New York City, New York: The Big Apple

New York City is often the travel destination at the top of everyone’s bucket lists and rightly so. Walk among the high rises, catch a show on Broadway, enjoy shopping on 5th Avenue. Head to world-famous museums, or wander through Central Park where countless movies have been filmed.

First up, you can’t miss the famed Times Square, the lights will dazzle you but it’s a perfect hub to reach most areas of the city. Head to the top of the Empire State Building, or cross the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, check out Wall Street, or get down to the 9/11 Museum.

Discover how the immigrants came to America by perusing Ellis Island or tour the Tenement Museum to see how the first immigrants lived. Home to Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show and several other comedy TV shows. Visit the Upright Citizens Brigade for some up-and-coming comedians who often go on to be big stars. 

To make you feel as though you are out of the city, head over to Brooklyn Grange’s Rooftop Farms where organic produce is grown every year. The Grange also hosts cooking workshops, group dinners, and yoga classes. Another escape from the busy city is taking a walk on the Highline where you can check out some awesome art and see the city from a different level.

New York Penn Station → Washington Union Station | Duration: 3:31 h | Transfers: 0 | Transport: Train

Start your Journey at New York Penn Station and take the train to Washington D.C. Union Station. There are several daily direct trains from New York to Washington. You can choose between a standard seat, a business seat, and a private room with beds. Book Here

Washington, D.C. : Capital Deluxe

The capital of the United States of America is full of historical monuments, government buildings, and plenty of museums to explore. There is plenty to see in this national treasure and not just the hub of politics but also has a wonderful art scene. You will be able to wander through art galleries, enjoy clubs filled with jazz music, and watch great theatre performances.

The Washington Monument is known worldwide and is a great first stop on your DC tour. The monument is in the center with several other commemorative monuments and you can also learn about the US’s history in the National Mall.

If museums and landmarks are on your agenda, take a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol, which has the history, and operations of the government. Georgetown is a great spot for shopping and restaurants. Plus the waterfront gives views of the Potomac River and has plenty of dining establishments that overlook the water.

Washington Union Station → Raleigh Union Station | Duration: 5:43 h | Transfers: 0 | Transport: Train

There are 2 daily trains from Washington D.C. to Raleigh. You can choose between the Carolinian Train and the Silver Star. The Carolinian offers seats only and the Silver Star offers seats and private rooms with beds. The Carlolinian takes 6:14h and the Silver Star is a bit faster and arrives after 5:44 h. Book Here

Raleigh, North Carolina: Smithsonian of the South

Next up on this USA East Coast route is Raleigh, North Carolina’s capital, which is home to free attractions with museums and plenty of green parks to be explored. Understand the joys of southern hospitality, the beauty of downtown, and be enchanted by the food and music that surrounds the city.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences has plenty of permanent exhibitions that show the diverse natural history of North Carolina.  If you want to head out on an outdoorsy adventure, the Neuse River Trail offers scenic views as you head over bridges and a winding boardwalk. Or head on over to Dorothea Dix Park for a great view of the skyline and beautiful fields of sunflowers.

For art enthusiasts, the North Carolina Museum of Art is a great spot to visit. There you can get a guided tour that takes you through its collection of Egyptian, African, European and American art. Take a tour of the Victorian styled Governor’s mansion or enjoy a meal inside the Pharmacy Café. Yes, it’s a café in the back of a pharmacy! Gobble down a chicken biscuit, which is said to be one of the best in the county. Thirsty? Enjoy a pint or two at Raleigh’s Beer Garden, which offers 400 different kinds of beer every day.

Raleigh Union Station → Charleston Amtrak Station | Duration: 5:31 h | Transfers: 1 | Transport: Train

There is only one daily train connection from Raleigh to Charleston, South Carolina. First take the train to Wilson and change to the train to Charleston. The train starts at 10:13am and you arrive in Wilson at 11:14am. There you have to wait for 3:33 h for the train to Raleigh. The journey from Wilson to Charleston takes 4:25h.  Book Here

Charleston, South Carolina: Southern Belles

Charleston is a beautiful beach town that has a variety of landscapes to keep every traveller entertained. You can visit the marshes on Shem Creek before you head to the shores of Folly Beach, if you are looking for some delicious southern cuisine you can head to King or George Streets. Charleston is filled with plenty to see and do, perfect for all travelers.

Fort Sumter takes you back in time to the Civil War. Located on the Charleston Harbor, the exhibitions show the first shots of the war and also the fortification. Also located along the harbor is a neighborhood called the Battery. Formerly used at the military battery is now home to civil war age homes and a breath of fresh air from the city.

For some more beautiful walks and picturesque views, Waterfront Park is a must-visit where you can stroll along the 1,250-foot pier that stretches over the harbor. There are plenty of pathways with the ocean a mere stone’s throw away from most places in the city, or if you’re more interested in getting on the water hop on or charter a boat for a sunset tour or a quick fishing trip.

One of the oldest plantations in the South, the Magnolia Plantation houses stunning gardens and grounds to wander around. Magnolia Plantation gained its popularity from its gardens, the oldest public gardens in America, and whether you bring your picnic or soak up its history, it definitely shouldn’t be missed. After having visited your first plantation, delve into the slave history of the area at the last remaining slave mart. Look around this now transformed museum dedicated its heartbreaking history.

Charleston Amtrak Station → Orlando Florida Amtrak Station | Duration: 7:58h | Transfers: 0 | Transport: Train

To travel from Charleston, SC to Orlando, FL you have two options daily. There is one direct train that takes 7:58h and offers standard seats or private rooms with beds. The other connection  takes 14:47h and you have to change in Savannah, GA. The stay in Savannah lasts 7:14h.  Book Here

Orlando, Florida: Fun For Every Age

When you say Orlando, most people will think of Disney World, but there is a lot that Orlando has to offer. You will be able to enjoy performing arts, museums, gardens, nature preserves, and vibrant nightlife. But you should still check out Disney World and Universal Studios for amusement rides and so much more!

Head out onto the Orlando swamps on an airboat tour where you will be able to have the chance to see alligators out in the wild. You may also see bald eagles, ospreys, and wildfowl as you head deep into the swamp marshlands. The Harry P. Leu Botanic Gardens is a great spot to visit to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can wander through the citrus grove and the butterfly garden, or just sit in the sun for some relaxing quiet.

Magic Kingdom is one of the main attractions of Disney World, along with its other counterparts like the Animal Kingdom and Epcot. Have a magical experience as you enjoy an array of rollercoasters, meet characters, and witness amazing firework displays.

Orlando Amtrak Station → Miami Amtrak Station | Duration: 5:35 h | Transfers: 0 | Transport: Train

To travel from Orlando to Miami by train you have two daily direct connections. You can take the Silver Star Train. It starts at 10:20am and takes 7:38h. Or you can take the faster Silver Meteor Train. It starts at 1:04pm and arrives in Miami after 5:35h. A standard seat starts at $39 on both trains. Book Here

Miami, Florida: Sunset Fantasies

Miami is the city of the sun with beach vistas, exciting nightclubs, and an abundance of creativity. There is a diverse population that lives in the city and thus provides diverse activities to be enjoyed. You can explore vibrant art galleries, dive into delectable dishes and dance the night away in a variety of nightclubs.

The Venetian Pool is on the South Beach in Miami and is a great spot for relaxing and swimming. Set within the Coral Gables, the lagoon has waterfalls and caves to add some natural beauty whilst you soak up the sun. The Pérez Art Museum Miami hosts events and exhibits that are diverse from renowned artists.

For a once in a lifetime dining experience, head to Juvia where you will dine with the Miami skyline in the background. Taste wonderful and fresh seafood dishes and you look out through the large floor-to-ceiling windows and see the bountiful Miami.