Chicago , General info:
7/10

Two airports -Midway or OHare (ORD).OHare is major airport; both convenient to downtown (called The Loop)

Chicago , Different stuff:
6/10

flee market - great fun!

Chicago , Don't miss:
5/10

sambucca

Chicago , Food:
9/10

Food in Chicago is excellent! There is so much variety. There are many places for steak (Carmine's, Wildfire). There is also great Italian (Sappori Trattoria). Many ethnic restaurants if you want tasty affordable alternatives. My advice - go to a BYOB with a bottle or two of wine and you'll save.

Chicago , Hotels:
7/10

Hotels along Michigan Avenue are fun yet expensive. For a cheaper place in a great location, try Congress Plaza hotel.

Chicago , Safety:
6/10

OK for the most part. Just plan out your route in advance. Take cabs, buses, or trains.

Houston , General info:
9/10

Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States of America and the largest city within the state of Texas. Houston is the seat of Harris County and an economic center of the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area—the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. with a population of around 5.6 million.

Houston was founded on August 30, 1836 by brothers Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby Allen on land near the banks of Buffalo Bayou.

Houston , Cheap stuff:
9/10

Pico's Mex-Mex Restaurant, 100% Taquito, Collina's Italian Cafe, ...

Houston , Different stuff:
9/10

Dynamic Downtown, Architecture & Public Art, Shop Nonstop, Urban Green Spaces, ...

Houston , Don't miss:
9/10

Earth Day celebrations, Art Car Parade, NASA, Menil Museum, Astros

Houston , Food:
9/10

Paulie's, Lankford Grocery & Market, Prince's-Houston's Hometown Burger,

King Biscuit Patio Cafe

Houston , Hotels:
9/10

Howard Johnson Express Inn, Hotel Zaza, Crowne Plaza, Four Points By Sheraton Houston Southwest, Hyatt Regency Houston,...

Houston , Safety:
9/10

Like any large city in the world, Houston has its share of unsavory characters. If you use common sense, you'll enjoy your trip and have no problems.