Our Latest Tales and Trails

There’s no seasonal change quite as spectacular as autumn in North America. The slight bite to the air in the very early mornings, an almost artistic swirl of mist over the still surfaces of a lake, and of course, the dramatic transformation of the vast swathes of forest that still cover miles and miles of scenery. It’s a sensational sight so popular it’s spawned its own dedicated following of ‘leaf peepers’ – travellers and locals alike who chase the change as its spreads throughout the US. Time it just right, in the perfect spot, and autumn is a phenomenal time of year to visit.

Mother Nature sets the timetable – but even if you miss the peak, you’ll still see a riot of colour if you travel from mid-September and October. So if you’re keen join the ranks, here are our favourite places to spot fall foliage in all its autumnal glory.

There’s no shortage of incredible hikes in North America, as any traveller can tell you; the sheer scale and variety of this landscape is as mesmerising as it is rewarding.

The Canadian wilds provide unrivalled wilderness opportunities. These are unique, unparalleled adventures that encompasses that true pioneering spirit of the great outdoors. Sacrifice a few creature comforts and you’ll gain so much more in exchange.

To get you started, we've uncovered three unique wilderness experiences in the Canadian wilderness.

Boston is positively steeped in history. Founded in 1630 by English Puritans fleeing religious persecution, it went on to be the setting of the American Revolution and the infamous Boston Tea Party. Unlike any other city in America, Boston's narrow streets and brick buildings give it an almost European flavour. It's affectionately known as 'America's greatest walking city', with most of its places of interest within easy walking distance of each other.

The city's food and drink scene is the envy of America, with some of the freshest seafood and perfectly-brewed local beer. So whether you're a history buff, a foodie or just enjoy long walks with beautiful cityscapes, there's something for everyone here in Boston.

Raise a glass! Friday 3rd August is International Beer Day, and who are we to argue with such an important event?

Ah, Alaska. It’s one of the most photogenic places in all of the USA, and that’s a high bar to start from. Any excuse to drool over these landscapes is enough for us, but this month we had the perfect reason: our graphic designer Aneesa Dalwai is just back from her Alaskan adventure, with hundreds of stunning images in tow. We asked her to narrow it down to just ten...

Well, you can’t say Alaskans lack humour. Driving up to the information office at Denali National Park, I could see a welcome sign that showed a cartoon of a large mosquito carrying off a human being. You think they’re joking? Just put “Denali” and “mosquito” into YouTube and you’ll be scurrying off to your nearest camping shop for a hat with netting quicker than you can say “isn’t Mother Nature wonderful?”

But please don’t let the 35 species of the little blighters – who are at their buzziest mid-June to the end of July – put you off, though. Alaska is totally amazing, and after all, wildlife, from the tiniest insects to the most massive bears and whales, wolves and eagles, is the reason most people come to “The Last Frontier”. But not the only one.

Have you ever watched those clips on YouTube about flying in the 1950s and 60s? The ones where ladies in big hats are served lobster at 35,000ft and the chap sitting next to her lights his Marlboro cigarette while charmingly blowing smoke across the aisle? Well, times have changed, but if you thought those were the glory days of travel, think again.

The term 'iconic' is often used with abandon to describe national landmarks; frequently, it does not quite fit with the reality. When it comes to Route 66, however, there are few other words that do it justice.