The two continents which make up this part of the world were largely unknown to the outside world until the 15th century when Christopher Columbus accidentally discovered North America. Although the Norse explorer Leif Erikson had already sailed to this part of the planet before the Spanish, he did not colonize the land and left it just as he had found it. Mass emigration from Europe to these ‘exotic’ lands resulted in large indigenous populations being wiped out from diseases and enslavement, leading to a huge loss of history and culture. However, today, the legacy of colonization has ensured that both the Americas share many common traits, common Indo-European languages, and a dominant religion, Christianity, which accounts for 86% of the population. The English influence on Anglo America which includes Canada and the United States is quite apparent when compared to Latin America which had a larger Spanish and Portuguese presence.

Given the extent of land that the Americas cover, from north to south, the diversity of the landscape and climate is vast. Kaffeklubben Island, the northernmost point on the earth lies in this region, while the southernmost point of the Americas extends to Antarctica. Running along the west coast is the American Cordillera which comprises the Andes in South America and the Rocky Mountains and other ranges in North America. The eastern side which is much flatter is characterized by large river basins such as the Mississippi and the Amazon. Today, travelers to the Americas are as ‘wowed’ by the New World as were the explorers. The blend of the old with the new, the gleaming metropolises such as Chicago, New York, Rio de Janeiro, and Miami to name a few, with some of the most advanced technology in the world, the rugged Wild West, and the lost worlds of South America, draw thousands of travelers to this part of the world.

Top 10 Places You Must Visit In Dominican Republic

Top 10 Places You Must Visit In Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean nation that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti to the west. Nearly 5 million tourists flock to the Dominican Republic every year, making it the most-visited destination in the Caribbean with its world-class resorts, crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, a bevy of water sports and spectacular golf. The possibilities for…

Top 12 Things To Do In Santo Domingo

Top 12 Things To Do In Santo Domingo

The capital and largest city in the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas. Founded by Bartholomew Columbus, the brother of the famous explorer, the city was named in honor of Saint Dominic in 1495 and became the ‘Gateway to the Caribbean‘. The city…

11 Best Hotels in Santo Domingo

11 Best Hotels in Santo Domingo

Welcome to one of the most beautiful colonial styled cities in the Americas. Most of the buildings maintain their original architecture since the European colonization period. This aspect also makes it an excellent cultural destination. When it comes to the hotels available, there’s an option for everyone. The small, boutique-style hotels are perfect if you…

Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Santo Domingo

Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Santo Domingo

Originally founded as the ‘Gateway to the Caribbean,’ Santo Domingo could very well be a representative of the region. It’s where you’ll find the oldest European settlement in the Americas, but the city holds more than just historic intrigue. You’ll also find colonial-era cobblestone streets and stunning white-sand beaches dotting this lovely city. What’s more,…

Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Dominican Republic

Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Dominican Republic

The dynamic Dominican Republic in the Caribbean is a captivating confluence of European, Spanish, and African native cultures. This wonderful fusion is evident in its mouthwatering cuisines, merengue music, and eye-popping natural wonders. Cobblestone streets and pristine white-sand beaches sit right beside upscale resorts, catapulting Dominican Republic’s popularity as a luxury travel destination. What’s more,…

11 Best Hotels for Spring Break in the Dominican Republic

11 Best Hotels for Spring Break in the Dominican Republic

Mega clubs, an idyllic tropical island setting, live entertainment, and some of the best all-inclusive resorts – what else could we want from a spring break destination, right? We’re talking about the utterly gorgeous Dominican Republic, which has a stunning coastline, mountain greenery, and wild coasts to rival Hawaii. It’s also a fabulous spring break destination, with…