catwalk

Hi,
This is a first time visit to the forums for me, so thanks in advance for any help. We're a couple in our 50s from the UK, planning a trip to the US next March. It's a really exciting time, but I think my plans would benefit from some knowledgeable input. Here is an outline of what we hope to do, and I'd really welcome any comments or advice.

We've visited US for vacations before, but only Walt Disney World where we are members of the Disney Vacation Club. This year our daughter has sadly grown too old to be seen on holiday with her parents, so it's just the two of us. We'll be flying to Orlando and spending a few days relaxing in a lovely Disney property, then stepping into the unknown!
Our idea is to take an Amtrak train from Orlando to Charleston, where we're thinking of spending 2 nights. We think the King Charles Inn looks our cup of tea.
Next, rent a car and drive to Hilton Head, where we can stay in the Disney Vacation Club resort for a few days, using our Disney points to pay for it.
Then, drive to Savannah, where we could stay for 2 nights (no ideas on hotels as yet - all suggestions welcome). Unsure whether to return the rental car on our arrival here, or whether it would be useful during our stay.
Next, take the train back from Savannah to Orlando, have a couple more Disney days relaxing by the pool, then fly back home.

So that's the plan. We have no idea whether Amtrak train journeys are "recommended" but we imagine the train would be less stressful for us than undertaking a long drive. We also wonder if the train stations in Charleston and Savannah are convenient for the downtown or historic areas where I imagine we'll be staying, and whether a taxi would be the best way to get to our hotel. With this itinerary we would only have one full day in both Charleston and Savannah, so would welcome any suggestions as to how to experience the essence of these cities in such a short time.

Thank you so much to anyone who cares to comment.

cd

Train travel in the US is not what it is overseas. We have traveled extensively and never have taken Amtrak. It is expensive and does not run as often as the trains in Europe. I would suggest a car rental when leaving Orlando. Head toward the coast and take a lovely, lovely road trip up to Savannah and Charleston. There are great places to stop. St Augustine area for a day, the old town and Fort are interesting and there are beaches for an overnight stay. Traveling futher north, Jekyll Island, St Simons Island on the way to Savannah are great to explore. After leaving Savannah you're on your way to Hilton Head and good if you want to golf, other than that, it's too big for my taste, but that's me. Then you would be off to Charleston and don't forget to visit Fort Sumter http://www.nps.gov/fosu/index.htm

If you type in the places you want to visit up top under 'search the forums' you will find a wealth of information on places to stay, where to eat, and what to see.

Have a great trip!

cd

I would check out the price of an 'open jaw' flight into Orlando and out of Charleston.

catwalk

Thanks cd, those are really useful suggestions.
I hadn't realised that train travel wasn't viewed the same way as it is in Europe, though I did wonder why the trains were so infrequent. It's a pity there don't seem to be any direct flights from Orlando to Charleston, only because I don't drive myself so my husband would have all the driving himself if we made it a road trip. Still, with interesting places to stop off at, I guess we could go at our own pace.
I will definitely look into your ideas Thanks.

abcdk

The Charleston train station is nasty and is in a scary part of town. There are plans to update the station and add light rail service to downtown, but that is years, if not decades away. Hopefully this improvement will occur sooner than later, but that will not help you on your trip. It is a 6-7 hour drive (with short stops) to Orlando from Charleston, down I-95. If you stop and sight see (islands are 30 minutes to an hour off the highway to the beach communities), allow for more time. If the exchange rate is still good for you, you may wish to bring an extra empty suitcase for the shopping to be had at the outlet mall on I-95 in St. Augustine! The hotel you have picked out in Charleston is fine, convenient to everything. As a local, I have never stayed there and cannot vouch for the rooms or service, but the location is good.

Southwest Airlines announced this week that they are coming (adding service)to Charleston...perhaps they can help you with your Orlando-Charleston leg?

ira

Hi cat,

Taking the train in the US is not at all like what it is in Europe. It is expensive, slow and not well maintained. The stations are well outside the city.

Flying the Orlando/Savannah or Orlando/Charleston routes is also rather expensive (see www.kayak.com).

www.maps.google.com says that the O/S drive is under 5 hours along Interstate 95.

I think that your best bet is to drive. You will need the car between Savannah and Chaarleston anyway.

You can visit St. Augustine (old Spanish city),Fernandina Beach, Cumberland Island National Park near St. Mary's city, Jekyll Island, St Simons Island, Sapelo Island (old African-American settlement), and Darien on the way up to Savannah.

Can you arrange to fly into Orlando and out of Savannah, Charleston or Columbia? It will save you the trip back to Orlando.

Enjoy your visit.

Brian_in_Charlotte

I agree. Rent car in Orlando and just do the drive. Will be much better than the train. And I'm guessing rentals in Orlando will be cheaper.

Giovanna

We were in Charleston last September and stayed at the King Charles Inn and loved it! Well located, wonderful staff, and very comfortable room. Here are some websites for Charleston:

http://tinyurl.com/2fd34md

http://tinyurl.com/2czae88

http://tinyurl.com/243xpkz

http://tinyurl.com/2akkf9s


I agree with the other posters about train travel.

We did a trip several years ago to Savannah and St. Augustine, both wonderful cities. I have a file I kept on Savannah that I compiled when planning the trip. If you'd like a copy e-mail me at [email protected]

Gretchen

Agree with all that is said about train travel in the US. Sad but true. And it will be HOURS and HOURS longer than what they 'say" it will be.
So, do you really want to do Orlando again? Fly to Charleston or Savannah and start there, renting a car, which you will most certainly want to have.

catwalk

Hi everyone,
Just logged in this morning and it's great to see so many replies, so a big thank you to you all. It's also great that everyone is of the same opinion re train travel - even if it wasn't what I wanted to hear, I'm now convinced that it's not the way to go.
We're going to have to get some maps and have a big re-think, but that will be fun too. I particularly like the suggestion about the shopping,abcdk!
giovanna, I'm going to email you for your file - that sounds really useful.
ira, thanks for the ideas of where to stop and sight-see en route. It's so good to have personal recommendations.
Thanks to all of you for so many valuable suggestions. Will let you know how we get on with our plans. I may well have a few more questions!

cd

You're welcome catwalk.