- New York for a city break, Canada for mountains and lakes, Mexico for beaches and Maya ruins
- Direct flights from London take about 7-8h to the east coast and 9-11h to the west coast and Cancún
- The USA needs an ESTA and Canada an eTA for British visitors flying in
- Shoulder seasons (May-June, September-October) are the sweet spot for price and weather
North America rewards a longer trip. Three very different countries share the continent: the USA, with its cities and road trips, Canada, with its lakes, mountains and wildlife, and Mexico, with its beaches, food and ancient Maya cities. All are served by direct flights from the UK.
Where to go in North America
USA
New York is the obvious first stop: Central Park, museums, Broadway and neighbourhoods you can walk for days. Beyond it, think national parks, the California coast and road trips. Our guide to New York on a budget helps keep costs down.
Canada
Vancouver pairs ocean and mountains in one city, while Banff is the gateway to the Rockies' turquoise lakes. In the east, Niagara Falls is an easy trip from Toronto.
Mexico
Cancún and the Riviera Maya combine all-inclusive beaches with cenotes and Chichén Itzá, while Mexico City is one of the world's great food cities. Heading further south? See our Central America guides.
Best time to visit
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (April-June) | Mild in the cities, good value; Mexico hot and dry before the rains |
| Summer (July-August) | Best for the Rockies and Canada; hurricane season begins in the Caribbean |
| Autumn (September-October) | Fall colours in New England and Canada; hurricane risk in Mexico until about October |
| Winter (November-March) | Skiing in Canada, festive New York, dry-season beaches in Mexico |
Getting there from the UK
Expect about 7h-8h from London to New York, Boston or Toronto, about 9h30 to Vancouver and about 10h to Cancún. Fares are lowest from January to March outside holidays.
Landmarks & things to do in North America
NatureCentral Park
Manhattan's 843-acre green heart, with lakes, meadows, bridges and woodland stretching for 51 blocks between Midtown…
Historic siteChichén Itzá
The great Maya city of El Castillo and the ball court, an easy day trip from Mexico's Caribbean coast.
NatureNiagara Falls
The thundering Horseshoe Falls are best seen from the Canadian side, an easy day trip from Toronto.
LandmarkStatue of Liberty
The copper colossus in New York Harbor, a gift from France in 1886, visited by ferry with Ellis Island on the same trip.
North America on the map
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for the USA or Canada?
British citizens visiting for tourism usually need an ESTA for the USA and an eTA for Canada when flying in, not a full visa. Apply only through the official government websites.
Is Mexico safe for tourists?
Most visitors to Cancún, the Riviera Maya and central Mexico City have trouble-free trips, but the FCDO advises against travel to some states. Check GOV.UK travel advice before you book.
How long do I need for North America?
Plan at least a week for a single city or region, and two to three weeks for a road trip or a combination such as New York and the Rockies.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
More from Thomas