North America

North America is huge, so the key to a great trip is picking a focus rather than trying to see everything in one go. Classic first-time routes include a USA west coast loop (Los Angeles – Highway 1 – San Francisco – Yosemite – Las Vegas – Grand Canyon), an East Coast cities chain (Boston – New York – Philadelphia – Washington, DC), or a Canada combo like Vancouver, the Rockies, and Banff National Park. For culture and food, many travellers add Mexico City, Oaxaca, or Yucatán to the mix.

To plan efficiently, group destinations by region so you’re not bouncing back and forth on long flights. Use Hello’s trip planning to map driving times, internal flights, and must-book tickets like Alcatraz, Broadway shows, or Grand Canyon tours in one place.

Book popular national park lodges and campsites months in advance, especially in July–August and during US/Canadian public holidays. In winter, ski hubs like Whistler, Banff, and Colorado resorts also sell out early.

If you have:

• 1 week: Focus on one city and nearby nature (e.g. New York + upstate, or Vancouver + Vancouver Island).
• 2 weeks: Combine 2–3 regions in one country.
• 3–4 weeks: Mix USA, Canada, and Mexico, or pair mainland destinations with a Caribbean island.

You’ll encounter several currencies in North America: US dollars (USD) in the United States, Canadian dollars (CAD) in Canada, Mexican pesos (MXN) in Mexico, plus various Caribbean currencies. Cards are widely accepted in cities, but it’s smart to carry some cash for small diners, taco stands, or roadside stalls.

Rough daily budgets (excluding flights) per person:

• Budget: USD 60–90 in the US/Canada, MXN 800–1,200 (about USD 45–70) in Mexico
• Mid-range: USD 150–250 in the US/Canada, MXN 1,500–2,500 (about USD 85–140) in Mexico

In the US and Canada, tipping is a big part of service workers’ income. A common rule:

• Restaurants with table service: 15–20% before tax
• Bars: USD 1–2 per drink
• Taxis and ride-shares: around 10–15%

In Mexico and much of the Caribbean, 10–15% is typical in restaurants when service is not already included.

Keep track of multiple currencies by using Hello’s budget tracking in local money and note when you’ve already tipped to avoid double-charging on bills. When travelling with others, Hello’s expense splitting makes it easier to share costs for rental cars, vacation homes, and group dinners without constantly doing mental math.

Distances in North America are vast, but transport options are good once you choose a region. For city-to-city hops, low-cost airlines connect hubs like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Toronto, Vancouver, and Mexico City. Book early for the best fares, and watch baggage rules carefully.

For flexibility, renting a car is often the easiest way to explore national parks and smaller towns. In much of the US and Canada, automatic transmission is standard, and you’ll need a valid driving licence (and sometimes an International Driving Permit). In Mexico, stick with reputable agencies and photograph the car at pickup.

Public transport works well in big cities:

• New York, Montreal, Mexico City, Toronto – extensive metro systems
• San Francisco, Vancouver – good buses and light rail

Buy transit cards (like MetroCard, Ventra, Presto, or Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada) to save on single fares.

For navigation, ride-hailing, and translation on the go, having data is essential. Activate a Hello eSIM before you land so your phone connects as soon as the plane doors open, avoiding expensive roaming. With reliable data from Hello eSIM, you can use maps, check transit schedules, and sync plans in the Hello app’s trip planning even in unfamiliar neighbourhoods.

North America’s food and culture scenes are incredibly diverse, shaped by Indigenous, European, African, Asian, and Latin American influences. In one trip you might eat poutine in Montréal, Texas barbecue in Austin, fish tacos in Baja California, and mole in Oaxaca.

For food lovers:

• Visit farmers’ markets like Seattle’s Pike Place or Vancouver’s Granville Island for local produce and street snacks.
• Seek out food trucks in cities such as Portland, Los Angeles, and Mexico City for affordable, high-quality meals.
• In Mexico, look for busy taco stands turning over food quickly and avoid ice in drinks if you have a sensitive stomach.

Culturally, casual dress is accepted almost everywhere, but bring a light layer; air conditioning in malls, cinemas, and buses can be strong. When visiting Indigenous sites, such as pueblos in the US Southwest or First Nations cultural centres in Canada, be respectful of photography rules and guided tour instructions.

Service interactions are generally friendly and informal; small talk with staff or fellow travellers is common. Check in advance if festivals or sports events are happening – catching an NBA game, NHL hockey, or a mariachi performance in a plaza can be a trip highlight. Use Hello’s trip planning to slot events into your itinerary and budget tracking to keep an eye on what you’re spending on big nights out.