Orlando to Portland train

Orlando is the Theme Park Capital of the World, thanks to the high density of thrilling parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, Gatorland and more. It's no wonder we rated Orlando the #1 travel destination for families. Family vacation or not, if the highlight of your trip is picking out a wand at Ollivanders in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or finally meeting Elsa in the Magic Kingdom, you know we won't judge.

Winter Park and Thornton Park – not more theme parks, we promise – are trendy neighborhoods where you can experience some of Orlando's world-class shopping, dining, and craft beer. You can also immerse yourself in some of Florida's unique wildlife at Orlando Wetlands Park, or the more central Lake Eola Park downtown. Orlando enjoys an average of 233 days of sunshine a year, so even though it's one of the cheapest cities to visit over Spring Break, you'll soak up that sweet, sweet sun almost any time of year.

Craving the ocean? Head a few hours outside Orlando for some of Florida's gorgeous beaches like New Smyrna Beach, Cocoa Beach, and the Canaveral National Seashore. Two large airports, as well as many bus and train companies with service in the area, mean that traveling from Orlando to other sunny Florida destinations and beyond is a breeze.

Portland is Maine's largest city and, because of that, the main transportation hub in the state. From Portland, travelers can easily reach destinations such as Boston, Albany, and even Gainesville, Texas, by a combination of buses, trains, and ferries. And there’s plenty to do in the city, even if you’re traveling solo.

Since its foundation in 1786, Portland has recovered from no less than four major fires, creating a fascinating blend of old and new. The dedicated Arts District around upper Congress Street has a smattering of important museum collections, including the Portland Museum of Art, the state's oldest public art institution.

The West End hosts the majority of Portland's historic buildings, creating an olde worlde feel. However, the presence of several well-regarded schools and colleges ensures Portland remains one of the most vibrant small cities in the U.S.

After several years of hardship, the Old Port district has once again become the center of the action. Its attractive cobblestone streets and 19th-century red-brick warehouses now contain a selection of on-trend cafes, bars, and boutique stores. At the same time, it's still possible to watch the time-honored tradition of fishermen unloading their lobster pots onto the foreshore.

East of the downtown area, you'll find Munjoy Hill. It's a district with strong Irish and Italian roots, making it one of the best places in Portland to enjoy the authentic cuisine of Italy. It’s no wonder we named Portland one of our top vacation destinations in Maine.