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.
The luxury hotels in St John US Virgin Islands are mostly subtle, and that’s exactly what we love about them. There are no extremely large resorts or over-the-top luxury on this island. What you can expect, though, are private accommodations tucked into lush hillsides, charming boutique hotels with amazing views, and unmatched exclusivity. Another reason…
Cozumel is one of the most popular travel destinations in the Caribbean, and a big part of its appeal comes from its incredible diving. For many divers, Cozumel is a bucket-list spot. After visiting the island and exploring some of the best dive resorts in Cozumel, we now understand the hype. The island’s underwater playground…
Sitting at the confluence of the Woonasquatucket, Moshassuck, and Providence rivers in the state of Rhode Island is Providence, one of the most underrated cities in all of New England. And trust us when we say that once you’ve visited this place, you’ll want to keep coming back. The early 17th-century-founded Providence is also one…
Surrounded by five volcanoes, just below the Aguada Blancas National Park in south-west Peru, sits what was Peru’s capital once upon a time. Welcome to the now-relatively hidden gem of Arequipa, a.k.a. ‘White City. Not only is it now Peru’s second-largest city, but it’s also home to spectacular architecture, the lovely Socobaya river, and a…
The land of 10,000 lakes, Minnesota, beckons us budget travelers with its wild northern forests and vibrant urban neighborhoods. What’s more, it has a warmth that defies its famously frigid winters. When it comes to staying on a budget, a great hostel can make all the difference, and hostels in MN turn a good trip…
At the port in Ushuaia in Argentine Patagonia, a sign reads: “Fin del Mundo, principio de todo,” which is Spanish for “End of the world, beginning of everything — and it’s true. Famed as the world’s southernmost city, it’s where the snow-dusted Andes mountains meet the wild Beagle Channel. It’s also famous as the gateway…
The first time we witnessed the sun setting in Bariloche, with the shimmering waters of Nahuel Huapi Lake sprawling below, we immediately understood the hype. Nestled within Argentina’s oldest national park, Bariloche has an Alpine vibe that feels a world away from Latin America. It’s renowned for its charming chalet-style buildings, delicious craft chocolate, and…
Finding truly all-inclusive hotels in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands, can be a bit of a headache, mainly because the island doesn’t have many places that fit the classic “all-in” description. We totally get the frustration of dreaming about a carefree Caribbean getaway, only to discover that most upscale resorts charge separately for everything, which…
Forget everything you think you know about Medellín! Today, the “City of Eternal Spring” is blooming as South America’s most sophisticated travel destination. We’ve watched this valley transform from a mountain-ringed mystery into a global design capital, and in 2026, the luxury scene is more vibrant than ever. And with the fact that Medellín now…
At the southern tip of Argentina, Ushuaia is widely recognized as the world’s southernmost city and the main gateway to Antarctica. Set along the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Andes Mountains, it attracts travelers year-round for expeditions, cruises, skiing, and visits to Tierra del Fuego National Park. We’ve explored what the city has to…
Dreaming of turquoise waters, soft sandy beaches, and a tropical escape that doesn’t require a passport? The US Virgin Islands, comprising St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, have been a US territory since 1917 and boast more than 40 stunning beaches. With crystal-clear Caribbean waters perfect for snorkeling and sailing, it’s one of our…
Standing majestically at the meeting point of Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil is one of the most awe-inspiring sights on the planet, the Iguazú Falls. Visiting the falls is as astounding an experience as it is jaw-dropping and visceral, with the noise and the power of the cascades living forever in our memories. The best bit?…
Split between Bolivia and Peru, the magnificent Lake Titicaca makes for a majestic sight. In Andean beliefs, Titicaca is considered the birthplace of the sun. When it comes to the Incas, it’s revered as the sacred birthplace of human civilization. Whatever the cultural beliefs are, Lake Titicaca is South America’s largest lake and the world’s…
Oh, Santa Marta. Where else can you wake up steps from the Caribbean Sea, spend the afternoon wandering a 500-year-old colonial city, and fall asleep knowing the world’s tallest coastal mountain range rises behind you? As Colombia’s oldest surviving city, Santa Marta blends history, nature, and beach life in a way few destinations can. To…
Perched on the edge of the world’s highest navigable lake, Puno is far more than just a quick stopover. However, finding the best hotels in Puno Peru, to stay can be surprisingly tricky. One minute you’re excited about Lake Titicaca, and the next you’re dealing with freezing nights, altitude fatigue, and hotels that look great…
There’s just something magical about having the beach a stone’s throw away from where we’re staying, especially when that beach is in Santa Marta. This city, one of the oldest in South America (founded back in 1525), beautifully combines centuries of rich history with stunning Caribbean beaches and warm tropical weather that averages around 82°F…
Planning a trip to Mendoza sounds simple until you try to choose where to stay. With hundreds of wineries spread across multiple regions and high-end hotels ranging from remote vineyard lodges to city-based five-star resorts, it’s easy to book the wrong place. We ran into this exact problem while planning our own Mendoza itinerary, so…
Cartagena is an enchanting destination, and travelers rarely take long to fall under its spell. As Colombia’s undisputed crown jewel of tourism, the city stretches along more than 13 miles (21 km) of Caribbean coastline, blending centuries of history with modern luxury. To match that appeal, Cartagena offers an impressive range of beachfront hotels designed…
Surrounded by steep escarpments and lush verdure and shrouded in swirling mist, the sprawling Inca ‘Lost City’ citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru is everything we’d ever dreamt of — and then some. Perched high in the Andes mountains, the spectacular bucket-list marvel is probably the most famous archaeological site on the planet, drawing slack-jawed…
With so many beachfront hotels in Rio de Janeiro, we thought choosing the right hotel was easy, until we realized how much the right (or wrong) location can affect an entire trip. Rio has over 90 km (65 miles) of coastline, yet not every ocean-view property actually sits on the sand. We found that staying…
Nestled at the heart of the Amazon rainforest, a region that covers over 5.5 million square kilometers, Manaus is one of the most unique travel destinations on the planet, and it’s rapidly climbing the ranks of South America’s must-visit spots. But here’s the thing: finding the right place to stay can make or break your…
Landing in Sao Paulo can feel exhilarating, and a little overwhelming if we’re being brutally honest. As Brazil’s largest city and the beating heart of its business, food, and culture scenes, Sao Paulo welcomes more than 15 million travelers a year, many of whom pass through Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). We’ve been there: arriving late…
Florianopolis isn’t the kind of destination where you can book any nice-looking hotel and figure the rest out later. Stay on the wrong side of the island, and you could spend hours stuck in traffic, miles from the beaches you actually want to visit, or worse, surrounded by quiet residential streets when you were expecting…
There’s no place on the earth as mystifying as the Amazon rainforest. Whether it’s the dense, verdant foliage, the towering canopies, the avian symphonies, or the nucleus of it all — the formidable Amazon River — the place elicits a sense of wonder. So, when we went looking for hotels in the Amazon rainforest, Brazil,…