Perhaps you should organise your trip around a star party, or through contact with a society, that way you will get to use various scopes and meet some really nice people; and certainly like minded people.
I am doing the opposite thing next year when I visit the US to view the northern skies. I will be attending Stellafane 2013, during my visit to the east coast of the US. The following year (2014) will be the west coast and the RTMC. I would have liked to go this year, but have only just started a new job, so it would be a bit difficult to take time off.
I just wish NEAF was on closer to Stellafane instead of May
