The great American experience is about so many things: bluegrass and beaches, snow-covered peaks and redwood forests, restaurant-loving cities and big open skies. Why I Love USA By Mark Johanson, Writer From the soaring skyscrapers of Chicago to the adobe pueblos of New Mexico and the antebellum plantations of the Carolinas, the country of my birth defies easy description.

Flanked by megacities New York City and Chicago, landscaped with dune-backed beaches, smoky mountains and gator swamps, and steeped in musical roots, the East rolls out a sweet trip.

Canada is more than its hulking-mountain, craggy-coast good looks: it also cooks extraordinary meals, rocks cool culture and unfurls wild, moose-spotting road trips.

Mount spectacular summits and feel ocean breezes. Tantalize your taste buds with succulent seafood and sweet maple syrup. Relish history and high culture. Why I Love New England By Mara Vorhees, Writer For a place that is steeped in history, New England is ever moving forward.