With so many flights between the UK and the US, and so many connections between the cities Stateside, why should clients stick to just one destination?
Twin-centre holidays are double the fun and add real value to a well-earned break, offering a variety of experiences, landscapes and vibes.
So the next time a client comes through the door with a single US destination in mind, suggest they consider a twin-centre break. Be ready with details on how easy it is to travel between the two destinations, and you’re halfway to making a sale.
Here are 10 of the tastiest options to get their pulses racing.
Charleston and Savannah
Along with New Orleans, these are the grandest old cities of the American South. A walking tour of Charleston’s cobbled streets takes in atmospheric mansions, churches, museums and gardens, many dating back to pre-civil war times.
South across the Georgia border, the city of Savannah is another gem and the location for the 1997 film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Depending on your clients’ schedule, they might also want to take in the Atlantic beaches and islands of the Georgia and South Carolina coasts.
Las Vegas and southern Utah
Chances are your clients are familiar with the 24/7 appeal of Las Vegas. They might know, too, that the city can be used as a base to tour the Grand Canyon by car, bus or helicopter.
However, few will realise that the dramatic red, rock canyons of southern Utah – Zion, Canyonlands and Arches, which provided the backdrop to the new Danny Boyle movie 127 Hours – are just hours away by car. When it comes to contrasts, you can’t beat a few days spent touring the dramatic Utah landscape before heading back to the glittering lights of Las Vegas.
San Francisco and Los Angeles
This is a classic US twin-centre. Clients relish the sunny California vibe and celebrity spotting of LA before heading north for the laid-back charms of San Francisco, or vice versa. Whichever city they choose to start in, getting between the two is half the fun.
Your clients will love cruising the stunning Pacific Coast Highway, especially if they’re at the wheel of a stylish convertible. Popular stopping-off points include Big Sur, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, Pismo Beach and Santa Barbara.
Las Vegas and Miami
This is a more offbeat option, but one that combines two great US cities, both of which are on most clients’ to-do lists. They can party in Vegas before flying east to Miami to unwind on the Atlantic beaches – and then party some more. The Vegas/Miami combination is proving popular for weddings too: tie the knot in Nevada then honeymoon on South Beach. What’s not to love?
Seattle and Olympic Peninsula
This dynamic Washington state duo combines laid-back hip with green getaway. Seattle is known for its coffee-shop society as well as its markets, galleries and music scene. North of the city, the Olympic Peninsula is only a couple of hours away by ferry and/or car.
The Olympic National Park is an ecological marvel packed with lakes, waterfalls, rivers and rainforest, all bounded by the sparkling Pacific. The park, and the nearby town of Forks, has also become a magnet for fans of the Twilight books and movies, parts of which were shot here.
Philadelphia and Gettysburg
Culture and nightlife meet heritage and history in these two destinations. Despite its proximity to New York, Philadelphia is a major art and entertainment centre – and a more affordable one than the Big Apple.
From Philly, clients can drive west through Pennsylvania, by way of Amish Country, to Gettysburg, scene of the climactic battle in the American civil war. A new visitor centre and engaging local guides put the battle into context and bring the fighting to life.
Nashville and Memphis
Each of Tennessee’s two main cities have played a huge part in musical history. Memphis, in the state’s southwest corner, is the home of blues, gospel and rock ’n’ roll music, the city that gave a start to B B King, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.
Nearby Graceland is a highlight of every visitor’s itinerary. A three-hour, 200-mile drive north, Nashville is the undisputed headquarters of country music, home of the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame, not to mention a scale-model of the Parthenon.
Miami and Orlando
The opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has thrown the spotlight on Orlando of late, extending the appeal of central Florida’s capital of fun.
While Orlando appeals to the young, and young at heart, Miami draws a more sophisticated, cosmopolitan crowd. Try pitching this to families whose teenagers are at that in-between age.
Boston and New Haven
One has Harvard, the other has Yale. Both are historic, walkable New England cities with excellent shopping, food and cultural attractions.
Boston is a big city with distinct neighbourhoods, while New Haven, famous for its pizza, is more compact. Together they are the perfect combination for architecture, culture and food lovers and they’re only a two-hour train ride apart.
New York and Toronto
Amtrak’s international Maple Leaf service connects these two stylish metropolitan centres for the best of contemporary US and Canada.
From the bustling Big Apple, the train glides through the scenic Hudson Valley, New York’s wine country, and the dramatic gorges of the Finger Lakes region, passing close to Niagara Falls before arriving in Canada’s hippest city.
Sample product
Complete North America has a seven-night Seattle and Olympic National Park package in May for £1,099, including flights, car rental, three nights’ accommodation in Seattle and four in Olympic National Park. completenorthamerica.com, 0845 263 7100
Hayes & Jarvis offers an eight-night San Francisco and LA package for £849, including four nights’ room-only in both cities, as well as flights. hayesandjarvis.com/agents, 0871 200 2211
