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.
Charleston in South Carolina is a classic Southern town sitting at the confluence of three rivers: the Ashley, the Cooper, and the Wando. Plus, it sits on the shores of the North Atlantic Ocean, making it everyone’s favorite historic waterside town on the U.S.’ Eastern Coast. When we weren’t digging into its delicious Lowcountry cuisine…
‘The City of Lakes’ Minneapolis has largely managed to remain under the radar as a travel destination, whether it was due to the winter season lore or simply due to some good old Midwestern humility. However, all that has changed in the recent years when word began to spread about the charms of this city…
The beauty of coastal Maine, specifically the Southern Maine coast, is exceptional, making it a great year-round destination. The credit largely goes to the tiny town of Kennebunkport. This historical fishing and shipbuilding village has been a popular summer seaside destination for more than a century. In fact, the town’s scenic center lies along the Kennebunk River,…
Nestled in northern South Carolina, Spartanburg is a lively small city blending natural serenity with cultural vibrancy, making it an ideal pet-friendly vacation spot. Our visit was filled with daily adventures, from exploring outdoor attractions like Croft State Park and Hatcher Garden to enjoying the bustling shops and cafes of Downtown Spartanburg. Finding pet-friendly hotels…
Las Vegas is a luxurious, vibrant city where you can see towering resorts everywhere. In such a city, we wanted to have a different experience by staying in boutique hotels in Vegas. We love these hotels for the personalized experience we get there. In a large, extravagant city like Vegas, we expect a blend of…
As a top-rated outdoor city in the USA, it’s no wonder Duluth is a popular vacation destination to bring your pets with. When we visited the town with our furry companions, we never ran out of things to do. Whether it was walking along the Lakewalk trail, going on ferry rides in Lake Superior, or…
The entertainment capital of Nevada, Las Vegas, is an unforgettable desert oasis in every sense. Whether it’s clubs, shopping malls, exclusive restaurants, luxury hotels, or exciting casinos, it’s a city where extravagance knows no bounds. Why don’t you go a step ahead when it comes to extravagance and stay in a rooftop pool hotel, Las…
Oklahoma is deeply rooted in Native American culture, whether it’s cultural displays, museums, and more. Even when it comes to practicality, it’s far ahead in the game, especially in terms of marijuana usage. Oklahoma’s marijuana laws continue evolving, just like those of the other states in the last few years. While the use of recreational…
Set amid lush forests and surrounded by the waters of the Salish Sea on Vancouver Island’s southern tip, Victoria is more British than London. The gorgeous capital of the Canadian province of British Columbia is all about the outdoors and old country traditions that are carried on even today. Think shops stocked with Irish linen…
Midwestern Michigan is a state that cranks it up. Not only is more than half of it covered by forests but also it boasts more beaches than the Atlantic coastline! Plus, more berries and cherries get shoveled into pies here than anywhere else in the country, which we love! Summertime is the prime time to…
South Padre Island, a.k.a. SPI, is an enchanting slice of paradise nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Texas. The picturesque barrier island’s landscape is studded with sun-kissed azure waters, pristine golden-sand beaches, and some of the best beachfront stays we found on this side of the coast. What makes every South…
The lovely town of Lake George sits on the southern end of its namesake, Lake George, in the heart of the vast Adirondacks in New York. A classic summer escape, the region has boatloads of natural beauty, with the town itself boasting small-town charm. When we were looking for stays, how could we not look…
Quirky Key West in the Florida Keys is famous for its free-spirited independence, gorgeous waterfront views, and fantastic revelries. That said, it’s more than just a party town, even though it might not look like it. And its many personalities are most evident in the diverse nature of its stays, whether it’s luxurious waterfront resorts…
Ohio has something of a split personality. While cities like Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland lead the urban charge, its rural side is way off the grid, especially the enormous Amish Communities with horse-and-buggy-filled roads. Nevertheless, the entire state boasts mild weather, delicious food, and beautiful natural areas, especially the Great Lakes shoreline. After a long…
In the heart of Arkansas’ Carroll County, deep in the Ozark Mountains, lies Eureka Springs, also known as the “The Magic City.” It first attracted visitors due to its healing springs, and there are more than 60 such springs within the city limits even today. But that’s not all. The Eureka Springs Historic District even…
Boston, on the eastern coast of the United States, is all about history, transformation, and revolution. Even today, it happens to be one of the most barrier-breaking and forward-thinking destinations in the country. With so many sights to see and things to do, a day out sightseeing in Boston would leave us dead on our…
Fort Lauderdale has come a long way since its “spring break hotspot” days from the 60s to the 80s when college kids headed here for post-midterms fun. However, 21st-century FL has not only calmed down but also grown up a fair bit. While it still remains a prime spring destination, the style of vacation has transformed…
South Padre Island has developed a curious kind of split personality when it comes to tourism. The vibe is part vacationing family and couples and part spring break, and the lines tend to blur. But that’s what makes SPI so much fun, especially during springtime. The pristine white sand beaches, a ton of water sports…
As one of the oldest cities in the country, Providence has fully earned its nicknames like “the “Creative Capital” and “Renaissance City.” Not only is it home to many acclaimed universities, but it’s also home to historical structures and districts. In fact, it retains much of its early 20th-century charm, and now the city’s skyline is…
The thriving resort city of Cancun sits on the Yucatán Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea. So, certain things are a given, right? Just as we thought, we were greeted with glittering ocean waters, powdery white sand beaches, and lots of amazing margaritas. Plus, with spring break around the corner, Cancun sure makes for a thumping…
Milwaukee, WI, proved to be an amazing city to take our pets for a vacation. For starters, its location on the western shore of Lake Michigan guaranteed us sterling sceneries every time we take our pets for a walk. Furthermore, the sheer amount of public parks and pet-friendly spots shows that Milwaukee truly embraces its…
Music City Nashville is not just the ultimate musical pilgrimage for country music lovers, but it’s a fabulous destination for anyone looking for a good time. We were excited by the prospect of all that the capital of Tennessee had to offer, which was plenty, by the way. Not only is Nashville one of the…
Mark Twain famously called Lake Tahoe “the fairest picture the whole earth affords,” and nobody can disagree with that even 150 years later. The beguiling turquoise blue lake is the second-deepest lake in North America, sitting pretty against the Sierra Nevada mountains, spread across California and Nevada. So, Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination, whether…
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…