Hello, dear readers. In this issue:

• When an obstacle becomes opportunity

• Rediscovering the United States

• Canada: spectacular and surprisingly close

• Mexico and Central America: more rewarding than ever

• South America: a vastly diverse continent

• The U.S. Department of State resources

An unexpected change of scenery

These days, there’s a quiet conversation happening among travelers. People who once had their passports ready and their itineraries confirmed are hitting the pause button, reconsidering, and asking the question that feels increasingly wise:

Is there somewhere closer to home that could be just as rewarding?

Travel has always responded to the international climate – when the horizon feels uncertain, looking closer to home isn't a compromise. It's a savvy reset.

When an obstacle becomes opportunity

The most experienced travelers know that some of the best trips begin with a detour, a missed turn, or an oversight. The places you didn't plan to go have a way of becoming the experiences you love most.

A prime example is the Americas. From the southernmost tip of Chile to the arctic landscapes of Nunavut, Canada, extraordinary adventures are awaiting your discovery.

The world will wait. And in the meantime, there's more to explore closer to home than most of us ever imagined.

Rediscovering the United States

There's a difference between passing through a place and stopping to truly experience it. Many travelers have discovered the luxury of unhurried exploration; they know exactly what that means. The choices are as vast as they are diverse.

One way to explore the USA is by train. A friend recently reminded me of a trip he took across the country with an Amtrak Rail Pass for those of us of a certain age. He used the 10-trips-in-30-days offer, stopping at new places and staying a few days at each. The stories he shared were fascinating.

One of my favorite destinations is Savannah, Georgia, the sister city of New Orleans. So yes, look for Cajun cuisine, including beignets. This lovely city rewards those who wander beneath the Spanish moss that drapes the path to the iconic fountain at Forsyth Park, the city’s notable restaurants, and the architecture that reflects the city’s history dating back to the early 1700s. Sharing the region is Asheville, North Carolina, which has become one of America's most refined small cities, featuring a remarkable art and food scene and the Blue Ridge Parkway just beyond the city limits.

Then there’s Santa Fe and its world-class art, exceptional cuisine, and a high-desert landscape that is as quietly transformative as it is spectacular.

For those drawn to the coast, Maine's working harbor towns and grand historic inns offer a timeless kind of elegance. Along the Pacific, the Monterey Peninsula and the wine country of Sonoma remain among the most gracious destinations in the country.

And for a luxurious excursion into Alaska’s spectacular Denali National Park, the Sheldon Chalet will indulge you with a personal concierge, chef, and guides to create once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Canada: spectacular and surprisingly close

The stars of the Canadian Rockies – Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise – should be on every serious traveler's list. The mountain scenery is some of the most dramatic on Earth, the lodges are truly grand, and wildlife viewing is unparalleled. Be sure to stop by to see the brilliantly turquoise Lake Peyto and the Columbia Icefields. Both are otherworldly. Many tours are available in this wondrous part of the world, but few compare to those offered by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts throughout Canada and the US.

For those who prefer cities, Vancouver combines sophisticated urban life with immediate access to the ocean, forests, and mountains in a way that few places in the world can match. A side trip to Victoria and its breathtaking Butchart Gardens in spring and summer is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Fairmont offers luxurious stays at both destinations.

On the eastern side of Canada, Quebec City offers an authentically European experience, with cobblestone streets, French cuisine, centuries of history, and no transatlantic travel required. Just beyond the city, Ile d’Orleans and its galleries and cafes are worth a visit. Of course, a stop at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is a must – whether for a stay or high tea.

In autumn, many cruises are available to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick (Bay of Fundy), with some lines stopping in Boston. I took Royal Caribbean’s voyage from the Port of Baltimore and can report that it’s a delightful trip that captivates the senses and the desire for adventure.

Mexico and Central America: more rewarding than ever

Mexico's interior has long been a secret among discerning travelers, and that secret is getting harder to keep.

Oaxaca has emerged as one of the hemisphere's great food and art destinations, with a culinary tradition that has gained serious international recognition and archaeological sites that rival anything in Europe. San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, charms visitors with its rose-colored colonial buildings and lively arts scene, while Mérida in Yucatán offers outstanding regional cuisine and easy access to stunning Mayan ruins. For those seeking a coastline without the crowds, Mexico's southern Pacific coast offers warm waters, relaxed beaches, and an authenticity that long ago was sacrificed by more developed resorts.

Central America rewards the curious traveler with extraordinary natural diversity packed into a remarkably compact geography. Costa Rica remains the gold standard for nature-forward travel:  volcanoes, cloud and butterfly forests, and some of the world's best sport fishing, all within a country deeply committed to conservation. Belize offers an English-speaking Caribbean escape with world-class diving along the second-largest barrier reef on earth. Guatemala's Antigua is a premier UNESCO World Heritage site and a magnificently preserved colonial city, bordered by volcanoes. And Panama delivers exceptional biodiversity, a vibrant capital, and the enduring marvel of the Canal itself.

South America: a vastly diverse continent

Seasoned travelers tend to get more out of South America than anyone, because they know how to slow down and look closely. Cartagena, Colombia, is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric cities in the Western Hemisphere. Peru's Sacred Valley, beyond the iconic Machu Picchu, holds Incan history and Andean culture that reward curious, unhurried exploration. 

Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia provides a unique journey that you can take in on a Jeep tour with local guides, stay in salt-built hotels (complete with signs to not lick the walls), and spend an unforgettable evening on the flats, made for an experience unlike any other.

Chilean Patagonia offers wilderness on a scale that still has the power to astonish even those who have seen a great deal of the world. This is only one of a vast range of travel opportunities in South America that we can’t cover here. For more information, visit National Geographic's guide to the continent.

Did you know: The U.S. Department of State resources

In today’s ever-changing global community, smart travelers rely on information provided by the U.S. Department of State. Their valuable resources help you plan your trips and include essential contact details that every traveler should have:

Travel.State.gov

Travel Advisory Updates: Before you book a trip abroad, understand what you’re walking into when traveling.

International Travel Info: Planning a trip abroad? Get travel advice you can trust.

Enroll in STEP: Get real-time travel updates. Learn more now about STEP.