Travel to North America: Your Ultimate Guide to Road Trips, City Skylines & Epic Landscapes

North America is a solo traveller’s paradise if you love big cities, wide-open landscapes, and road trips that make you feel like you’re in a movie. Whether you’re hiking in the Canadian Rockies, road-tripping down Route 66, exploring Mexico’s ancient ruins, or eating your way through New Orleans, this region has a little bit of everything.

The best part? North America is ridiculously easy to travel solo. With great infrastructure, diverse cultures, and a mix of adventure and comfort, you can do everything from backpacking on a budget to treating yourself to luxury stays.

Must-Know Travel Tips for North America

• Visas depend on your passport. The US, Canada, and Mexico all have different visa requirements, so check before you go. The US ESTA and Canada’s eTA are common for short-term visitors.
• Card payments are the norm. Cash is handy, but credit and debit cards are widely accepted, even for small purchases. In the US, tipping (usually 15-20%) is expected in restaurants, taxis, and salons.
• Public transport varies by city. Big cities like New York, Toronto, and Mexico City have great metro systems, but in smaller towns and rural areas, you’ll likely need a rental car or ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft.
• Driving is a big part of travel here. Road-tripping is one of the best ways to see North America, whether it’s California’s Pacific Coast Highway, the Canadian Rockies, or Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Just be aware of different driving laws and speed limits between countries.
• Pack for all seasons. North America has everything from tropical beaches to freezing tundras. If you’re traveling across different regions, layering is your best friend.
• Food is diverse and amazing. From tacos in Mexico to deep-dish pizza in Chicago to fresh seafood in Canada, the food scene is as varied as the landscapes. Don’t be afraid to try local diners and street food.
• Solo travel is safe, but cities have hotspots to avoid. North America is generally solo-friendly, but like anywhere, stay aware of your surroundings, especially in big cities. Stick to well-lit areas at night, be mindful of scams, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.

North America is a mix of high-energy cities, peaceful nature, and everything in between. Whether you’re exploring national parks, historic landmarks, music festivals, or vibrant food scenes, there’s always something new to discover.

Now that you’ve got the essentials, it’s time to start planning. Whether you’re after adventure, culture, or the ultimate road trip, North America has it all.

Top North America Travel Guides: Your Go-To for Planning

Looking for something specific? You’re in the right place! These articles are like the hidden gems of North America travel—too good to skip, but they didn’t quite fit into the country guides. Packed with insider tips, practical hacks, and inspiration, these reads will have you mapping out your next adventure before you even finish your coffee. Dive in and start planning!

• 9 of the Best Beaches in Cancún
• Best Day Trips from Tulum
• 10 of the Best Ski Resorts in Canada
• 15 Exciting Things to see and do in Banff
• 10 Cool Things to do in Montreal
• 48 Hours in New York
• 15 Exciting Things to Do in Chicago
• 9 of the Best Volcano Tours in Hawaii 
• 15 Fun Touristy Things to Do in Miami

Solo Travel in North America: Freedom, Adventure & The Ultimate Road Trip Vibes

Thinking about traveling solo in North America? You’re in for an amazing mix of city life, national parks, epic road trips, and some of the best food scenes on the planet. Whether you’re wandering through the streets of New York City, hiking in Banff, exploring Mayan ruins in Mexico, or taking a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, North America has something for every kind of solo traveller.

The best part? You call the shots. No waiting for travel buddies to wake up, no debating over where to eat—just you, your itinerary, and endless possibilities. Whether you’re craving street tacos at midnight, a last-minute national park detour, or a spontaneous music festival stop, solo travel here is all about the freedom to explore on your own terms.

Why North America is a Solo Traveller’s Dream

✔️ Easy to Navigate – Well-connected flights, trains, buses, and ride-sharing apps make it easy to get around, whether you’re hopping between cities or heading off on a scenic road trip.

✔️ Safe & Solo-Friendly – The US, Canada, and Mexico all have amazing solo travel spots, and people are generally helpful and welcoming. As always, use common sense in big cities and be mindful of your surroundings.

✔️ Endless Opportunities to Meet People – Hostels, walking tours, co-working cafes, and social events make it easy to connect with fellow travellers. Want company? Join a group hike or hop on a local food tour. Prefer alone time? That works too!

✔️ The Ultimate Road Trip Destination – Whether it’s Route 66, the Canadian Rockies, or Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, North America was made for road trips. Renting a car is easy, and there’s something thrilling about hitting the open road solo.

✔️ Outdoor Adventures for Days – From Yosemite and Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon and Banff, North America’s national parks are packed with hiking trails, wildlife, and unforgettable scenery.

✔️ The Food. You’ll Never Go Hungry. – Think New York pizza, Texas BBQ, Montreal poutine, Baja fish tacos, and deep-fried everything at state fairs. Every stop on your trip will have something delicious to try.

Solo Travel Tips for North America

✅ Choose the right destination for your vibe – Love big cities? New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Mexico City are buzzing with solo-friendly activities. Prefer nature? Banff, Yellowstone, and Big Sur are incredible for solo adventurers.

✅ Public transport is great in some places, nonexistent in others – Major cities have solid metro or bus systems, but rural areas and national parks often require a car.

✅ Stay aware, but don’t stress – North America is generally safe for solo travellers, but in big cities, keep an eye on your belongings, avoid sketchy areas at night, and trust your instincts.

✅ Join group tours for big-ticket experiences – Want to see the Grand Canyon or explore Mexico’s cenotes? Day tours are a great way to meet people and make travel easier.

✅ Embrace the unexpected – Flight delays, last-minute road trip changes, and surprise local festivals are all part of the North American travel experience. Go with the flow and enjoy the ride.

Solo travel in North America is all about freedom, adventure, and discovering something new at every turn. Whether you’re wandering through historic neighborhoods, hiking in the wilderness, or trying local delicacies, one thing’s for sure—you’ll never run out of things to see and do.

Wrapping Up: Your Next Solo Adventure Starts Here

North America is one of the most exciting regions in the world for solo travellers—packed with iconic cities, breathtaking landscapes, and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re road-tripping through national parks, café-hopping in a buzzing metropolis, or exploring ancient ruins in Mexico, every day brings something new.

Now that you’re armed with essential travel tips, destination guides, and solo travel hacks, it’s time to start planning! Click through to explore our country-specific guides for in-depth advice, must-visit spots, and itineraries to help you make the most of your North American adventure.