North America

North America is the third largest continent, with a surface area of 24,221,490 sq km. It is located in the northern hemisphere, between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean and to the north of South America. North America's highest point is Alaska's Mount McKinley, which rises to 6,194 m (20,320 ft) above sea level.

Regions

North America consists of three large nations and one large island territory that cover most of its area (Greenland, Canada, the United States, and Mexico), the seven smaller nations at its southern extreme (collectively known as Central America), and around two dozen island nations and territories of various sizes in the Caribbean. Although these last two regions are technically part of the North American continent, they are commonly treated separately from their larger neighbors to the northwest (hence the distinctive region names).

Countries

Other territories

Get around

By air

Because population centers are often widely spaced, most long-range travel is by air, with an extensive network of major hubs and smaller regional airports, usually supplemented with car rental services to cover local travel (see "By car").

Buses to North_America

There is prolific long range bus service across most of the US and Canada, but travel times are excessive (on the order of three to five times as long as a direct trip in a personal vehicle) and many stations are relatively unsafe. Most bus service is only useful for travelling within a dense metro area or along major commuter routes and is then limited or unavailable outside of business hours.

By car

Most travel in Canada, the United States, and Mexico is by personal vehicle. Almost all highways in Canada and the United States are well maintained, with amenities such as gas, food, and lodging ranging from adequate to very convenient to excessive. If you experience an emergency that endangers your life, safety, or property, you will be able to dial 911 from a compatible cell phone on almost any major highway and reach an operator at any time. Vehicle and medical insurance issued in either Canada or the U.S. is usually valid in the other, though the wise traveller will confirm with their insurer. Canada and U.S. insurance coverage in Mexico is sometimes limited or not honored. Again, the wise traveller will confirm with their insurer.

Car rental agencies are available at almost every airport. Usually a major credit card and proof of liability insurance is required. Some agencies offer short term insurance and additional coverage.

By train

Although it once held much of the continent together, and remains useful for local travel in many metro areas, intercity train travel now ranges from spare to sparse. If you prefer to travel by rail, it's still possible (depending on where you go), but if offers neither speed nor convenience. The exception is the Northeast Corridor area, which links Washington, DC to Boston with frequent stops in intermediate cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and New Haven. It is explained in detail on the Rail travel in North America article.

North_America attractions and sightseeing

Itineraries

Stay safe

Stay healthy

Retrieved from "http://wikitravel.org/en/North_America"
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