Stretching from below the Tropic of Cancer to above the Arctic Circle, the United States is a country defined by open spaces and an amazing breadth of terrain. From sparse deserts to lush forests and snow-capped peaks to rolling fields of grain, the American landscape sprouts new views in every region.

Culturally as well as geographically, America is a nation of contrasts. The United States is formed by disunited peoples; centuries of immigration have created a country that cannot be said to value diversity so much as it is comprised by it. This diversity is reflected in every aspect of the American experience-from Cajun cuisine to the Harlem Renaissance, experiencing America involves experiencing the intermingling of different visions. To the north, Canada's cultural makeup reflects a similar confluence of immigrant cultures.

While transportation options throughout the United States and Canada are plentiful, the most rewarding way to see the countries is still by car. Whether driving cross-country or simply over the river and through the woods, the road trip is the definitive American travel institution.