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 National Parks to See in Winter

11 Best National Parks to See in Winter

Visiting America’s national parks in the summer has become something of a rite of passage now. However, what heat-seeking sightseers are missing is what might just be their best-kept secret: winter. As wintertime arrives, the freezing temperatures completely transform the parks’ landscapes, whether it’s the snow-covered forests of Kings Canyon and Sequoia in California or…

A Guide to Visiting Banff in Winter

A Guide to Visiting Banff in Winter

Banff National Park, straddling the Rocky Mountains just west of Calgary, is more than just a national park; it’s a piece of Canadian history. The third-oldest national park in the world, this 140-year iconic natural, national heritage has walked the fine line between careful environmental protection and easy access. What’s more, it’s home to some…

11 Top Things to Do for Mardi Gras

11 Top Things to Do for Mardi Gras

It’s chaotic, it’s colorful, and it’s deeply ingrained in the culture of New Orleans, or NOLA. We’re, of course, talking about Mardi Gras, meaning “Fat Tuesday” in French, a riotous carnival celebration that NOLA is especially famous for. It marks the beginning of the Christian season of Lent and is held annually on the day…

11 Best Hostels in Lima, Peru

11 Best Hostels in Lima, Peru

The sprawling metropolis that is Peru’s capital Lima was one of those ‘surprise cities’ for us. We’d not known what to expect from this city, and we ended up absolutely loving it! Since Lima was far off from where we were coming from, we wanted to keep staying costs down, and we did keep them…

Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas: Where Luxury Meets the Shore

Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas: Where Luxury Meets the Shore

Golden sunlight streamed across pristine white sands, while the gentle hum of turquoise waves created the perfect backdrop to a tropical paradise designed for ultimate relaxation. This was our experience at the Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas. Situated along Maui’s legendary western coastline, the resort seamlessly combines luxurious comfort with the stunning natural beauty of Hawaii’s…

11 Best Hostels in Cusco, Peru

11 Best Hostels in Cusco, Peru

The undisputed archaeological hub of the Americas, Cusco in Peru has always been a bucket list destination for us. The former centuries-old Inca Empire capital is also the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent and the gateway to the famed citadel ruins of Machu Picchu. Since we were hiking the Inca trail, we stayed for…

11 Best Hilton Hotels in San Diego Area

11 Best Hilton Hotels in San Diego Area

As I embarked on my journey to America’s Finest City, I sought the perfect blend of coastal charm, modern amenities, and exceptional hospitality. San Diego’s stunning beaches, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class attractions made it the ideal destination. But where to stay? That’s when I turned to Hilton, a trusted brand renowned for its comfort, quality,…

13 Best Cheap Hotels in New York

11 Best Cheap Hotels in New York

New York State is a treasure trove of history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. From the bustling metropolis of New York City to the serene Adirondack Mountains, this diverse state offers something for everyone. And the best part? You don’t have to break the bank to experience it all as there are many cheap hotels…