Planning first trip to United States. Need advice on:
1. Best area to stay
2. Daily budget
3. Safety concerns
4. Online vs in person?
5. Duration - thinking 12 days
Tips appreciated.
United States 5-day itinerary — my recommendations
Started by ScottishSteve · 14 Mar 2026 · 972 views
Posts: 1,879
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: Glasgow, UK
14 Mar 2026 at 04:30
0
Posts: 1,882
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: Philadelphia, PA
16 Mar 2026 at 02:02
Good info. I'd add that the afternoon is the best time to go.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Philadelphia, PA
0
Posts: 1,855
Rep: 0
Joined: Jan 2026
Location: Newcastle, UK
16 Mar 2026 at 18:15
Just booked my flights after reading this. Thanks for the motivation!
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Newcastle Nick
0
Posts: 1,905
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: Manchester, UK
17 Mar 2026 at 21:39
Adding to this thread with my own experience from February:
Things are much the same as always since my last visit in 2023.
Biggest change: More competition means better service.
Still a great destination. One of my top 3 worldwide.
Things are much the same as always since my last visit in 2023.
Biggest change: More competition means better service.
Still a great destination. One of my top 3 worldwide.
0
Posts: 1,951
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: Seattle, WA
18 Mar 2026 at 16:12
Not sure I agree about the area recommendation. I found downtown to be better.
0
Posts: 1,890
Rep: 0
Joined: Jan 2026
Location: Las Vegas, NV
18 Mar 2026 at 18:32
How's the food there compared to Colombia?
0
Posts: 1,832
Rep: 0
Joined: Mar 2026
Location: Edmonton, Canada
18 Mar 2026 at 19:42
What was your total spend for the trip, roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Northern Lights
0
Posts: 1,865
Rep: 0
Joined: Jan 2026
Location: Birmingham, UK
19 Mar 2026 at 21:39
Interesting report but I think you may have overpaid. Next time try negotiating.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
0
Posts: 1,839
Rep: 0
Joined: Mar 2026
Location: Edinburgh, UK
21 Mar 2026 at 10:27
Been going there for years and this is accurate. The scene has shifted a bit recently.
0
Posts: 1,924
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: Austin, TX
22 Mar 2026 at 02:03
I was there in February and can add some detail:
Prices: Slightly higher than reported. I spent about $150/day on the hobby side.
Girls: International mix. Quality was excellent.
My favorite spot was the freelancer area near the hotels.
One tip: Late night you get the best deals.
Prices: Slightly higher than reported. I spent about $150/day on the hobby side.
Girls: International mix. Quality was excellent.
My favorite spot was the freelancer area near the hotels.
One tip: Late night you get the best deals.
Austin Alex — Austin, TX
0
Posts: 1,833
Rep: 0
Joined: Mar 2026
Location: New York, NY
23 Mar 2026 at 06:44
What was your total spend for the trip, roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Berlin Bound
0
Posts: 1,877
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: Dublin, Ireland
24 Mar 2026 at 22:46
Can confirm. Was there 2 weeks ago and everything you said checks out.
Dublin, Ireland | 34 countries visited
0
Posts: 1,924
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: Austin, TX
25 Mar 2026 at 10:51
Great report! Quick question — how was the wifi at your hotel?
Austin Alex — Austin, TX
0
Posts: 1,876
Rep: 0
Joined: Mar 2026
Location: Halifax, Canada
25 Mar 2026 at 18:10
Just booked my flights after reading this. Thanks for the motivation!
0
Posts: 1,915
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: Houston, TX
25 Mar 2026 at 22:31
What was your total spend for the trip, roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
Texas Heat — Houston, TX
0
Posts: 1,861
Rep: 0
Joined: Mar 2026
Location: Calgary, Canada
25 Mar 2026 at 22:46
I had a bad experience there last year. Maybe I went at the wrong time?
Calgary Kevin — Calgary, Canada
0
Posts: 1,924
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: Austin, TX
26 Mar 2026 at 12:48
What was your total spend for the trip, roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
Austin Alex — Austin, TX
0
Posts: 1,915
Rep: 0
Joined: Mar 2026
Location: Ottawa, Canada
26 Mar 2026 at 14:00
Great report, thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience when I was there last month.
Ottawa, Canada | 18 countries visited
0
Posts: 1,848
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: Sydney, Australia
26 Mar 2026 at 14:15
Nice report. I'm heading there next month and this is exactly the intel I needed.
Ozzie Travels — Sydney, Australia
0
Posts: 1,926
Rep: 0
Joined: Feb 2026
Location: Liverpool, UK
26 Mar 2026 at 14:27
What was your total spend for the trip, roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Liverpool, UK
0