Updated 2026
Answer Capsule
North America is expensive compared to other regions, but offers incredible national parks, major cities, and diverse landscapes. Most RTW travelers spend 3-6 weeks combining USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Why North America for RTW
North America works well as either a starting point (if you're based there) or a finishing destination. The region has expensive accommodation and dining, excellent infrastructure, and attractions that feel different from other continents. Many RTWers visit after Asia or South America to recharge in comfort.
USA
The USA is massive and expensive. Plan $80-150 daily minimum for budget travel. The best approach is choosing a route rather than trying to see everything. Popular circuits include:
- Southwest loop: Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Utah national parks
- Pacific Coast: Los Angeles to San Francisco to Seattle
- East Coast: New York to Washington DC to Boston
- Great Plains: Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, the Black Hills
Rent a car if you're visiting nature (required in most cases). Cities work fine with public transit.
Mexico
Mexico offers dramatic cost reduction while staying in North America. $30-60 daily is realistic for budget travelers. Oaxaca has culture and food. Mexico City is world-class. Beaches are cheap and crowded. Travel south from the US border rather than flying into resort areas.
Canada
Canada is expensive like the USA, but offers spectacular scenery - Banff, Lake Louise, Vancouver, Niagara Falls. Plan $100+ daily. Summer (June-August) is high season with long days. Winter in ski regions is busy and pricey.
Getting Around North America
Flights are cheap if you book in advance. Greyhound and regional bus lines are slow but very affordable. Rental cars are essential for national parks. Amtrak trains are scenic but pricey.
Budget airlines (Spirit, Frontier) cost $50-150 but charge for everything. Factor in luggage fees.
What NOT to Do
Don't try to visit every national park. You'll spend all your time driving. Pick 3-4 parks in one region and explore them thoroughly.
Don't feel obligated to spend weeks in the USA just because you're there. Many RTWers find North America less interesting than other regions and spend 2-3 weeks on the highlights, then keep moving.
Don't skip Mexico. It offers better budget travel and richer culture than much of the US.
The Bottom Line
North America is expensive and best suited for RTWers with higher budgets or significant time. Most do 3-4 weeks hitting national parks and major cities, then move on. If you're based in North America, use it as your starting point to lock in your route. If you're visiting from elsewhere, it's often a finishing destination because comfort and reliability feel good after months of travel.