Despite growing up in the United States, my own country still surprises me. Its size and diversity are almost unparalleled; it contains nearly every major biome and a vast range of geographies to go along with some of the world's leading cities. From the quaint small towns of the northeast, across the vast farmland of the Great Plains, to the Rocky Mountains and deserts of the southwest, and beyond to the Pacific Ocean, there is much to see. Despite this I have long been drawn to destinations beyond its borders. With as much as I have traveled, the United States almost doesn't feel like home to me anymore. I am trapped somewhere in between, appreciating aspects of the culture while also recognizing what is lacking.
Fortunately, there are many great destinations readily accessible in the neighboring countries. To the north, Canada offers nearly limitless wilderness and nature with a rich French heritage in Quebec. To the south, the recent drug violence in Mexico has overshadowed the beautiful beaches, vast deserts, cosmopolitan Mexico City, and ancient cultures of the Aztecs and Mayans, among others.
Further to the south, Central America contains numerous amazing natural and historic places. There is rugged nature in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, ancient ruins in Guatemala, famous beaches in Honduras and Belize, picture perfect tropical islands and a rapidly growing metropolis in Panama as well as one of the world's busiest commercial waterways. Close ties with the United States and Mexico along with relationships with the countries of South America have given the region an important role as a crossroads and meeting point of disparate cultures.
To the east, in the multi-hued blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean are the numerous Caribbean Islands. Historic ties with former colonial powers have long influenced their native cultures and have fostered distinct characteristics. The distances between the islands and their relative separation along with limited transport links make economical travel here somewhat difficult; however, the pristine beaches and lush landscapes are worth the effort.