North America
Traveling in North America offers a diverse range of experiences, since the continent is home to a variety of cultures, landscapes, and attractions. North America encompasses 23 countries, among them Canada, the United States of America, Mexico, Central American countries, and several smaller island nations situated in the Caribbean Sea. In North America, you can find geographical diversity, bustling cities, cultural variety, historical sites, wildlife, theme parks, incredible beaches and so much more.
- Visas and Documentation – Check the visa requirements for the countries you’ll be visiting. If you’re interested in visiting the USA, most travelers (even from the EU) will need to apply for an ESTA. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.
- Seasonal Considerations – North America experiences diverse climates at the same time, unlike planning a trip to Europe, where summer is the peak season across most countries. Be aware of the weather conditions in the regions you’ll be visiting and pack accordingly. Consider the high tourist season and plan accordingly to avoid crowds.
Bucket List Experiences in North America
Explore Banff National Park - Canada
Dive in the Great Blue Hole - Belize
Explore Old Havana - Cuba
Float in Bacalar Lagoon - Mexico
Road trip on Route 66 - USA
Zip line in the rainforest - Costa Rica
Climb Dunn's River Falls - Jamaica
Marvel at Niagara Falls - USA/Canada
Take a seaplane tour - Bahamas
Typical Costs When Traveling
Accommodation –
Budget Travel – USA: $35 – $55 per day
Budget Travel – Guatemala: $10 – $30 per day
- Stay in budget hostels or private rooms in Airbnbs
Mid-Range Travel – USA: $150 – $250 per day
Mid-Range Travel – Guatemala: $50 – $100 per day
- Stay in mid-range hotels or Airbnbs
Luxury Travel – USA: $250+ per day
Luxury Travel – Guatemala: $130+ per day
Food –
While there aren’t many options for street food in the USA (mostly fast food restaurants), there are numerous options in Guatemala. Average minimum food costs per day:
USA: $40 per day
Guatemala: $15 per day
Transportation –
The majority of the USA lacks convenient public transportation options (with the exception of New York City), making it likely that you’ll need to rent a car for travel. In Guatemala, visitors can get around using small vans or minibuses, and there are tourist shuttles available connecting major tourist destinations.
Mid-range suggested daily budget – $220 (USA) or $80 (Guatemala)
*Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a mid-range hotel or Airbnb, eating at affordable restaurants, and using local transportation (if possible) or renting the cheapest car. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat at nicer restaurants, expect this to be higher!
Money Saving Tips
1
Travel during off peak season Consider traveling during the off-peak or shoulder seasons of your destination in order to take advantage of lower accommodation and activity prices.
2
Cook your own meals If you're staying in an Airbnb with a kitchen, you can save money on dining by cooking your own meals. Many destinations (especially in Central America) have local markets where you can buy fresh ingredients.
3
Explore free activities Research free attractions, parks, and events. Many cities offer free walking tours, museums with free entry days (or free entry with a student ID), and outdoor activities that won't cost you anything.
4
Get travel insurance (especially if you are visiting the USA) While it may seem counterintuitive, investing in travel insurance can save you money in case of unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. I highly recomment travel insurance every time you travel, but especially in the USA where costs of medical care are astronomically high.
My Must Read Guides For Traveling North America ↓
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October 24, 2023
