Travel: Underrated destinations of the US East Coast
If you're looking forward to a return to truly epic travel experiences, you may have already spent time pondering where to go next. Perhaps, like many people, you are no longer interested in weekend-long minibreaks to Europe and would rather have a more substantial travel experience. A recent report in the Washington Post highlighted how more of us are eschewing shorter trips and instead opting for long haul travel experiences, in which we can truly soak up a destination and go at a more leisurely pace.
If you count yourself among the ranks of 'slow travel' aficionados, you might be on the lookout for a stunning destination to explore in 2022 or beyond. One such option is the US East Coast. As a spate of brand new flights from BA make this diverse and fascinating region more accessible than ever to people from Exeter (who can now reach several top airports via a transfer at Belfast), now could be the time to book.
If you're new to the region and are looking for some travel inspiration, read on to find out the must-visit hotspots of the US East Coast.
New York City, New York
Where else to start but the Big Apple? One of the most visited cities in the world, New York is your perfect introduction to the United States.
The city is home to hundreds of iconic museums, including the MoMA, the Guggenheim, and the Museum of Natural History, so, purchase an official NYC CityPASS if you want to visit them at cut-price rates. While this city of 8 million people has countless things to do, the best part of the New York experience is often just walking the storied streets and soaking up the atmosphere of this exciting megapolis.
Portland, Maine
While many people associate this region of the US with concrete, dense urban sprawl, there is a more idyllic and rural pace of life that is not to be missed. No east coast itinerary is complete with a trip to the beautiful and scenic coastal regions of New England, and the bucolic enclave of Portland, Maine, is the ideal base for exploring. The best way to see this stunning region is by boat, and there is no better way to sail than via the Portland Schooner Co., the only company in America that allows you to sail on a real 18th-century boat that is on the US Register of Historic Places.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Forget Las Vegas and instead enjoy a little bit of East Coast excess in glitzy Atlantic City. Plenty of people will say that this gambling hub, which has been a party destination since the Prohibition Era, is past its best. However, the city has undergone a renaissance in recent years and is now emerging once more as America's premier nightlife destination.
Should you partake in the wealth of gambling on offer at the palatial casino resorts, keep in mind that gaming is different here than in Las Vegas. For one, as explained by the blackjack experts at Betway online casino, Atlantic City has its own version of the game. In Atlantic City blackjack, there are eight decks of cards in play and the player has the option to surrender their hand, should they wish to cut their losses. Do your research if you want to boost your chances of success at the gilded gaming tables of Atlantic City.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
For a more relaxed tail-end to your East Coast Odyssey, a few days soaking up the sun in gorgeous Cape Cod is just what the doctor ordered. The weather here happens to be some of the best you can find in this part of the world, with Cape Cod often being spared the intense heatwaves and summer thunderstorms of nearby regions.
Vineyards abound in this region, as do sprawling sand dunes and country lanes that are perfect for long bike rides. If you're a keen golfer, this is the place for you. Cape Cod has recently become known as the 'Golf Coast', owing to the immense number of top-tier golf courses and resorts that dot the area. Even if you don't have a five-star budget, you'll find world-class golfing experiences that don't break the bank.
If you're planning on embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the US East Coast at some point in the future, these are the destinations that you simply cannot miss.
