North America - 北美洲

North AmericaIt is the third largest continent in the world, with an area of ​​24,221,490 square kilometers (9,351,969 square miles). North America is located in the northern hemisphere, between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean andSouth AmericaNorth. The highest point in North America is AlaskaMount McKinley, 6,194 meters above sea level.

area

North America includes 3 large countries and a large island that covers most of North America. Country hasAmerica、Canada、MexicowithGreenland. There are also some smaller countries (collectively referred to asCentral America),existCaribbeanThere are more than 20 island nations of different sizes, and there is also an independent French territory near the Atlantic coast of Canada. Although Central America and the Caribbean are theoretically part of the North American continent, due to cultural and geographic reasons, we generally distinguish them from the larger countries in North America.

territory

• Bermuda —U.KOverseas territories
• Saint Pierre and Miquelon — FranceOverseas territories

city

• Los Angeles — Hollywood and movie stars; mountains and beaches; and heavy traffic.
• New York — The Big Apple is the economic and cultural center of North America. It has been repeatedly sung in works of art such as movies and music.
• Washington DC — The American capital has many cultural and historical places.
• Toronto — Canada's largest city, an international metropolis, a melting pot of culture and ethnicity.
• Vancouver — A city made of steel and glass, with beautiful natural scenery, you can ski on the same day and sit and relax on the beach.
• Mexico City — The third largest city in the world. There are many museums, centuries-old buildings, and many modern facilities in the city.
• Panama City — A friendly city on the border of two continents.
• Havana — The capital of Cuba, famous for its cigars, strong Latin American-Caribbean culture, and legendary nightlife.
• Kingston — The center of Caribbean culture. He is a diversified international city, a "reggae home".

Other destinations

• Banff National Park, Canada
• Mayan monuments in Mexico
• Corcovado National Park
• Grand Canyon
• Niagara Waterfall
• Dior Diwaken
• Tikal Temple
• Disney
• Yellowstone National Park
• Rocky Mountains

learn

North America is the third largest continent, in the northern hemisphere, between the Pacific and Atlantic andSouthIn the north, the surface area is 24,221,490 km = (9,351,969 sqmi) The highest point in North America isAlaskaofMount McKinley, Its highest altitude is about 6,194 meters.

climate

North America covers all climate zones. Greenland，AlaskawithNorthern CanadaMostly inArctic, And all year roundCold or cold or cool weather, There are few residents.CanadaThe northern part of the country covers an area of ​​about 1,346,000 square kilometers, with short summers and long winters. Most Canadians live in the "temperate" region, which constitutes southern Canada and most of the United States. Here, you can find cosmopolitan and interesting world cities and national parks that are relatively easy to reach for nature and wildlife.

The southern and southwestern parts of the United States and northern Mexico are located in the "subtropical" zone. SouthMexico，Central AmericawithCaribbeanIt is "tropical" and warm all year round.

history

North American Aboriginal Culture, Also known as "Native Americans", "Indians" or "Natives", came to Alaska in 10,000 BC, almost all parts of North America. Except for the short-lived around 1,000 AD Viking colonyIn addition, the Americas were isolated from the rest of the world until 1492.Columbus VoyageAnd the subsequent wave of colonization, first of allSpain,After thatFrance，U.KwithRussian EmpireOccupiedAfricaParts of the mainland.CaribbeanIs divided into several European countries. In addition to the above,Netherlands，SwedenwithDenmarkThere are also island colonies.AmericaIndependence in 1776, it was the first country outside the UK to industrialize (seeAmerican Industry Tour), which expanded westward to rule the continent in the 19th century (seeOld West), and become the dominant superpower in the world in the 21st century. HaitiIt was the second country in the Americas to achieve independence, partly because of the most successful slave uprising in history.

arrival

Aviation

You can enter by direct flights from all other continents of residenceAmericawithCanadaMajor cities.Latin AmericaOf airlines directly in Central America andSouth AmericaFly between, and from Europe you can fly directly to manyCaribbean Seaislands.

The cheapest flights and most destinations will fly to the United States. Of the 15 largest airports in North America, only one is not in the United States, namelyTorontoPearson Airport. If you don’t want to cross the U.S. to reach your destination, you can reach major airports from major hubs in Europe and South America, such asMexico City，Panama CitywithPunta Cana。

Flying is the fastest and cheapest way to reach North America.

ferry service

It is possible to travel across the Atlantic and Pacific by cargo or cruise ships, but these cruise ships tend to be very expensive compared to flying (and infrequently). There are ferries from northern South America to Central America and the Caribbean.

However, there is still an old ocean liner connecting New York City toU.KSouthampton. Therefore, if you have time and money, and want to stay fashionable as before, you can definitely do it.

Land

Even though the Americas are physically connected, inPanamawithColombiaThere are no roads or railways in between. Hiking through 100 kilometers of jungle in Darien Gap is possible, but not dangerous.

If you want to take a vehicle with you, you need to take a ferry.

Travel

airplane

Because the population clusters are scattered, most long-distance trips are by plane. There are many large international airports and small regional airports, and there are many car rental services to cope with short trips.

Bus

There are many long-distance buses in most parts of the United States and Canada, but the journey time is very long (usually 3-5 times the self-driving time), and many stations are relatively unsafe. Most bus services are only available in densely populated metropolises and major commuting routes (basically not punctual in remote areas), and they are generally only available during working hours.

Car

Most people are in Canada, the U.S. andMexicoThey are all self-driving tours. Basically all highways in the United States and Canada are in good condition, and the convenience facilities along the way (such as fueling, food and lodging, etc.) are very convenient (sometimes a bit too much). If you encounter an emergency that endangers your life, safety or property, you can dial 911 from your mobile phone on most major highways at any time so that you can pick up the call attendant. Generally, vehicle and medical insurance in the United States or Canada will be applicable in another country. Of course, it is best to check with the insurance company. Canada and the United States have very limited insurance coverage for Mexico, and sometimes even cannot get compensation (it can be said that it is basically impossible, many people use loopholes to cheat insurance). Of course, it is better to check with the insurance company.

Almost all airports have car rental services. Renting a car generally requires a credit card from a larger bank and proof of liability insurance. Some car rental agencies provide short-term insurance and other services.

train

Although the train used to be the main means of transportation connecting the entire continent, and it is still relatively convenient in many urban areas, the current situation of intercity trains in North America is varied: from the relatively convenient in the Northeast, to California and southeastern Canada. However, there are very few other areas in North America. If you like to travel by train, of course it is possible (depending on where you are going), but it is slow and inconvenient. As mentioned above, the Northeast region is an exception. In this area the train willWashington DCwithBostonConnected together, there are many stations in the middle, for exampleBaltimore、Philadelphia、New York、New HavenwithProvidence。

Other modes of travel

The following companies operate buses extensively in North America:

Canadian Greyhound, toll free: 1 800 661-8747 (Canada). Greyhound Canada connects Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto, and provides international connections through Buffalo and New York City. Vancouver also provides international services connecting American Greyhounds. It is a sub-brand of British First Group Plc, and cooperated with American Greyhound Lines (Updated in October 2018) Greyhound Line, ☏ 1 214 849-8966. Greyhound provides services in more than 3,800 locations across the United States and provides cross-border services from the United States to Canada and Mexico. It also operates Bolt Bus (Pacific Northwest, California and Northeastern United States); Valley Transit Co (Southeast Texas) and Cruceros USA (California and Arizona in the United States and Baja California Norte and Sonora in Mexico) in different regions of the United States brand. Most towns provide them with greyhound services, but they only travel 1 or 2 times a day. (Updated in October 2015) Megabus (American coach). In addition to having its own unique buses, Megabus also absorbed coaches from Coach USA and Coach Canada and renamed them "Megabus". Megabus operates in Canada, mainly in southern Ontario. Megabus is a popular brand in the UK and North America. It operates different brands of intercity, commuter, airport shuttle, university shuttle and charter services in different regions of the United States. (Updated in October 2015) Grupo Estrella Blanca (White Star), Tel: 52 55 5729-0807, Toll Free: 01800-507-5500 (Mexico). It also has a joint venture with Greyhound Lines to operate Elite in Mexico, TNS (North Sonora Transportation Company), Chihuahuane, Pacifico, Oriente, TF (Tranporte FronteraEstrella BlancaConexion, Rapidos de Cuauhtemoc and Valle de Guadiana, and Autobus Americanos). Used for cross-border travel between the United States and Mexico. As the largest bus company, they serve Aguascaliente, Baja California Norte, Coahuila, Chihuahua, Durango, Federal District (DF ), Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacán, Morelos, Nerit, Querétaro and most of the northern and northwestern states provide services, San Luis Potosí, Sinaloa, Sonora and Zacatecas until the US border. It sells air tickets from the Greyhound border to the US (and vice versa). (Updated in November 2017) Grupo Senda. Competitors of the above products serve Mexico and the United States in Aguascaliente, Colima, Coahuila, Chihuahua, Durango, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán, New Zealand Leon, Queretaro, San Luis Potosí, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas. It provides services from the border to the southeastern and central states of the United States, including Alabama , Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. It also operates Turimex (in the US) and Del Norte Bus Line

ADO (Autobuses Del Oriente), phone: 52 55 5133-5133, toll free: 01800-009-9090. It operates ADO, ADO GL, AU (Autobus Unidos), OCC (Omnibus Cristobal Colon) and Platino bus lines, as well as Mexico's Boletotal/Ticketbus.com booking site. It is a large bus company that serves Guerrero, Oaxaca, Puebla, Veracruz, Chiapas, Tamaulipas for the eastern and southeastern regions of the country, The Guatemalan border between Tabasco and the Yucatan Peninsula (Yucatán, Quintana Roo and Campeche). It provides a trip to and from Chetumal in Cancun and Merida to and from Belize City once a day, as well as Tica buses to Tapachula, Trans Galgos and King Quality shuttle services to and from Central America.

Tikka bus. Tica bus is the main bus line, serving all major cities in Central America, except Belize from Tapachula to Panama City, Panama. (Updated in October 2015) Between these major bus routes, it is possible to shuttle between the three largest countries in North America and the seven smaller countries in Central America. In addition to the above, there are many other companies and local driver unions (more in Mexico and Central America) that operate buses locally, regionally, and even greater distances. For more information about specific countries/regions, states/provinces, regions, and/or regions, see "Take the Bus" in the article. Most locations from small towns to large cities provide bus services within towns or neighboring towns. The quality of service varies, but the running time and delay time of the service roughly correspond to the size of the city.

Language

The population of most parts of the U.S. and CanadaEnglishYes, English is also the best language for traveling in these two vast countries. Caribbean countries andBelizeAlso speaks English. In many parts of the U.S.SpanishThey are all second foreign languages. Speak in CanadaFrenchThere are many regions, includingQuebec、Lake Ontario、ManitobawithNew Brunswick; And many Caribbean regions also speak French. Southern CaribbeanDutch. includeGreenland、AlaskawithNunavutNative Americans and Inuit people in the region also speak their own native language. Languages ​​spoken in many communities with distinct ethnic characteristics in North America include: Mandarin,CantonesewithTagalog. It is still used in many Aman Mennonite communities in the countrysideGerman。

The three main languages ​​of North America areEnglish、SpanishwithFrench。

go sightseeing

the bestScenic areainclude:

• Caribbean
• Northern lights
• the Rocky Mountains
• Yellowstone

line

• Alaska Highway (British Columbia - Yukon - Alaska)
• Dalton Highway
• Route 66

Activity

Dining

Due to the large population of the United States, the large number of pioneers and global immigrants, the diversity of cuisine is huge. Many international metropolitan cities (Chicago，New York，San FranciscowithLas VegasTo name a few) Provide tourists with a variety of dining options. These cities have attracted famous chefs from all over the world to provide world-class cuisine in Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as settlements of various ethnic groups that provide cheap local cuisine from their hometowns.

You are about to experience the cuisine of the region you want to visit:San FranciscoSeafood,MainewithBostonLobster,TexasSteak,New OrleansCreole, South andTexasBBQ (BBQ), each region has its own unique sauces and preparations.

existCalifornia, The supply of fresh food is particularly obvious, and California is also known for organic food and the "slow food" movement. existFlorida, You will want to visit the orange grove and taste the taste of fresh squeezing.GeorgiaIt is famous for its fresh peaches. The southern border states, for exampleNew Mexico, Offers a lot of Mexican food, its spiciness and flavor will vary depending on the neighboring Mexican state.

Light meals all over the Midwest and South (you may find some along the coast if you are lucky). If you can be invited to one of them... a must go! From jelly salad to venison and venison, to southern fried chicken, everything is available. This is the best soul food.

Like the United States,CanadaThe food varies from region to region and is heavily influenced by its immigration culture. Broadly speaking, you should consider seafood in coastal areas, meat and potatoes in the middle of the country, and almost everything you can think of in an international metropolis. Poutine, cheese curd and French fries covered in gravy, may be the most popular quick snack in the United States.

The Caribbean is famous for its seafood and specialties (such as jerk chicken).

Although Mexico’s influence extends to the cuisine of northern Central America,NicaraguaorCosta RicaOther countries have their own unique flavors, mainly based on rice and beans, which together constitute Gallo Pinto (also known as Casamineto in other parts of Central America), the staple food, no matter how short, you have to eat it at least once .

Nightlife

Houston image

Houston is the only place in the United States on the National Geographic list of the top ten best nightlife cities in the world. There are many prosperous nightclubs in the United States. If you ask where to go on a weekend night in Houston, enthusiastic Texans will tell you, Bar Street!

Las Vegas

Las Vegas

The drunken casino avenue, the luxurious show, the top-notch seafood buffet and the must-mentioned Casino, this desert city that never sleeps will certainly not disappoint you.

New Orleans image

New Orleans New Orleans

Eight o'clock in the evening is the beginning of the day in New Orleans, especially on Bourbon Street. As the southern music capital, you must not miss its nightclub live music performances at night.

Miami image

Miami

The night lights of the beach and skyscrapers make Miami’s nightlife famous, and photographers should not miss the helicopter aerial experience here. In addition, LIV, known as the best nightclub in America, is also located in Miami Beach.

stay

There are hotels in cities, although they are usually in less than ideal places. If you usually choose a dormitory, please consider choosing a YMCA or a budget hotel. Independent hotels and international and regional hotel chains are located throughout Canada and the United States. Most hotel chains have free smartphone apps that allow you to easily plan your itinerary and keep up with the itinerary during your journey. In these countries, as well as in the main tourist areas of Mexico and the Caribbean, high-speed Internet services are usually provided, although sometimes additional fees are required. The hotel chain also offers incentive programs and bonuses for frequent travelers, as well as some online options. Bed and breakfast are available in many cities and other popular tourist destinations. Campsites are common, usually along highways or near lakes and rivers. Many require a small fee, so please read the signs and ask. In the densely populated US national parks (Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone), camping and park accommodation usually need to be booked 12 months in advance. During the peak season, you may also encounter the challenge of staying in a small hotel outside the park.

To truly experience American life, a big bed and breakfast is the only way to go! B&Bs are usually run by the owners who live in the property, so you can better experience the feeling of "becoming an American." Many of these owners travel extensively, read widely, and understand their field, which can lead you to a unique experience in the United States.

Safety

Police and other emergency services are widely available in most parts of the United States and Canada and most areas of Mexico, and usually have fast response times. In the United States, Canada, and Mexico, in emergency situations, the police and other first responders can be summoned by dialing 911 on a compatible phone. Security varies from place to place, so please refer to the appropriate article on the area of ​​interest. Like everywhere, remember to follow good common sense safety issues and you should be fine.

Most parts of North America are sometimes affected by bad weather. As the mountains extend from north to south, storms can bring dramatic temperature changes. Cold weather isAfricaSeasonal issues in some areas.

Medical treatment

stay healthy

existCanadawithAmerica, Tap water is usually safe to drink.

Rabies is rare in dogs in the United States, and rabies is a problem when bitten by a bat in Central America or the United States. Because "rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear" (only one case of symptomatic rabies survived by the person recorded in the medical record), the rabies vaccination should be carried out before going out, and then "if bitten, seek medical attention as soon as possible."

denguewithmalariaSuch "tropical diseases" are endemic in many parts of Central America, especially in rural areas and the Caribbean. If you want to go to Panama, you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Zika virusIt has spread to most parts of Central America, but it is recommended that you check the official government consultation and the guide of each country/region before going to Wikivoyage, because the situation and even the internal situation may be very different. Zika virus is particularly dangerous to the fetus, so pregnant women may need to postpone their travel to the disaster area.

Communication

North and South America belong toITU Zone 2,in usemobile phoneThe frequency is different from most other regions in the world, among which 850MHz/1900MHz is North AmericaAT&T、T-Mobile、RogersMost commonly used by communication groupsGSMAnd 3G UMTS/WCDMA/HSPA service frequency. Some new regional operators and high-speed data service providers also use 1700MHz or 2100MHz.

You should check the communication frequency used by the mobile phone to confirm whether it can operate in the communication environment of North America. If it is a quad-band mobile phone, it can at least support the GSM frequency (a few mobile phones also support the North American 3G frequency band). If it is not compatible with the communication environment in North America, you will not be able to make calls, receive calls or send and receive messages in North America.

Furthermore, North America is one of the few regions where CDMA is widely used (Sprint and Verizon still maintain a 2G CDMA system, but Canada has abandoned CDMA). CDMA mobile phones are not compatible with GSM, that is, they do not use removable SIM cards. Therefore, even if you do not travel to other countries/regions, North Americans need to replace the entire mobile phone when changing communication service providers, not just the SIM card.