(42 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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Jamaica Travel Agent Specialist

Blue Hole Jamaica

Whenever I hear a Bob Marley tune streaming in my ears, my mind instantly goes that that magical place, Jamaica!!!  The birthplace of reggae and jerk, the Rastafari movement and some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, it’s no wonder to many, Jamaica is the heart of the Caribbean.

More than another other Island, Jamaica is really a state of mind. No rush, no stress, just an easy-going vibe with a lot of music, singing and dancing.  Reggae tunes make you jump out of your chair and dance and sing like a real Jamaican.  In addition, Jamaicans are very helpful, spontaneous, friendly, and their positive attitude makes you feel right at home.

As the third-largest island of the Caribbean, Jamaica is hard to cover in one trip. Rather, it's best to choose your activities and vacation priorities, and then decide where to stay.  Of the three main tourist pockets on the island, westernmost Negril is popular for its beaches and upscale accommodations; northwestern Montego Bay is well-liked by golfers; and Ocho Rios in the northeast appeals mostly to adventurous types who might be interested in climbing waterfalls like Dunn's River. Some visitors choose the eastern area of Port Antonio to try the top-notch surfing at Boston Beach, the hiking along the Blue Mountains, and the river rafting along the Rio Grande.

Jamaica is a paradise for beach lovers, home to some of the Caribbean’s most famous beaches. Near Ocho Rios are two of the best-known beaches in the world.  Seven Mile Beach in Negril, consists of a highway-long strip of platinum sand, backed by palm trees and five-star hotels.  James Bond Beach, the backdrop of Dr No, is a touristy beach surrounded by clear waters on three sides. It has water sports centers, bars, restaurants and a variety of accommodation. Moreover, James Bond Beach, is an area where jazz and reggae artists also exhibit their skills. For those who want to enjoy sun, other notable spots include celebrity favorite Frenchman’s Cove and the lively Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay.

Aside from the beautiful beaches, one of the best parts about Jamaica is the Blue Mountains area north of Kingston. The region has the world’s second largest butterfly population and was recently included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The area is covered with walking trails, including a hike that takes you to the top of Jamaica’s highest point, Blue Mountain Peak, 7,402ft above sea level. This part of the island is a coffee heartland, too. Coffee farms are dotted all over, and many of them welcome visitors for guided tours and tastings.

Another gem of Jamaica is Dunn’s River Falls, a magnificent waterfall flowing above the country’s Ocho Rios city. One of the most famous waterfalls in the Caribbean, white water cascades down a 180ft flight of natural rock stairs. Visitors can climb the stairs, stopping to soak in natural pools and shower in the falls’ foamy water along the way. If scaling the falls isn’t adventurous enough for you, there’s also a zip-line circuit that features seven zip-lines and four hanging bridges.

But if one great waterfall isn’t enough, there is also Mayfield Falls, a community of waterfalls that come from the 21 wide-spaced little waterfalls on the Mayfield River. Moreover, you can see the excellent waterfalls flowing in the bosom of the lush vegetation cover from the surrounding suspension bridges. Furthermore, this area of natural beauty, which people often use to cool off, is one of the most important holiday destinations in Jamaica.

What could top waterfalls?  Well, how about some of the most amazing caves in the world like Green Grotto Caves.  Located on the northern coast of Jamaica, these caves have turned into one of the country’s major tourist attractions. Its predecessor is known for its many different names such as Runaway Bay Caves, Hopewell Caves and Discovery Bay Caves. While only 12 meters deep, the length of the cave is 1,525 meters is almost a mile!

For the history buffs out there, who can forget Port Royal, the legendary port city, has remained an important symbol of Jamaica for nearly five hundred years. Furthermore, the legendary pirate city was founded in 1518; it was considered to be the most desperate city in the world at a reasonable level. For many years corruption and violence had been dominant over there. Pirate ships came from all over the world, even from Madagascar. In 1692 an earthquake occurred in the island and the pirate town sank under water, and all of its remains lie in the bottom of Kingston’s harbor.

With my help, I hope I can give you the experience of a lifetime in this Caribbean wonderland.  I think it’s pretty obvious, once you’ve tasted all Jamaica has to offer: the culture of the Rastafarians, nature with its waterfalls, coves, caves and fruit trees, the chill vibes, music and history, there is only one thing that is going to bother you, leaving!