Travel Documents

• Travel documents: All Belgian nationals* (children and babies included) must be in possession of an international e-passport (biometric) containing min. 2 blank pages, valid at day of entry and during the entire stay. Connections recommends to let common sense prevail and to build in some slack in terms of validity. Often unforeseen circumstances (weather factors, volcanoes, and threats all kinds) are the cause of a mandatory postponed return date. A credit card is required upon check-in at the hotels and also when renting a car.Please keep this in mind. We strongly recommend you to print out the Esta- or Eta permit and to have it on you while you travel to avoid problems.

• All passengers who travel to and /or via the U.S. must apply for an electronic travel authorization at least 72 hours prior to departure. The ESTA ($ 40) procedure must be requested via the official website link https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and paid by a personal credit card only.

• Travellers who have visited Cuba since 12 January 2021 or who wish to travel to Cuba prior to a visit to the United States are not eligible for ESTA and must apply for a US visa at a US Consulate before travelling to the US.

• Travellers with a non-Belgian nationality and / or travellers travelling on a foreign passport are invited to spontaneously report this matter to the Connections travel consultant and shall contact their respective embassy (s) or Consulate (ate) to obtain the latest updates concerning all current travel requirements and documents. They must apply for an electronic travel authorization at least 72 hours prior to departure via the official website link https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and pay by a personal credit card only.

Insurances

Have a safe and carefree trip: travel fully insured with our Protections travel insurance! Our Protections insurance policies offer various formulas in order to offer you the widest possible cover (with even a fly-on-time, natural catastrophes and epidemics) for both single journeys or for the entire year. We guarantee you the best protection at the best price.

Tailored travel

The tours in our brochures are just a few examples of travel itineraries possible. Our trips can be tailored to suit your specific needs. If you want to book a specific destination or combine it with a mini-tour then we will gladly make you a tailor-made offer. For a personalised day-by-day program please contact our destination experts.

Would you like to travel in a group; with your entire family, friends or colleagues? (min. 10 people required). Put our know-how to the test and send us your details and wishes. We will gladly turn the blueprints of your trip into a detailed quote and a lasting memory for you to cherish. Contact our Connections’ Group Service by e-mail at groups@connections.be or by telephone on +32 (0)2/550 01 65. We would love to hear from you.

Health

No mandatory vaccinations. To verify the latest updates on health requirements, please surf to https://www.itg.be.
Medical interventions and costs can soon become outrageous in the U.S.A. Reflect before leaving and subscribe a decent travel insurance. Our protections All-in Premier insurance was especially designed specifically for travel to the U.S.A. and provides ample cover for all major calamities (fly-on-time and natural disasters included)!

Time zones

The United States span 4 time zones:

• Eastern (- 6 h)

• Central (- 7 h)

• Mountain (- 8 h)

• Pacific (- 9 h)

Payments methods

A personal credit card is required upon check-in at the hotels and also when renting a car. The most convenient method of payment is by credit card but cash euros and dollars in small amount come in handy. Inform yourself timely, as from January 15, 2015 your Visa and/or MasterCard credit card (and possibly other types of credit cards) has automatically been set to "not for use in the US, for US car rental agencies and during cruises under the American flag".

You must then apply for a release of your credit card. This may be done prior to your arrival in the U.S. (in your bank branch or via the telephone number listed on the back of your credit card or by means of a special form available for PC banking) as well as after arrival in the US (through a withdrawal at an ATM. Please note, in this case there will be a transaction fee charged to your account). The same applies to the Maestro function in your bank card.

Please request a price quote for a personalized quotation.
The mentioned as from price is per person sharing based on double occupancy.

• Low season from € 2759 p.p.

• High season from € 3639 p.p.

What's included?

• 18 nights in STANDARD hotels

• Your digital roadbook (day-by-day program)

Not included

• Your international flight and car rental

• Optional excursions, tips, meals and drinks and personal expenses

East Coast USA Attractions

The East Coast of the United States is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. In New York City, you can visit the Statue of Liberty, stroll through Central Park, or admire the skyline from the Empire State Building. Philadelphia offers a rich historical experience with the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. In Washington DC, discover impressive monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and of course the White House. Charleston and Savannah charm with their historic districts and beautiful antebellum architecture, while Miami Beach surprises with its colorful Art Deco district. On your East Coast tour, you’ll experience the perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Florida & New York Tour

A tour combining Florida and New York offers the best of two contrasting worlds on the American East Coast. Begin your adventure in the bustling metropolis of New York, where iconic sights, world-renowned museums, and unmatched energy await. After exploring the Big Apple, travel south to sunny Florida, with tropical beaches, fascinating wildlife, and entertainment for the whole family. In Orlando, immerse yourself in the magical world of theme parks, while Miami welcomes you with its vibrant art scene, cultural diversity, and beautiful beaches. This combination provides a perfect balance between urban excitement and relaxed beach life, ideal for travelers looking to experience the East Coast’s versatility.

East Coast Road Trip with Rental Car

A road trip along the American East Coast offers ultimate freedom to explore this diverse region at your own pace. With a rental car, easily travel from bustling New York through historic Philadelphia and Washington DC to the idyllic beaches of the Outer Banks in North Carolina. The East Coast roads are well-maintained and clearly signposted, making driving comfortable even for European drivers. Along the way, you can spontaneously stop at hidden gems you might otherwise miss: charming coastal towns, local seafood restaurants, or breathtaking viewpoints. A rental car also gives you the flexibility to adjust your itinerary, stay longer in places you enjoy, or take detours to natural areas outside major cities.

Visiting Washington DC

Washington DC is an essential stop on your East Coast USA tour. As the political and cultural heart of the United States, the capital offers an impressive collection of monuments, museums, and historic sites. The National Mall is the city’s beating heart, home to the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Capitol Building. Nearly all Smithsonian museums are free to visit, including the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History. Stroll through the charming neighborhoods of Georgetown and Dupont Circle, soak up the international atmosphere, and discover why this city is much more than a political hub. The compact city layout and excellent public transport system make all the highlights easily accessible.

Excursions Along Your East Coast Tour

During your East Coast tour, various excursions enrich your experience with unique local perspectives and unforgettable adventures. In New York, take a boat tour around Manhattan for spectacular skyline views or a food tour through Brooklyn for a culinary journey. Explore Washington DC on an evening tour of illuminated monuments or a bike tour of the historic downtown. In the Outer Banks of North Carolina, dolphin tours and lighthouse visits are popular, while in Charleston, you can choose a historic plantation tour or a ghost tour through the old city. Near Miami, an airboat excursion in the Everglades is a must to spot alligators in their natural habitat. These diverse excursions provide in-depth insights into the East Coast’s rich culture, history, and nature.

Best Time to Visit the East Coast

The ideal time for an East Coast USA tour is during spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). During these seasons, enjoy pleasant temperatures between 15–25°C, fewer tourists, and often lower prices. Spring transforms the East Coast with colorful blossoms, while autumn brings spectacular red and golden foliage in areas such as the Blue Ridge Mountains. Summer (June–August) is popular but brings high temperatures and humidity, especially in southern states like Florida. Winters can be cold in the north, with snow in New York and Washington DC, while the south enjoys mild temperatures. Keep in mind the hurricane season (June–November) for coastal areas in the southeast. This seasonal variation allows you to perfectly tailor your tour to your preferred climate and activities.

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