North America Tour Packages

1. Geographical Facts About North America
2. Cultural Facts About North America
3. Most Visited Countries In North America
4. Lesser-Visited Countries In North America
5. Most Popular Cities In North America
6. Most Popular Tourist Attractions In North America
7. Most Notable Festivals In North America
8. Other Significant Festivals Celebrated In North America
9. Common Etiquette To Remember When Visiting North American Countries
10. Common Must-Try Delicacies In North America

• North America is the third-largest continent in the world by land area.
• There are 23 countries in North America.
• North America has Lake Nicaragua, which is the largest freshwater lake in Central America.
• Canada is the largest country in North America by land area.
• The largest city in North America is Mexico City.
• The smallest country in North America is Saint Kitts and Nevis.
• Greenland in North America is the world’s largest island that is not a continent.
• The Missouri River is the longest river in North America.
• The highest mountain peak in North America is Denali in Alaska.
• North America has the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area, known as Lake Superior.
• The Death Valley National Park in the USA is the lowest point in North America.
• There are no landlocked countries in North America.
• The Yellowstone National Park in the USA is said to be the world’s first national park.
• Canada has more than 60% of the world’s lakes.
• A Canadian-born person named James Naismith was the inventor of basketball.
• Canada is such a large country that it has six time zones.
• The Yonge Street in Toronto is the longest street in the world.
• The Canada-United States border is the longest international border in the world.
• Canada is home to the world’s largest beaver dam.
• The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) is the largest university in Latin America.

• The Statue of Liberty in New York was gifted by France to the United States.
• The United States has the largest economy in the world.
• The national anthem of the United States is titled ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’, the lyrics of which were inspired by a poem called ‘Defence of Fort McHenry’ written by Francis Scott Key.
• The city of Las Vegas in the United States is often referred to as ‘the gambling capital of the world’.
• The state of California is the leading producer of dairy in the United States.
• The modern lollipop was invented by George Smith, a man from New Haven, Connecticut.
• Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) was invented by Colonel Harland Sanders, who hailed from Corbin, a city in USA.
• Harvard University is the oldest operating university in the United States.
  Ohio’s Oberlin College was the first university in the United States to award bachelor’s degrees to women.
• For the first time, English was designated as the official language of the USA in March 2025.
• Canada has the world’s largest moose population.
• The majority of the world’s maple syrup is produced in Canada.
• Mexico City has the second-highest number of museums in the world.
• Mexican cuisine is a part of UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• Mexico is the world’s leading consumer of Coca-Cola.
• The Great Pyramid of Cholula in Mexico holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest pyramid in the world.
• The history of chocolate dates back to ancient Mexico.

The fact that the United States is the most visited country in North America doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Countless people, immigrants and locals alike, strive every day to achieve the American dream. You can witness a piece of this dream with our North America tour packages, which cover some of the best cities in the USA. Whether you go to work, study, or for a holiday, the USA is truly a must-visit destination for numerous reasons.

The United States has something for everyone. Interested in arts and culture? Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the Griffith Observatory, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Looking for thrilling outdoor adventures? Choose a hiking trail at the Grand Canyon National Park, go snorkelling in the beaches of Hawaii, or go river rafting in Idaho. Hoping for some retail therapy? Shop away at Fifth Avenue (New York), Rodeo Drive (Los Angeles), and Lincoln Road (Miami).

When you think of Canada, what comes to your mind? Possibly maple syrup, ice hockey, and cultural diversity? While all of these elements are indeed tied closely to Canada, the country is so much more than that. You will get to experience all of its multifaceted goodness when you book our North America tour packages. For an exclusive tour of the country, check our Canada tour packages.

Canada has some of the most spectacular cities you will ever come across. There is Toronto with its thrilling sports scene, high-quality restaurants, and world-renowned museums, such as the Art Gallery of Ontario. You will get a taste of the French culture in Montreal. This can be seen through the French Gothic Revival architecture of the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. Vancouver greets people with lush greenery, as you will experience at Stanley Park and the VanDusen Botanical Garden. The city of Calgary has the world-renowned Calgary Stampede. It’s an annual festival, exhibition, and rodeo, which takes place for 10 days. Hailed as ‘the greatest outdoor show on earth’, it features a parade, chuckwagon racing, live music performances, and agricultural competitions.

Canada has a total of 37 national parks and 11 national park reserves. There is plenty of diverse wildlife you can witness at these parks, such as grizzly bears, elk, beluga whales, plains bison, whooping cranes, and bighorn sheep.

Mexico is the third-largest country in Latin America. It’s also the world’s 13th-largest country by land area. If you love trying different cuisines, we recommend trying authentic Mexican food with our North American tour packages. In fact, the cuisine of Mexico is so stellar that UNESCO has recognised it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The Mexican coastline stretches for over 9,330 km along both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Naturally, this makes the beaches of Mexico attractive to tourists everywhere. Filled with fine white sand and turquoise blue waters, you can try out several thrilling watersports at these beaches. Engage in surfing, snorkelling, white water rafting, parasailing, and scuba diving while you’re there.

While Mexico is renowned worldwide for its beaches, cuisine, vibrant culture, and more, the country’s natural wonders are an equally vital reason it attracts millions of tourists each year. For breathtaking scenery, visit the following places in Mexico:

• Copper Canyon
• Sumidero Canyon
• Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
• Yucatan Peninsula
• Cuatro Cienegas

Costa Rica is a mix of stunning national parks, enchanting wildlife, and thrilling adventurous activities. The country is home to over 500,000 species of wildlife and holds approximately 5% of the world’s biodiversity. Some of the wildlife species you can witness in Costa Rica include sea turtles, green iguanas, humpback whales, scarlet macaws, jaguars, and armadillos. Some of the national parks to visit in Costa Rica are:

• Manuel Antonio National Park
• Tortuguero National Park
• Corcovado National Park
• Piedras Blancas National Park
• Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Costa Rica has over 60 volcanoes, of which Arenal Volcano is one of the most famous ones to visit. The country is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts, and the activities to try out include scuba diving, river rafting, ziplining, hiking, canyoning, snorkelling, horseback riding, and surfing.

Blue waters as far as the eye can see, beaches with soft sand, and a laidback way of living; that’s the Bahamas for you in a nutshell. The island country is blessed with some unique beaches. For example, there is a beach named Pink Sand Beach, which has pink sand instead of golden or white. This rare phenomenon is created by tiny marine organisms called foraminifera. Fans of scuba diving will love it here as the Bahamas is renowned for its diving sites. The country also has the third largest barrier reef in the world, called the Andros Barrier Reef, whose beauty you can witness with GT Holidays’ North America tour packages. When you’re not scuba diving in the Bahamas, you can try out parasailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, and more.

We can’t talk about the Bahamas without mentioning its scrumptious cuisine, which has a combination of Caribbean, European, and African influences. Make sure to try out the conch salad, johnny cake, stew fish, peas and rice, rock lobster, and the various crab dishes. The Bahamas is where you can enjoy a happening nightlife, with parties going on from sunset to sunrise. From cocktail bars and breweries to nightclubs, the party scene in the Bahamas is almost never-ending.

Nestled between Guatemala and El Salvador is Honduras. It’s home to beautiful beaches such as West Bay Beach, Half Moon Bay Beach, Little French Key, and Sandy Bay Beach. You will come across the warmest, most welcoming, and friendliest people in Honduras. Coffee lovers will have a great time in the country, as Honduras has some delicious coffee with a powerful aroma and notes of chocolate.

The reason some tourists might avoid visiting Honduras is due to safety concerns. Petty theft is common in the country, particularly in crowded areas such as markets and public transportation, including buses. Therefore, if you do decide to travel to Honduras, avoid walking the empty streets and beaches at night, and make sure not to carry too much cash when you’re out. Honduras has the presence of many mosquito-borne illnesses, so remember to bring mosquito repellant in your suitcase.

Antigua and Barbuda is said to have 365 beaches. The country has an interesting and unique local culture, which has a mix of Caribbean, British, and African influences. You can taste a wide variety of delicious foods in Antigua and Barbuda, such as fungee and pepperpot, jerk chicken, conch, and saltfish and fungi.

Tourists might be wary of driving around Antigua and Barbuda due to various reasons, such as narrow roads, potholes, bad lighting, poor road markings, and blind corners. Be careful, as credit and debit card frauds can often occur in Antigua and Barbuda. Stay away from isolated areas, and don’t go out at night. Don’t carry your valuables or too much cash when you’re out sightseeing.

Dominica has the second-largest boiling lake in the world, and it’s called Boiling Lake. The country is home to 365 rivers. Other elements adding to the natural beauty of Dominica are mountains, waterfalls, volcanoes, and hot springs. It also has pristine beaches where you will find black as well as white sand. Dominica has three nesting species of endangered sea turtles, namely leatherback, hawksbill, and green sea turtles. You can witness them from protected sites.

Many of the roads in Dominica are pretty steep, narrow, and winding, which makes driving around quite difficult. You might notice that there aren’t enough hazard warnings, traffic signs, and guardrails. This lack of road safety often makes people wary of visiting the country. When you travel outside Dominica’s capital city, Roseau, you will experience much less lighting, making it quite tricky for tourists to roam around. Be aware of pickpocketing and petty thefts. Dominica is quite vulnerable to natural disasters, including landslides, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Therefore, if you do decide to travel to this country, make sure you pick the right season to do so.

Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America geographically. The natural beauty of the country is reflected through its national parks, biological reserves, and nature reserves. While you’re in Nicaragua, you will get to witness Lake Nicaragua, which is the largest freshwater lake in Central America.

The crime rate in Nicaragua is a concerning factor, which is probably why tourists hesitate to visit the country. Going out alone, especially at night, should be avoided if you visit Nicaragua. The hurricane season usually lasts from June to November. Avoid visiting Nicaragua at this time as the hurricanes can cause floods and impact communication services. Another reason why tourism often gets affected for Nicaragua is the presence of insect-borne diseases, such as dengue.

New York City has been represented in pop culture numerous times over the decades. You must have seen its streets and famous landmarks being featured in shows and movies such as Gossip Girl, When Harry Met Sally, Sex and the City, and so on. New York, which is fondly known as ‘The Big Apple’ has left its imprint on the world for countless reasons, all of which you can discover through our USA Tour Packages. Walking through New York feels like taking a train ride whose every stop and station tells a different story. Every corner of the city is brimming with diversity and vibrant energy.

Food lovers will be spoilt for choice in New York. You will be left wondering whether to pick between the food trucks selling hot dogs, pizzas, and tacos or the Michelin-starred restaurants serving a wide range of international cuisines. Shop from luxury brands at Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue, browse through the massive collection of books at Strand Bookstore, and get mesmerised by the evening view at Times Square. When you wish to soak in some greenery and peace, head over to Central Park. Art and culture enthusiasts can explore museums such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, and Guggenheim Museum.

Miami is a coastal city in Florida, which will give you an idea of the tropical monsoon climate the city experiences. It offers warm and sunny weather pretty much throughout the year, giving you the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the many beaches the city is home to. Don’t forget to indulge in watersports while you’re in Miami with GT Holidays’ USA Tour Packages. This includes kayaking, jet skiing, cruising, sailing, paddleboarding, snorkelling, and diving. Some of the best beaches to explore in Miami include South Beach, Mid-Beach, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Crandon Park Beach, and Lummus Park Beach.

There is so much more to do in Miami in addition to exploring its pristine beaches and sandy shores. The fact that Miami is a melting pot of different cultures is evident in its cuisine. The food of the city has influences from traditional Caribbean and Latin American cuisines. From Cuban sandwiches and Cuban cocktails to traditional Spanish tapas, the food in Miami is a party in itself. For all the shopaholics out there, Miami is the place to splurge. The city has everything, right from handmade jewellery, local boutiques, and eco-friendly brands to luxurious designer labels. Lastly, if you’re in the mood to party, then there’s no better destination than Miami. With its nightclubs, dance clubs, and live music sessions, you can party right from dusk to dawn.

Las Vegas is the most populous city in the state of Nevada. If you have ever wanted to try out gambling, then there is no better place in the world to do so than Vegas. With more than 100 casinos, Sin City has casinos with jaw-dropping architecture, high-class dining options, captivating attractions, and alluring entertainment.

Have you noticed that every time Vegas is shown in movies or TV shows, there are dazzling lights all around? Well, that’s the iconic Las Vegas Strip. Stretching for 4.2 miles, the strip is filled with restaurants, hotels, stores, casinos, and endless options for entertainment. Don’t be surprised if you end up spending days simply exploring the different spots at this famous location with our USA Tour Packages. Vegas is also the perfect place from where you can explore the Grand Canyon through a Grand Canyon helicopter tour.

Los Angeles, also known as L.A., is the most populous city in California. Located adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, Los Angeles has some of the best beaches in the United States. For all the beach babies out there looking to enjoy the perfect summer vibes in L.A., some of the beaches to visit are:

• Venice Beach
• Santa Monica Pier and Beach
• Muscle Beach
• Carbon Beach
• El Matador State Beach
• Zuma Beach
• Paradise Cove Beach

If you’re a lover of Hollywood movies, then visiting Los Angeles will be particularly fun as it’s the home of the Hollywood entertainment industry. Be sure to explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame and take pictures of the stars dedicated to your favourite actors, musicians, and so on. There is, of course, the iconic Hollywood sign, which you can view from the Griffith Observatory.

Being the health-conscious city that it is, you will find plenty of bikers in Los Angeles and also several hiking trails if you want to go for a hike. For the shopaholic travellers, paying a visit to the popular luxury shopping street known as Rodeo Drive is a must. Going beyond the love of Hollywood, shopping, and beaches, L.A. is also a city brimming with culture. This is seen through its many museums, art galleries, and historical sites. The best museums to visit in Los Angeles include the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and Grammy Museum.

Cancun is the most populous city in Quintana Roo, which is a state in southeastern Mexico. You really haven’t lived the true beach life until you have witnessed the clear turquoise waters and the white sands of the beaches in Cancun. There is a wide range of activities to indulge in at these beaches, such as snorkelling, swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing. The beaches to explore in Cancun are Playa Delfines, Playa Chac Mool, Playa Gaviota Azul, Playa Caracol, and Playa Tortugas. The culinary richness of Mexico can be experienced in its entirety in Cancun. The dishes you must try out during your holiday are shrimp tacos, papadzules, lime soup, ceviche, marquesitas, and cochinita pibil. While Cancun is indeed known for its thrilling nightlife and serene beaches, it’s also a city steeped in culture and history. The historical and cultural locations to visit in and around Cancun include:

• Chichen Itza
• Tulum
• Scorpion’s Temple
• El Rey Ruins
• Museo Maya de Cancun

Have you always been a fan of theme parks? If so, then Orlando will fill you with joy as the city is home to 11 theme parks. All of these theme parks are filled with thrilling attractions, such as rides, water slides, shows, interactive exhibits, marine life encounters, and character meet-and-greets. Wondering which theme parks to take your kids to? Let us help you out with this list:

• Walt Disney World
• Universal Studios Florida
• SeaWorld Orlando
• Busch Gardens
• Legoland

The entertainment options in Orlando go beyond the theme parks as well. There are numerous locations and attractions to explore with your loved ones, including Madame Tussauds Orlando, the Orlando Eye, the Orlando Museum of Art, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! As you enjoy the year-round sunshine of Orlando, remember to stop by the many breweries and Michelin-starred eateries in the city. Some of the crowd favourites include Three Broomsticks, The Monroe, Kabooki Sushi, Mia’s Italian Kitchen, Capa, and Cafe Tu Tu Tango.

Toronto is Canada’s most populous city and the capital of Ontario. Tourists will never be starved for entertainment in Toronto as there is always some festival or event going on in the city, like live performances, theatre, ice hockey, and so on. The prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) takes place here annually in September. There is also the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, which is held every summer to celebrate Caribbean traditions and culture.

The official motto of the city of Toronto is ‘Diversity Our Strength’, which reflects the fact that the city is a potpourri of various cultures. This amalgamation of cultures is also seen in Toronto’s cuisine, which is extremely multicultural and eclectic. You will find a mix of Indian, Korean, Sri Lankan, Chinese, Portuguese, Mexican, French, and Italian cuisines in the city. The shopping scene in Toronto is as diverse as its culture. Having a mix of high-end boutiques, vintage shops, and artisanal markets, there are a bunch of souvenirs you can buy from Toronto for yourself and your loved ones.

Vancouver is a city located in the region of British Columbia in western Canada. The natural beauty of Vancouver can be explored through a bunch of outdoor activities. Bike around in Stanley Park, go kayaking in False Creek, or indulge in snowboarding at Cypress Mountain. The city is filled with the most photo-worthy locations for that perfect Instagram post. One of these spots has to be the Alley Oop, a vibrant space in downtown Vancouver featuring basketball hoops, bright colours, and much more. There is a wide array of markets to visit in Vancouver, be it farmers’ markets, street food markets, or flea markets. The markets we would recommend you to visit in the city with our North America tour packages are Granville Island Public Market, Shipyards Night Market, Riley Park Farmers’ Market, Richmond Night Market, and Vancouver Flea Market.

Mexico City is North America’s most populous city. It’s also the capital of Mexico and its largest city. You will encounter some of the warmest people here in Mexico City, be it the ones who serve you or even strangers who are always willing to help tourists out with directions and recommendations. Did you know that Mexico City has the second-highest number of museums in the world? With over 150 museums, it comes second only after London. Make sure to visit the National Museum of Anthropology, Frida Kahlo Museum, Soumaya Museum, and Museum of Popular Art.

If you think you have tried Mexican food before, then that illusion will break once you taste the authentic Mexican dishes found in Mexico City. From fine dining places to diverse street food options, your days will be spent enjoying enchiladas, tortillas, quesadillas, and tamales. The architecture of Mexico City is the perfect blend of traditional and contemporary. This is well-reflected in its popular structures, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio de Bellas Artes, House of Tiles, Luis Barragan House, and Chapultepec Castle.

San Francisco is considered to be a major cultural and financial hub of the Western United States. When in San Francisco, you absolutely must witness the Golden Gate Bridge, which is often thought to be the most stunning and most photographed bridge in the world. Make sure to ride the famous cable cars in San Francisco, which have been in existence since the late 19th century. If you’re a lover of seafood, then dine at one of the many seafood and waterside restaurants spread across the city. This includes:

• Anchor Oyster Bar
• Scoma’s Restaurant
• Hog Island Oyster Co.
• Sotto Mare
• Betty Lou’s Seafood and Grill

In fact, there is an entire neighbourhood in San Francisco known as Fisherman’s Wharf, dedicated to seafood, among other things. The city is pure heaven for photographers, thanks to its historical landmarks, diverse landscapes, and vibrant neighbourhoods. There is a photographer named Travis Monson who has walked every street in San Francisco with the aim of capturing their unique vibe. After walking for over 1,500 miles, he took more than 100,000 photographs to capture the beauty of the city.

Honolulu is the capital of the state of Hawaii. Situated on the island of Oahu, it’s also Hawaii’s largest city. Renowned for its clear waters and sparkling sands, there are plenty of beautiful beaches to visit in Honolulu with GT Holidays’ North America tour packages, including:

• Waikiki Beach
• Hanauma Bay
• Kuhio Beach
• Sandy Beach
• Kahanamoku Beach

The beach life automatically means that Honolulu has plenty of watersports you can enjoy, such as surfing, paddleboarding, snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, and parasailing. You can also go hiking on the Manoa Falls Trail or the Diamond Head Summit Trail.

Montreal is Canada’s second-largest city. It’s also the largest city in Quebec and the ninth-largest city in North America. Since it was once a French colony, the influence of the French heritage and European culture is pretty evident in Montreal. Visiting Old Montreal, for instance, almost feels like stepping back in time to an idyllic Parisian neighbourhood. Make sure to visit the adorable cafes and eateries in this neighbourhood with our North America tour packages.

Montreal has diverse kinds of foods you can taste. There are, of course, typical Canadian foods to try, such as Montreal-style bagels, poutine, and smoked meat sandwiches. As you may know, Canada is well-known for its maple syrup. Since Quebec is where a lot of the maple syrup production takes place, Montreal is one of the best places to have maple syrup. There are several food items where this liquid gold is infused that you can try out. This includes pancakes, toffee, waffles, ice cream, French toast, donuts, and even baked beans.

If there is one structure by which the world recognises the USA, it has to be the Statue of Liberty. Did you know that this iconic structure was actually a gift to the USA from France? Yes, it was presented by France to the USA on 4th July 1884 as a symbol of the friendship and alliance between the two countries during the American Revolution. Today, it stands as a proud symbolic representation of freedom, hope, and American democracy. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Standing at a height of 305 feet, there is a poem titled ‘The New Colossus’ by Emma Lazarus, which is inscribed on a plaque inside the pedestal.

When you visit New York with our North America tour packages, there is one location you just can’t miss out on, and that’s Times Square. It forms the background of so many social media posts, along with being the setting of numerous movies across various entertainment industries. It’s located on Seventh Avenue between West 42nd Street and West 47th Street. This commercial intersection is home to the 363-foot-high skyscraper known as One Times Square, which is the location of the popular New Year’s Eve ball drop. From world-renowned Broadway shows to high-quality dining and shopping options, there are numerous things to indulge in at Times Square.

The Golden Gate Bridge connects the city of San Francisco to California’s Marin County. Once upon a time, it was thought of as a bridge that couldn’t be built due to the significant challenges it posed. Today, however, it proudly stands as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Modern World’. It took four years to complete the construction of the bridge, and it was officially opened in May 1937. The orange vermilion colour of the bridge was suggested by Irving Morrow, who was the consulting architect. Dubbed ‘international orange’, the colour’s purpose was to blend in with the surrounding aesthetics and to maintain visibility to ships even when it was foggy.

The Yellowstone National Park is located in the U.S. state of Wyoming. Spread over an area of almost 3,500 square miles, it has the largest concentration of geysers in the world. The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. It is widely known to be the world’s first national park and was also the first national park in the United States. The park is home to seven species of ungulates, 16 species of fish, 322 species of birds, grizzly bears, black bears, and 67 other kinds of mammals. The diverse ecosystem of the Yellowstone National Park also houses more than 1,100 species of native plants.

The Grand Canyon National Park in northwestern Arizona was established in February 1919. Sprawled over an area of 4,927 sq km, the park was declared a national monument by Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. Featuring ravines, cliffs, multicoloured rocks, and marvellous canyons, the Grand Canyon National Park has two public areas, namely the South Rim and the North Rim. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

The Walt Disney World Resort, also known as Walt Disney World or Disney World, is situated southwest of downtown Orlando. Officially opened in October 1971, the location is made up of two water parks, four theme parks, and over 23 resort hotels. The resort complex features thrilling rides, rollercoasters, water parks, live shows, parades, interactions with Disney characters, and so on. This is indeed one of the best places to take your kids to with our North America tour packages.

The Chichen Itza, located in eastern Mexico, is a complex of Mayan ruins. The primary attraction of this complex is the Temple of Kukulcan, which is also known as El Castillo. Standing 79 feet high, this temple is a stepped pyramid which has a total of 365 steps, one for each day of the year. A captivating display known as the ‘Feathered Serpent of Light and Shadow’ is conducted at this location twice a year during the spring and fall equinoxes.

The Niagara Falls is located on the border between Ontario and New York. It’s made up of three waterfalls, namely the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The Horseshoe Falls is the largest of the three waterfalls. Tourists can book a 20-minute boat tour that takes them close to the falls, allowing them to witness them in all their glory. The reason the Bridal Veil Falls are named so is because when the waterfall cascades down a cliff, its appearance is that of a delicate bride’s veil.

The Banff National Park was the first national park in Canada. Established in 1885, it is spread over an area of 2,564 square miles. Depending on the season, there are numerous activities you can enjoy here, such as hiking, ziplining, golfing, wildlife watching, cycling, and canoeing during the summer season. Winter brings along a different set of thrilling activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice skating. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. The park forms a part of the bigger Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site.

One of the prettiest parks to visit with GT Holidays’ North America tour packages is the Stanley Park in Vancouver. Covering an area of over 400 hectares, it’s the third-largest urban park in North America and one of the largest urban parks in the world. A stunning attraction to witness in Stanley Park is the Seawall. Covering the entire perimetre of the park, it’s about 28 km long and is recognised as the longest uninterrupted waterfront path in the world. Stanley Park is surrounded by walking trails, forests, beaches, and gardens.

The Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is situated in the heart of Old Montreal. Standing as a shining example of neo-Gothic Revival architecture, it’s the oldest Catholic church in the city. Constructed between 1824 and 1829, this was the church where the popular singer Celine Dion got married in 1994. The interior of the church includes sculptures, frescoes, delicate wood carvings, and a marvellous 7,000-pipe organ. The blue ceiling of the church is embellished with golden stars.

The CN Tower in Toronto was built by the Canadian National Railway Company as a communications and observation tower. It was opened to the public in June 1976. Up until 2007, it was the tallest freestanding structure in the world, after which it was surpassed by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. Standing 553.3 metres tall, don’t miss out on the dining experience at the 360 Restaurant, where you can try out delicious Canadian cuisine. As per the Guinness World Records, the restaurant has the world’s highest wine cellar.

The Chapultepec Castle is perched atop Chapultepec Hill in Mexico City. Located at an elevation of 2,325 metres above sea level, the castle has played numerous roles throughout the course of its history. It has been a royal residence, a military academy, and also an observatory. An interesting fact is that the Chapultepec Castle was used in the 1996 movie Romeo + Juliet, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.

The one iconic structure in New York which is almost synonymous with the art and culture of the city is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As you peruse through the city with our North America tour packages, you must explore this museum, which is also called the Met. The museum is home to 36,000 pieces from around the world and displays artefacts that take you through 5,000 years of history. Not only is it the largest art museum in the United States, but is also among the most visited art museum in the world. The two million works of art in the museum are split into 17 distinct categories.

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is an annual music festival. It takes place for a period of six days over two consecutive weekends. It’s usually held in April at the Empire Polo Club in California. Various popular musicians have played at Coachella to date, including Beyonce, Coldplay, Calvin Harris, Lana Del Rey, Megan Thee Stallion, Madonna, and Diljit Dosanjh. The festival started as a two-day event back in 1999. It’s said that Coachella has about 125,000 attendees each day.

The roots of the festival of Halloween can be traced back to over 1000 years ago. It’s celebrated on 31st October and is quite a major celebration in North America, especially in the USA and Canada. Kids, in particular, enjoy this festival as they get to dress up as different characters and go trick-or-treating. This is when they go from one door to another, wearing their unique costumes and asking for treats, which they get in the form of candy or chocolates. The belief is that on this day, the souls of the dead return to visit their homes, and those who passed away that very year pass on to the other world.

Thanksgiving is an extremely popular holiday in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. In the USA, it’s held every year on the fourth Thursday in November. Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated in the fall on the second Monday in October. During this holiday, families and friends come together, share a lavish meal, and convey their gratitude for their life’s blessings. In the USA, a traditional Thanksgiving spread often includes roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and some kind of pie like apple pie or pumpkin pie. The date of Thanksgiving, as it’s celebrated today in the USA, was designated so by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863.

Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday which is celebrated on 1st November and 2nd November. The way it’s celebrated today differs from one region to another. In the urban areas, people congregate on the streets to celebrate with food and alcoholic beverages. In the rural regions, some families decorate the burial sites with marigolds, candles, and the favourite foods of their deceased loved ones, hoping that it will make them come back to their families for a brief reunion. The aim of the festival is to honour the spirit of those who have passed away and accept that death is an eventuality everyone will experience at one point or another.

The Quebec Winter Carnival is one of the biggest and most popular winter carnivals in the world. It usually takes place for approximately two weeks, from late January to mid-February. The festival has about 400,000 visitors every year. It’s Canada’s oldest winter festival and was given official recognition in 1955. The ambience all around is decorated with fairy lights and ice sculptures. The festival is celebrated with parades, music, and activities for people of all ages.

• Christmas (Throughout North America, particularly the USA)
• Lollapalooza (USA)
• Burning Man (USA)
• New Orleans Mardi Gras (USA)
• Calgary Stampede (Canada)
• Montreal International Jazz Festival (Canada)

• People in the USA are comfortable talking about themselves and expect others to do the same instead of waiting for others to speak on their behalf.
• Always be polite to those serving you at a restaurant. Making light conversations with your server is common in the USA.
• Remember to chew with your mouth closed.
• Talking on the phone when you’re eating with others is considered impolite.
• Tipping is quite a vital part of American culture.
• If you’re eating with others, then don’t assume that the other person is paying for the meal.
• When you visit a holy place, remember to be respectful and stay quiet while a lesson or sermon is being given.
• Hugs and kisses on the cheek are reserved for close friends and family members. If you’re meeting someone for the first time, it’s best to go with a handshake, provide a polite smile, and give them your name.
• Before visiting someone’s house, make sure to inform them beforehand.
• Being punctual is very important in American culture.
• Initiating conversations with strangers is common in the USA.
• Don’t speak loudly over calls when you’re in a public place.
• Avoid criticising American culture and patriotism.
• Asking questions about someone’s age or weight is considered impolite, especially when it’s a woman.
• Stay away from discussing someone’s personal finances as it’s thought of as impolite.
• Instead of reaching for a dish placed on a table, request someone to pass the dish to you.
• Place your napkin on your lap while having your meal.

• Canadians are known to be polite. They often say “sorry” even when an apology isn’t needed. Respect their manners and be kind in return.
• Don’t ask someone direct questions about their age, weight, or salary. Asking someone questions about their marriage or relationships is considered an invasion of privacy.
• Don’t spit in public.
• If you’re standing in a queue, wait till it’s your turn instead of breaking the line.
• When you wish to call a person of service, either raise your hand or say “excuse me” instead of yelling or waving.
• Strong and loud outbursts of emotions in public are not considered appropriate.
• Don’t speak with your mouth full of food.
• Before visiting someone’s home, let them know beforehand. Don’t arrive at a person’s residence unannounced.
• Tipping 15-20% of the bill is usually the standard at restaurants in Canada.
• Barbers, hairdressers, bellhops, taxi drivers, and valet parkers expect to be tipped as well.
• Before entering someone’s house, ask if you should take your shoes off.
• When meeting someone for the first time, a handshake is considered the appropriate way of greeting.
• Respect a person’s personal space while talking to them.

• While tipping a server, it’s expected to tip them anywhere between 10-15%.
• When someone sneezes, it’s polite to use the expression “salud” as it translates to “bless you”.
• If you need to interrupt someone during a conversation, say “Excuse me” before doing so.
• Being chivalrous and respectful towards women is a big part of Mexican culture. You will often see men offering their seats to women and opening doors for them.
• Always say goodbye properly after a meeting, or else the other person might feel that you didn’t enjoy their company.
• Showing respect to elders is very important among Mexicans.
• Most Mexicans are non-vegetarians. Therefore, if someone invites you over, remember to mention your dietary preferences.
• When you bring flowers for someone, avoid getting marigolds as they symbolise death.