We just returned from a true “bucket list” vacation last week, where we visited some of the most amazing sites in the American southwest. This part of the United States is known for incredible views of canyons and natural formations that are likely not like anything in your backyard – unless, of course, you live in Arizona or Utah! For the rest of us, we spent much of the week repeating one word over and over again: “WOW”!
I shared some photos and info on our Facebook page last week, but as there was just SO much that we saw and did, I wanted to take the next several weeks to share more details – and photos.
So to start, our vacation was with a Globus group tour and honestly, it was just the best way to tour the area. With our expert and experienced tour director, we did not just “see the sites” – we received in-depth (and fascinating) background information, helpful tips for making the most of our time, as well as expedited arrival and departures (no front desk for us, our keys and info were given personally to us at each hotel – and our bags were taken care of at both arrival and departure too!). In addition to all of this, we had extra experiences that were arranged just for our group – things like food tastings of regional specialties, private tours with Navajo guides, and access to areas of the national parks that the average visitor doesn’t have. We didn’t see the sites – we experienced them!
Our tour guide, Matt, was a true gem. With an environmental background, he was a wealth of information for every area we visited. We learned about the different types of cacti for example (and how some only grow in certain areas). We learned about the topography of the region and how (and why) it changes as you drive to different areas. We learned what all those different colors on the canyon and monument formations mean. And we also learned interesting background stories about each area, such as how the Grand Canyon mule trains work, or how the Navajo “code breakers” worked to help the U.S. in World War II. If Matt didn’t know it all, he sure knew a lot and loved sharing his love for the region with us – along with his sense of humor too.
Over eight days, our trip took us from the Scottsdale/Phoenix area where we all gathered, through the remarkable Sedona area, to the Grand Canyon where we stayed for a couple of days to experience as much of the majesty and beauty of this natural wonder as we could. From there we made our way through parts of Monument Valley in Utah, to Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon recreational area, where we stayed another couple of days. We then journeyed to the remarkable Bryce Canyon, and then lastly to Zion Canyon and National Park, before ending our adventure in Las Vegas. Words – and pictures – truly do not do this part of America justice at all. As the saying goes, you have to see it to believe it.
We loved every minute of our “canyon country” adventure. From the beautiful and breathtaking scenery, to the wonderful stories we learned about the area, to the people – both the ones who so graciously shared their part of the world with us, as well as the new friends we made as we traveled together – this was an amazing trip from start to finish.
And yes, we did make memories to last a lifetime!
Learn how the FREE services of a travel agent can make planning your vacation simple and STRESS FREE!
Planning a vacation this year? Get your questions answered in my FREE guide: What You Need to Know About Traveling in 2021
