North America, but make it different
6 places for travellers who already know the classics
Reading time: 5 min
Seen New York? Driven through the Grand Canyon? Already admired the Rockies up close?
Great. There is still so much left to discover.
Because North America is about much more than the famous classics. Sometimes all it takes is choosing a different state, exploring a lesser-known region or seeing a familiar destination from another angle.
From rugged coastlines and quiet highways to colourful cities and endless nature, here are six places for anyone looking to experience North America a little differently.
1. Oregon – the quieter side of the American West Coast
Everyone knows California. Oregon still flies under the radar for many travellers.
And that is exactly what makes it so much fun.
Along the coast, you will find wide beaches, dramatic rock formations and small seaside towns. Further inland, forests, waterfalls, volcanoes and vast stretches of nature take over.
Cities such as Portland and Bend also have a character of their own, with great food spots, local breweries and neighbourhoods worth exploring.
Oregon feels calmer and less familiar than many other destinations along the West Coast. You may come for the nature, but along the way you will also discover charming towns, unexpected stops and beautiful roads.
Who is it for? Road trippers who love the American West Coast but want to try something new.
2. New Mexico – colourful, warm and completely different
New Mexico feels different from many other US states almost immediately.
Red earth, wide-open landscapes, adobe houses and endless skies give the region a character all its own.
In Santa Fe, the focus is on art, culture and atmospheric streets. Outside the city, desert landscapes, mountains and long empty roads are waiting.
Native American, Spanish and Mexican influences can be seen everywhere: in the architecture, the art and of course the food.
And if you love Route 66, you can also pick up a piece of that famous road trip history here.
Who is it for? Travellers who love culture, road trips and landscapes that feel refreshingly different.
3. The Deep South – music, flavour and atmosphere
Some trips stay with you because of what you saw. Others because of what you heard and tasted too.
That is exactly what makes the southern USA so special.
In New Orleans, jazz fills the air. Memphis is all about blues and rock ’n’ roll, while Nashville seems to have country music around every corner.
But the cities are only part of what makes this region worth exploring.
In between, you will find small towns, quiet roads and plenty of places where life seems to move at a slightly slower pace.
And then there is the food, of course. Barbecue, gumbo, fried chicken and plenty more besides.
Who is it for? Travellers who do not just want to see America, but also hear and taste it.
4. Atlantic Canada – Canada by the ocean
When people think of Canada, the Rocky Mountains often come to mind first.
But on the other side of the country lies a region that feels completely different.
Atlantic Canada includes places such as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland & Labrador.
Here, you will find rugged coastlines, lighthouses, fishing villages, forests and long roads following the ocean.
The pace is often a little slower. You stop in small harbour towns, walk along the coast and discover charming places you might otherwise have simply driven past.
And seafood is naturally part of the experience.
Who is it for? Travellers who love road trips, coastal scenery and quieter places.
5. Vancouver Island – nature up close
For many travellers, Vancouver is the starting point for a journey through Western Canada.
But cross the water to Vancouver Island and it immediately feels like a different trip.
Here, you will find rainforest, mountains, rugged beaches and small towns that are perfect for a slower road trip.
Around Tofino, you can walk through ancient forests and along wide beaches. Elsewhere, you can go kayaking or head out onto the water in search of whales and orcas.
Victoria is the island’s best-known city, but much of the real pleasure lies in the drives and stops in between.
Vancouver Island is not somewhere to rush through. The more time you give it, the better.
Who is it for? Travellers who love nature, wildlife and road trips along the ocean.
6. Yukon – for those who want to go even further
If you really want something different, head further north.
The Yukon is vast, quiet and above all incredibly impressive.
You drive past mountains, lakes and forests, sometimes with very little else around. That is part of the appeal.
Whitehorse is a great place to begin your journey, but once you leave the city behind, the real adventure starts.
In summer, the days are long and you can stay outside almost endlessly. Later in the year, you may also get the chance to see the northern lights.
The Yukon is not about ticking off as many highlights as possible. It is more about the road, the views and that feeling of being truly far away from everything.
Who is it for? Travellers who love nature and want to venture a little further beyond the usual routes.
You do not have to skip the classics
Of course, there is no reason to leave the famous places behind completely.
Oregon combines perfectly with California. Vancouver Island with Vancouver and the Rockies. New Mexico with a larger road trip through the Southwest.
That is one of the best things about North America: you can mix famous highlights with places you may never have considered before.
Already seen New York, Banff or the Grand Canyon?
There is definitely no need to change continents just yet.
Sometimes, one different turn is all it takes to discover North America all over again.
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