-Objective Painting." Frank Lloyd Wright was the one behind the construction of this famous building who spent fifteen years working on this museum's design. The museum has lots of memories of Wright. His art was a fine piece of perfection which you can see while walking on the corridors of this beautifully structured building. Several art galleries and exhibitions are honored by Frank Lloyd Wright and his masterpieces and New York City's culture.
  • Milwaukee Art Museum Milwaukee: Milwaukee Art Museum is the most beautiful architectural museum in North America. It was opened in 1957 designed by a famous Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava. People worldwide see the white concrete pavilion featuring a movable shade structure built according to weather changes. The pavilion houses a temporary exhibit gallery along with the museum's store and its restaurant.
  • Museum of Revolution Havana: Museum of Revolution was housed as the country's Presidential Palace designed by Cuban architect Paul Belau, featuring Neo-Classical elements. The whole palace has a luxurious interior decorated by Tiffany & Co. This museum is now dedicated to the revolutionary war. You may learn many unknown facts about the war in artifacts and buildings of this museum—a perfect place for historians and history lovers as it has a lot to discover and learn.


Eat

North American cuisine consists of American, Canadian, African- American, Mexican and Central American cuisine. The food represents the history, heritage and culture of these places. You will find the options to be so diverse and something to cater to everyone’s palette. Foods like cornbread, Turkey, cranberry, blueberry are known to have been adopted into the cuisine of the United States from Native American groups. The staple ingredients that you will find across North America include corn that is used to prepare dishes like tortillas, side of corn on the cob etc. Rice is also a staple ingredient that was introduced to the New World by the Spanish and African slaves. Chillies are important to Central American and Mexican cuisine and the popular ones include dried chillies such as anchos, guajillos, chipotles and mulattos. Some of the most popular street food items in North America include:

  • Hot Dog
  • Gyros
  • Pretzels
  • Pizza
  • French Fries
  • Tacos
  • Poutine
  • Tamal
  • Nachos
  • Fajitas
  • Cheeseburger
The signature Canadian dish: Poutine


Drink

You can order drinks according to the occasion or according to your mood. Jelly Bellies, multi-colored sweets in small beans with natural fruit flavorings, is a very famous carbonated drink. It sometimes provides surprising tastes, such as island punch or chocolate pudding. Another very renowned drink is Kool-Aid Man; this powdered dilutable drink owes its success to its flashy colors and low price. Mascot, which is ubiquitous in all the brand's advertising campaigns: a smiling jug Kool-Aid Man.


Tap-water

Drinking water quality in the United States is generally safe, and you can take tap water directly from the tap; it is that safe for your use. North America, Canada, Greenland, and the United States are the only countries that have typically safe tap water. Some cities throughout America and Canada go beyond water treatment standards to deliver refreshing and pure water to their residents. Here are the best cities to live in for clean drinking water in North America: Hamilton, Ohio, Clearbrook, Abbottsford, British Columbia, Eldorado Springs, Colorado, Louisville, Kentucky, Silverdale, Washington, and many more. Drinking tap water is also very budget-friendly, and you can drink it directly from the tap again because it comes after processing, as packed drinking water costs high in North America. Many local people use it for cooking-purpose and domestic use.


Activities

This continent is home to hundreds of destinations that are filled with unique attractions and landmarks. From natural landmarks, and geological features to man made monuments and historic sites. North America truly has is all. Some of the activities that you can take part in include:

  • Hiking, Kayaking and camping at the Grand Canyon in Arizona
  • Visit a UNESCO World Heritage site like Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico
  • Experiencing Polar bear safari in Churchill, Canada
  • See the Northern lights in Greenland
  • Visit the Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica
Watching Northern lights in Alaska, Greenland is one of the most popular activities to do in North America


Accommodation

Different countries have different accommodation types, which also depends on the rate of tourism in that country. There are plenty of accommodation options available in North America from five star hotel to budget friendly hostels. While it may be difficult to find the right accommodation in the right budget in a place like New York City because of the extremely expensive places so it will be best to book in advance. It will be relatively easier to find the right kind of accommodation in the rural suburbs and there are plenty of accommodation types available so you do not necessarily have to settle for a hotel. You can rent an apartment, a hostel room, a house etc.


Green Hotels

Green hotels are those hotels that are known for their eco-friendly methods of keeping the environment clean and reducing the impact on nature from their side. Some of the gestures involve organic dishes, which means that the dishes served in these Hotels are made up of organic fruits and vegetables. Many other benefits are also present, including that the cleaning agent used to clean the rooms has less toxic chemicals; therefore, it does not have a foul odor. Many green hotels are present in well-established countries and present in a limited amount in other countries.


Hostels and Guest Houses

Hostels are shared rooms that are available on rent and offer necessary facilities at a low cost. You can save a lot of money through these types of accommodation. It is the best way to travel in a country even if you are alone because it is a shared room to get a good company. You must not expect privacy in these rooms because the room will be shared, and also the bathroom will be shared, so you may have to adjust to your hygiene issues. .


Apartments

The open flats are best for more extended stays. These apartments are best when you do not have anything to do for the day to enjoy on the balcony. Other than this, these apartments' privacy is perfect, and these apartments are best in security. Other than this, you can meet a lot of people who are living in the neighborhood. There are many other benefits such that you can cook your food in the kitchen of these apartments.


Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is the best way to stay with the locals in a foreign country without paying them. Instead of paying, you can help the family by purchasing essential items such as fruits, vegetables, standard milk, and other such products. It is the most common way of staying in a country like the United States or Canada because the accommodation charges are very high in many other cities. With this method's help, you can get an idea of how the locals of that country treat tourists. However, you must check the crime rate of that particular city before couchsurfing.


Camping

Camping is an adventurous activity that involves sleeping in a tent. Other than this, there are other options for camping, such as beaches or national parks. There are also camping tours which are available in this country. Camping is a free type of accommodation, but the kinds of equipment cost too much. You must always check the climate and season before camping.


Regions

North America consists of three large nations and one large island territory that covers most of its area. They are Canada, the United States of America (USA), Mexico and Greenland. There are also seven smaller nations at its southern extreme (collectively known as Central America), around two dozen island nations and territories of various sizes in the Caribbean, and one isolated French territory off the Canadian Atlantic coast. Although the Central American and the Caribbean regions are technically part of the North American continent, they are commonly listed separately from their larger neighbors to the north and hence the distinctive region names for both cultural and geographical reasons.

Regions of North America
Canada
The Great White North certainly has vast expanses of unspoiled wilderness, but it also features some of the world's most modern, cosmopolitan cities.
United States of America
One of the largest, most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations on Earth includes some of the world's most famous cities, natural parks of unspeakable beauty, and virtually everything in between.
Central America
The seven nations of this isthmus connecting North and South America blend elements of both continents; you'll find bustling cities, ancient jungle ruins, and Spanish-tinged mestizo and Afro-Indian cultures. The countries are Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.
Greenland
A self-governing country, but officially still part of Denmark, Greenland is a vast island of stark landscapes and midnight sun.
Mexico
Mexico is a big tourist attraction for sun-seekers and historians alike; the former flock to Mexico's tropical beaches, while the latter find the artifacts of the ancient Aztec and Mayan civilization fascinating.
Caribbean
White sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and laid-back island culture make the Caribbean one of the world's top vacation spots.

Territories


Cities

  • Havana — the capital of Cuba is famous for its cigars, its strong Hispanic-Caribbean culture, and its legendary nightlife
  • Kingston — the center of Afro-Caribbean culture, it is cosmopolitan, diverse and the Home of Reggae.
  • Los Angeles — Hollywood and movie stars; mountains and beaches; and lots of traffic
  • Mexico City — the third-largest city in the world is chock-full of museums, centuries-old architecture, modern amenities... and people
  • New York City — the Big Apple is the center of North American commerce and culture, immortalized in film and song alike
  • Panama City — a friendly city sitting at the nexus between two continents
  • Toronto — Canada's largest city, a cosmopolitan melting pot with ethnic enclaves and cultural attractions galore
  • Vancouver — a city of steel and glass condominiums and outstanding natural beauty, where you can go skiing and sit on the beach all in the same day
  • Washington, D.C. — the capital of the United States, with cultural and historical attractions aplenty


Getting There and Moving Around

North America covers a lot of lands, and its countries have different areas and populations. According to that area, there are other airports present in this country. If counted for North America, there are more than 6000 airports. It means that every country has its airport through which you can reach there. Flights can help you to travel to your destination in a brief period. Other than this, there are options for moving around in this country which involves cycling, walking, trams, trains, metros, taxis, and other local travel options. Some of the countries even offer bikes or cars for rent. However, among these options, the best option is either walking or cycling. These are best in smaller North American countries because if it is tried in a larger country, you cannot visit the entire city or country. Therefore, many park authorities have made cycling tracks to observe many cyclists running their cycles. It would help if you did not ride over speed because that will damage you and the other person, so is careful. There are many other options for moving around or traveling from one city to another at different. Other than this, some well-established countries even have electric vehicles with them, which can help you travel from one city to another in a shorter distance or move around with these electric taxis. Some metros are also present and can help reach the destination in a shorter duration.


Air

There is a total of 24 countries in North America. Each of these countries has its airports in different numbers due to the area they cover. The population can help generate the revenue and popularity of that country because the more popular, the more tourists will visit. In Canada, there are around 500 airports, domestic and international. Since it covers the right area, some people prefer to travel from one city to another through domestic flights. The US is the second most populated country in North America and has a lot of popularity. Therefore, many tourists visit this country, so there are approx 5080 airports that include international and domestic airports. There is a total of 33 airports in Greenland. Mexico, a country in North America, has a good popularity, so to make trips to this country or from this country more comfortable, there are 100 airports so that the burden will be released. Nicaragua has around nine airports which are enough for that country. Honduras has about four airports because this country does not face many tourists. Cuba is a right but small country with a total of 30 airports. Guatemala has 20 airports which are enough you reduce the burden from each airport. The area of Panama is 75,000 km², and there is a total of 40 airports in this country. There are around 29 airports in Costa Rica. The Dominican Republic, which is a country in North America, has eight airports. Haiti has 6 Airports in total. Belize has 19 domestic and international airports. El Salvador has 24 airports. The Bahamas has 41 countries. Jamaica has seven countries. Trinidad has three airports. Saint Lucia has two airports. Antigua has three airports. Barbados has two airports. Saint Vincent has six airports. Grenada has only two airports. St. Kitts and Nevis have two international airports. Scoring to the given information, it is clear that every country has at least two airports, so reaching North America is not much difficult. Flights are a convenient and fast way to travel. You can even travel from one city to another within the country through flights. Flights offer you premium class, facilities and help in reaching a place in the quickest time.

JFK Airport in New York City


Bus

There are buses in every country. Buses are a convenient and easy way of traveling either from one city to another or moving around. There are international buses present in some countries with land connections with neighboring countries and have friendly relations with them. The buses' ticket price may vary and depend on the distance you are traveling, but the prices are usually affordable. You can even meet a lot of locals traveling by bus and can make them friends. So you will not get bored by the bus even if you are traveling alone. Buses in Canada are the most popular transportation mode for the public; therefore, you will find that Canada's bus network is well established. There are international buses present in this country that have established connections with the United States. There are two major operators of buses which are Greyhound Canada and Mega bus. Out of these two, Greyhound Canada is at a superior level because it also travels internationally. However, buses' ticket price may vary from 1 USD to 8888 USD depending on the distance you travel. There are more than 20,000 public buses which can help people to move around. However, if you are a student or above the age of 65, you will get certain privileges and discounts. There are three types of Buses which are present in the US. These are conventional, BRT, and Intercity buses. There are approx 634589 buses present in this country. Local buses of this country are night buses, day buses, and Double Decker buses. Double Decker buses are an excellent option to travel as it is a unique style bus that offers seats on the terrace. Mexico has different categories of buses according to their functions. These are: - Sin Escallops these are those buses which are nonstop. Directo is those buses which have very few steps. Oedinario means those buses stop wherever the passenger tells the conductor, and it does not have any fixed stop.

Metrobus, the public bus system in Panama City


Train

There are trains in many of the countries of North America. However, some countries have a well-established railway system that helps passengers travel from one city to another. Canada has a total railway length of 49,422 kilometers and around 129 kilometers of electric railway lines. You can take a Canada tour available for only 500 dollars, and the train will cover approximately 4000 miles. There is an international train in this country that helps passengers reach Canada, which means it is an international railway. Another country that has well-established railway connections and networks within the country is the United States. It offers annual ridership to 549631632 passengers. The railway's length is 202,501 kilometers; therefore, this country has the most extensive rail transport in the entire world. Some of this country's leading operators are Amtrak, BNSF Railway, CSX Transportation, Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern Railways, and Union Pacific Railroad. Amtrak is the significant operator among all of these, and it has an annual passenger of around 29 million. Mexico does not have established railways for passengers; however, it has freight railways, which help transfer goods and freights.

The Trans-Canada Railroad travels through areas that are hard to get to by other means of transportation


Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is a way of traveling free of cost and asking a traveler who is going in the same direction to give you a free lift. This method is beneficial if you do not want to spend money on traveling. However, with some benefits such as money-saving, it has certain disadvantages that you must accept, and you must be aware of it. Hitchhiking can cause delay; therefore, you cannot trust this method entirely. Because it can happen that you may not find the traveler who agrees to drop you at your desired destination, so you must always have a backup travel option ready with you. The crime rate plays an essential factor in hitchhiking because if the city has a high crime rate, you must not choose to hitch as a travel option. Highways and expressways serve as the best lanes where you can get many cars and other vehicles. More this, hitchhiking in small and underdeveloped countries is quite tricky because you will not obtain personal vehicles because of most public buses. Hitchhiking in the US or Canada is excellent, but other travel options are present, which are easily affordable.


Others

Other ways include cycling, walking, transformer taxes, electric vehicles, hiring a motorcycle. Walking is the best way to move around in a few countries which have a small area. Other than this, the countries that cover a vast space you can visit nearby city parks and some local restaurants by walking will help you explore the city in detail. Walking helps a person to remain fit, and it is right to save a lot of money. While walking in big countries like the US or Canada, you must not walk to visit the entire city because they are vast and cannot cover the whole city by walking. Cycling Is also the right way of traveling to our country. Cycling is a very economical and eco-friendly way of traveling as cycles do not produce heat, smoke, and even consume fossil fuels. Other than this, cycling can help a person to remain fit. There are cycle rental shops available in some of the countries of North America. If you're staying for a longer time, do anything can be expensive; therefore, you can purchase a second cycle to move around the country. Using or hiring a private taxi to move around the city will not be advised because that will create a lot of pollution, and if every individual started hiring a cab, there would be a lot of pollution.


Sustainable Shopping

Sustainable shopping is the need of the hour. The amount of pollution and waste that the fast fashion industry produces amounts to 2.1 billion tonnes CO2eq. There needs to be significant shift towards buying sustainable products that last longer and are made of ethically sourced material. There is a great market in North America for sustainable fashion. Many brands have adopted this philosophy and are becoming more eco friendly.


Recycling

Despite possessing only 5% of the world’s population, North America produces 14% of the world’s waste. Over the course of a year, North Americans will produced 2.21 kg/per capita/per day of waste and are projected to hit 2.5 kg by 2050. No other region in the world even breaks the 1.5 kg mark. As a matter of fact, East Asia & Pacific, the most populated region in the world, only produces 0.56kg/per capita/per day, despite accommodating 30% of the world’s population. Most people believe that recycling is the solution to the waste crisis, but the solution is more complicated than it seems. The United States’ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seems to agree, they estimate that 75% of American waste is recyclable, but only 30% of it is actually recycled (Indiana University,”Waste & Recycling.”). North American recycling has become a much bigger problem in the past few years since China, through its National Sword policy, has decided to limit the importation of recycling that does not pass a certain threshold of contamination tolerated per “batch” of recycled material


Waste

Trash consumes a lot of lands, which is needed to dump the waste called a Landfill. Later, the waste, which is of no use or non-biodegradable in nature, is sent to incinerators, where it is decomposed with the help of heat and fire. Some countries practice ocean dumping, which creates a lot of pollution in the ocean and disturbs marine ecosystems. Other than this, countries like Canada, the US, Mexico, and Greenland are very clean, which means that those countries' waste management policies are very efficient. Different countries have different laws, and according to the rules of other approaches, every country should have strict regulations regarding those who create pollution.


Work and Study Abroad

Countries like United States, Canada, such countries have a well-established education system, followed by every student. Other than this, there are many job opportunities present in this country, and a lot of people annually reach here to get a well-qualified job. The type of job which you will get depends on our and our education qualification. More this, some of the tiny countries have fewer educational facilities if compared with others. Working in a foreign country helps a person get foreign currency, and if he is living in a country like India where US dollar exchange rates are higher, he can get more than what he got in the US.


Exchange Student

The exchange student program is a program in which a country's student is sent to another country’s university to complete its remaining degree. Not every college or university has access to this program, only universities that have partnerships with universities in other countries. This program helps a student to become self-confident and also boosts social skills. Other than this, many universities have access to this program in the United States and Canada.


Au Pair

An au pair is a person who stays with the local whose work is to take care of their child. This type of work is very much famous and needed in the United States or Canada. Many families have working mothers and fathers; therefore, they are always searching for the person ready to take care of them. By this method, you can stay in any country for free, and the family does not even have to spend money. Other than this, there are benefits of Au pair, but one demerit is that you have to adjust your lifestyle according to the family you are staying with.


Volunteering

There are plenty of volunteering options available in North America. Volunteering will allow you to help people on grass root levels and truly make an impact. There are plenty of volunteering organisations doing a tremendous job.


See Also