(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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Hilton Head Travel Agent Expert

Hilton Head Island

One of the most beautiful destinations in South Carolina, Hilton Head Island, is very special to me. Growing-up my family took a vacation to South Carolina at least once a year.  This is where I learned to golf as a child, and fell in love with the amazing southern hospitality of every local I met.  For those of you looking for a great vacation in the U.S., Hilton Head Island is in the top 5 of my must visit locations.

Hilton Head Island (more commonly referred to as Hilton Head), is justifiably famous for its incredible beaches and world-class golf courses.  It's regularly voted one of the best vacation destinations in the world.  Dotted with world-class golf courses, renowned restaurants, superb shopping and white-sand beaches as far as the eye can see, this resort island just right for relaxing.

Hilton Head is renowned for its pristine beaches and championship-grade golf courses.  Nestled between Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, this 12-mile barrier island is the ultimate retreat.  Hilton Head has been voted #10 on the list of Best Golf Resorts in the World by readers of Golf Digest, and was named America’s Best Island by Travel Pulse, making it the ideal place for relaxation and recreation.

Hilton Head was designed in harmony with nature to carefully preserve the coastal environment with its pristine tidal creeks, expansive stretches of marshlands and centuries-old oaks.  Hotels, homes and condos are inconspicuously tucked among the lush landscape, preserving the unspoiled feel of a maritime forest.

Whatever your travel plans, you'll find just what you need on Hilton Head.  Choose from two dozen hotels and inns - among them five AAA Four Diamond Award winners and one earning the elite Five Diamond rating.  There are also more than 6,000 private residences with everything from one-bedroom golf course condos to eight-bedroom oceanfront homes. Some vacation rentals even welcome the family pet.

If an ocean view is your preference, pamper yourself at one of the island's oceanfront resorts, each with its own sumptuous spa, expansive pool, luxurious guest rooms and exclusive recreational amenities.  Though there are a total of seven beaches on the island, with soft, white sand and gorgeous coastal surroundings, Coligny Beach is a favorite for locals.  Before hitting the beach, you can peruse the shopping area with surf stores, bars, and restaurants.  Once on the sand, you can sip a cool drink from the beachside bars or partake in a lively game of volleyball.

For you fans of sea life, every year between May and October, sea turtles visit the beaches of Hilton Head.  In 2021, 283 nests were laid on the pristine beaches.  Two volunteer organizations, Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island and Turtle Trackers, work hard every morning and evening during nesting season to protect sea turtle nests and ensure the hatchlings can make a safe journey from the beach to their ocean home.

If you’re not visiting Hilton Head for the beaches, you’ll certainly want to visit for the golf courses.  The island is repeatedly named a top golf destination in the state and throughout the U.S. with more than two dozen courses.  Hilton Head facilities are perfectly manicured and encompassed by majestic Lowcountry scenery.  Tee off amongst palmetto trees, surrounded by marshland and scenic ocean views. 

For all you nature lovers, Hilton Head has no shortage of parks, recreation areas, and historical landmarks. The natural conditions of the Lowcountry breed a particularly unique ecosystem teeming with wonderful wildlife.  A must visit is The Sea Pines Forest Preserve, home to many outdoor attractions like walking trails, fishing docks, boardwalks through the wetlands, and even guided excursions. The Shell Ring, a 4,000-year-old shell deposit composed of oysters, mussels, and clams, is the oldest archeological finding on Hilton Head.

In addition to its premier accommodations and scenic beauty, Hilton Head also offers an exciting cultural scene, from the rich history of the Gullah people to the authentic Lowcountry cuisine.  Bike through Coligny Plaza, tour the trails of Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort or venture out on two wheels to eat like a local at one of Hilton Head's fantastic restaurants.  For more than 30 years, Hilton has also hosted the Wine & Food Festival every March.  

The island is not only perfect for romantic getaways, golf weekends and outdoor adventures, it's also one of the best family vacation spots in the country.  After a day in the sun and sand, take the kids to get dressed up as pirates and embark on a cruise to hunt for sunken treasure at Pirates of Hilton Head. 

With nothing but fond memories, every trip I took Hilton head during childhood and as an adult has been amazing.  If you're looking for the perfect place to unwind and spend time with the people who matter most, Hilton Head is the luxurious retreat you've been searching for.  I look forward to creating the perfect vacation for you to remember forever.