North and Central America
From the powerful USA to the revolutionary Cuba
There are 23 countries in North America (including 13 sovereign states in the Caribbean and 7 countries in Central America): Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States of America (USA). In my personal classification, Mexico is more closely aligned with Central America. The presence of the Spanish language and Latino culture is significantly more pronounced than any similarities it shares with the United States.
Regardless of the perspective, the United States of America is the superpower whose decisions, policies, and cultural influence affects throughout the entire region and beyond. Regardless of personal sentiments towards the USA, it is without doubts one of the most remarkable travelling destinations in the world. The unique national parks are so diverse, vast and attractive that I never get bored of them.
A steady North America contrasted with evolving Central America
Mexico is my favorite destination in this region, where I travelled around on a motorbike for months exploring the most relevant pre-Columbian ruins, breathtaking turquoise waters of the Yucatan beaches and immersing for weeks in the vibrant life of the capital, Mexico City.
Central America can be seen as a region filled with danger, turbulence, and complexity; nevertheless, it is rapidly evolving and opening its doors to foreign visitors and investors. If El Salvador used to be a no-go country for decades, in the early 2020s is becoming a hot spot for surfers and backpackers. Costa Rica has successfully cultivated a strong PR presence, promoting Pura vida slogan as the birthplace of ecotourism. Panama must show more effort to position as more than just a shopping destination and Panama Canal owner.
Cuba and Dominican Republic are the hottest destinations in the Caribbean, offering sunshine, beautiful beaches, and great cultural experience. Especially Cuba, one of the very few real socialist countries worldwide, is so unique and special, that I can easily pronounce it my favorite destination in the Caribbean.
The country I explored the least in this region is Canada. There are many reasons to return and undertake a complete overland trip from coast to coast and extend it to Alaska.
