57 days in United States, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean & Europe Itinerary

More than the country of car-packed streets seen in TV shows and movies, the United States of America is a complex and diverse home to over 300 million people living in a wide range of landscapes and climates. From its big-city skyscrapers to its sprawling natural parks, the country's ''melting pot'' combines many ethnic groups that share a strong sense of national identity despite their cultural differences. A country of road trips and big blue skies, the United States harbors orderly cities filled with restaurants, parks, museums, and innumerable sightseeing opportunities, as well as pristine natural areas perfect for a holiday in the great outdoors. To see as much as you can of this diverse land quickly, drive over some of the more than 6 million km (4 million mi) of highways leading through deserts, mountain peaks, fertile fields, and giant urban centers.

Tailor-made for anyone seeking that traditional sun-and-sand experience, Mexico vacations allow visitors to explore nearly 10,000 km (6,200 mi) of picturesque coastlines. Idyllic beaches and favorable year-round weather aside, this diverse country with a rich pre-Colombian history allows tourists a chance to discover a fascinating cuisine, numerous archaeological sites, state-of-the-art museums, colonial-era haciendas, and outstanding examples of 21st-century architecture. Most visitors get to know the country by its cities, but if you want a well-rounded Mexico tour, spend some time exploring its jungles, cloud forests, Caribbean reefs, snowcapped volcanoes, vast deserts, and tranquil lagoons. Life is lived outdoors in Mexico, so wherever you go, don't forget to dine alfresco and stroll the country's colonial streets.

Belize boasts a long coastline along the Caribbean Sea and serves as one of the world's top destinations for snorkeling and scuba diving. In a country providing a home for many different ethnic communities, a holiday in Belize ensures visitors experience a blend of cultures sharing a small land endowed with grand natural beauty. As you tour Belize, you'll see dense broadleaf forests sheltering a staggering variety of birds, ancient Maya ruins providing a palpable history lesson, and tiny coastal villages making up in hospitality what they lack in tourist infrastructure. Still relatively unexplored by foreigners, the country offers travelers a chance to experience pristine scenery free of big crowds and pushy souvenir vendors.

Offering a chance to discover a rich history, remarkable landscapes, and a vibrant culture, a holiday in Guatemala remains a great choice for a wide range of travelers. The heart of the Maya civilization, Guatemala boasts stunning ancient ruins and traditional villages that blend with the Spanish heritage of the colonial-era and its stately cathedrals and town halls. While the cities boast splendid architecture and cultural heritage, they make up a small percentage of the mountainous Guatemalan landscape. Adventurous travelers and nature lovers will have plenty of things to do in Guatemala, from boating on the rushing rivers and scenic lakes, to exploring caves, picturesque beaches, and lush national parks.

Sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, friendly Dominican Republic offers two distinct coastlines, one bathed by the Caribbean Sea and the other by the Atlantic Ocean. Nearly 1,600 km (1,000 mi) of palm-shaded beaches figure highly on most Dominican Republic itineraries, allowing visitors to design their vacation around a range of water-based activities. The sun-kissed country benefits from pleasant temperatures throughout the year, so it's no surprise that holidays in Dominican Republic remain a popular choice for visitors from distant and colder corners of the world. A big producer of coffee, cocoa, rum, sugarcane, and tobacco, the country provides a vibrant cultural experience in multicultural cities and quaint countryside.

The culture of Haiti has always been the reason for people to visit, and it will be the reason people visit in larger and larger numbers as the nation heals from the devastating effects of the 2010 earthquake. The interesting tale of colonialism, revolution, and political struggle has left Haiti with a wealth of historical sites and cultural influences. Sightseeing in Haiti offers perspectives on the many stages in the country's history, with colonial forts standing in ruins and monuments memorializing the revolution. The music, the art, the folklore, and the cuisine of Haiti all deserve to be explored in person.

Known for its old-fashioned charm, Denmark often is referenced as a fairy-tale setting by visitors and locals alike. With quaint cobblestone streets leading the way to art galleries, museums, and historical sights, plus a modern and easily accessible public transportation system, Denmark seamlessly blends its rich history with modern advancements. Be inspired by the works of local legends, including the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen, the symphonies of Carli Nielsen, and the astronomy work of Tycho Brahe, then play a bit at amusement parks like Legoland. Visitors often find themselves developing "hygge," the untranslatable Danish trait that encapsulates a sense of coziness and contentment, which is thought to have a great deal of influence on Denmark's standing as one of the happiest nations on the planet.