North America

LANGUAGES

On the continent, the main language is English ( spoken in the United States and Canada ), followed by Spanish ( in the United States and Mexico ) and French (in Canada and to a lesser extent in the United States ). Other local languages, originating from Native American civilizations, still exist, albeit in small numbers.

SECURITY

United States and Canada: No particular danger, but still avoid hanging around downtown areas of large cities after dark.

Avoid driving across the U.S.-Mexico border as there is a high level of organized crime-related violence.

Mexico: This country is often referred to as a dangerous country due to high crime. It is true that some states are areas to avoid for tourists, but many more or less touristy areas do not carry the same risks.

You will therefore have to remain vigilant when traveling to Mexico, especially in large cities like Mexico City, where you just have to respect certain rules of common sense. Overall, avoid going out late at night and avoid non-touristy neighborhoods. On the bus, always keep your valuables on you and prefer Uber to taxis.

HAS
BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Stretched between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, North America is imposing. The boundaries of this continent differ depending on the point of view. For the United Nations, North America only includes Canada, the United States, Bermuda, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon. However, Mexico is a member of the North American Free Trade Agreement and is commonly accepted in the subcontinent.

know

GEOGRAPHY

North America includes the following countries:

Greenland, the second largest island in the world. It is an integral part of North America but politically it is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Canada and its large islands:
- Vancouver Island and the Queen Charlotte Islands to the west,
- Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Cape Breton Island to the east,
- the Canadian Arctic Archipelago with Ellesmere Island, Baffin Island, and Victoria Island to the north;
Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a territory attached to France.
The United States, including the Aleutian Islands and Alaska;
Bermuda (United Kingdom).
Mexico.

Central America and the West Indies are sometimes included in North America.

HEALTH

If you are travelling to the USA or Canada, you may not need to be vaccinated. If you are travelling to Florida, the Bahamas or Hawaii in the summer, you should take good care of yourself against mosquitoes. Some mosquitoes can transmit dengue fever. Ask the GGD in your area for more information.

Taking out travel insurance is essential given the cost of medical consultations

In Mexico, on the other hand, several vaccinations are recommended, including those against hepatitis A and typhoid fever because food infections are frequent. The one against rabies also in the case of rural or prolonged stays.

DESTINATIONS

CUBA

UNITED STATES

MEXICO

MAP OF THE CONTINENT

MY BEST MEMORY

New York

ONE WEEK IN

America

from the north

CANADA

FOR

BEST

SEASON

to visit

North America, although made up of only three countries, is a very vast territory that is home to very different climatic zones depending on the region. So, whether you want to fly away for a summer getaway in the cold of Quebec or for a sunny and relaxing break in the middle of winter in Cancun, this region of the globe will definitely have a destination that will satisfy all your desires for escape.

The northern part of the continent (Canada and the state of Alaska) is characterized by cold continental climates, tundra climate and snowy climate. Temperatures almost never reach more than 20°C. In winter, it freezes almost continuously.

Further down in the United States, the climate is much warmer. You will find dry regions (Nevada and Arizona), very sunny parts (California) and a very humid northwest coast.

In the south of the continent, Mexico still offers many variations in climate. The further south your route takes you, the higher the temperature will be. Precipitation is generally less on the Pacific coast and can be torrential in some regions with a tropical climate. From May to October, the rainy season prevails and, in Cancun for example, while the temperature remains torrid, the rainfall is powerful and regular.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TRAVELING?

TOURISM

North America's countries are vast, and this immensity results in a great variety of landscapes and cultures. The main American tourist attractions are the numerous natural sites (Banff and Jasper National Parks in Canada, the Grand Canyon and Yosemite in the US, and the cenotes in Mexico).

Canada: This country attracts hikers from all over the world thanks to its famous lakes and trails. Winter sports enthusiasts will find what they're looking for in Whistler, while those who prefer big cities will likely visit Toronto or Vancouver.

United States: The image of this country that is often conveyed through films and series is not always realistic, but can give you the impression of having already discovered this destination without having set foot there; this is the feeling I had when visiting the city of New York.

Mexico: The country is renowned as a favorite destination for American spring breakers thanks to its lively beach towns like Cancún and Cabo San Lucas. There's a striking contrast between the north, heavily influenced by the United States, and the south, which showcases deeply rooted Latin American traditions.

COST OF LIVING

The United States and Canada have a higher standard of living than France, where accommodation prices can be surprising, while in Mexico, life is much less easy, where you will find many accommodation options for just a few euros.

TRADITIONS AND CULTURE

The fusion of different cultures has enriched life and societies in the United States and Canada, making them more vibrant and dynamic. Sports are a major part of life, with basketball, baseball, hockey, and American football playing a significant role. Religion is also central to life in the United States and Mexico, influencing all aspects of civic life and major social issues.