North America
Totem Poles of the First Nations in Vancouver Canada. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick
“Through travel I first became aware of the outside world; it was through travel that I found my own introspective way into becoming a part of it.”
– Eudora Welty
Explore the history, diverse cultures and traditions of the North American countries of Canada, Mexico and the United States. North American culture reflects both the cultures of its indigenous people- the Native Americans as well as the culture that is influenced by European Colonization.
The United States is the third largest country in the world and one of the most culturally diverse countries of the world. Described as the ‘melting pot‘ of North America , amalgamation of different cultures has given shape to the unique U.S. culture.
Mexico is the most populous state of North America and one of the largest city in the world.
Canada is the largest country of North American region and covering more than half of the continent’s area.
Swimming with whale sharks was something I had never contemplated until visiting La Paz, Mexico, a few hours north of Cabo San Lucas in southern Baja California Sur. My immediate response was “no way” until I learned the name “whale shark” is quite misleading. Whale sharks are the world’s largest fish and are not known to nibble on humans. These gentle giants filter plankton and fish from the top of the ocean like a baleen whale and eat eight percent of their body weight per week. After extensive online research, I soon realized that I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to swim with this misunderstood creature that scientists just started studying in the 1950s. Donning a wetsuit with some sort of swimmable life jacket plus a mask, snorkel, and fins, I dangled off the side of our small boat that comfortably carried about six. Our crew of ladies already [...]
While many of these train activities are rooted in nostalgia, there are still plenty of modern-day travelers who not only enjoy trains as a means of transport but also the object of entire vacations.
Heidi Hill and Jessie Serfilippi from the Schuyler Mansion State Historical Site share the stories behind the stories about the Schuyler family and Alexander Hamilton.
The rich culture and heritage of the Cherokee people and the story of their forced removal from their homeland is sometimes lost amid undifferentiated accounts of indigenous people in the United States. Three stops along the Georgia section of the Trail of Tears, a National Park Service site that documents the Cherokee journey, will dispel any ignorance about their distinctive history.
Hiking to a waterfall is likely not the first thing that comes to the mind when people are visiting Southern California. Overwhelmed by all the well-known and frequently recommended must-dos, it is easy to miss the smaller and less famous opportunities, especially when it comes to spending time in nature.
The morning mist partially obscured the peaks lining Resurrection Bay as the Coastal Explorer pulled away from Seward. A bald eagle bid us farewell from his perch and a nearby sea otter floated peacefully in the harbor. The deckhands served fresh warm cinnamon rolls as we motored toward Kenai Fjords National Park. Dressed for winter even though it was June, I boarded an eight-hour cruise with Kenai Fjords Tours with expectations of adventure. I was excited to learn that Kenai Fjords Tours, along with several other Alaskan cruise operators, promote sustainable whale watching by adhering to Whale SENSE guidelines. Kenai Fjords Tours Photo: Kirsten Harrington Whale SENSE – Champions of Responsible Whale Watching Whale SENSE is a voluntary program that highlights commercial whale-watching companies that go above and beyond in protecting marine mammals. Having whale SENSE means these boats: Stick to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) laws [...]
Entering the Dwight Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum through the Visitors Center and Gift Shop, my tour began at the Place of Meditation. Designed as a place for veterans to meditate, this section also serves as the final resting place for Eisenhower and his beloved wife, Mamie along with their first-born son, Doug Dwight Eisenhower who died as a young child.
Every year, visitors flock to Page, Arizona, near the Utah border to marvel at the mesmerizing beauty of the Arizona slot canyons on the Navajo Reservation. The Southwest is known for these naturally occurring winding canyons, and the ones in Arizona are particularly magnificent.
On July 4th, the nation sings Happy birthday to the United States of America. This summer day is Independence Day in the US and one of the busiest travel and tourism holidays in North America. Flights coming to America and from coast to coast are full. Hotels in the top July 4th destinations are packed and restaurants are busy preparing for the influx of guests. Every city in the 50 United States celebrate the July 4th holiday with fireworks because of the importance of this day to America's history.
The Basque Block in Boise, Idaho, stands as a vibrant testament to the rich cultural heritage of one of the state's most distinctive ethnic communities. This historic stretch of Grove Street, once home to some of Boise's earliest and most prominent families, now serves as a thriving center of Basque culture and cuisine.
In the United States, the population exploded in the late 1800s and early 1900s due to massive immigration, especially in Boston and New York City. Much of the population at the time consisted of impoverished families. If one parent died, the other often could not care for the children. As a result, many of these children were put on orphan trains and sent away to be adopted or sometimes indentured by families across the country.
Every summer, the tall ship Manitou plies the clear waters of Grand Traverse Bay, docking at Traverse City, Michigan. Three or four times a day, the ship sets sail with up to 59 passengers for a two-hour cruise. It’s a traditional ship experience. Sails are hoisted through muscle and perseverance. Steering is done with a wheel on the quarter deck. And, the speed of the ride depends on the wind.
