North America
North America is one hell of a region to backpack. From road-tripping through the USA and Canada to exploring Mexico's beaches, jungles and ancient ruins, there's a ridiculous amount of variety here. Whether you're chasing mountains, national parks, big cities or tacos, you'll never be short of things to do.
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Backpacking North America Routes
Editor's PickThe ULTIMATE 7-Days Mexico Itinerary • MUST-READ!
Best Time To Visit Mexico Mexico is a year-round destination thanks to its diverse climate and regions. That being said, the best…
Editor's PickINSIDER CUBA ITINERARY
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Editor's Pick20 Best USA Road Trips • Famous Driving Destinations
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Editor's PickBest Road Trips in Canada
Why Roadtrip in Canada? Why should you choose to take a road trip to explore Canada? Not only will you get to…
Editor's PickTop 17 BEST Caribbean Islands to Visit on Any Budget!
The 17 Best Caribbean Islands The Caribbean is a delightful sprinkling of islands across some damn fine turquoise Caribbean sea. With a…
Editor's PickBANFF Itinerary • MUST READ!
Best Time to Visit Banff Banff’s gorgeous landscape varies dramatically throughout the year. From the frosty white blanket of winter to the…
Handpicked Things to See and Do
Best National Parks in the USA 
Mexico’s Best Beach Towns: My Backpacking Route Along the Coast 
14 BEST Places to Visit in Cuba 
The Best Hiking Trails in Canada: Which Will You Choose? 
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14 Most EPIC Sacramento Day Trips 
Best Road Trips from Vancouver to Calgary 
17 UNIQUE Things to Do in Tulum off the Beaten Path Know Before You Go
The no-BS planning guides, prep tips, and field-tested picks we use on the road.
Know Before You Go
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Cuba Packing List? • You HAVE to see these 23 Items -
Is Mexico Safe for Travel? -
Is Canada Expensive? -
Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in the USA | Destinations & Tips -
Is Jamaica SAFE to Visit? (Insider Tips) -
Where to Stay in Mexico: Insider’s Guide -
California Travel Guide -
Buying a SIM Card in Mexico – Travellers Buying Guide
Book It
Hostel
The one we actually use to lock in dorm beds across North America
Hotels
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eSim
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Travel Insurance
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Tours
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Transport
Book your trains, planes, buses and ferries across North America.
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North America Travel FAQs
How long do you need to backpack North America?
North America is huge, so how long you need really depends on how much you want to see. Two to three weeks is enough to explore one area or country, while a month or more gives you time to take on a longer road trip or combine several destinations.
Is North America expensive to backpack?
It can be, particularly in the USA and Canada, but there are ways to keep costs down. Hostels, camping, public transport and cooking your own meals can all help, while Mexico is generally much more budget-friendly.
What’s the best way to travel around North America?
It depends on where you're going. Buses and trains work well between many cities, but having your own wheels can make a huge difference if you're heading into national parks or exploring more remote areas. For longer distances, flying can often save a lot of time.
Do you need a visa to visit the USA?
That depends on your nationality. Many travellers can enter the USA for short stays through the Visa Waiver Program using an approved ESTA, while others will need to apply for a visa before travelling. Always check the latest entry requirements for your nationality before you go.