New York and California: Road trip dreams and national wonders

Ready to explore the urban jungle? Start your trip through the city early in the morning at the famous Brooklyn Bridge. There's something magical about the view of Manhattan in the light of the rising sun. Want some breakfast? Try the bagel creations at Ess-a-Bagel! And when you're good and full, drift through Manhattan – literally! Hop aboard the free ferry to Staten Island, which will bring you to the city's most famous landmark, Lady Liberty. It's truly an incredible feeling to stand right in front of the iconic US symbol of freedom, inspiration and hope. From the ferry, you'll also have a fantastic view of the New York skyline – a sea of skyscrapers shimmering in the sun. And when you're back on land, you can visit another must-see: the 9/11 Memorial (optional, payable on site), which commemorates the terror attack of 11 September 2001. At Ground Zero, where the Twin Towers once stood, there are now two fountains that make the grounds of the old World Trade Center clearly visible. After your solemn visit, Greenwich Village makes perhaps the best place to end the afternoon. When you arrive, you'll find it teeming with lovely boutiques, vintage shops and cosy cafés.

A visit to a diner is an absolute must! Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Ellen's Stardust Diner. Not only do they serve pancakes here, but the waiters and waitresses bring the Broadway vibes right to your table. And speaking of Broadway: it's just around the corner! With a bit of luck, you might bump into your favourite star here – in NYC, literally anything is possible! Fancy a musical? Then be sure to check the ticket office to see if there are any tickets left. There are often last-minute deals that can get you a great bargain! But wait – a trip to NYC without visiting Central Park? No way! This green oasis in the middle of the city is the perfect spot to escape the chaos for a while. Grab a coffee to go, chill out on a park bench and watch New York life in its natural habitat. Then it's back to the hustle and bustle of Midtown Manhattan, where between iconic skyscrapers, like the Empire State Building and Flatiron Building, you'll find countless food trucks offering everything from New York hot dogs to fancy street food – perfect for topping off the day with an epic snack!

That tingling in your stomach – that's the feeling of dreams finally coming true. Today, the road trip you've been waiting for finally begins! So, you hop on the plane and find yourself in Los Angeles before you know it. As you step onto the tarmac, the warm Californian sun shines on your face, and you're beaming right back at it – time to hit the road! Your hire car is waiting for you at the airport, and just a few minutes later, you're on the highway, cruising along as Los Angeles shrinks in your rear-view. Your destination? Palm Springs or Palm Desert in the Sonora Desert! With 350 days of sunshine a year, it's not without reason that Palm Springs is popular with so many Hollywood stars. Chill by the pool and soak up the Hollywood vibes yourself or explore the funky desert modernism designs. The retro architecture here bears the signature of renowned architects and is the hallmark of the desert city.