The Americas Holidays & Tours

There are several currencies used in the Americas. In the USA, they use the US dollar, and in Canada, they use the Canadian dollar (CAD) - although USD is widely accepted at retailers, hotels and border crossings. 

In South America every country has a different currency, for example Argentina uses the Argentine peso, Brazil uses the Brazilian real, Peru uses the Peruvian sol, whilst Ecuador uses the US dollar, although interestingly the country issues its own centavo coins.

USA 

The USA has its unique blend of history, culture, and hospitality the antebellum architecture of Charleston to the vibrant music scene of Nashville and the soulful flavours of New Orleans, the Deep South, in particular, is rich in heritage and tradition. Enjoy mouthwatering Southern cuisine and region's musical roots, from blues and jazz to country and gospel, with live performances in iconic venues and intimate juke joints. 

Canada 

Canada for its vast and varied landscapes, diverse culture, and welcoming hospitality that make it an exceptional destination. From the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains to the pristine wilderness of Banff and Jasper National Parks, Canada offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure, including hiking, skiing, and wildlife spotting. Explore vibrant cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, each with its own unique charm, cultural attractions, and world-class cuisine. Uncover its rich indigenous heritage, discover charming coastal villages along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, or marvel at the stunning Northern Lights in the Yukon or Northwest Territories.   

Peru 

Breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant traditions await in Peru. From the majestic peaks of the Andes Mountains to the verdant depths of the Amazon rainforest, Peru offers a diverse range of ecosystems and outdoor adventures. You can explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shrouded in mystery and intrigue, whilst Peru's vibrant cities - such as Lima and Cusco - pulsate with energy, offering culinary delights, colourful markets, and lively festivals that showcase the country's unique blend of indigenous and Spanish influences.

The total area of the Americas is 16.43 million square miles (42.55 million square kilometres) making up about 8% of the Earth's total surface and 28.4% of the Earth's total land surface. They stretch over the Northern and Southern hemisphere, so it's safe to say the climates vary vastly, depending on the region. 

North America's weather is like a mix of hot and cold. Central America has a tropical climate with rainy and dry seasons. The coastal areas are humid and tropical, while the mountainous interior is cooler and drier. South America has all kinds of weather, from dry deserts to heavy rains. It's steamy in the rain forests and icy cold in the mountains.

In the United States of America, tipping is engrained in the culture, with two thirds (67%) saying they would tip an amount higher than 10%. The most common tip amount is 20%. 

As a general rule, tipping 10% works in most restaurants in central and South America, especially in more upscale establishments, however many locals won't tip in smaller family-run restaurants.

The Americas is made up of 35 countries.  

There are 23 countries in North America, they are the Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.  

There are seven countries in Central America, these are Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. 

And in South America, there are 12 countries including Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname—plus an overseas department of France called French Guiana.