It may be synonymous with the US and Canada, but North America has so many more components, whether it’s Mexico and the seven Spanish-speaking Central American countries, or the numerous Caribbean islands.

In the latter you’ll find places known for beautiful beaches and rum-soaked good times — such as Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago — as well as those that are ripe for adventure, from Dominica, with its rainforest and long-distance hiking route, to Guadeloupe, a French territory with an active volcano to climb.

In Mexico and Guatemala, meanwhile, are the remains of ancient civilisations, and plenty more besides, from water-filled cenotes (sinkholes) to laid-back beach towns. The US may be home to some of the most exciting cities in the world, but the dramatic scenery of its national parks steals the show, along with equally beautiful Canada, it’s a country ripe for road-tripping.