North America

• Canada

  Canada is – in a word – enormous. The sheer size of the world's second largest country can be difficult to grasp, but think of it this way: Canada has fewer inhabitants than Poland but is a staggering 32 times as large. All that space means you could easily spend a lifetime (or several) exploring the Great White North which has the longest coastline on the planet (202,080 km to be exact), three of the globe’s top ten largest islands (including one that’s double the size of Great Britain) and more than half of all the lakes in the world. If the promise of endless nature and some seriously cool cities isn’t enough to entice you to visit, consider the people: Canadians, it’s safe to say, are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Comprising ten provinces and three northern territories, the problem isn’t finding something to do in Canada, it’s choosing where to start. Quebec is a great launching pad and is known for being bilingual: if you speak English or French, you’ll have no problem getting around. Montreal and Quebec City are the two largest urban areas; Montreal is larger and more cosmopolitan with a thriving nightlife and restaurant scene, while visiting Quebec City is like stepping into the past with its European feel and gorgeous Old Town. You can’t go wrong with either, but we say do both. Once you’ve checked those off your list, the rest of the country is your oyster. Adventurous types should head West to British Columbia – with its inland mountains and coastal islands, it attracts international outdoor sports enthusiasts of all types. Manitoba, to the East, is the polar bear capital of the world and is home to Churchill, one of the best places in the world to observe Aurora Borealis, The Northern Lights. For Celtic culture and some absolutely killer lobster, Nova Scotia will prove delightful. The second most densely populated province is also the second smallest, home to some truly stunning coastline alongside ample wildlife and an excellent wine country.
• Mexico

  With miles of tropical coastline and stunning beaches which can only be compared to the golden sands of the Caribbean, Mexico is a firm favourite for a spicy, luxury beach holiday. Thanks to its rich and varied biodiversity, heritage and intriguing traditions, there are also seemingly endless opportunities for discovering ancient sites, wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures. If you are in pursuit of fantastic beaches, head to Los Cabos, lapped by the Sea of Cortez, where you can chill out in style at one of the beach clubs. Or if you’re looking for a more authentic experience, amble around towns that are replete with colonial architecture, little squares and churches. The legacies of the Aztec and Mayan civilisations live on in Mexico. Visit the impressive ruined temples at Chichén Itzá, Uxmál and Tulum, once dedicated to the worship of Mayan gods. Religious festivities have been an important part of Mexican life ever since and are often vibrant affairs, from the powder fights of the Ocozocuautla carnival to the famous ‘day of the dead’. For a softer adventure, there are lots of great golf resorts or opportunities to explore the wildlife of the Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an by boat. For a real thrill, dive into the Great Mayan Reef or venture into the jungle to swim in the crystal clear cenotes. Don’t miss out on another opportunity to go local and savour mezcal, raicilla or fine tequila which, just like a good malt whisky, should always be sipped. Or, if you prefer your spirits disguised as a cocktail, order a refreshing Margarita. Meanwhile, Mexican cuisine is packed full of flavour and fresh contrasts to awaken your tastebuds: think smoky chipotle, zesty lime, guacamole and tomato chilli salsa. And, if you’d like to take a little bit of Mexico home, a piece of silver jewellery from Taxco, leather goods from Guanajuato, and handicrafts made by the Huichol Indians make great souvenirs.
• Panama

  Of course, we all know Panama as home to the Panama Canal (and more on that later), but this elongated, narrow country that bridges Central and South America has a plethora of offerings for the intrepid traveller and explorers alike. Start in the capital, Panama City, where modern skyscrapers, cafes, superb dining opportunities, casinos and nightclubs await. Of note is a very small district in the city, Casco Viejo (literally meaning 'old quarter'). It’s a Unesco-protected area and, hard to believe today, it wasn’t long ago that gangs patrolled the streets and everyone with any sense stayed well away. Today it’s an uber-hip locale with some of the city’s most popular, chic venues. Something you may not know is that the ubiquitous Panama hat doesn’t actually come from Panama. Rather, it comes from Ecuador, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to pick one up here. In fact, there’s a lot of shopping opportunities, high-end and otherwise, if you cannot keep your fingers off your credit card. But put aside some time to visit the country’s lush rainforest territory, or if you’re short on time, Panama City’s Natural Metropolitan Park, a 265-hectare national treasure. There’s a number of hiking trails right here, and you’ll have the chance to see sloths, iguanas and other reptiles, crocodiles, deer, titi monkeys and endless birds of many colours, not to mention the flora. Since you’re in Panama, acquaint yourself with the canal, an engineering marvel. Work began on this ambitious project to link the Pacific and Atlantic oceans with this man-made 48-mile waterway in 1880. By its completion in 1914, some 25,000 people had lost their lives. The Panama Canal Museum is definitely worth a visit; located in Casco Viejo, it’s just one more reason to visit this barrio.
• Puerto Rico

  The archipelago of Puerto Rico, with San Juan on the island of Puerto Rico as its capital, was originally a Spanish settlement. Today, it’s an unincorporated territory of the United States, so expect to come across many Americans on holiday. Three of the four main landmasses: Puerto Rico, Culebra and Vieques are inhabited and travel between them is made easy by ferry. Getting here is equally easy; you’ll no doubt fly into Luis Munoz Airport in San Juan. So a visit to Puerto Rico will probably start right here in town, where cobblestone streets and pastel-coloured buildings welcome you, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. There are several sights to visit, including a few old Spanish military forts, primarily El Morro Fort, the neoclassical San Juan Cathedral and La Fortaleza which still serves as the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. The city itself is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not a modern mecca – far from it. Golf and gambling are two of the most popular pastimes, and beautiful resorts, night clubs, beaches and fine dining also await. But….if you’re looking for something a lot less hectic, then a visit to Culebra, where you’ll find the famous Flamenco Beach is, by all means, an option. Evenings start and finish at the Dinghy Dock Bar where a handful of Hemingway-look-a-likes hang out. It may, however, be a little too relaxed for some, in which case the island of Vieques is a better choice. The semi-wild horses that occupy the island and the handful of chic, boutique hotels appeal to the well-heeled traveller seeking beauty, tranquillity and a host of water-based sporting options. Come off-season, September to mid-December and mid-April to May, when hurricanes and crowds are scarce.
• Saint Barthélemy

  St Barths deliciously combines the perfect looks of the Caribbean – including limpid waters, scenic hills and 17 white-sand beaches – with the glamour, energy and gourmet delights of the French Riviera. It might be tiny, covering just over eight square miles, but you can still have a lot of fun here. Although well known for attracting superyachts and supermodels, the abiding mood is casual and uninhibited (pack kaftans rather than heels), with a creative élan that elevates it beyond just a fun-in-the-sun getaway. Holiday on St Barths and you won't only eat well and party well – you'll also fly home feeling life is really quite ‘superbe’.
• Taiwan

  In 2019, Taiwan was listed as the happiest place in East Asia, and it’s easy to see why. The topography of the small island is surprisingly varied: there are over a hundred mountain peaks perfect for outdoor adventure, as many hot springs, several golden and black-sand beaches and an astounding nine national parks. Of course, there’s superb high-end shopping in the cities and the sixth-most visited museum in the world – the National Palace Museum – located in Taipei. As the largest city in the country, New Taipei boasts glittering skyscrapers, stunning temples and a plethora of night markets. Taiwan’s complex history is noteworthy, as it helps in understanding the current, ambiguous political situation. Indigenous Taiwanese first inhabited the island until it was colonised by the Dutch and then the Spanish in the 17th century. In 1895, it fell under the rule of the Japanese, and then, finally, in 1945 The Republic of China took the island back. That blend of traditions and values remains till today, and in Taipei anyway, almost everyone speaks English. Buddhism and Taoism are the country’s main religions, and there are many stunning temples to visit everywhere you go, in fact more than 12,000 of them in the country. With that being said, it’s not an easy task to list the must-see ones, but here are a few you probably should include on your list, both in Taipei: the Baoan Temple and the Lungshan Temple. One more thing, don’t miss the chance to ride up to the observation decks of Taipei 101 which, at 508 metres, was the world’s tallest building until the Burj Khalifa opened in Dubai in 2009.
• United States

  It’s doubtful that there’s any other destination in the world that offers as many experiences on so many levels as the USA, which is why many visitors to its shores come back time and time again (more, please!). Its sheer size means that while snow is falling in some places, the sun is beaming in others. Head to the west or east coast in the winter for a ski holiday, and fly down to Florida on the same visit to pack in some salubrious beach time before heading home. It’s a diverse and eclectic country, one that has something (lots of things, in fact) for everyone of any age and, by and large, if you speak English, you’re all set. The notorious friendliness of the people is infectious; before too long, you’ll find yourself saying “have a nice day” as you bid goodbye to everyone you meet. ‘Only in America’ is an expression that will go through your mind time and time again, whatever the experience you embark upon, as will the realisation that everything is supersized – well, almost everything. Road trips are a great way to take it all in if you’re staying a while: historical sights, national parks, exciting cities, small towns, sporting events, theme parks, museums, beaches, mountains and vast shopping malls (of course). It’s also a good way to experience the varied cuisine that each region boasts (from fish tacos in California to rattlesnake – in Texas, where else?) and the chance to stay in a wide range of hotels and maybe a few luxury bed and breakfasts. So where to begin? Elvis fans may opt to fly into Memphis, Tennesee directly, while oenophiles will head to San Francisco and hop over to Napa. Families probably have plans that include Orlando, but most of us will no doubt find it easier to fly into New York City, although other big cities like Chicago, LA, DC, Boston and Miami are other fun places to begin the adventure. Head off as a couple; travel with friends; take the grand-parents; fly at half-term; or hop over for a city break. Year-round, the US is ready with open arms.