The new edition in Dorling Kindersley's Where to Go When series of full-colour hardback books is dedicated to North, Central, South America, and the Caribbean.

The picture gallery offers an exclusive insight in the beautiful collection of photographs available in the guide

Each picture is matched to abridged extracts from the book below, listing 12 recommended destinations by month, to keep you busy for a year of travels.

There's hundreds more ideas contained in the book, all highlighting the best time of year to visit places across the two continents.

Multimedia

• A year of pictures from the Americas

Related Internet Links

• More ideas in North America

Eight new ideas for Latin America

The best new tours and hotels for Latin lovers in a continent of unbeatable variety. Selected by Martin Symington

• Venezuela's magic mountain

Related Internet Links

• More ideas in Latin America

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• Eight new ideas for Latin America

• Six of the best US holidays

Multimedia

• A year of pictures from the Americas

Consultant Editor Craig Doyle asks in a foreword: “Do you think that because you have been to a country once, there’s no need to go back?” His team of travel experts revisited popular and unfamiliar destinations to offer over 350 holiday ideas month by month.

To enjoy Easter Islands after the summer crowds, not to miss the festival period in Mexico or to spot caribou, moose and grizzly in Alaska, when you go is as important as where you go.

With six themes for each month, the guide is organised to suit the most versatile travel inspirations: Festivals and Culture, Unforgettable Journeys, Natural Wonders, Luxury and Romance, Active Adventures and Family Getaways. You will find there the perfect romantic getaway in winter, a fun family holiday in July, or an autumn-time adventure.

At the back of the book is a list of the festivals from January to December and an atlas of the Americas. You will also find practical travel information, answering the essential health and medical issues, personal security, passport and visas questions as well as special tips about the ethical aspects of a travel.

The Americas: Where to Go When is published by Dorling Kindersley, priced £25

THE BEST OF AMERICAS MONTH BY MONTH: EXCLUSIVE EXTRACTS FROM THE BOOK

January

Forget the glitzy countdowns and lavish fireworks that dominate most New Year’s celebrations. On New Years Day in Pasadena, California, the streets are literally coming up roses. The Tournament of Roses Parade has grown from a simple display of flower-festooned horse drawn carriages to a theme-driven extravaganza of elaborate floats covered in a riot of botanical beauties that is watched by millions. www.tournamentofroses.com

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