Ottawa , General info:
9/10

Nestled on the banks of the majestic Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau Rivers, Ottawa is one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. A thriving international technology and business centre and world class tourism and convention destination, Ottawa is also rich in culture and heritage with its many national institutions, parklands, waterways and historic architecture. It is home to a large number of foreign embassies and is a recognized centre for both academics and professional training. The city offers an open and welcoming environment to cultures from around the world, providing service in English, French, and a host of other languages.

Ottawa , Different stuff:
9/10

Ottawa is great city to explore on foot. With pedestrian friendly streets and the density of attractions, a car is expensive and unnecessary for the most part. An excellent place to start any tour of Ottawa is the Capital Infocentre, located directly opposite Parliament Hill on Wellington Street. They have maps and brochures for most tourist attractions in Ottawa, many of which are within walking distance.

Ottawa , Don't miss:
7/10

The Ottawa Bluesfest, an annual outdoor music festival that takes place each July in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. While ostensibly focused on blues, the festival has increasingly showcased mainstream pop and rock acts in recent years.

Ottawa , Food:
8/10

Ethnic foods from around the world are available at a wide variety of restaurants and street vendors throughout the city. The Byward Market area has a wide selection of different cuisines; the Chinatown area is along Somerset Ave. between Bronson Ave. and Preston St; Little Italy runs along the length of Preston Street, from Carling Avenue to Albert Street. Also try the tasty beaver tail, a doughy, deep-fried pastry associated with Ottawa, although a number of places claim to have created it. It's available in sweet and savory versions, topped with cinnamon, sugar, icing sugar, etc. In the winter, many places will offer it on the canal. During the summer, the only place downtown to offer it is in the Byward Market on George St. There is a variety of toppings and the taste of the beaver tail arguably stands out more with the classic sugar & cinnamon.

Ottawa , Hotels:
10/10

Within Ottawa and the National Capital Region, there is an abundance of hotels, offering a wide-range in choice in both style and price-range. The city is home to world-class luxury hotels with a long history and tradition of accommodating dignitaries, celebrities and sports figures alike. Yet at the same time, the city is able to offer top rated lodging to the more budget conscious traveller. The Bed and Breakfast industry is alive and well in the Ottawa area. For those travellers accustomed to a more personalized setting, there is an equally wide range of choices, with a number of Bed and Breakfasts options available.

Ottawa , Safety:
9/10

Ottawa is a very safe place to live and visit, so if you use common sense it is at least as safe as any other city. There are many tourists in the city, especially in summer months, and there are very few incidents of robbery or assault.

A note about marijuana, a decision by the Ontario Supreme Court in 2007 has rendered possession of less than 30 grams legal within the province.

Phoenix , General info:
10/10

Phoenix is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Arizona and the county seat of Maricopa County, as well as being the largest state capital in the United States by population. It is the largest city in the American Southwest and the Mountain Time Zone, and is the region's primary government, cultural, economic, and transportation center. Phoenix is located along the banks of the now normally dry Salt River.

Phoenix has an arid climate, and its average annual maximum temperature is the highest of any major US city. The temperature reaches or exceeds 100°F (38°C) on an average of 89 days during the year, including most days from early June through early September.

The Phoenix airport, called Sky Harbor International Airport, is the sixth busiest airport in the country.

Phoenix , Cheap stuff:
10/10

Cost of living in Arizona is cheaper than in other major U.S. cities but that the salaries are lower

Phoenix , Different stuff:
9/10

The main Heard Museum is located on Central Avenue in Phoenix. The Heard has grown in size and stature to where now it is recognized internationally for the quality of its collections, its educational programming and its festivals. The current collection of the Heard Museum consists of over 40,000 items and it has over 130,000 square feet (12,000 m²) of gallery, classroom and performance space.

Phoenix , Don't miss:
9/10

The Phoenix Zoo, opened in 1962, is the largest non-profit zoo in the United States. The zoo operates on 125 acres of land in the Papago Park area of Phoenix. The zoo has approximately 1,200 animals on display, 2.5 miles (4.0 km) of walking trails, and other attractions.

Also don't miss to see a saguaro cactus .

Phoenix , Food:
9/10

There are thousands of restaurants in the Phoenix, Arizona area and choosing the perfect one can sometimes be difficult task. Like all other mayor cities in the U.S. Phoenix has it all, from American Traditional, to Chineese, European Mexican and Latin food.

Phoenix , Hotels:
10/10

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, Ritz Carlton Phoenix, Royal Palms Hotel And Spa, Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa... And for those who like going out of town, The Phoenician, Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa, Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa.