Category: North America

Traveling in North America can be a diverse and exciting experience, with its vast landscapes, rich history, and cultural diversity. The continent is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Grand Canyon in the United States, Niagara Falls on the border between the United States and Canada, and the CN Tower in Canada. Visitors can also explore the rich history and culture of the continent through its museums, art galleries, and festivals, and enjoy the delicious North American cuisine, such as hamburgers, and pizza. North America also offers a wide range of adventure activities, such as skiing in Canada and the United States, hiking in the Rocky Mountains, and touring the pyramids in Mexico. However, visitors should be aware of the potential challenges of traveling in North America, such as safety concerns, language barriers, and the vast distances between destinations. It is important to research the specific countries and regions to be visited, and to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Shown below are the trips we’ve taken in North America.

Newfoundland/Labrador Trip – July 2024

Donna & I joined a group of seasoned travelers on this Adventures Abroad trip to the Canadian Province of Newfoundland/Labrador. Our journey also took us to the French Islands of Sainte-Pierre & Miquelon which are off the coast of southern Newfoundland. Our tour began in Corner Brook after arriving late morning at the airport in Deer Lake. We met our guide Marion and 16 fellow travelers at the Quality Inn in Corner Brook. This 15-day trip included numerous stops along the Viking Trail, several ferry boat rides, visits to two Canadian National Parks, several Provincial Parks, four lighthouses, a whale watching / Puffin tour and some of the best food we’ve ever eaten. We overnighted in 10 different motels along the way and learned a lot about Newfoundland history, culture and landscape.

Click here to read the complete trip report

**The Spirit Garden at the Boyd’s Cove Beothuk Site**

**Cape Spear – the most Northeasterly point in North America**

Mexico Trip – December 2022

Above – Video Clip – Entertainment on the Trajinera Boat at Mexico’s Xochimilco Canals

During a Gate 1 adventure, my friend Doug Borrett and I embarked on a journey from Mexico to Cancun to discover the rich history of the Olmec, Mayan, and Aztec civilizations, as well as their pyramids. Our itinerary included visits to several museums, temples, and churches, where we received detailed explanations from our archeologist tour guide, Julie Miller. Accompanied by 22 other travelers, we formed a cohesive group, enjoying each other’s company and engaging in meaningful discussions. We returned home just in time for Christmas, enriched by a fascinating and educational experience.

Click here to read the complete Trip Report

Riding on a Trajinera Boat at Mexico’s Xochimilco Canals

Canada/Greenland – August 2022

We cruised on the Caribbean Princess with our friends Doug & Sally Borrett. We left from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in New York and sailed to Halifax, Nova Scotia and from there to Cape Breton. After several days at sea, we arrived in Nanortalik (having missed our port in Nuuk due to bad weather.) Later in the week we traveled to Qaqortoq then back to St. John’s, Newfoundland before arriving back at the Brooklyn Cruise terminal. We played a lot of trivia, cards and saw several shows on the ship. It was an enjoyable 17-day cruise. We ate too much.

Click here to read the complete Trip Report

Chamizal National Monument Walk – June 2021

We took the dogs for a short walk at the Chamizal National Memorial on the border of Texas and Mexico. Nice day for a Sunday morning stroll in the park.

Chamizal is more than just an urban park to recreate or enjoy a quiet afternoon. These grounds are a reminder of the harmonious settlement of a 100-year boundary dispute between the United States and Mexico.

Pink Store Visit – May 2021

Donna’s brother Steve and his wife Cheryl came to visit Charlie & Barb (and us). Donna took Steve to Jarden Milagros to help volunteer at the farm for a couple hours. Later in the week we drove to the Pink Store in Palomas, Mexico (just south of Columbus, New Mexico) where we shopped and had lunch. The following week I drove to Columbus again and stopped to visit Pancho Villa State Park.

The border of Mexico and the US near Palomas, Mexico

One of the signs at Pancho Villa State Park

Mexico (Baja) – March 2021

We drove to Tecate, CA where we met the Fantasy RV group at Potrero County Regional Park, then crossed the border into Mexico heading for our 14-day whale watching adventure. We traveled with 20 other RV rigs (33 people) for over 1000 miles in the Baja peninsula, stopping at various campgrounds along the way. We actually touched several whales during our visit and had a wonderful time & fellowship with the people we met.

Getting ready for our Fantasy RV trip into the Baja

Reaching out, touching a whale. This is not something you get to do everyday

Mexico (Puerto Vallarta) – February 2021

Donna & Jan went with Carole & LuAnn to Carole’s timeshare resort in Puerto Vallarta for 4 days. This was a girls only trip and it required them to be tested for COVID before returning to the US. Looks like they had a great time together.

Carole, Jan, LuAnn, Donna on the beach – Puerta Vallarta

My sisters – LuAnn & Carole cruising the bay

Costa Rica – January 2021

Donna & I flew to Costa Rica for a 10 day tour of the country, We rented a car in San Jose, then drove to LaFortuna to hike to the Arenal Volcano, then a couple days in Monteverde to zip line and walk on hanging bridges. From there we traveled to Tamarindo and stayed at a luxury resort on the beach, taking a few days to hike national parks, bath in hot springs and mud baths; see a Giant Pacific Sea turtle lay eggs in its nesting areas and do a sunset cruise on a catamaran. On our last day in Costa Rica we stayed at the Xaneri Resort in San Jose and hiked to waterfalls and relaxed in a hot tub before flying home the next day.

Mannino Family Cruise – March 2020

Donna and her parents, sister and brothers, along with several cousins and their families sailed on the Celebrity Edge cruise ship and visited Puerto Rico and St. Maarten during the 7-day event. They returned home safely at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. No sickness on board and everyone enjoyed the cruise. Carey did not go on this trip. He was scheduled to go to Paraguay on a Habitat Global Village trip, which was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Carl, Steve, Cheryl and Jan – Ain’t cruising great!!

Mexico (Cancun) – December 2019

We went to Cancun, Mexico to Villa del Palmar resort with Carey’s sister Carole and her husband Dave, to celebrate Carole’s 70th birthday. LuAnn ( Carey’s other sister) and her friend James, went also. We all had a great time, including swimming with the dolphins and hanging out with the manatees at Dolphin Discovery on Isla Mujeres. We all stayed in a 3-bedroom suite that Carole & Dave owned as a timeshare.