Trip ideas for 1 week in the United States

Hi there! I’d like to spend a week in the United States with my 19-year-old daughter. It’s her dream to go there, and we’re planning to visit New York in 18 months. For July, we’re looking for a fun week with cultural visits and some shopping, with a budget of 4000 € for two people, including travel. Just a little heads-up—I’m not a big fan of extreme heat! If you have any cool destination ideas or great tips, I’d really appreciate it! Thanks in advance 😊

Hello, I want to go on a one-week trip with my 19-year-old daughter to the United States. It’s her dream to go there, and we’re planning to visit New York in 18 months. For July, we’re looking for a fun week with cultural visits and shopping for a budget of 4000 € for two people, travel included. Just a little note—I’m not a big fan of the heat! If you have any great destination ideas or tips, I’d really appreciate it! 😊

If you don’t like the heat, you should consider the northern part of the country. But where? Chicago? Wyoming? Montana? Alaska? Flight costs will be high. Transportation by vehicle? Hotels? Motels? Camping?

Your question could use a bit more detail.

Hi there, Thanks for your reply! When I say I don’t like the heat, I mean that up to 30°C (86°F) is okay if there’s a little breeze, for example 😊. I’m more thinking of a hotel or motel—I’m not really sure what the differences are—and using public transport, so a city would be better.

My daughter would love Miami (I’ll have to brace myself for the heat!) But where should we stay in Miami? We have a budget of around 1000-1200 € for the hotel for the week of July 24 to August 1, 2025. What is there to do in Miami? Thanks

My daughter would really love Miami (I’ll have to make an effort with the heat!) But where to stay in Miami? We have a budget of around 1000-1200 € for the hotel for the week of July 24 to August 1, 2025. What is there to do in Miami? Thanks

Oh yeah, it’s gonna be hot in Miami in July. What to do? In Miami-Dade? Not much. Miami Beach is different. The beach, the right neighborhood. And then? Head down to Key West, see the Everglades and the alligators. You’ll need a car.

If you want a real city experience, go to Chicago. At least there’ll be plenty to do. Otherwise, pick Italy.

In 7 days with flights included to the States, it’s kind of a waste.

Miami in the summer isn’t their peak season… if you want to stay on South Beach without a car, there’s a free bus that runs from the north to the south of the beach.

Hi Ninouk29,

I agree with Mitch and Dennis—it’s going to be *hot* in Miami at the end of July, *very* hot! Forget about 30°C (86°F); the humidity will make it feel way worse.

One week in the U.S. is really tight. To make the most of your limited time, pick a city with direct flights, preferably on the East Coast (less travel time and jet lag), and with good public transport if you don’t want to drive.

The difference between a motel and a hotel: A motel has 1 or 2 floors, and your room door opens directly to the outside (usually the parking lot), so you can park right in front. A hotel has multiple floors, and your room door opens onto an interior hallway.

One week in the USA is way too short, in my opinion.

And Miami without a car is really limiting. If you're going to Miami, you should stay in Miami Beach (beach and evening activities). But you should also plan a trip to the Keys and the Everglades... It’s going to be *super* hot. For me, a car is essential if you don’t want to be stuck in the same neighborhood or struggle with public transport.

Hi there,

Thanks to everyone for your replies. After discussing with friends who know the United States really well—having lived there for several years—we’ve decided to go to New York for 10 days. Even though we’re thinking of going back in 18 months, there’s so much to do there that I think it’ll still be great, plus we’ll be visiting at a different time of year, so it’ll feel different. I know it’s going to be really hot in New York, but there’s AC indoors, so I should survive 😅

Hello

Thanks to everyone for your replies. After discussing with friends who know the United States very well from living there for several years, we’re heading to New York for 10 days. even if we’re thinking of going back in 18 months, 😊

Hello. 10 days in New York??? If it’s just within the city limits, and unless you’re a museum addict, you’ll really need to put some serious work into planning your itinerary.

Happy planning

It was for July...