Regions - North America
US & Canadian Rockies
Stretching more than 3000 miles (4800 km) from Colorado to northern British Colombia, North America has been blessed with this stunning mountain range, offering much to love for casual tourists and nature aficionados alike. Home to Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Banff National Parks (among others), the cordillera is an amazing place for hiking, camping, scenic drives or even fishing and horseback riding. Summers are busy as Americans and Canadians alike flock to visit the west in droves (make arrangements well ahead!) In winter, the principal activity is skiing, and while Colorado is the center of the slope-side action, resort areas such as Park City Utah, Sun Valley Idaho, and Banff Alberta are perennially popular.
French Canada
Canada's province of Québec and its Francophone population offers a unique island of European culture in the middle of North America. Montreal, the City of Lights, is a wonderful weekend getaway, as is Québec City, which will remind you of a charming small city in France. Both are home to numerous festivals and musical events throughout the year. The province is also full of beautiful countryside including small towns, farmland, mountains, rivers, lakes and waterfalls, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. While Canada has a reputation for difficult winters, it's actually great time to visit to enjoy cozy lodges, winter sports, and thermal hot springs.
New England Coast
The US Northeast gives one a sense of history quite unlike any other part of the country. From the red-brick buildings of Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts to the charming white clapboard homes of Manchester Vermont, one can almost imagine what life must have been like during the time of Paul Revere. The mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont are stunning, and particularly worth a visit during fall foliage or winter ski seasons. The coastline is also a major attraction, whether you stroll the historic waterfront of Portland Maine, sun on the shores of Cape Cod, or explore the tony islands of Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard. What's also wonderful about New England is that everything is close; over the course of a week, you can see quite a lot of the area by simply driving!
US Southwest
The core of the US Southwest is comprised of the states of Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico, although broader definitions might also include Nevada, California and Texas. This part of the country is quite distinct, particularly given its desert landscape and Native American history. You'll still get a sense of cowboy culture if visiting towns such as Santa Fe, New Mexico, or Sedona Arizona. Throughout the Southwest, the architecture is unique, food is nicely spiced with a variety of hot peppers, and artists and artisans find inspiration in the stark setting and Indian traditions. Not to be missed are the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and Hoover Dam in southern Nevada.
California Coast
A drive on California's coast is an American rite of passage. The preferred direction is south to north (to avoid the cliff edge on hair-raising road), so sunny San Diego is a great way to start. From there, you move on to the Los Angeles Area with its glamor, beaches and energy. Two hours and a world away is Santa Barbara, a chilled out college town on the beach, volleyball, anyone? Continuing on you'll find Hearst Castle, and while it doesn't seem to belong, it's a fascinating stop just the same. Next comes Big Sur, with sheer cliffs dropping to dramatic beaches below; this alone is worth a visit to the coast. Equally wonderful stops are the Monterrey Peninsula and gorgeous San Francisco. Going north from the bay area the coast is rocky and wild, dotted with seaside guesthouses and cottages. This area is also home to many of California's famous giant redwood and sequoia trees. One could easily spend two weeks exploring!
California Wine Country
How does one define California Wine Country? Frankly, there are many wine producing regions that visitors can enjoy. The Napa and Sonoma Valleys north of San Francisco are the most well-known, and offer an amazing array of wineries, excellent accommodations, top restaurants and other attractions. In the north, Mendocino and Lake Counties are lesser known, but lovely for a low-key getaway. The state's central coast is also home to some exceptional wines, including Paso Robles and the Santa Ynez Valley (where the movie Sideways was filmed) near Santa Barbara. In southern California, near famous Malibu, is the Temecula Valley, an up and coming region currently home to about 20 boutique wineries, perfect for a day trip from LA. No matter where you are in California, great wine is fortunately not very far away.
