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North America

Epos terminals have contributed to “tipping creep” in America.

Tipping in the US is out of control – now everybody wants one

Paying by card for anything in the US now means you’re likely invited – or pressured – to leave a tip. And 10 per cent doesn’t cut it any more.

  • Robert Jackman
Legendary art deco piano bar Bemelmans Bar in The Carlyle in NYC.

Join the party: Eight of the best places to get a drink in New York

With the Knicks breaking records in the NBA Finals and the FIFA World Cup in town, New York is once again in the world’s spotlight. Another thing that deserves a trophy? Its outstanding bars.

  • Fiona Carruthers
Mexico City is one of the world’s great metropolises.

The US is about to get even more attention. Another country deserves it more

Over the next six weeks, you’re going to be hearing about the US a lot, but a hugely underrated destination should be the one we focus on.

  • Ben Groundwater
Wading out into the waters of Waikiki Beach was the only way to dispose of the lei.

Hotel cleaners wouldn’t let me throw something out. I had to resort to drastic measures

Within hours of arriving in Honolulu, I have enough flowers around my neck to open a small florist.

  • Justin Meneguzzi
Amtrak’s NextGen Acela.

The US now has a high-speed train that sets a new standard

Speeds of up to 257.5 km/h, fast Wi-Fi, better seats and improved food than anything before, and it runs from America’s busiest station.

  • Kristie Kellahan
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Et tu, hangover? A bloody caesar, for a brutal hangover.

Canada’s biggest contributor to the world of drinks is this cocktail

It’s an icon of Canada, though controversially it may have been invented by an American

  • Ben Groundwater
Extra Comfort seats make up the first rows of the economy cabin, but it’s no match for four seats to yourself.

I ditched my extra legroom upgrade for a downgrade on this flight

My original spot had an empty seat next to it, but as the last passenger to board, the flight attendant suggests I “go shopping” for an even better seat.

  • Flip Byrnes
The Montage.

I last visited this US ski resort pre-COVID. I barely recognise it now

A new brand of luxury is creeping its way across what used to be one of America’s most laid-back ski locations.

  • Craig Tansley
The foyer from the Park Avenue entrance of the revamped Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York.

Inside legendary New York hotel after a $2.84 billion revamp

The long refurbishment of this legendary property, where New York’s elite come to play, cost almost $3 billion – America’s most expensive.

  • Fiona Carruthers
Elko, a surprising find in Nevada.

The quirky, little-known US town that should be a famous destination

When I was deciding where to stop in Nevada during a long train journey, my only criteria was that I wanted to go somewhere I knew nothing about.

  • Rob McFarland