New England: Exploring the Birthplace of America

The most southern of the New England states, Connecticut is easily accessible from both New York and Boston and offers a charming New England feel with a cosmopolitan style. From rafting down the Farmington River and kayaking through the Thimble Islands to following the Connecticut Wine Trail and enjoying coastal cuisine, Connecticut provides endless options for unforgettable holidays.

Nearly as big as the rest of the New England states put together, Maine is known for its long coastline, rocky islands and majestic mountains. Outdoor types love the hiking and biking, and in winter, skiing and boarding. Year-round, there is great shopping, the freshest seafood and fine museums.

The start of the American Revolution, the founding of American literature, the first college, even the invention of email 40 years ago; they all happened in Massachusetts. But the Bay State is more than heritage. There are hundreds of kilometers of coastline with beautiful beaches, the Berkshire Hills in the west, charming small towns, and some of America’s best living history museums – plus the sophistication of Boston.

With towering Mount Washington (1,917 meters) and the grandeur of the White Mountains (48 peaks over 1,220 meters), the Granite State could be pigeonholed under the mountains category. But there are also hundreds and hundreds of lakes, most famously vast Winnipesaukee, one of America's largest. Add in historic and lively Portsmouth, the sandy seacoast and tax-free shopping, and New Hampshire really does offer something for everyone!

Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the U.S., but ‘Little Rhody’ proves the saying that the best things come in small packages. Visitors return time and again to enjoy peaceful coastlines and countryside, as well as some of the USA’s best-preserved heritage and finest dining, and Newport, with its grand mansions.