Travelling in the Americas: Plan your American Dream!

Has travelling the American continent and visiting some of the most iconic destinations ever been on your bucket list? If so, you've come to the right place! We'll help you plan your trip every step of the way to make sure you have the best experience possible. Always accompanied by the best travel insurance, Just in Case.

Travelling in the Americas: destinations, climate and documents required

What's the climate like in the American continent? The Americas are a vast and diverse continent. As a result, the climate varies greatly depending on where you're going and the time of year.

In the north, Canada and Alaska have temperate to arctic climates, with mild summers and harsh, snowy winters. In the south, the countries of Central and South America have mostly tropical climates, with high temperatures and distinct dry and wet seasons. In the Caribbean, the climate is typically tropical, with warm temperatures throughout the year.

The climatic diversity is even more pronounced in mountainous areas and tropical forests, ranging from cool mountainous landscapes to equatorial forests. 

What documents do I need to travel to the Americas?  

A passport is required for all destinations in the Americas and must be valid for a significant period beyond your intended date of return. In addition to a passport, visa requirements vary depending on the country you're visiting.

For example, to travel to the United States, Portuguese citizens usually need to obtain travel authorisation through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) programme. For Canada, a tourist visa is usually required.

For Central and South American countries, visa requirements may vary. We recommend that you consult the official website of the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for up-to-date and accurate information on specific entry requirements for each country in the Americas, which can be found here.

Planning your itinerary in the Americas 

The first step is to decide which countries you want to visit. Once you've decided which countries you want to visit and how close they are to each other, you'll need to: 

1. Work out when you'll be travelling, how long you'll be there and how much you're prepared to spend on average. Remember that prices tend to rise during the high season.
2. Make a list of the activities, restaurants, events and attractions you want to visit and categorise them by proximity, priority and opening hours. This will help you plan your days.
3. Plan activities for the days you have available. This ensures you leave lighter days for rest, unforeseen events and more flexible plans if an attraction catches your eye.
4. Book flights, accommodation and attractions in advance and always on official websites to avoid scams. If you're planning a road trip, make sure you hire a car in advance.
5. Use our  personalised checklist to make sure you don't forget anything.

Culture and Security in the Americas

This continent offers an unparalleled wealth of cultural traditions rooted in centuries of history and ethnic diversity. Each country and region has its own unique cultural identity. From the iconic Carnival celebrations in Brazil to the rich indigenous heritage preserved in the Andean regions, culture in the Americas is truly captivating.

Some countries in the Americas have well-established healthcare systems and developed tourism infrastructures. However, this can vary from country to country. In the United States of America, for example, you can be charged a very high price for something as simple as a stomach ache. This is why it is so important to travel with good travel insurance. 

As with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and follow local guidelines.
In busy urban areas, it's a good idea to take the usual precautions. For example, avoid displaying valuables, stay in well-lit areas at night and be aware of your surroundings. 

Just in Case Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential if you want to travel safely and with peace of mind. You can count on us to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Just in Case travel insurance includes medical expenses, trip extension, travel assistance, travel counselling, lounge access and a host of extras if you wish. We'll be by your side throughout your American adventure, Just in Case.