- 1). Research. Check out the Arizona Office of Tourism on the Web. Here you can request an official visitors guide and state map to be mailed to you.The Arizona Office of Tourism Web site is fantastic, has a ton of information and will help out with your trip planning. On the site you can view travel videos, a calendar of events, and get information on different parts of the state. While you're there, subscribe to the Arizona newsletter, or chat live with a tourism representative. You can even create an itinerary right on the site, and the office will email it to you!The Arizona Office of Tourism also has many locations all over the state, where you can talk to someone in person, get maps and information on what to do during your visit.
- 2). Get a guidebook. Guidebooks are great tools and most are written from the traveler's perspective. In a guidebook, you can get detailed reviews on restaurants, attractions and valuable information on parks and other activities. Some guidebooks will point you to obscure and kitschy attractions, if that's your thing.Also, there are many great sites on the Web where you can find reviews, tips and other information on Arizona. Do a search.
- 3). After you've researched, feel into what kind of trip you desire. Know what you want to experience. Take into account that Arizona is a huge state. If you have a limited amount of time for your trip, determine what area of the state you want to explore.For instance, in the cooler, higher elevation northern part of the state, you will find the diverse city of Flagstaff, and the amazing red rock country. Or on the western border of Arizona, Lake Havasu is a beautiful place to explore.The weather varies across the state. Take into account that the desert is extremely hot in the summer. So, if you're planning on a summer visit, stick to the northern parts of the state. In south Arizona, the Sonoran desert, with its awesome Saguaro cacti, is in bloom in the spring months. If you're planning on seeing the Grand Canyon, use the Internet to check to see what the weather is like at different parts of the year. The western border of the state, too, is more temperate at certain times of the year.
- 4). Create your itinerary. Write out what your plans are each day for the trip and leave room to be spontaneous.
- 5). If you are not driving your own car in the state, book a rental car. Driving is the best way to experience Arizona in all its glory. Surf the Internet for good car rental deals, or call the Arizona Office of Tourism for suggestions.
- 6). Choose your accommodations. Arizona runs the gamut when it comes to lodging. Casinos, golf resorts, spas, inexpensive and pricey hotels, and quirky hotels are found all over the state. If you are planning to do a lot of driving through the state, then check out the abundance of motels.Camping is another option and easy to find in many of the state's parks. But be sure to call ahead and see if you need reservations or a camping permit.
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