Albuquerque , General info:
7/10

Albuquerque is the county seat of "Bernalillo County" and is situated in the central part of the state, straddling the Rio Grande. It's metropolitan area includes the city of Rio Rancho, one of the fastest growing cities in the United States.

Albuquerque , Cheap stuff:
8/10

Pretty cheap...

Excellent bargains in Native arts and jewellery

Albuquerque , Different stuff:
8/10

Tricklock Company (Albuquerque's international touring theatre company)

Albuquerque Biological Park (environmental museum located at 903 Tenth Street SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico in the historical neighborhood called Barelas) - which has a butterfly pavilion.

Galleries!

New Mexican Food

Albuquerque , Don't miss:
8/10

You must see Bank of Albuquerque Tower, it is the tallest building in Albuquerque,as for the night life: Downtown Distillery, O-PM, Raw, Sauce,...

Old Town

Amazing surrounding wildernesses

State Fair in September

Albuquerque , Food:
9/10

The Ranchers Club is an experience in dining that no visitor to the Land of Enchantment should miss. The only authentic grill in New Mexico that prepares the food on a Gridiron over a variety of aromatic wood embers such as Mesquite, Hickory, Sassafras and Appl

Green chile - anywhere with a Spanish restaurant name

Slate street Cafe

Lots of Vietnamese food including a bakery on Louisiana

Albuquerque , Hotels:
5/10

Quality Inn, Marriott, La Quinta Inn, Sheraton Uptown, Hotel Blue, Albuquerque Hotel

Try Casa de Suenos for something different

Albuquerque , Safety:
5/10

Be careful after dark if you are going to be on Central or anywhere south of Central. Some areas have gang activity. It's easy to get lost in, and carry a high risk of car-jacking. Make sure that if you are downtown that you stay in well-lit areas, and don't wander off alone

Portland , General info:
9/10

Portland is a city located near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is Oregon's most populous city, and the third most populous city in the Pacific Northwest, after Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia. Approximately two million people live in Portland metropolitan area, the 23rd most populous in the United States as of July 2006.

Portland , Cheap stuff:
10/10

Most things are pretty affordable in Portland! Apartments are pretty cheap for a city, public transit is very cheap and dining out is just as affordable!

Portland , Different stuff:
10/10

Portland's climate is ideal for growing roses, and for more than a century Portland has been known as "The City of Roses," with many rose gardens – most prominently the International Rose Test Garden.

Portland , Don't miss:
10/10

Pedalpalooza, an annual month long bike centered festival involving many group bike rides, including some like the burrito ride or the midnight mystery ride. POWELLS BOOKS is the LARGEST book store in north america. Yup, thats right the biggest one! Its in downtown on Burnside st. Set aside a few hours, if you come with friends make a meeting place cause this multi-floor 'city of books' is amazing for all! Queer folk come to Portland as there is a thriving queer community and really its a great place for people of all walks of life to come find a community of some kind.

Portland , Food:
10/10

During most months of spring summer and fall there is plentiful berry and fruits to be picked on Sauvie Island a short drive or healthy bike ride from downtown. Take your basket and go out to pick (and eat) as many blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, peaches, plums etc as you can. Also, Portland has famously delicious micro-brewed beer. Check out the Portland based brewery/restaurant/theatre spots of McMenimans. Youll find them around the city and nestled in historic buildings and old saloons. Most offer great food and delicious beers while a few of McMenimans even offer a heated pool, movies and live music. But really, any bar will have a local brew, just ask whats on tap. Portland is also voted the country's most "Vegan Friendly Town". Most restaurants have vegan and certainly vegetarian options in this town.

Portland , Hotels:
8/10

Check out the Jupiter Hotel for a wild take on hospitality, its adjoining restaurant the Doug Fir has fabulous food day and night, a fully stocked bar and great live music in the evening. Downtown offers many of the same hotels found in most cities around the country and world.

Portland , Safety:
9/10

Portland is a city, like any other but people are generally quite friendly and crime is not quite that high. Downtown is safe and the east side of town is mostly neighborhood based shopping areas, with no threat of crime apparent at all. This town is also BIKE FRIENDLY. But please be advised that helmets and proper front and back lights are suggested to make this safe. Bike lanes can be found all around the city and you can make it from one end of town to the other in just over an hour.