(39 Reviews)
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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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Maui Travel Agent Specialist

Wailea Maui Beach

Maui is by far my favorite destination in the Hawaiian Islands.  If you are a beach paradise lover like me, you just can’t ask for a better place for a romantic getaway, group travel or a family vacation.  With my help, I will make your trip to Maui an unforgettable experience that lasts forever.

Maui is unquestionably at the top of Hawaiian Island vacation spots.  Also known as “The Valley Isle”, Maui is Hawaii’s second-largest island, offering excellent food, amazing snorkeling, and some of the planet’s best beaches.  It’s not as highly commercialized as Oahu, but also not as underdeveloped as Kaui, making it an excellent destination for couples and families seeking authentic Hawaiian vibes.

Another highlight that makes Maui unique is that it’s actually comprised of three islands, not one.  Romantic Lanai and uncrowded Molokai are also part of Maui, which is officially known as Maui Nui. From Maui Island, you can sail to Lanai on a scenic 45-minute ferry or hop a 25-minute view-filled flight to Molokai.

Without a doubt, some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world are in Maui.  Maui is unique in that it has a broad array of beaches ranging from white, red, to black sandy beaches.  With glorious sands and amazing views, Maui has a beach for every mood.  Amazingly there are still several secret beaches on Maui that are unspoiled and secluded from tourists, making them ideal for a private romance experience.

One of my favorite beaches is Wailea Beach, located on the south coast it is known as one of the best beaches in the U.S.  Wailea means “the water of Lea”, the goddess of canoe makers. The beach is wide, the sand perfect, and the ocean is calm, with views of Kaho’olawe, Molokini, Lana’i and sightings of whales in the winter.  At Wailea Beach snorkeling is excellent around the rocky outcroppings that define both ends of the beach. Boogie boarding and body surfing are also great options to enjoy the small waves with gentle slopes.

A drive along the coast takes you past calm snorkel coves, and some of the biggest surfable waves on Earth.  Another One the best Maui beaches is Ka’anapali Beach, which is located on the western side of the island. It’s been named America’s Best Beach and offers three miles of soft, white sand for sunbathing. kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming with sea turtles.

If you have never been on a black sand beach, Honokalini Beach will astonish you. It has been Conde Nast Traveler’s number one choice in their 20 Best Beaches in the World.  With otherworldly black volcanic sand, Honokalani Beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park is a must see.

But there is so much more to Maui than just it’s amazing beaches.  Maui is the home to one of just three volcanic atolls in the world, Molokini Crater. A snorkel trip to this watery wonderland will reveal a rainbow of coral and bountiful schools of tropical fish all within the crystal-clear crater’s waters.

Another top attraction is the Road to Hana, which boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes in Hawaii.  This scenic drive offers many includes black sand beaches, cascading waterfalls, Bamboo forests, Garden of Eden, Hana lava tube, Seven sacred pools, and much more.  In fact, there are so many attractions on this beautiful road that it is impossible to see them all in a single day.

Hiking is one of the best activities in Maui, with several great hiking trails such as Iao Valley Park, Haleakala Crater, and Pipiwai Trail.  Hikers of all ages and skill levels will appreciate the incredible trails that wind through the Valley Isle. Whether you want to explore bamboo forests, waterfalls, or a volcanic state park, you’ll find it all on Maui.

If adventure is what you are looking for, Maui is the epicenter of Hawaii’s adventurous activities. Its lush green forests, diverse terrains, and scenic mountains offer exceptional adventure opportunities. You can go ziplining above Kaanapali, take a thrilling biking tour to the 10,000ft scenic Haleakala Mountain, experience the thrill of diving with white tip reef sharks at Mala Wharf, walk through a 900-year-old Hana Lava Tube, or enjoy a waterfall trek in East Maui.

If you happen to visit during winter, National Geographic recommends Maui as the best place to catch a glimpse of the 10,000 humpback whales that migrate from Alaska every year During peak whale season, December through April, you can often catch a glimpse of the massive whales right from the shore.

For you foodies, with a large bounty of tropical ingredients and plenty of eateries, Maui boasts world-class dining in paradise. Stop by a food truck for kalua pork tacos and a plate lunch, or splurge on dinner at a five-star restaurant.  Don't forget to experience the Luau while sipping a Mai Tai and enjoying the sunset over the Pacific.

There is so much more to say about Maui, but better to experience it instead. I really hope everyone gets a chance to experience Maui at least once, and I know I can provide the perfect vacation that you deserve.

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