Exploring Arizona

It’s always exciting to explore new places and learn more about the amazing things awaiting discovery. Seldom does one think of the vast desert terrain cascading through the southwestern portion of the United States without considering the Grand Canyon and its gateway state Arizona. And although it is understandable for some of the state’s other glorious sites to lose the limelight to such an awe-inspiring national landmark, one should take the time to venture out into other areas of Arizona and visit some of its many hidden gems awaiting exploration.

Arizona is a very uniquely situated state, with California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico arching from the west to the north to the east, while Mexico itself rounds out the equation due south. The state is surrounded by different cultures rich with history. And the many natural backdrops you will find in Arizona are absolutely incredible. They serve as a direct influence on the mixed and diverse personalities you can come across when navigating the pristine landscape scattered throughout the area. Doing some research and learning about hidden gems that locals can direct you to is an excellent way of gaining traction on what lies beneath the flashier and better known attractions.

Historical significance is literally set in stone throughout Arizona, and checking out the Canyon de Chelly National Monument most certainly reiterates the timelessness of this region. For nearly 5,000 years people have lived uninterrupted in this canyon. Navajo Indian Reservations outline the park, and tribal lineage raise families, livestock, and farm the lands of the canyon to this day.

Located just south of Payson, Arizona is Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, home to what is believed to be the biggest natural travertine bridge in the world. Measured at 183 feet high with a tunnel underneath running approximately 400 feet long, this is a natural phenomenon anyone should witness and experience first-hand.

If you want to make your vacation a truly slumberous vacation, then don’t worry. Arizona has all of the amenities you need to sit back, relax, and let time do the talking. Less adventurous travelers looking for more leisure should check out Buckskin Mountain State Park. This 1,644-acre park has all of the amenities one needs for a holiday of respite, including campgrounds, cabana sites, beaches, hiking trails, restrooms, showers, boat ramps, picnic areas, a basketball and volleyball court, playground, restaurant, camp store, arcade, gas dock, and ranger station. If you like picturesque scenery, a true desert escape, and water activities under the sun, Buckskin might be a destination to visit one day.

Pockets all over the United States have their own little hidden gems awaiting discovery, and Arizona is no exception. There are countless destinations to consider when visiting the amazingly beautiful and unique landscape that makes it something beyond special.

Making the Most out of a Staycation

Travelling to foreign or unfamiliar destinations is certainly wonderful, but there's a whole lot to be said about the staycation. Of course, lounging around your back yard in a swimsuit can be great, but why not get creative? Here are a few staycation tips that will make your home city seem like the ultimate vacation destination!

Learn your city's history

Naturally, you can head to your local museums and theaters, but I'm willing to bet that you can find some really interesting things around your home town. Does your town have a brewery or distillery? Take a tour! Check out some local sporting events and cheer on the athletes! Go on a themed bus tour – there are tons of eating tours, history tours and even crime and haunted house tours!

Do what the tourists do

Pretend you're an out-of-towner, and visit all of the sites that you'd see with unfamiliar eyes, and take lots of pictures. If you want to get out of the house for a day or two, check into a hotel and take advantage of their amenities. Lounge by the pool, have room service – live it up, if only for an overnight stay!

Finally learn how to Salsa

Or line dance, or foxtrot! Just because you aren't a thousand miles away, it doesn't mean you can't do things that are still totally new to you. Go to a dance club, or take a class! Learn how to play tennis. Eat cuisine you've never tried. Take an art class and learn how to paint or draw!
Staycations can be much more than just not travelling on your time off. No city is so small that it doesn't offer up some little cultural goodies that you haven't tried yet. Take the time to enjoy your home town – it will make the times when you do travel that much richer!

3 Tips For Road-Trippers

Students, adventurers, and people on a tight budget might forgo the trappings of luxury vacations and go on a rugged road trip. Since the bulk, if not the entirety, of the vacation is the journey itself, it is critical that the time in the car, truck, or RV is enjoyable. Here are a few tips on how to make the voyage as fun as the destination!

Research, research, research!

Granted, it's best to be flexible, but don't hit the open road without knowing which towns and rest stops have certain features you might want. Finding hidden and unexpected gems is one of the many fun things about road trips, but being caught unawares when you stop in a small town can be a major bummer. Don't make the mistake of pulling into a town after an 8 hour drive needing a cold beer and then discovering (surprise!) you're in a dry county!

Pack light, but pack smart.

Try not to take more than one bag per person, so you'll have plenty of room for souvenirs and other road trip goodies. Pack practical and easy-to-launder clothes, so if you need fresh underwear, all you'll have to do is stop at a laundry mat.
Make sure you have an extra set of car keys – better safe than sorry.
Unfortunately, if you're going through parts of the Midwest, there will be huge stretches where you'll be looking at absolutely nothing except dirt.It's a good idea to have a wide variety of music, and even comedy recordings, if that's the kind of thing you all enjoy. Monty Python has a bunch of albums that will make even the dreariest road trip a blast!

Eat local.

Have you tried the pasties in Michigan? How about the Illinois Horseshoe sandwich? One of the best and most delicious ways of learning about a region's history is by eating the local fare. There's almost no point in going on an extended road trip if you only eat at nationally franchised fast food restaurants. Make the effort to find out from locals where the best little food nooks are, because those are what make vacations truly memorable.
If you're hitting the road this summer, make room for plenty of fun! Road trips aren't necessarily glamorous, but they can be fantastic!