Arizona
Posted July 2, 2009 by Jamie Moore
This year, nearly five million people will descend upon the Grand Canyon. Most will see the one-mile deep wonder along the South Rim from their car. Oh, you hoped you could escape the bumper-to-bumper routine on this trip? Take the track less traveled, and, yes, you will find a quieter, traffic-free route to Grand Canyon's South Rim. Hop a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway, stay off-rim in a lodge surrounded by ponderosa pines, and shop for Native American artwork.
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Grand Canyon Railway: Save the gas—and those poor mules' backs—and opt for a breathtaking journey through the park by train instead. Grand Canyon Railway locomotives make round-trip excursions ($70 to $190) from Williams, AZ, to the heart of the park's South Rim village. Once aboard the early 1900s steam train, you feel like you've been transported to a different time. Best value: A one-night package that includes your round-trip fare, hotel stay in Williams, breakfast, and dinner for $169.50.
Stay
Maswik Lodge: Maswik, a great pick for families, is just 1/4 mile walk (or free shuttle) from the South Rim village hubbub. The lodge is tucked away in a pine forest, and there's a big grassy yard for the kids to roll around in, so you actually feel like you're in a national park, not Grand Central Station. Cabins (summer only) or rooms with two queen beds go for $90 per night, and casual cafeteria-style dining is available in the lodge.
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Hopi House: No need to admit you ever dozed during class. One step into Hopi House and you get a painless recap of history, architecture, and art in one visual sweep—all while you shop. What could be better? The architecture of this gallery and gift shop—built 103 years ago by Hopi craftsmen—is native to Hopi dwellings in the area. Study the timber-layered ceilings, adobe walls, and corner fireplaces, then move on to the gorgeous jewelry, pottery, and paintings crafted by Native Americans.
To search for flights and compare prices to Phoenix, which is home to the Grand Canyon’s nearest major airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: iStockphoto.com/Bill Grove)
Posted June 15, 2009 by Jamie Moore
Gorgeous sandstone colors vast swaths of the West, but Sedona's magnificent red-rock monoliths steal the show. You'll be so mesmerized by the scenery you won't want to go inside. So don't. Find inner peace on a red-rocks vortex tour. Browse boutiques under shady sycamores in an arts and crafts village. And dine on a Spanish-style patio, margarita in hand. You can easily skip around town on Sedona's free open-air RoadRunner trolley.
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Sedona Vortex Tours: For centuries, artists, shamans, and spiritual sages have come to Sedona for inspiration. Some 20 energy centers, or vortexes, lie within a five- to 10-mile radius, a rare concentration not found anywhere else in the world. Channel the good vibes yourself on a vortex tour, where you can walk, meditate, and picnic on the red rocks. Guides will explain the mysteries of medicine wheels, power points, and ley lines on a three-hour tour. Rates run $89 per person to be part of a group tour.
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Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village: Walking through Tlaquepaque (Tla-keh-pah-keh) you'd swear you were in Mexico. This legendary Sedona shopping destination, actually built in the 1970s, was authentically fashioned after a traditional Mexican village. Vine-covered stucco walls, tall sycamores, and cobblestone walkways make you think this place has been here for centuries. Save time to savor the lush surroundings between stops at galleries and boutiques.
Eat
El Rincon: Ask any local for a restaurant recommendation, and chances are you'll get El Rincon. This festive landmark, with Spanish-style furnishings and arched doorways, doesn't disappoint. The menu combines Mexican, Southwestern, and Native American influences, and the bar serves up a killer $6.50 "Margarita Magnifica" that's hailed by locals and visitors alike. Order a hand-rolled chimichanga, Navajo pizza, or other house specialty ($9 to $15) and dine outside on the patio that looks onto the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village.
To search for flights and compare prices to Flagstaff, which is home to Sedona’s nearest major airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Scott Prokop; iStockPhoto.com)
Posted June 11, 2009 by Nicki Krawczyk
If you’re looking to spend your summer vacation exploring one of nature’s most miraculous creations, you’d be hard pressed to find a better destination than the Grand Canyon. Similarly, if you’re looking spend your summer vacation getting burned to a crisp in a raging inferno, this could also be your ideal getaway choice.
Okay, okay, before the nasty letters from the National Parks Service start, that’s actually not entirely true. It’s valid to say that wildfires rage throughout the Grand Canyon. (Point: me). Buuuut, they’re also well monitored and managed (as well as can be) by one of the most active fire management programs in the National Park Service. (Point: them).
All of which brings me to today’s travel tip: How to avoid finding yourself in a fast-burn wildfire during your family vacation in the Grand Canyon. It’s easier than you’d think! First of all, don’t start one. Only you can prevent wildfires.
Second, take a look at the Grand Canyon’s regularly-updated Fire Information and Activity page on the National Park Service website. Here, you’ll find beyond-helpful information about exactly where fires are raging, plus downloadable fire activity and fire progression maps, and useful tips like “please do not stop or pull over in the vicinity of the fire.” (Though they don’t specifically say it, I will add my own tip to the mix: “Please do not touch the fire”. You’re welcome.)
If you’re so inclined, you can also hit up their website to find some interesting information about their fire management program and prescribed fires (planned fires) happening in the fall. All in all, an information-packed website for both the firebugs and the fire-avoiders in the family. I highly encourage you to peruse it for yourself prior to your Grand Canyon trip to glean current news and help to ensure that your vacation packages don’t include trips to the Burn Unit.
(Photo: www.eri.nau.edu)
Posted April 1, 2009 by Kate Hamman
Though Tucson is clearly in Arizona, its history is deeply rooted in Mexican culture. Come learn about the city's past on a trolley ride, shop for arts and crafts, and dine on fresh Mexican cuisine. Plus, you'll barely spend a dime while you're here.
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Old Pueblo Trolley: Hop aboard the Old Pueblo Trolley for a ride back in time, where you'll get to learn about the history of trolley operation and the surrounding area. The ride begins at the Fourth Avenue Business District and ends near the University of Arizona, and along the way you'll pass a dizzying array of shops, cafes, and restored homes, with narration explaining their historical significance. Kids are welcome to ring the bell. Each ride costs $1, but you can hop on or off at any of the stops for the one-time fee of $2.50.
Shop
Old Town Artisans: Located in Tucson's El Presidio Historic District, you'll find 150-year-old adobe structures housing six unique artisan shops and galleries. Browse the many examples of contemporary and traditional art from regional and local artists. You'll find jewelry, sculptures, paintings, and much more. And if your feet get tired, you can relax outside in the Spanish-style courtyard. Prices differ from item to item, but window shopping is always free.
Eat
Guadalajara Grill: Fresh is the name of the game at Guadalajara Grill, where you can watch as your salsa is made tableside, eat homemade tortillas, and sip a freshly made margarita. You can also dance the night away to live music. The menu features many familiar Mexican items, such as burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, and quesadillas, alongside different dishes like huaraches (fried maza crust topped with meats divided by beans) or volcano molcajetes (volcanic rock is heated and filled with soup-and-salsa queso mix). Don't miss happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., when margaritas cost $2.99 and snack items go for $4.95.
To search for flights and compare prices to Tucson, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau)
Posted May 2, 2008 by Heather Gilbert
Readers, you’ve come to expect colorful, off-beat travel coverage from your pals here at the BookingBuddy blog. You hardly batted an eye when I shared with you the various forms that nude vacations (or nakations) are taking these days. Just another day at BookingBuddy HQ. 
Well, it looks as if the New York Times wanted in on the action, because in Sunday’s travel section, up popped a piece about nakations! (And in the Times piece was a quote from Tom Mulhall, owner of the Terra Cotta Inn in sunny Palm Springs … the very same Tom Mulhall that was kind enough to comment on my previous nakations post!) Hello nakations, we’re glad you’re back!
The Times reported that nude vacations are on the rise, especially in the high-end sector of the business. There’s the $300 per night all-inclusive Hidden Beach Resort in Mexico. They even have a nude disco, which gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, “shake your booty.” There’s the Sea Mountain Inn resort and spa located in Desert Hot Springs, California, that runs up to $900 per night (no single men allowed!), and even luxury cruise lines participating in no-clothes cruises. What’s next, a clothing-optional condo resort? Check. Welcome to Mira Vista, near Tucson, Arizona, where you can get a two-bedroom condo from $244,500. I’m sure the views are worth every penny.
Apparently the nakations are here to stay. Whether you’re young or old, prefer land or sea, are straight or gay (yes, there’s a gay-only naturist group ), your next vacation could be a nakation. A high-end, luxury nakation. With lots of sunscreen.
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