(39 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Matthew Schaffer

Chicago, IL

Arizona Travel Agent Specialist

When it comes to great U.S. destination states, Arizona will always have a special place in my heart.  This may be because I had an amazing destination wedding in the mountains of Tucson, or maybe because I went to the University of Arizona, and e...
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When it comes to great U.S. destination states, Arizona will always have a special place in my heart.  This may be because I had an amazing destination wedding in the mountains of Tucson, or maybe because I went to the University of Arizona, and every time I visit Tucson, I feel young again.  I really do not believe there is another state with so many different types of beautiful vacation possibilities all year round.

It really is difficult to explain the different experiences to be had all over the state.  For all you lovers of truly majestic scenery, nothing compares to places like the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Montezuma Castle or Vermillion Cliffs.  Any one of these sites are perfect for a relaxing getaway, but also offer multiple options for outdoor adventures. 

If mainly water activities is more your style, Arizona offers gorgeous locations like Lake Havasu, Saguaro Lake, Lake Powell or Lake Mead.  With amazing scenery these locations offer boating, waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, scuba diving, parasailing and of course, fishing.  For a break from the water each Lake is also unique in its different hiking environments. 

Of course, you cannot talk about Arizona without mentioning the two biggest cities, Phoenix and Tucson.  While there is only about an hour and a half drive between the two, the cities are different in almost every aspect from environment to culture.  If you are looking for a city that has everything, Phoenix being the 5th most populous city in the country is just that.  To name just a few of Phoenix's draws, there is professional sports, Jack Nicholas designed golf courses, world class spas, museums, hiking in the Sonoran Desert, a lively nightlife, diverse restaurants and don't forget the hot air ballooning.  Another great perk of Phoenix is that Scottsdale is on its northern border, which is a great resort town that all should visit.

For you mountain view lovers, Tucson is the place to be.  This is because Tucson is situated in a high desert valley surrounded by the Santa Catalinas to the north, the Rincons to the east, the Santa Ritas to the south and the Tucsons to the west. Located only 70 miles from the Mexico border, the Tucson experience is everything a person imagines of the true southwest with both Mexican and Native American influence.  Tucson delivers exceptional opportunities to explore, from hiking in Saguaro National Park, to the famous 98-acre Arizona-Senora Desert Museum.  And if you like Mexican food, you will love what is known as the Best 23 Miles of Mexican food.  With multiple ranch experiences and luxury resorts in the mountain side, Tucson is a must visit in Arizona.

Lastly is a town very close to Tucson, the border town of Nogales.  Native American tribes met up with Spanish explorers there Centuries ago, which has created an amazing meld of cultures in Nogales.  Luckily for all of us, that history has not been erased, and Nogales is one of the premier places to visit historical buildings.  As far as food goes, whether you are on the Arizona side or the Mexico side of Nogales,  the authentic Mexican food is outstanding.

I wish I could tell you more about all the other amazing places in Arizona, but unfortunately that would take a novel.  Instead, I hope you allow me to create an experience for you that will make you long to see every part of Arizona.  

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Matthew Schaffer

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Cancun Travel Agent Specialist

Cancun

It’s hard to find another Mexico destination that can rival Cancun, with the stunning beaches, endless outdoor activity choices, cuisine to die for and of course the vibrant nightlife.  Whenever I think of my many trips to Mexico, Cancun always brings back amazing memories, and I hope everyone gets a chance to experience this paradise at least once.

Cancun is considered to be the heart of the Mexican Caribbean, with its gorgeous turquoise seas, powdery white-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, it’s no surprise that Cancun is one of Mexico’s most popular resort areas.  While Mexico boasts an impressive 6,200-mile-long coastline, Cancun and its 10 Blue Flag beaches continue to rank as one of the most popular spots for a beach vacation in the country.

Hotels, restaurants, malls, and nightclubs line either side of Boulevard Kukulkan, known as the Hotel Zone, which runs down the middle of the 15-mile-long sandbar. This is where you’ll find many of the city's all-inclusive hotels catering to families on vacation or couples on their honeymoon and everything in between. With most of the properties in the Hotel Zone sitting right on their own private stretch of sand, you can enjoy the ocean views from your very own balcony.

The coastline in Cancun is unparalleled in beauty, condition, and opportunity for all different activities.  Cancun is home to more than 11 beautifully unique beaches for you to choose from. Check out Playa Chac Mool if you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing experience or visit Playa Delfines where locals guarantee a dolphin sighting or two.  Also worthy of note are Tortugas Beach, Las Perlas, Tulum, or Mamitas Beach in Playa del Carmen.

Fans of snorkeling love Cancún because it sits on the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-longest coral reef in the world. Snorkel or dive at the Cancún Underwater Museum of Art to see some of the 470 underwater statues.  You can also spot endless varieties of marine life, and the water is warm, so you never want to get out.

For all you nature and adventure lovers, Cancun is a playground with an unlimited amount of things to do and see. Dive or snorkel in the region’s mystic cenotes located nearby, or enjoy the day by the beach, jet skiing or parasailing. And, if you are an adrenaline junkie, you can check out Playa Chac Mool or Cozumel Island for the best breaks in the region!

If you really are looking to stay mellow, you can relax at the beach bars and restaurants in Cancún, or head farther south to find quieter stretches of sand at Puerto Morelos, Akumal and Tulum. It’s picture-postcard stuff, with white sand and palm trees everywhere.  Cancun is also the kind of place where it’s encouraged to lounge in the sun or spa, or spend a day at one of its seven different golf courses, admiring the gorgeous views of the water while practicing your swing.

If you’re a culture vulture or a history buff, Cancun is in a very history-rich area of the peninsula. During the Mayan period, the Yucatan Peninsula was a very important area dotted with religious, trade, and cultural centers.  Visit the Mayan Museum of Cancun, home to hundreds of artifacts uncovered at some of the most prominent archeological sites on the Yucatan peninsula.  Then be sure to check out the archeological sites that pepper the surrounding region, such as El Meco, El Rey, San Miguelito, Cobá and Muyil and finally Tulum, the only known Mayan city which sits by the Ocean.

For you foodies, in Cancun you can benefit from some of the most exceptional chefs in the world. Cancun is renowned for its delectable cuisine and is home to some of the best restaurants in the region, including restaurants that overlook the Caribbean Sea and the beautiful Nichupté Lagoon.  These restaurants serve haute cuisine dishes featuring sophisticated atmospheres, the best service and some special performances, mariachi bands, DJ´s and dance shows.  If you want to you could sample a new cuisine each day of your vacation; from traditional foods to cutting edge fusions, high end restaurants to cute and quaint street food stands, you can find it all in Cancun.

Of course, you can’t talk about Cancun without mentioning the vibrant nightlife.  Cancún is synonymous with good times. There are bars and clubs everywhere, and you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to venues for a night out.  Make sure to check out The City Cancun, the largest nightclub by area, or Dady'O Cancun, which holds 80's and 90's parties every weekend.  And if you are looking for some fun outside the city, take a 2-hour ride to Tulum, where the parties literally don't stop.

No matter what time of year you visit Cancun, or how long you will stay, there are plenty of reasons to visit.  The gorgeous beaches, great weather, and amazingly clear and clean waters are huge pulls, but Cancun has so much more to offer you.  With my help, I am sure you will have the best vacation of your life!