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.

11 Best Hotels in Martinique

11 Best Hotels in Martinique

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a Caribbean holiday? Sunny beaches and vibrant nightlife? Or exotic food and even more beaches? Whatever your ideal holiday scenario, the island of Martinique has you sorted on all fronts. And like on any other island vacation, you deserve to stay in…

Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Martinique

Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Martinique

Cosmopolitan Martinique is one of the most sophisticated islands in the Caribbean. This is an overseas region of France, so the island’s culture is a distinctive blend of the Caribbean and French influences. What’s more, in terms of laws and general sentiment, Martinique is very gay-friendly as well. In fact, it’s one of the more…

Top 12 Things To Do In Martinique

Top 12 Things To Do In Martinique

Martinique is an overseas department of France, located in the Caribbean Sea, directly north of St. Lucia. The island which has a rather interesting history is a heady combination of tropical gardens, beautiful beaches and mountains. While many visitors to the island prefer to relax on the beautiful beaches and feast on Creole and French…