Spend around 12 hours in flight, arrive 30 minutes before you leave, and you’re on a continent that’s a world away, yet strangely, very familiar. This is North America; embracing mainland USA and Canada, and slightly more remote US states of Alaska and Hawaii. A holiday in this region is a safe bet for the independent traveller; we speak more or less the same language and, thanks to movies and the plasma panel, we already recognise a fair bit of it.

Sure, it’s almost a day behind Australia, but in some ways this region is years ahead. This is where big dreams are dreamed until they become reality; it’s where kids, young and old come to live their dreams, whether on the Disneyland streets of Main Street USA or the glittering strip of Las Vegas, Nevada. The big cities beckon; New York, Chicago, New Orleans, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Washington spring to mind and evoke images of a fast-paced, seductive, bright-lights holiday.

But there’s so much more to love than the uber-urban pulse. Hit the roads to meet the real people in a landscape as wide as our own. Grab a convertible and aim for Route 66, Santa Monica to Chicago, or hit the Pacific Coast Highway and run north along the west coast from San Diego to the Canadian border then turn right and cross the continent on the Trans Canada Highway, the world’s longest national route. On any journey, on any day, you’ll meet warm, welcoming people and view spectacular landscapes at every turn. Not game to drive on the wrong side? There are countless options in rail, road and air, so ask your Travel Counsellor to plan the best itinerary for you.

This is a big land, from the wilds of an arctic winter to the burning sands of New Mexico; from the stunning seascapes of Canada’s Cabot Trail to the urban wastelands of east LA, you’ll be intrigued, thrilled, challenged and delighted. And you’ll always be thinking of your next holiday in North America.

It’s dead easy to get around, and there’s just so much to do and see.

How the locals always seem to say “y’all ain’t from around here, are ya?” or “I love your accent” (what accent?)

Where else can you get a Long Island Iced Tea for 3 bucks?