The Northern Lights seen from Stone Mountain Provincial Park, Canada.
From the bright lights of Broadway to the northern lights, the Americas add up to epic destinations.
The Lowdown
An abundance of tastes, sights, sounds and people make up North America, Central America and the Caribbean. It’s an endlessly fascinating part of the world that feels familiar, even on a first visit.
If you think you’ve seen all of North America after a trip to New York, Los Angeles or Vancouver, think again. California has almost as much in common with Fiji as it does with Hawaii, and compared with the Big Apple, the heartland cowboy states might as well be on a different planet.
For those with an appetite for discovery, the Caribbean and the seven countries of Central America (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama) beckon, with a promise of idyllic islands, incredible wildlife and natural wonders, new cruise routes and tantalising flavours.
What’s Hot
As the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year, there’s plenty happening in the 50 states and several territories. Plan your trip around a music festival, a major sporting event, a theme park visit or a seasonal spectacular such as blooming cherry blossoms. The national parks of America are enjoying a surge in popularity, driven in part by the social media generation’s desire to post from scenic locations.
Canada’s favourable exchange rate, outdoor adventures, vibrant cities and thrilling landscapes are capturing the attention of more travellers who want to head a bit further north than the US of A.
In Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, the desire to discover the next big destination is leading well-travelled Aussies to a region of rich experiences, where you can hike volcanoes, explore Mayan ruins and swim in pristine waters. Demand for cruising in this part of the world is growing, from island-hopping in the Bahamas to the classic Panama Canal transit.
What’s Not
The weak exchange rate and soaring cost of living will deter Aussies from visiting the US this year, while for others, it’s the political climate.
Crime rates and the threat of terrorism are flagged as a problem in some cities in the US, Mexico and the Caribbean, while overtourism can lead to long lines and inflated prices. Climate change is also affecting the tourism experience, from sweltering summers and wildfires such as the Pacific Palisades blaze, the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history.
Some parts of Central America are more politically stable than others; you might be better off visiting Costa Rica and Panama instead of Nicaragua and Honduras. Certain precincts in the cities of Guatemala, Belize and Mexico are off-limits due to gang-related issues and medical costs can be sky-high in this part of the world, so travel insurance is a must.
Five must–visit countries
Canada
Epic national parks, culture-rich cities, abundant wildlife, indigenous-led tourism experiences and good value for money: Canada is rolling out the welcome mat for Aussie travellers. The Canadian seasons have their charms, from Northern Lights and world-class skiing in winter, to fun-filled summer festivals and the colours of fall foliage. Scenic rail travel is a reason to get up and go, and travellers might also consider adding a luxe cruise to their next Canadian adventure. See travel.destinationcanada.com
Turks and Caicos
It’s glam, it’s gorgeous, it’s the dreamy island escape many of us picture when we think of the Caribbean. Turks and Caicos is an archipelago of more than 40 islands and cays in the Atlantic Ocean (look for it on a map between the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic) with some of the most spectacular beaches and brilliant turquoise water on the planet. On the island of Providenciales, visitors might be tempted to permanently relocate to picture-perfect Grace Bay. See turksandcaicostourism.com
Guatemala
Tikal Temple I in Tikal, Guatemala. Visit while it’s still relatively undiscovered.Credit: iStock
More affordable than Costa Rica and safer than Honduras, Guatemala is a Central American destination on the rise. Don’t linger in Guatemala City; instead, make tracks for former colonial capital Antigua Guatemala and picturesque Lake Atitlan. Well-preserved ancient ruins in Tikal National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) were once home to tens of thousands of Maya. Combine history with thrilling volcano hikes, rugged mountain bike rides and shopping at local markets. See visitguatemala.gt
United States
There are so many reasons to go beyond the big-ticket cities (New York and LA, we’re looking at you) and discover a diverse nation of natural wonders, wide open spaces, food and wine trails, cultural charisma and blockbuster events. From Alaska to Chicago, from white-sand beaches in Florida to down-home cooking in the South, the United States is a multi-layered destination that is worthy of more than one or two visits. See visittheusa.com.au
Grenada
Silversands Beach House.
Expect to hear more about the Caribbean Spice Island this year, with the recent openings of luxury hotels Six Senses La Sagesse and Silversands Beach House, plus the forthcoming InterContinental Grenada Resort. The capital, St George’s, is fun and lively, with pretty-hued houses and shops lining the waterfront. Reached by direct daily flight from New York and Miami, it’s the gateway to the island’s delicious food markets, spectacular coral reefs and inviting beaches. See puregrenada.com
Five must-see cities
Merida, Mexico
The elegant capital of the state of Yucatan, Merida has little in common with the flashy all-inclusive resorts along the coast in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Mayan history and culture, museums, cenotes, colonial architecture, affordable prices and great food is what you’ll find. Take a relaxed evening stroll around the historic centre and, of course, stop for a margarita or two. See visit-mexico.mx
Panama City, Panama
Settled about 350 years ago, Panama City’s old quarter was given UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1997. Its walkable avenues reveal centuries-old churches, trendy restaurants, cobblestone laneways and boutique hotels. The most-visited attraction in Panama, the Panama Canal, is labelled with a long list of superlatives: one of the seven wonders of the modern world, an engineering marvel, the world’s greatest shortcut. See it up close from the Miraflores Visitor Center. See tourismpanama.com
Washington DC, US
More than politics, Washington DC is an inviting metropolis with swagger and soul. It was the first major city in the US with a majority Black population and today it’s home to jazz clubs, a thriving happy hour scene, top-tier restaurants and world-class museums that are free to enter. Visit next spring for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which rivals anything you’ll see in Japan, or get your skates on for this year’s WorldPride DC 2025 events that run May 17 to June 8. See washington.org
Montreal, Canada
An intriguing blend of North American and European influences, Montreal’s unique fusion is reflected in its bilingual culture, excellent food scene and architectural landmarks (the spectacular Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal’s interior design was inspired by the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris). Hike to the summit of Mount Royal for panoramic views or eat your way around the city’s Time Out Market. The festival calendar is full of celebrations of jazz, art, comedy and culture. See mtl.org
Kansas City, US
Call it the Taylor Swift effect. Ever since Tay Tay started dating Kansas City Chiefs’ footballer Travis Kelce, there’s been a surge of interest in KC’s many charms. Known as “the heart of America”, Kansas City has other monikers that reflect its culture: the City of Fountains (there are more than 200); in 2018 UNESCO named it a City of Music, based on the city’s rich musical heritage and it’s also known as world’s barbecue capital. With the opening of the world’s first Museum of BBQ this spring, the insatiable appetite for KC ribs, brisket and burnt ends remains strong. See visitkc.com
Five must-see sights
The bright lights of Broadway
You haven’t seen New York City until you’ve been dazzled by the bright lights and massive LED screens of Times Square. It can feel like the entire world meets on the massive red staircase where Broadway and 7th Avenue intersect in the middle of Manhattan. Look up at the billboards when you meander around the Great White Way, the 12-block stretch from 41st to 53rd Street that’s home to more than 40 Broadway theatres and countless stars. See nyctourism.com
Pinky promise
The beauty of Pink Sands Beach, a five-kilometre stretch of blush-coloured sand and turquoise water on Harbour Island in the Bahamas has to be seen to be believed. Like a pink diamond, its rarity enhances its brilliance. In Bermuda, Horseshoe Bay Beach also has sublime pink sand, a sheltered cove for family-friendly swimming and some of the prettiest seashells you’ll ever see. Visitors are invited to look and admire, but reminded not to take them home. See bahamas.com; gotobermuda.com
Night skies
Awe-inspiring, unpredictable, as elusive as trying to catch lightning in a bottle. If you’re lucky enough to see the Northern Lights on peak display, it can feel like the travel highlight of a lifetime. Some of the best places to catch the fleeting aurora borealis spectacle are in remote Canadian communities (Churchill, Manitoba and Whitehorse, Yukon are recommended) with little light pollution, on a clear winter’s night between November and March. See travel.destinationcanada.com
Mayan history lesson
Mesmerising: Teotihuacan.Credit: iStock
Mexico’s ancient Mayan civilisations enjoyed a level of advanced sophistication in areas such as architecture that we can begin to understand today by visiting the towering pyramids and exquisite temples they left behind. Teotihuacan, 50 kilometres north-east of Mexico City, was once the greatest city in Mesoamerica. The massive, restored pyramids that remain are a mesmerising sight to behold. See mexicocity.cdmx.gob.mx
Grand Canyon
It’s impossible to comprehend the vastness of Arizona’s Grand Canyon until you’re standing on the edge of its rim. The second most-visited national park in the US, it’s home to bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes and condors. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it’s close to 450 kilometres long and 29 kilometres wide and appears to go on forever. Its exposed rock layers showcase millions of years of geological history. See nps.gov
Five must-do experiences
Join the parade
From Carnival in the Caribbean to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, there’s an unmatched joy and energy to city-wide celebrations, parades and indulgent feasting in the period leading up to the Christian festival of Lent. In fact, it’s been called the greatest show on earth. Dress up in colourful costumes, throw beads, pay to ride in one of the decorated floats, imbibe or simply cheer on the glittery performers and floats as they shimmy and shake their way through town. See neworleans.com; visittrinidad.tt
Get the blues in Belize
Dive in to the Great Blue Hole in Belize, one of the best underwater sites in the world and one of the most photogenic locations when seen from the air. Surrounded by a reef atoll, the massive natural sinkhole measures 318 metres across and 124 metres deep. Experts debate its age (somewhere between 25,000 and 150,000 years old), while the late great oceanographer Jacques Cousteau named it as one of his top 10 favourite dives. See travelbelize.org
Seek bear maximum
In a patch of pristine wilderness almost the size of Ireland, Great Bear Rainforest in Canada is home to grizzly bears, whales, dolphins and sea otters. It’s also the only place in the world where you might spot the elusive white Kermode bear, known as the spirit bear. The traditional lands and waters of the Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nations people can be explored from Spirit Bear Lodge, an indigenous-owned wilderness retreat. See spiritbear.com; indigenousbc.com
Take a three-star bite
Foodie adventurers think nothing of a 14-hour flight to the US when there are 14 Michelin three-star restaurants on the other side. From the west to east coasts, savour the best of the culinary best: vegan dishes (Eleven Madison Park in New York City), Asian flavours (Benu in San Francisco) and contemporary American (The Inn at Little Washington, Washington, Virginia). Reserve the hottest tables before you book the flight. See guide.michelin.com
Swim with sharks
If you’ve ever dreamt of swimming with magnificent whale sharks in their natural environment, make tracks for Mexico. The beautiful waters surrounding Cancun, Cabo San Lucas and La Paz are the best places in the world to frolic with the largest fish in the ocean. It’s important to book with ethical, safety-minded guides who ensure the gentle giants (and guests) have plenty of room to move. See mexicowhaleshark.com
Five must-do journeys
Viking Mississippi river cruise, US
The purpose-built Viking Mississippi debuted in 2022, a river ship sharing much in common with Viking’s beautiful ocean ships. Designed to navigate the mighty Mississippi River, the 386-passenger ship’s itineraries include a seven-night Delta Explorer voyage from vibrant New Orleans to Memphis. The ship features many Scandi design nods, but guests will notice the ship’s crew is entirely American. See vikingcruises.com.au
Central American Journey
First-timer to Central America? See more in one trip by leaving the logistics to the experts with Intrepid’s Central American Journey, highlighting the best of five countries in 17 days. Tick all the boxes in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica with a guide and a group of like-minded travellers. Trek jungle paths, explore Mayan ruins, spot sloths and visit local artisans. A Salvadoran pupusa cooking demonstration is an authentic taste of the region. See intrepidtravel.com
National Parks group tour, US
2300 kilometres, 12 days, five national parks, four US states. Collette’s National Parks of America escorted tour is an epic trip through the American West. The adventure starts in Arizona and ends in South Dakota, with the vast beauty of the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, Zion and Grand Teton in between. Expect to see incredible desert sunsets, vast red rock canyons, spouting geysers and roaming bison, bears and bighorn sheep. See gocollette.com
Caribbean cruise
Beloved by travellers from Europe and North America, but overlooked by Aussies, the turquoise water of the Caribbean region is cruise central. Depart from Miami, the cruise capital of the world, or fly to one of the many scenic ports, to explore countless itineraries on offer. Luxe lovers will be among the first to sail with Four Seasons Yachts when the prestige brand takes to the water in January 2026. The first voyage of the inaugural season departs from Aruba. See fourseasonsyachts.com
Rocky Mountaineer train, Canada
The unparalleled scenery of the Canadian Rockies is best enjoyed from the comfort of a premium seat on the Rocky Mountaineer train. Gaze up and out through oversized glass-dome windows at the passing parade of mountains, rivers and wildlife, as informed hosts share stories and generous pours of local wines. Unlike many long-distance train journeys, the Rocky Mountaineer operates only during daylight hours. Overnight stays along the route are in quality hotels. See rockymountaineer.com
Did you know?
- North America’s Yellowstone National Park has a “zone of death”, a 130 square kilometre area in the Idaho part of the park where it’s technically impossible to prosecute someone for a crime – even murder – because of a loophole in the Constitution that requires a jury to be sworn in, impossible when the area is uninhabited.
- Central America’s Great Blue Hole in Belize is a large sea sinkhole off the coast about 125 metres deep which is popular for diving but has cost the lives of up to 200 people.
- Alaska has the town Whittier, where nearly all of its 318 residents live in the same 14-storey building which includes their homes, a school, a police station, and their offices, all under one roof.
- Central America’s Panama is home to the Darien Gap – 100 kilometres of swampland which makes it impossible to drive from North America to South America along the Pan-American Highway.
- North America’s gold rush in 1848 severely impacted the Australian economy when many of its miners and workers in NSW and Victoria went to California to seek their fortune, causing a massive labour shortage at home.