My Holiday Expert

The USA is comprised of 50 states - each with its own unique landscape, dialect and traditions. Far more than strapping Mounties and delicious maple syrup, Canada offers a beautifully diverse landscape coupled with vibrant cities.

Nowhere in the world will you find such diversity in a single country, from the snow-capped Rocky Mountains of Colorado to the great chasm of the Grand Canyon, and from the metropolis of New York to the sultry southern charm of New Orleans. America's emblems, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge, Empire State Building, Time Square, and the Hollywood Hills have been stamped in our memories after appearing in countless blockbusting films.

Holidays in the USA often centre round one of the major cities on the east or west coasts. Boston, the birthplace of American independence, is renowned for Harvard University, the Boston Red Sox, Freedom Trail, and of course the legendary Cheers pub. South of Boston is the Big Apple, the king of the hill - New York, New York! The city that never sleeps is a melting pot of lifestyles, from the soaring skyscrapers and bright lights of Broadway to the charming tree-lined streets of Greenwich Village and the tranquillity of Central Park.

Continuing down the east coast is Washington, the US capital and home to the Whitehouse, Capitol Hill, and the Lincoln Memorial. The west coast features the glamorous Hollywood Hills and the vibrant city of San Francisco. Holidays in the USA appeal to all walks of life, whether you're after a relaxing beach holiday in Florida, a shopping spree in New York, a ski trip in the Rocky Mountains, or a tour of the breathtaking sights such as Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon.

Western Canada is renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful countryside, while Eastern Canada reflects charming European influences. The 397-mile stretch of the Canadian Rockies comprises snow-capped mountains, glaciers, valleys, lush forests, crystal-clear lakes and an abundance of wildlife. Holidays in Canada feature seven national parks, most notably Jasper National Park featuring the breathtaking Athabasca falls, and Banff National Park with its pine-clad hills and crystal clear Lake Louise.

A good way to see the awesome Rockies is to take a train from Toronto to Jasper, passing through Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Edmonton. The Rockies have year-round appeal, with hikers, climbers and mountain bikers in the summer, and skiers and snowboarders in the winter. Whistler Blackcomb is one of the biggest ski resorts in the world, spanning 8,000 acres. Set on the northern shores of Lake Ontario is Canada's largest city, Toronto, which is home to the world's tallest building, the CN Tower. Holidays in Canada are not complete without a trip to the top of the 553-metre tower, where you can admire spectacular views of the city and Lake Ontario.

Vancouver has been described as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with its tree-lined streets, expanse of parklands and shimmering high-rise buildings. The 1000-acre Stanley Park is the largest park in the city and comprises miles of hiking and biking trails. One of the most popular tourist attractions for visitors to Vancouver is Granville Island, with its bustling market, bars, restaurants, art galleries and independent theatres. Montreal fuses old and new, with 19th-century architecture juxtaposed against soaring skyscrapers.