UPDATE: Thursday, March 28 at 12:40 p.m. ET
Welcome to TravelPulse's inaugural March Travel Madness Bracket: The Ultimate Journey Tourney. Pick your winners in the Americas and Caribbean region now through March 31 to see which destinations advance to the Elite Eight!
Both of the favorites in the Americas and Caribbean region, number one overall seed New York City and second-seeded Mexico advanced to the Sweet 16 but are joined by a pair of underdogs in sixth-seeded Hawaii and number 13 Machu Picchu.
The Big Apple, which will battle Peru's iconic ancient ruins in the Sweet 16, earned 93 percent of the vote to defeat Disney/Orlando in round two while Mexico narrowly escaped number 10 Costa Rica to earn a matchup with Hawaii. The Aloha State topped third-seeded Jamaica to reach the Sweet 16.
Don't forget to vote on the other regions of The Ultimate Journey Tourney Bracket, including Europe, Africa and the Middle East and Asia, Australia, Antarctica and Oceania.
UPDATE: Monday, March 25 at 1:45 p.m. ET
Welcome to TravelPulse's inaugural March Travel Madness Bracket: The Ultimate Journey Tourney. Pick your winners in the Americas and Caribbean region now through March 27 to see which destinations advance to the Sweet 16!
The number one overall seed New York City narrowly escaped an upset bid by the Dominican Republic in the opening round and advances to take on another lucky survivor in Disney/Orlando in the second round.
Meanwhile, Hawaii and Jamaica were much more convincing in round one, each earning more than 80 percent of the vote to reach the Round of 32. However, only one can keep marching as the two are matched up for a spot in the Sweet 16.
The other two matchups in the Americas and Caribbean region will pit a pair of favorites against two Cinderellas as fifth-seeded Las Vegas goes up against number 13 Machu Picchu (defeated 4th-seeded Canada) and second-seeded Mexico battles number 10 Costa Rica (defeated 7th-seeded Bahamas).
Don't forget to vote on the other regions of The Ultimate Journey Tourney Bracket, including Europe, Africa and the Middle East and Asia, Australia, Antarctica and Oceania.
Will New York City fend off stiff competition from Mexico, Jamaica and other coveted destinations to emerge from the loaded Americas and Caribbean region?
Will a dark horse like Cuba or New Orleans make a surprise run?
Do travelers prefer big cities or beautiful beaches?
These questions and a whole lot more will be answered this spring as travelers vote on the top destinations in the Americas and Caribbean during the inaugural March Travel Madness: The Ultimate Journey Tourney Bracket.
First-round voting ends on March 24. Don't forget to vote on the other regions of The Ultimate Journey Tourney Bracket, including Europe, Africa and the Middle East and Asia, Australia, Antarctica and Oceania.
Here's how the Americas and Caribbean region lines up:
1) NYC vs. 16) Dominican Republic
A heavy favorite to win it all, New York City enters 2019's bracket as the number one overall seed and will kick off March Travel Madness against the Dominican Republic, a Caribbean underdog with a ton to offer, including stellar all-inclusive resorts.
2) Mexico vs. 15) Saint Lucia
Mexico continues to climb the rankings in terms of the world's most visited destinations as it offers travelers luxe all-inclusive resorts, stunning beaches, rich culture and more at a phenomenal value. Number 15 Saint Lucia also boasts something to suit every passion and projects to be a worthy adversary.
3) Jamaica vs. 14) Chicago
Jamaica is the top representative from the Caribbean and will put its awe-inspiring natural wonders, beaches and resorts up against Chicago's iconic sights and attractions in what promises to be a tight first-round battle.
4) Canada vs. 13) Machu Picchu
The United States' friendly neighbor to the north takes on Peru's iconic Machu Picchu.
5) Las Vegas vs. 12) Los Angeles
Two beloved American cities renowned for their entertainment offerings and star power will go head to head in the opening round when fifth-seeded Las Vegas takes on number 12 Los Angeles. Will the Entertainment Capital of the World prevail or is La La Land poised to pull the upset?
6) Hawaii vs. 11) New Orleans
Hawaii and New Orleans are both considered bucket-list destinations for many travelers but there can only be one winner when they match up in the opening round as the 6 seed and 11 seed, respectively.
7) Bahamas vs. 10) Costa Rica
A popular cruise destination for many, the Bahamas will be the 7 seed in the Americas and Caribbean region and will match up with often underrated Costa Rica, a nature lover's paradise.
8) Disney/Orlando vs. 9) Cuba
In the 8 versus 9 matchup, the Happiest Place on Earth will face off against one of the region's emerging destinations in Cuba. The winner of this showdown will move on to a potential matchup with New York City.
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