North American Destinations Worth Planning Ahead For
A great trip isn’t just about the destination—it’s about how well you prepare for it. With its blend of tropical beaches, buzzing cities, and wide-open wilderness, North America has something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re craving sun-drenched shores in Mexico, high-energy entertainment in Florida, or rugged outdoor adventure in Canada, planning early ensures you’ll enjoy it to the fullest.
Below, we look at three unforgettable destinations: Los Cabos, Mexico; Tampa, Florida, USA; and Saskatchewan, Canada.
Los Cabos: Sun, Sand, Food, & Sea Adventures
When travelers think of Los Cabos, they picture endless sunshine, desert-meets-ocean landscapes, and a lively scene that blends relaxation with adventure. Booking accommodations early here isn’t just brilliant—it’s essential. Resorts along the corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo fill quickly, especially those offering direct beach access or luxury amenities like private villas.
But the real heart of a Cabo trip lies in the variety of experiences you can fit between those stretches of beach time. On the water, options run from leisurely to thrilling. Snorkeling in the protected reefs of Cabo Pulmo reveals kaleidoscopic marine life, while jet skis, parasailing, and stand-up paddleboarding along Medano Beach bring a rush of adrenaline. Sunset cruises on the Pacific—whether on a catamaran or a private yacht—remain one of the most iconic ways to take in Cabo’s rugged coastline and the famous Arch at Land’s End.
Just inland, the desert offers an entirely different type of adventure. Travelers can swap swimsuits for helmets and climb into ATVs or side-by-sides for off-road tours that wind through canyons, arroyos, and cactus-lined trails. Camel rides and horseback treks add a slower, more scenic pace, while mountain biking lets active travelers push their limits against the stark desert backdrop. The contrast of riding through desert terrain before heading back to the cool ocean breeze is a uniquely Cabo experience.
And then there’s the food—one of Los Cabos’ strongest calling cards. Beyond casual tacos and ceviche stands, the region has grown into a gastronomic destination. World-class chefs have put Cabo on the map with restaurants blending Baja flavors with global influences, often using farm-to-table and sea-to-table ingredients. Local specialties like chocolate clams, smoked marlin, and grilled lobster showcase the area’s bounty. For a truly memorable evening, visitors can book a private chef dinner in Pedregal, where curated menus paired with Mexican wines or artisanal mezcal elevate the experience into something extraordinary.
Planning one marquee activity—that private dining experience, a glass-bottom boat ride to the Arch, or an off-road desert safari—creates a focal point for the trip. With the essentials secured, travelers can let spontaneity fill the rest of the days, confident that their Los Cabos getaway will deliver relaxation and adventure in equal measure.
Tampa, Florida: Sports, Shows, & City Energy
For travelers craving a faster pace, Tampa delivers with a mix of sports, nightlife, and waterfront fun. The city’s heartbeat is its venues—like Amalie Arena (now Benchmark International Arena)—where concerts, hockey games, and big-name events happen year-round. Hotels near the arena book up quickly, particularly during playoff season or when major performers roll through town, so early reservations are necessary.
If you want to be close to the best location for walking around and seeing shows, you must book your hotel or other place to stay early. Find great places to stay near Amalie Arena (now called the Benchmark International Arena), so you’re only a short distance from the concert, sports event, or other exciting activity.
Whether it’s a show by your favorite music band at the arena or something else you’ve wanted to do, get the tickets sooner rather than later. Doing so ensures you get a good seat to enjoy the performers in full view and will have time to find the perfect outfit. You can then start listening to their music or seeing something for the singer to autograph.
Entertainment here is about more than just the big stage. Tampa’s food scene is eclectic, blending Cuban heritage with modern culinary creativity. From grabbing a Cuban sandwich in Ybor City to dining at a chef-driven restaurant on the Riverwalk, food is as much a part of the itinerary as the shows themselves.
While being spontaneous during a trip is excellent, and you’ll likely do that too, having a must-visit location gives you something specific to look forward to and reduces the stress of the unknown. You’ll know with certainty that you will soon enjoy the activity you’ve booked.
Pro tip: plan at least one highlight event—a concert, game, or even a festival—so you have something exciting to anticipate. The rest of your time can be spent exploring neighborhoods, sipping cocktails at rooftop bars, or strolling the bayfront.
Saskatchewan, Canada: Wide-Open Wilderness and Local Flavor
Another North American Travel Destination is Saskatchewan. Canada offers a different escape for those who want to swap beaches and arenas for fresh air and quiet. Known as “the land of living skies,” it’s a destination where sunsets seem endless and the stars feel close enough to touch. Travelers who book early can secure cabins or lodges near provincial parks, which are ideal bases for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Unlike Los Cabos or Tampa, Saskatchewan’s appeal isn’t built on fast-paced activity—it’s about slowing down. A “must-do” here might be a canoe trip on a pristine lake, attending a local rodeo, or visiting a cultural festival in one of the prairie towns. And while fine dining may not be the draw, you’ll find hearty meals, craft breweries, and farm-to-table experiences that speak to the region’s agricultural roots.
Going somewhere new is fun, and getting a sense of community, from meeting new people to trying all kinds of food, is a great way to do this. From street foods to fancy restaurants, there is likely a lot of variety where you go on your next trip. Try various dishes and rank them by which ones are your favorite. Compare your list to the person you’re traveling with and see how your tastes compare.
The food here tells a story: bison burgers, wild berry jams, or fresh pickerel straight from the lakes. Sampling these dishes gives visitors a sense of place as memorable as the scenery.
Plan North America travel destinations
North America is a continent of contrasts: Cabo’s waves, Tampa’s arenas, Saskatchewan’s skies. Each destination rewards travelers who plan early—whether snagging the best resort, securing tickets to a can’t-miss event, or booking that remote cabin before it’s gone.
Wherever you choose, the common thread is this: lock in the essentials now, so when you arrive, you can truly relax, explore, and make the most of your getaway.
Photo Credits: Bekir Dönmez; Jon Champaigne; Brunello Z.
