23 days in New York City, Orlando & Port Canaveral Itinerary

Writer Pearl Buck once called New York City “a place apart,” and this giant urban center remains unlike any other in the world.

Attractions like The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Ellis Island make great kid-friendly stops. We've included these beaches for you: Jones Beach State Park and Ponquogue Beach. Venture out of the city with trips to Fire Island National Seashore (in Patchogue) and Bronx Zoo (in Bronx). And it doesn't end there: take in the pleasant sights at Central Park, explore the world behind art at Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, take in the views from Brooklyn Bridge, and examine the collection at Museum of Chinese in America.

To see maps, photos, and tourist information, read New York City trip itinerary maker website.

Melbourne, Australia to New York City is an approximately 27-hour flight. Traveling from Melbourne to New York City, you'll gain 15 hours due to the time zone difference. Expect much colder weather when traveling from Melbourne in December: highs in New York City hover around 10°C, while lows dip to 2°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sat) so you can travel to Orlando.

For most people, any mention of Orlando immediately conjures up images of sprawling theme parks filled with characters plucked right out of popular animated movies.

Kids will appreciate attractions like Walt Disney World Resort and Stetson Mansion. Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art and Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Orlando: Ormond Beach (Andy Romano Beachfront Park & Ormond Beach), Modernism Museum Shoppe (in Mount Dora) and Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens (in Port Orange). Have a day of magic on the 30th (Sun) at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Next up on the itinerary: discover the magic at Happily Ever After Fireworks, revel in the low prices at Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, stop by World of Chocolate Museum and Cafe, and browse the different shops at The Florida Mall.

For where to stay, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, use the Orlando route builder website.

Fly from New York City to Orlando in 6 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive; or take a bus. Traveling from New York City in December, expect Orlando to be much warmer, temps between 29°C and 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Fri) early enough to drive to Port Canaveral.

Visiting Walton Rocks Beach and Walton Rocks Beach/ Dog Park will get you outdoors. Appreciate the collections at NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and American Space Museum & Space Walk of Fame. Change things up with these side-trips from Port Canaveral: Grant Antique Mall (in Grant-Valkaria), Black Point Wildlife Drive (in Merritt Island) and A Day Away Kayak Tours (in Titusville).

To find where to stay, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Port Canaveral trip site.

Traveling by car from Orlando to Port Canaveral takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive. In January, daily temperatures in Port Canaveral can reach 24°C, while at night they dip to 14°C. On the 11th (Fri), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.