The 25 greatest new experiences in North and Central America

This year, the US parties hard with a big birthday, while the wild jungles that lie to its south lure new eyes.

THE LOWDOWN

Boasting some of the largest remaining wilderness areas in the world, North and Central America is where you can see a Canadian grizzly bear, an Alaskan fjord, mischievous monkeys or a blue whale in a truly wild setting.

It’s also where you’ll taste exquisite high-end cuisine and the best street tacos of your life.

The intriguing contrasts are endless: vast, rugged landscapes and high-tech cities, arid deserts and tropical rainforests, ancient Aztec cultures and the first Bitcoin-based local economy. In California, you can even surf and ski on the same day.

For those craving new discoveries, the Caribbean region, Mexico and Central America (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama) beckon. From the feathered shimmy of Caribbean festivals to the spectacle of cloud forests and unspoiled wildlife encounters, this is a fascinating part of the world that many will be seeing with fresh eyes.

Say what you will about US politics in 2026, but the person-to-person American welcome to visitors is warmer and more heartfelt than ever before. From Palm Springs to Colorado, New York City to Waikiki, Australian visitors are met with open arms. They’re glad you came and they want you to come back.

WHAT’S HOT

It’s a landmark year for the Americas, headlined by the US semiquincentennial. As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, the America250 festivities in Philadelphia, New York and DC will feature massive tall ship flotillas and historic exhibitions. The energy is amplified by the FIFA World Cup 26, with 16 host cities across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Canada’s favourable exchange rate and milder political climate are attracting the attention of Aussie travellers, many of them drawn to stellar ski towns, energetic cities and impressive wilderness adventures. The search for the next big thing in Central America and Mexico is moving beyond luxury resort bubbles to lesser-visited cities and sights in El Salvador, Guatemala and Costa Rica.

WHAT’S NOT

North America has lost lustre in 2026, with some travellers hitting pause on the US due to concerns about stricter border security and polarising political tensions. While the Aussie dollar has gained more than 10 per cent against the greenback in the past 12 months, its relative weakness still makes it challenging to stretch the holiday budget.

Security threats in parts of Mexico are keeping cautious travellers away, while for others the long queues and high prices of over-touristed areas are undesirable. Safety levels vary widely and are rapidly evolving across Central America and the Caribbean: check smartraveller for the latest advice and, as always, travel insurance is a must for the likes of an emergency-room visit.

MUST-VISIT COUNTRIES

Costa Rica

“Pura vida” is an expression you’ll hear in Costa Rica: the national phrase translates as “pure life”, a stress-free lifestyle that’s all about slowing down to enjoy simple pleasures. The Central American country sets the highest standard for nature-focused travel, responsible wildlife encounters and wild adventure with safety guardrails. In 2026, there’s a concerted push towards becoming one of the first carbon-neutral destinations, alongside eco-luxe resorts including El Lugar Costa Rica Resort. See visitcostarica.com; ellugar.com

Canada

Shining brightly as a destination for authentic, sustainable travel experiences, Canada is set for a powerhouse year. The most vibrant Northern Light that will put on a show, Vancouver and Toronto serve as host cities for the FIFA World Cup, and indigenous-led tours signal a shift towards more meaningful encounters. The Australian dollar remains strong against the Canadian dollar, boosting spending power from the snowy slopes of the Rockies to summer festivals in Montreal. See travel.destinationcanada.com

The US

It’s one of the most event-filled years for US travel in decades: 2026 is the nation’s 250th anniversary, the year it hosts the FIFA World Cup across 11 cities, and the centennial of the Route 66, or Mother Road. Visitors can expect nationwide celebrations, historical re-enactments, massive fireworks displays and a slew of new exhibitions. High-profile hotel openings include The Little Nell in New York and Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel in Nashville. For Aussies, cruising in Alaska remains one of the best-value holidays at sea. See visittheusa.com.au

Bermuda

It’s in the North Atlantic Ocean, not the Caribbean Sea, but Bermuda’s pink-sand beaches, turquoise waters and pastel-painted civic buildings offer plenty of breezy island charm. Located just a short flight from the US east coast, Bermuda is the oldest remaining British Overseas Territory (formerly colony) in the world. Divers will find much to explore among hundreds of shipwrecks, while the six-day Bermuda Carnival in June is a hip-swaying good time. This year’s grand reopening of the Pink Palace (Fairmont Southampton) heralds a new era of luxury hospitality. See gotobermuda.com

Mexico

A massive country with one of the most exciting cultural offerings in the Americas, Mexico’s appeal lies in its vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, indigenous culture and incredible food. There’s now a seamless rail link between the beaches and the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula, and rapidly developing luxury accommodation along the Riviera Nayarit coastline. Across 32 Mexican states and cities, including the host cities for the FIFA World Cup, safety advice varies widely. See visitmexico.com

MUST-SEE CITIES

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is looking to cement its unofficial status as the 2026 Caribbean capital of culture. In the world spotlight thanks to the Bad Bunny effect (the Puerto Rican music star headlined the Super Bowl halftime show and is Spotify’s top global artist with more than 19.8 million streams), San Juan is in celebration mode. Every year the city hosts the International Rum Festival, the Puerto Rico Wine and Food Festival, and in July the 30th anniversary of the World Salsa Congress will dance up a storm. See discoverpuertorico.com

Philadelphia, US

The birthplace of American democracy, Philadelphia was the first capital of the US and the central meeting place of the Founding Fathers. It will be one of the primary stages for America’s 250th birthday this year, featuring massive parades, fireworks, historic reenactments, and the opening of the reimagined First Bank of the United States. Beyond the history lesson, Philly is a foodie hotspot, recently celebrating its inaugural Michelin Guide debut. It’s also the host city of six FIFA World Cup matches. See discoverphl.com

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

The city’s name translates to “the old Guatemala” and a step back in time is what you’ll experience in this lovely colonial city which is safe, walkable and visually stunning. Antigua Guatemala is a living museum of 16th-century Spanish architecture and cobblestone streets, both laid-back, tourist-friendly and authentic. Stay in a former convent, sip an ice-cold Gallo beer in a shady courtyard and shop for hand-stitched souvenirs in the local markets. See visitguatemala.gt

Vancouver, Canada

Chances are you’ve seen Vancouver, even if you haven’t been there. One of the largest film production cities in North America, “Hollywood North” is often an on-screen stand-in for Seattle, New York and Chicago. This year, the city’s green reputation is reaching new heights with a new mountain bike park and alpine coaster at Grouse Mountain, the recently upgraded Museum of Anthropology and a petal-powered Cherry Blossom Festival. One of the premier hosts of the FIFA World Cup, the city will feature a vibrant multicultural fan festival in downtown. See destinationvancouver.com

San Salvador, El Salvador

This used to be one of the most dangerous cities in the region, but it has undergone a remarkable transformation in the past decade. A massive government crackdown on gang activity has not been without controversy, but it has certainly cleaned up the streets and encouraged revitalisation of the historic centre. Word is spreading about the influx of new hotels, restaurants and galleries, and a rapidly growing bar scene in the San Benito area. See elsalvador.travel

MUST-SEE SIGHTS

Northern Lights

Experts say 2026 is shaping up to be one of the best windows in decades for aurora borealis sightings across the northern hemisphere, thanks to a natural phenomenon known as the solar maximum. In Canada, the Northern Lights will be at their most frequent and intense in many years, with the best chance of sightings in Yellowknife and Churchill, Manitoba. Blachford Lake Lodge’s remoteness and lack of light pollution make it an ideal home base for aurora explorers. See arctickingdom.com

The Baths

Located on the southern tip of the island of Virgin Gorda, The Baths is an incredible collection of granite boulders and one of the most compelling reasons to visit the British Virgin Islands. The rock formations, some reaching 12 metres in diameter, are piled on top of the white sands and Caribbean-clear water, creating natural pools and grottoes to explore. Within The Baths National Park, don’t miss The Cathedral Room, an otherworldly sea cave that has become one of the most photographed locations in the Caribbean. See BVItourism.com

Whale super-highways

Think of it as wow-factor whale-watching. During the southern and northern migration seasons, thousands of humpback whales make their way from the icy feeding grounds of Antarctica to the warmth of tropical Panama. The Pearl Islands are one of the most critical rest stops along the whale super-highways, a place where you’re almost guaranteed to see whales breaching, frolicking and tail-slapping from July to October. There’s also a very good chance you’ll see a mother whale teaching her calf to swim. See tourismpanama.com

The Sphere

The Mount Everest of entertainment venues, the Sphere in Las Vegas is a revolutionary 4D performance space. Built at a cost of more than $US2 billion ($2.8 billion), the whopping 111-metres-tall and 157-metres-wide structure can reportedly be seen from space. Wraparound interior and exterior LED screens are designed for immersive concerts and events for up to 20,000 people. A sensory-enhanced rendition of Wizard of Oz is screening all this year. See thespherevegas.com

Photogenic dunes

Vibrant, pink dunes set against towering red sandstone cliffs is the otherworldly sight you’ll see at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Utah. Formed more than 10,000 years ago, the unique geological wonder is created by the erosion of salmon-hued Navajo sandstone. Film directors and set designers love the eye-catching visuals, featuring the State Park as backdrop, for everything from the Westworld series to car commercials. See stateparks.utah.gov

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES

Party with the dead

Don’t think of Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) as a Mexican version of Halloween – it’s more like a heartfelt reunion between the living and the dead. It’s believed that for a couple of days at the beginning of November each year, the souls of the departed may return for a brief visit with their families. In Mexico City, cue the party and face paint to join thousands of revellers at the Grand Parade in the centre of town. In Oaxaca City, glasses are raised at flower-festooned cemeteries. See visitmexico.com

Spring to life

Go to Palm Springs, California for the mid-century architecture and old Hollywood glamour, but stay for the hot springs and calmcations. One of the most potent geothermal zones in the Americas, Greater Palm Springs is blessed with mineral-rich water that is prized for its health-giving and skin-softening properties. In downtown Palm Springs, soak at the Spa at Sec-he in water sources held sacred by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians for 12,000 years. See visitgreaterpalmsprings.com

Marvel at underwater sculptures

Described as a surreal, weightless gallery, and the first in the world of its kind, Grenada’s Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park was recently expanded with an installation of 25 life-sized figures by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. Snorkel, dive or set out in a glass-bottom boat to see the statues, many of them visible from the water’s surface. More than just decorative, the pH-neutral structures act as artificial reefs. A second underwater gallery, A World Adrift, is located near Grenada’s Carriacou island. See underwatersculpture.com

New wildlife wins

As safety and security conditions improve in Nicaragua, the Central American nation is emerging as a premier wildlife destination. A critical biological bridge between North and South America, Nicaragua’s biodiversity includes many rare and endangered species. Join a guided jungle trek or kayak trip to spot vibrant green macaws, elusive jaguars and playful spider monkeys. Private yacht and boat charters are a convenient way to see more. See visitnicaragua.us

Get to the game

The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises a month-long celebration of the world’s favourite sport when it kicks off on June 11 at Mexico City Stadium. The largest and most geographically expansive World Cup in history, the tournament will see 48 teams play 104 matches across 16 cities in the US, Mexico and Canada. If ticket prices are out of reach, join in the fun of street parties, fan zones and the roar of the crowds at sports bars from Miami to Monterrey. See fifa.com

MUST-DO JOURNEYS

Autumn foliage cruise

One of nature’s most spectacular seasonal shifts can be blended with a cruise along the eastern coastlines of Canada and the US. Typically spanning seven to 14 days in September and October, the voyages are timed to coincide with the colourful transition of foliage, as the green leaves of maple trees and golden oaks turn to vibrant orange, yellow and red. Crystal offers several luxury foliage itineraries between New York City and Montreal. See crystalcruises.com

The Mayan train

After many delays, Tren Maya (Mayan Train) is ready to welcome travellers to journey along some of Mexico’s most scenic routes. The 1554-kilometre loop encircles the Yucatan Peninsula, making previously challenging trips to see remote UNESCO sites in the jungles now accessible via air-conditioned rail. The popular Cancun to Merida leg is serviced by multiple daily departures. The Spanish-language website can be tricky; it’s easier to buy tickets at the stations. See trenmaya.gob.mx

Drive Route 66

Known as the Main Street of America, Route 66 turns 100 years old in 2026. To drive the length of it, almost 4000 kilometres from Chicago to Santa Monica, is to journey along a nostalgia-fuelled highway of vintage motels, quirky roadside stops and 20th Century Americana sights. On the way, towns and cities will mark the red-white-and-blue centenary with festivals, commissioned murals and restored neon signs. The Texas Route 66 Festival in June will be one of the biggest parties. See route66centennial.org

Canyon Spirit

The Rocky Mountaineer team is launching a new luxury three-day train journey between Denver and Salt Lake City, featuring overnight stays in hot springs hub Glenwood Springs and the dark-sky desert oasis of Moab, Utah. From April, the new Canyon Spirit will weave through the rugged landscapes of the American south-west in glass-dome observation carriages. Rail buffs take note: In June and July only, Rocky Mountaineer also offers an exclusive Passage to Peaks route that connects Banff and Jasper. See rockymountaineer.com

Coast-to-coast Costa Rica

Traversing Costa Rica from the Pacific Ocean in the west to the Caribbean Sea in the east is an epic adventure. Intense jungles, astonishing biodiversity, stellar surf spots and volcanic mountains make this one of the most photogenic regions in Central America. Hike, bike and paddle it alone, or join a small group tour. A nine-day Globus Coast to Coast tour departs from San Jose. See globus.com.au

FUN FACTS: NORTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA/CARIBBEAN

If most of the world’s population, about 8 billion people, lived as densely as the population of New York City does, everyone could fit within the state of Texas.

Canada is the second-largest country in the world behind Russia by total area, covering nearly 10 million square kilometres, with the longest coastline on earth of 202,000 kilometres.

The Bahamas has an attraction called Pig Beach in the Exuma district, where a population of 20 to 60 feral pigs, thought to be there as the result of a shipwreck, live on an uninhabited island, swim in the turquoise sea and approach tourist boats for food.

Panama is the only country in the world where you can watch the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean and set over the Atlantic Ocean from the summit of Volcan Baru.

About 1.7 billion years ago, a portion of Far North Queensland, near Georgetown, was actually part of North America before breaking away, according to Curtin University research, with its rocks matching those in Canada.