What to do with the kids: Enjoy the beaches! In particular, the beach at Lummus park is clean, nice and safe for kids. For other recommendations, check-out those recommendations.

Where to sleep: Where employees have a big heart for kids: www.theshepleyhotel.com.

Where to eat:  FL Café offers great mediterranean-like food, A la folie crêpes and european style food. For ice cream go to gelateria 4D (for instance at Lincoln Road).If you want to cook for your family then go to Whole Food Markets. 

Getting around: There are metrobuses, a metrorail and even a metromover, a 4.4-mile electrically-powered, fully automated people mover system, which connects with Metrorail at Government Center and Brickell stations and with Metrobus at various locations throughout downtown.  The Miami-Dade Transit Tracker app is the best tool helping you to plan your trip. The busses don't drive very frequently, so have a look at the schedules. 

Shopping at Miami Beach: Forgot your hat at home (as we did)? No problem. Lincoln Road has everything.

Getting there: With Swiss from Zurich to Miami. 

Song for the city: Welcome to Miami, Will Smith (1997).

What to do with the kids: In Palm Beach you have the Beach. That's it. For West Palm Beach check those recommendations. There is a superbe Florida State Park, the John D. McArthur Beach State Park. The park is a unique mixture of coastal and tropical hammock and mangrove forest. This barrier island provides a heaven for several rare or endangered native tropical and coastal plant species. The park's nature center explains to the visitors why the park is a biological treasure. Visitors can swim, picnic and surf at the beach; snorkeling is also a popular activity. Birdwatchers can see herons, brown pelicans, terns, sandpipers and gulls. Anglers can fish in the lagoon by wading or kayaking. Additionally, visitors can fish from non-swimming areas of the beach. It is one of the finest parks we have visited in Florida. In order to get to the Park entrance, take a cab or an Uber. The park entrance is 5 US $. If you are not into nature: there is a fun place to play bowling with kids.

Where to sleep: Where employees have a big heart for kids: The Bradley Park Hotel.

Where to eat: If you want to cook for your family, go to Whole Food Markets, less expensive is Publix. You will find a good coffee and Swedish treats at Johan Joe.

Getting around: In West Palm Beach you will find several Trolley Lines.

Shopping: Around City Place (at Rosemary Avenue) you'll find major brands and shops. 

Getting there: From Miami Airport we took the Tri Rail / South Florida Regional Trail to West Palm Beach Station. The ride takes about 1.5 hours and costs around $ 7 for adults and children above 4 years.

Song for the city: When I am sixty-four, The Beatles (1967)

What to do with the kids: Well, it's Disney...

Where to sleep: It really doesn’t matter. Most hotels around Disney are expensive and modern combined with a lack of individuality. We wouldn't recommend our hotel as it was not a great experience for the money we paid.

Where to eat: Disney springs, a mixture between theme park and foodcourt, offers a (rather expensive) variety of restaurants and fast food options. 

Getting around: Most hotels offer shuttlebusses to Disneyland.  

Getting there: Take the Amtrak train from West Palm Beach to Kissimmee. The ride takes around 3 hours and goes through an outstanding landscape. From Kissimmee take an Uber or a taxi to your hotel.

Song for Disneyland: Let it go (from the Movie "Frozen").

What to do with the kids: There are many nice parks and a great playground. The depot park playground is one of the most modern playgrounds I've ever been to. My kids loved to play with the water, the train and all the other stuff there.

Where to sleep: We slept at the wonderful BnB the Sweetwater Branch Inn. This BnB is located in historic downtown Gainesville and forms a part of a Victorian complex that offers all the amenities you would expect in a world-class inn and much more. The Sweetwater Branch Inn is graciously decorated and surrounded by a magnificent garden. You have a choice between tastefully decorated rooms and fully equipped cottages ideal for extended stays. Breakfast is rich, tasty and freshly made.

Where to eat: We had superb Sushi at Dragonfly Sushi and Sake Company and great coffee at Wyatt's Coffee. 

Getting around:  If you want to see the spring state parks you'll definitely need a private transportation (either Uber or your proper car). The city of Gainesville is small and everything is more or less within walking distance. They also have a bus system.

Shopping: Next to the Dragonfly there is a good record store.  

Getting there: There is actually no good public transportation (except for greyhound) to Gainesville. And even if you take a Greyhound you'll miss all the important sights. So we rented a car. First, we went from our Disney hotel to Citrus Springs (for familiy reasons). From there we continued to Gainesville.

Song for the city: Rise and Fall (Craig David feat. Sting)

What to do with the kids: The Anastacia State Park Clean beaches, blue water a wonderful State Park. Highly recomendable. Not far away there is the St. Augustine Light House and Maritime Museum. It is well worth a visit. They have a nice playground too.

Where to sleep: It was 4th of july. We didn't book in advance. Thus, we only found something at the Best Western Historical Inn. However, it was convenient, clean and quiet.

Where to eat: That was tricky. Book well in advance! We can't really recommend something as our restaurant wasn't very welcoming and the food rather pricey and average. 

Getting around: Within the city you can easily walk. There is also a pedestrian zone at St. George Street.

Shopping: St. George Street hast plenty of shops.

Getting there: We took the car. But there is a Greyhound bus stop at Cordova Street in the north of the city.

Song for St. Augustine: Born in the U.S.A. - Burce Springsteen

What to do with the kids:  The Big Talbot State National Park offers nice and impressive beaches. It is famous for the salt-washed skeletons of live oak and cedar trees that once grew near the shore. 

Day trip 1: The best day trip ever: Cumberland Island. It is Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. On the island you'll find pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches, wild horses and ruins from a rich history. In order to get there, drive (by rental car) to St. Marys (GA), which is the gateway to Cumberland Island. The ferry will leave from the Cumberland Island National Seashore. On the island we did the Southend Loop, a 4.3 miles easy walk (but not recommendable for buggies!). Bare in mind: Take enough water and a picnic. There are no restaurants and no amenities. The wild horses living on the Island are really wild, do not try to approach them. There are also plenty of snakes and insects, so stay on the walking trails and have a look where your kids run. Back from the island we had dinner at the Riverside Cafe in St. Marys.

Day trip 2: Take the car to Jekyll Island. Located on the north end of Jekyll Island, Driftwood beach has some amazing driftwood and trees that are left behind from years of erosion. Bare in mind that there are alligators everywhere. One of them took a nap next to our car - quite scary! Turn back south and go to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. It's the coast's premier marine life rehabilitation, research and education facility.  While visiting the center, you can experience hands-on exhibits, witness sea turtle operations and interactively learn about the conditions of the delicate coastal ecosystem. Our kids loved the sea turtle hospital as well as the sea turtle theater.

Where to sleep: The best place we booked on our whole journey: The Brunswick Manor. To sum it up: astonishing house, beautiful rooms, great breakfast and the most lovely host you can imagine. 

Where to eat: We went twice to the Basil Thai Sushi. Very good spicy food! 

Getting around: We had a rental car otherwise we wouldn‘t have been able to visit the islands nearby. There is no public transportation in Brunswick and people do not really walk from one place to another.

Getting there: From St. Augustine we took the A1A heading to Amelia Island. At Mayport we took the ferry (it takes around 5 min. crossing the water). We stopped at the Big Talbot Island State Park. From there we continued to Fernandia Beach. After a short coffee break we continued via Yulee taking the I-95 (direction Savannah) to Brunswick.

Song for Georgia: Tiggs Da Author - Georgia

What to do with the kids:  There are two cool things to do: The Waterfront Park and the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry. The latter is a huge indoor playground where kids can enjoy different playgrounds and activities.

Where to sleep: We booked a lovely two story brick building three blocks away from the main street (King Street). It is situated at Radcliff street in a diverse and quiet neighbourhood.

Where to eat: For an authentic Asian cuisine with a southern approach go to O-ku on 463 King Street. For fresh food and good coffee go to the Caviar & Banans market on 51th George St.

Getting around: There is a good bus system which takes you everywhere you want. However, a lot of sights are within walking distance. 

Shopping at Charleston: On King Street you'll find a lot of shops.

Getting there: Ok, that was quite of o journey. We brought back our rental car to Jacksonsville airport (FL). From the airport we took the bus to Jacksonsville bus main station (takes around 45min). There we took another bus that brought us to 3570 Clifford Ln, Amtrak Station. Bare in mind: There are no decent restaurants or shops around this area. So be prepared and bring some drink and food. We didn't check before and ended up in Taco Bell and MacDonalds... Around 10pm our train arrived. We did not book pullman coach but normal seats. Warnings: The wagons are air-conditioned, thus it gets cold. Therefore take your warmest clothes and (if possible) a blanket as they are not provided by the train company. The light in the wagon is only dimmed, it never gets really close to darkness. It wasn't the most comfortable train ride but after 9 hours we arrived hungry but safe at Charleston train station. From there you can take an Uber to the city center (around 30min by car).

Song for the city: Like a Hobo - Charlie Winston

What to do with the kids:

• Walk to the White House and to the U.S. Capitol
• Visit the United States Botanical Garden or the National Air and Space Museum (the latter takes the whole day but has a fun section for young scientists!)
• Our favourite museum was the National Museum of the American Indian
• Enjoy some quite time at the U.S. National Arboretum
• Take the bus to Georgetown and stroll down Wisconsin Avenue (good shops) to Washington Harbour (there is a water fountain for kids).
• Visit the National Museum of Natural History
• Stroll through the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden.

Where to sleep: We stayed at the Hyatt Regency. It's a big, clean and well equipped hotel (swimming-pool and gym). The price is reasonable and it is within walking-distance from the train station.

Where to eat: In front of the hotel there is a Starbuck. The best Pizza you will get in &Pizza in Georgetown. We enjoyed good peruvian food at China Chilcano. And the restaurant of the
National Museum of the American Indian was amazing. At the train station there is a good Pain Quotidien.

Getting around: There is an well organised Metro and Bus system. And walking seems also quite normal.

Shopping: Hipsters will find everything at Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown.

Getting there: From Charleston we took the night train to Washington D.C. 

Song for Washington: Billie Eilish - Bad guy

What to do with the kids: We decided to take an Uber to the Strasburg Rail Road. Strasburg Rail Road is America’s oldest operating railroad with a charter dating back to June 9, 1832. They have five working steam locomotives and 20 operating passenger cars. Apart from the (short) train ride there are several playgrounds for the kids, a restaurant and Thomas the train.

Where to sleep: The first night we stayed at the wonderful Leola Meadow View Guest House. This comfortable guesthouse is located on a traditional Mennonite family farm in Leola, Lancaster County, a peaceful and quiet spot in the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside. Actually, it was the first time during our trip that we felt at home. The hosts were very welcoming. The second night we stayed at the Cork Factory Hotel, a design hotel in the middle of Lancaster city. It used to be a cork factory turned into a industrial-styled hotel. The restaurant was quite tasty as well!

Where to eat: The frist night we cooked our dinner at the B&B and the second night we ate at the Cork Factory.

Getting around: You will depend on Uber or you have to rent a car. There are no intercity buses or trains.

Getting there: We took the train from Washington DC to Philadelphia and changed there for the train to Lancaster (Pennsylvania). From Lancaster trainstation we took an Uber to the Leola Meadow View Guest House.

Song for Lancaster:  Trybguet - Patent Ochsner

What to do with the kids:

1. Day: From the appartment we walked to the Independence Visitor Center in order to get some information about the city. The Visitor Center is located in the Independence National Historical Park. The information they provide is very helpful. We saw the liberty bell, the independence hall, walked down to the Delaware river and took the bus back to to the appartment.

2. Day: It was very hot so we spent the day at the Sister Cities Park. The Sister Cities Park adds a picturesque swath of green to the heart of Philadelphia’s notable arts and cultural district. It is a fun and easy-going place for families.

Where to sleep: We had an awesome Airbnb appartment on the corner of Market Street and S 21 Street.

Where to eat:  Near Jefferson Metro Station you'll find the Reading Terminal Market, one of America's largest and oldest public markets. It offers an incredible selection of local food. The Ultimo Coffee next to the Rittenhouse square serves good coffee.

Getting around: There is a functioning public transport system. No need for a car!

Shopping: At Rittenhouse square there is a good Barnes & Noble bookstore.

Getting there: From Lancaster to Philadelphia it took around 1.5 hours with Amtrak.

Song for Philadelphia: Philadelphia - Bruce Springsteen

What to do with the kids: 

1. Day: Take the T-Line to Boylston Street, grab superbe coffee and pastery at the Thinking cup and enjoy a stroll through the Boston Common. In the Frog Pond the kids may play with water or enjoy the Tadpole playground next to the pond. Visit the sacred Cod and its nearby neighbourhood. Wander around the area of the Boston City Hall and enjoy a stop at the Boston Public Market with its children corner and oustanding food court. The nearby Armenian Heritage Park is a fun place for kids.

2. Day: Take the ferry from Rowes Wharf to Spectacle Island. The island was used as a garbage dump. In the mid 1990s the cleanup began and the island turned into a park. At the visitor center you'll get interesting information on the island and the nearby snack bar offers decent food. We made a 2h hike around the island and laid on the beach near to the ferry terminal.

3. Day: Revere Beach is located 5 miles north of Boston. It was the first public beach in the U.S.A. Take the blue T-Line (direction: Wonderland) to Revere Beach. My husband thinks it is the worst beach he's ever been to. I liked it. It's a bit rough, it's definitely not charming, but it felt like a honest place. And the kids liked it anyway.

4. Day: Stroll through the SoWa-District. It's the hipster part of the city. You will find galleries, small businesses, vintage stores and restaurants. It felt like being in Brooklyn or Berlin.

5. Day: Take the red T-Line to Harvard. Near Winthrop Square you'll find good coffee (Peet's Coffee) and several shops. From there it's a short walk to the Harvard University Campus.

6. Day: Take the red T-Line to Davis and have an old school bowling experience at the Sacco's Bowl Haven that includes the Flatbread Somerville, a good restaurant. The flatbreads (pizza-like style) are organic and tasty. The staff was very nice. And the bowling was much fun!

Where to sleep: Book well in advance! Boston is an expensive city. We booked (last minute) an affordable place at Chestnut Hill Avenue in the outskirts of Boston (terminal station of the green T-Line). The neighbourhood was fine; it felt a bit like Bratislava.

Where to eat: There are loads of good places. Thinking cup and Boston Public Market have been metioned above. The South End Buttery, near the SoWa-District, is a good option for great breakfast.

Getting around: I love the T-line! You'll get everywhere with the T-line :-). Or at least almost.

Getting there: From Philadelphia it is a 6 hour ride to Boston with Amtrak (direct). It was comfortable and the landscape was worthwile.

Song for Boston: More than a feeling - Boston 

What to do with the kids: 

Day 1 (afternoon/morning-trip): Head for The High Line in Chelsea. The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets in Manhattan's West Side. The High Line opened in 2009 as a hybrid public space where visitors experience nature, art and design. At 23th street you may go to the Chelsea Watersite park. Get off at Chelsea Market (see: "where to eat") for a good lunch or coffee. Further south, you may head to the Hudson River Park (Pier 51) with a lovely playground.

Day 2 (all-day tirp): Take the New York Water Taxi which runs daily from Wall Street's Pier 11 in Manhattan to Brooklyn's IKEA. In front of IKEA, take a bus to Brooklyn Downtown. We got off near Borough hall and walked up Montague Street to Brooklyn Heights Promenade. It's a nice place to sit and enjoy the view on Manhattan. Continue to the Ample Hills Creamery Fire Boat House for tasty ice-creams and then to the Empire Fulton Ferry Park. There is also a superbe carousel, Jane's Carousel. The carousel was created in 1922 and is a classic 3-row machine with 48 carved horses and two chariots. From there it's a short walk to DUMBO (short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). The area has emerged as one of N.Y. City's premier arts districts, with galleries, shops and hip coffee shops. One of them is the Brooklyn Roasting Company. It's spacious and therefore also a more or less children friendly place. Head back to Manhattan via York Street subway station.

Day 3 (all-day trip): From The South Ferry Station take the ferry to Governor's Island. Rising 70 feet above sea level, the Island offers a superbe view of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. It is an abandoned former military base and now a year-round destination for recreation and culture. It's one of the best spots in New York City to experience some tranquility (better than Central Park, I think). We rented bikes (also family bikes are available) and explored the island. Our kids favourite place was the Hammock Grove, a garden full of hammocks to play around.

There are also other parks: The Central Park for a full day trip or the much smaller, but also lovely Washington Square Park. And the kids loved the Roosevelt Island Tramway which provides an aerial tramway, running every 7-15 minutes from 59the Street and Second Avenue in Manhattan to Tramway Plaza on Roosevelt Island.

Where to sleep: We've slept at A Garden in Chelsea. The apartment is conveniently located in the heart of the Chelsea Historic District. 

Where to eat: On the first day, we had a lovely lunch at Don Giovanni (Italian). At Chelsea Market you'll find a nice bakery and good coffee. N.Y. has a bustling coffee and restaurant scene.

Getting around: The subway is an easy way for getting around. The stations lack of elevators (not all too buggy friendly), some are dirty and in summer by far too hot. But it works and it's pretty fast. The buses are quite good as well but (and this is very different from Europe) you'll have to unfold the buggy. Otherwise they won't take you (because of security reasons). We got used to it.

Getting there: We took the train from Boston Back Bay Station to N.Y. Penn Station. It takes around 3-4hours in modern and comfortable (air conditioned!) trains.

Song for N.Y.:  Empire State of mind (Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys)