The Americas hit-list: 15 dazzling experiences to try

For the foodie bucket-lister, one Michelin star won’t do it. Two stars come close, but what you really want is the unforgettable experience of dining at restaurants distinguished with three coveted stars. There are 13 such restaurants in the US alone, from the west to east coasts, offering cuisine that ranges from vegan (Eleven Madison Park in New York) to Asian (Benu in San Francisco) and contemporary American (The Inn at Little Washington). Secure dining reservations before you book flights to the US and perhaps extend your credit limit ahead of time. Blow the budget as sky-high as the Empire State on the omakase menu at the exclusive, fixed-price Masa in New York. See guide.michelin.com

Catch a blockbuster to remember

If you love the thrill of a live music performance, Las Vegas should be your bucket list destination. Launched in September, the $US2.3 billion ($3.5 billion) Sphere has already been named the best concert venue on the planet. U2 christened the 18,600-seat auditorium, the world’s largest spherical structure, with a sold-out residency. Until the next headliner is announced, nab tickets to the 50-minute Postcards from Earth multisensory show or simply gaze at the incredible, wraparound LED shell that measures 111 metres tall and 157 metres wide. See thespherevegas.com

Light up your life

Fleeting, dazzling and unforgettable, the spectacular aurora borealis can be seen in northern Canada, where there’s a higher chance than almost anywhere in the world to see the elusive lights paint the night sky in green, pink and purple hues. The polar extremities of the globe are the northern lights capitals, making Churchill, Nunavut, Newfoundland and the Northwest Territories prime viewing spots. Commonly thought to be a winter phenomenon, the lights can be seen during any season, Canadians will tell you, every night between 10pm and 2am. See travel.destinationcanada.com

Grin and bear it

Pack the zoom lens. Polar bears can weigh up to almost 700 kilograms and stand up to three metres in height. The magnificent white beasts of the wild are best viewed from a safe distance. The Canadian Arctic town of Churchill, Manitoba has earned the moniker of Polar Bear Capital of the World, thanks to frequent sightings. Hop aboard Lazy Bear Expeditions’ new, custom-built Arctic Crawler vessel to track and observe the bears in their natural environment. For the more adventurous traveller, there’s a new Inuit-owned eco-tour of the uninhabited Gyrfalcon Islands in Ungava Bay. On the five-day adventure, spot polar bears, musk ox and caribou in a pristine region of Quebec. See lazybearlodge.com; indigenousquebec.com

Dive into the life aquatic

Mexico is one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean. Despite the fearsome name, whale sharks are reportedly a docile, laid-back companion to those who dive into the beautiful waters surrounding Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and La Paz. A once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, it’s important to book with ethical, experienced guides who follow all safety protocols and give the gentle giants of the sea plenty of room to move. See mexicowhaleshark.com

Honour the dearly departed in Mexico

Joyful, sentimental, sometimes funny and positively life-affirming, Mexico’s Day of the Dead is an annual celebration to remember the dearly departed. Family and friends come together over tequila and sweet pastries, while the streets are alive with copious garlands of marigold flowers and votive candles. There are dozens of events in Mexico City, but for a more traditional experience, travel to the city of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. Generally held from October 31 to November 2, you can expect parades, live music, dancing, face painting and elaborate costumes. It’s smart to book accommodation several months in advance. See intrepidtravel.com

Live the Caribbean dream

The Caribbean is wildly popular with Americans and Europeans, but not so much with Australians. Add a short-hop flight from the US East Coast to swim in turquoise water, rum cocktail in hand and reggae music in your ears. In Grenada, Six Senses La Sagesse opens in April, offering 56 luxurious pool suites and 15 villas. There’s a Six Senses spa and farm-to-table dining all day at Callaloo. Live the Virgin life on Necker Island, Richard Branson’s private island retreat in the British Virgin Islands. Individual stays can be booked during certain weeks of the year, otherwise, a costly buy-out is required. See sixsenses.com; virginlimitededition.com

Shake it in a Carnival parade

Sure, you’ve heard of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, but did you know it’s also celebrated in many Caribbean countries? Origin theories abound; some say the tradition dates back to 18th-century Trinidad when enslaved people were banned from participating in masquerade balls leading up to Lent. They rebelled, creating their own colourful costumes, music and parties. Today, it’s a welcoming, flamboyant and joyous time to kick up your heels and join the parade. Shake it in Turks and Caicos, Barbados, the Bahamas and Jamaica, the home of reggae. Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, held in February, is arguably the Caribbean’s biggest and best. See visittrinidad.tt

Get into a total flap over wild flamingoes

Did you know a group of flamingoes is called a flamboyance? Reason enough to add an encounter to your bucket list. Regal, with supermodel-long legs and a feathery coat in many shades of pink, there are an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 flamingoes on the tiny Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire. The island has designated sanctuaries and strict distancing laws to protect the beautiful birds. Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary is one of only four official breeding grounds in the world, which means a guaranteed flamboyance sighting, but you will need binoculars. See bonaireisland.com

Chart an entirely new cruise course

Embrace the Costa Rican national motto, pura vida (“pure life”), in the Central American country ranked one of the happiest places on the planet. Aurora Expeditions’ Costa Rica and Panama Canal cruise explores this incredibly biodiverse region, with a focus on immersion and enrichment. That means getting off the ship as much as possible for hiking, birdwatching, paddleboarding and more activities. With a maximum of 132 passengers per voyage, there’s plenty of one-on-one attention from experienced guides, naturalists and expedition leaders. A visit to the Embera tribe in the remote Darien National Park and a guaranteed daylight crossing of the Panama Canal are included. See auroraexpeditions.com.au

Sway to the land of a thousand rhythms

Been to Colombia yet? The sassy South American nation is welcoming tourists like never before, with new tours and cruises designed to showcase the vibrant culture, history and food. Leading luxury tour operator Abercrombie and Kent offers a 14-day tour, Colombia Revealed, that journeys from the capital, Bogota, to the cobbled streets of Cartagena, to the heart of coffee country and the fascinating city of Medellin. Be one of the first to cruise the magnificent Magdalena River when AmaWaterways launches two brand-new seven-night itineraries between Cartagena and Barranquilla in November 2024. See abercrombiekent.com.au, amawaterways.com

Be awestruck in and on the Amazon

Take a deep breath in the lush Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the green lungs of the planet. When you journey to the Ecuadorian Amazon, you are entering a corner of the planet that few travellers have experienced firsthand. Wildlife enthusiasts will be captivated by the jaguars, monkeys and exotic birds in their natural habitat, all the better viewed from the deck of a luxury small ship. The 18-suite MV Anakonda cruise voyage begins in the vibrant city of Quito before sailing the Amazon River in style. Itineraries range from three to seven nights. See anakondaamazoncruises.com

Live it up at the latest US six-stars

Raffles Hotels and Resorts brand turned heads when it chose Boston as the location of its first US property. Opened in September 2023, 35-storey Raffles Boston has a 20-metre indoor pool, stunning city views and a Guerlain spa. In the Big Apple, well-heeled hotel guests scoff at the notion of a looming recession. High-rollers check in to Aman New York, where suites start from $US2000 ($3075) a night. On Kauai, Hawaii’s Garden Island, embrace the sustainable elegance and transformative wellness amenities of 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. See raffles.com; aman.com; 1hotels.com

Q+A: The Americas

Brett Mitchell, Intrepid Travel Australia New Zealand

I love the Americas because … North America is filled with vibrant cities, great national parks to explore and various arts and culture to experience while South America has rich cultures, amazing food and stunning destinations.

For me, the hottest new bucket list destination in the Americas is … Yosemite in North America, a hidden treasure that helps you escape the crowds and see one of the many wonders, with an amazing stargazing experience, while in the south it’s the Galapagos Islands; everyone will be adding swimming with sea turtles to their bucket list.

The one classic bucket list destination for the Americas is… two-fold – Yellowstone in North America which has not only gained popularity due to the hit TV show of the same name, but is also North America’s first national park. When it comes to South America, it goes without saying: Machu Picchu.

The one big issue for travellers when visiting the Americas is… over-tourism in tourist hotspots like Los Angeles, New York and Las Vegas. When travellers arrive at these destinations, they are shocked by the large crowds, long lines and higher prices. It can also harm iconic destinations, like Machu Picchu, which has seen the erosion of certain stone structures as a result. Look into travelling the path that is lesser known or travelling in off-peak season. Not only will you beat the crowds, but you’ll uncover hidden gems that you didn’t know existed.

You can be a better traveller to the Americas by making sure that you… take time to understand and appreciate the diverse cultures, customs, ethnicities, traditions, and lifestyles. Being open-minded and respectful will enhance your overall experience.

My one big travel tip for the Americas is… always plan ahead, keep your phone batteries fully charged, remember to tip, and don’t forget to add GST to the price tag.