Overview

"The land of the free and the home of the brave, let an USA holiday fill you with the optimism that imbues every part of American. Visit some of the worlds most iconic cities such as New York on the East or San Francisco in the west. Between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans lie more cities as well as masses of National Parks. Mountain time – 7 hours behind GMT – is name for the stunning Rocky Mountains that stretch North to South across the entire continent. Ski in the mountain resort of Banff in Canada or Vail, Colorado for some winter fun or summer pastimes such as white water rafting are perfect as the snow melts and the rivers flow increasingly fast. In the south of the USA lies Florida, offering wonderful family holidays to the amazing theme parks or Orlando, while the beach resort on both the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico are perfect for families, couples or even those in search of the party life with South Beach, Miami offering amazing nightlife. Canada offers so much adventure it would be hard to know where to begin. See whales and icebergs off the cost of Newfoundland, search Orcas in the waters off Vancouver and Victoria while bears are a big draw. See grizzly and black bears around the forests, rivers and inland waterways of British Columbia or brave the frozen tundra of Manitoba and spot the majestic Polar Bears in Churchill or on the ice of Hudson Bay."

When To Visit

"North America is truly year-round destination. Florida and Hawaii, are you best bet if you want some winter sun, but Hawaii is wonderfully located to offer year round sun and fantastic temperatures. The north east of the US and most of Canada can get a lot of snow, making amazing skiing and winter sports resorts from November to April – check out Whistler in British Columbia as a great example. Southern states such as Louisiana offer scorching summers and mild winters, while the desert resorts of Scottsdale, Arizona and Palm Springs, California offer temps in the high 40’s during summer but pleasant autumn and springs, perfect for the golf and sports that they are famous for."

Food & Drink

"Massive portions and anything you want – that just about sums up the food scene in the USA! From high level fine dining in the Five Star hotels on the Las Vegas Strip or around New York’s Times Square to high value, high speed fast food, everyone is catered for. Head to New England, USA or Nova Scotia, Canada for the finest lobster; caught nearby in the Atlantic Ocean and delivered direct to your table, it’s a must for seafood fans. Steaks are a staple for the North American menu so be on the look out for some huge cuts of meat. To wash it all down, there is an amazing craft brewing scene all over both countries with a selection of beers so wide it can be hard to make a choice – but not as hard as getting up the following morning! Both countries offer wine regions with Napa Valley in California being one of the most famous but Canada is not to be left behind with some fantastic wine producers in the Okanangan Valley, British Columbia."

Passport & Visas

British Citizens need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme to visit the USA, and get an eTA for travel to Canada . Visit GOV.UK for more information.

Where to stay in North America