Planning first trip to Cali. Need advice on:
1. Best area to stay
2. Daily budget
3. Safety concerns
4. Online vs in person?
5. Duration - thinking 5 days
Tips appreciated.
Cali first timer tips
Started by PhillyFred · 28 Feb 2026 · 1917 views
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28 Feb 2026 at 08:36
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Philadelphia, PA
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1 Mar 2026 at 04:18
Just booked my flights! Thanks for the motivation.
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Location: Montreal, Canada
1 Mar 2026 at 12:57
Good info. I'd add that going during the week is much better — less crowded, better prices.
Montreal Max — Montreal, Canada
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2 Mar 2026 at 12:26
100% agree. The value is hard to beat.
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Location: Melbourne, Australia
4 Mar 2026 at 05:04
I'd also recommend downloading Grab before you go. Essential.
Melbourne, Australia | 23 countries visited
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5 Mar 2026 at 14:38
How does it compare to Czech Republic?
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6 Mar 2026 at 03:58
Did you use dating apps or find girls at bars?
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Phoenix, AZ
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Location: Seattle, WA
7 Mar 2026 at 02:53
How long did it take to feel comfortable and find the good spots?
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Location: Auckland, NZ
7 Mar 2026 at 19:07
Spot on with the prices. That matches what I paid in February.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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8 Mar 2026 at 15:33
Nice report. Heading there next month — exactly the intel I needed.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Phoenix, AZ
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Location: Washington, DC
10 Mar 2026 at 01:23
This matches my experience. Cali is underrated.
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Location: Ottawa, Canada
11 Mar 2026 at 17:56
Saving this thread for my trip planning. Gold mine of information.
Ottawa, Canada | 18 countries visited
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Location: Vancouver, Canada
13 Mar 2026 at 17:14
I was there in March and prices were great value.
Spent about $145/day all-in. Quality was above average.
My tip: go early evening for best selection.
Spent about $145/day all-in. Quality was above average.
My tip: go early evening for best selection.
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15 Mar 2026 at 07:28
Great report, thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience there last month.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Berlin Bound
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17 Mar 2026 at 03:42
Interesting take but I think you overpaid. Try using a different site next time.
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Location: Orlando, FL
17 Mar 2026 at 13:09
Did you feel safe walking around at night?
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Location: Seattle, WA
18 Mar 2026 at 06:02
I'd rate it similarly. Solid 8/10 destination.
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Location: Newcastle, UK
18 Mar 2026 at 20:44
I was there in January and prices were great value.
Spent about $66/day all-in. Quality was above average.
My tip: go early evening for best selection.
Spent about $66/day all-in. Quality was above average.
My tip: go early evening for best selection.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Newcastle Nick
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Location: New York, NY
20 Mar 2026 at 11:49
I was there in February and prices were exactly as described.
Spent about $109/day all-in. Quality was above average.
My tip: the late night crowd is different.
Spent about $109/day all-in. Quality was above average.
My tip: the late night crowd is different.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Berlin Bound
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Location: Leeds, UK
21 Mar 2026 at 17:21
Great report, thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience there last month.
Yorkshire Lad — Leeds, UK
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