Arizona for 1 week/airports?? - Timeshare Users Group Online Community Forums

slsharp · January 24, 2007, 09:18 PM

We are planning a 1 week vacation in Arizona for our 40th Anniversary. Have always wanted to visit that state. Does Flagstaff or Sedona have airports or do you have to fly into Phoenix??? Also, anyone who can give me ideas on the must see places when you only have a week. We are thinking of staying in the Sedona area or Flagstaff..going to the Grand Canyon. We are flying in and renting a car. To far to drive from KY. Also, what is the best time to vacation there? I hate cold weather..so winter is not a choice....Our time is flexible other than winter. Now, I am searching for available Timeshares.....Can you share your favorite 2 bedrooms resorts choice, too?
Thanks for all info.
SS

Eileen A. · January 25, 2007, 09:26 AM

SS,

I live in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. I suggest you fly into Phoenix and make the 2-2.5 hour drive north to Sedona and Flagstaff. Flagstaff has a airport but it is small and you would have MANY more flight options flying into Phoenix. I suggest you stay in Sedona. Many more TS options and it is beautiful. Not much to do in Flagstaff especially if you are not interested in winter sports. The Grand Caynon is another couple of hours from Flagstaff. If you stay in Sedona you could go for the day or make a one night stay at the Canyon. One suggestion for a nice day trip is the Verde Valley Railway. A four hour scenic train ride. Also if you don't want to drive to the Canyon. There is a all day train trip out of Williams, Arizona. I would suggest going May. Schools are not out yet for crowd control and it would not be too hot in Phoenix or too cold up north. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Eileen A.

Timeshare Von · January 25, 2007, 10:32 AM

"Not much to do in Flagstaff especially if you are not interested in winter sports."

WOW . . . I thought there was a lot to do and see in and around Flagstaff. We were never short on things to do, and we don't ski.

SS, if you love the National Parks and other historical sites, Flagstaff is a great place to be. In or within 15 minutes of Flagstaff are several pueblo ruin sites including Wupatki National Monument and Walnut Canyon National Monument. Adjacent and connected to Wupatki is Crater Volcano National Monument. If you drive out about 90 minutes or so east of Flagstaff you will reach Painted Desert National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. (If you do these two, do them together, they are also connected, and plan for it to be a full day.) In the direction of Sedona you can also visit Montezuma's Castle, another cliff dwelling ruin left behind by the Sinagua.

While not a National Park or Monument, lots of people are fascinated by Meteor Crater which is also outside of Flagstaff (maybe an hour?).

And as was previously mentioned, the Grand Canyon is within a day trip's travel from Flagstaff. We did a tour via American Dreams Tours and love it! We would high recommend leaving the driving to someone else and enjoy the scenary and guided tour provided by such a company.

We own at FF Flagstaff and were there in March 2005. We had a fantastic time and are looking forward to returning again probably in 2008.

Yvonne

Eileen A. · January 25, 2007, 10:52 AM

Yvonne,

I guess as a beach/ocean person I was the wrong person to answer. I feel Sedona is more scenic and would be a better location to stay in. The Grand Canyon is a must see. SS - you will love the trip. Arizona is a beautiful state, that is why I relocated from New York twelve years ago. ENJOY!

Eileen

slsharp · January 25, 2007, 11:28 AM

YVONNE AND EILEEN AND OTHERS

Thanks so much for the above information....We do want to see all the beautiful scenery and visit the Parks and shop and eat and ALL that a tourist would do. Playing golf or skiing is not for us. The vast beauty of Arizona is why I want to be there for our 40th anniversary year. Any other touring suggestions you might share [favorite restaurants, tour groups, Hwy. routes to travel to see the best of the best, shops that must not be missed, ETC.] and which resort favorites to search for ..please send my way. We likely will stay in the Sedona area, but I am open to Flagstaff too. But will do all traveling in Sedona and north to the Grand Canyon..and East/West of there....if we get to see the northern part of the state, I will be happy.
I don't think we will have time to tour southern Arizona this trip...but I know we will come back and do that another year.
Thanks to all for your ideas and information. You are now a page in my planning book!!!
SS
Sandra

Timeshare Von · January 25, 2007, 01:23 PM

No problem Eileen. We all have different travel tastes. Actually I love the sun and beach A LOT too, but also enjoy the national parks almost as well, which makes Arizona a nice vacation destination (and the reason we bought the FF Flagstaff a couple of years ago).

To so my diverse interests . . . I'm heading to Fairbanks, AK in about six weeks for ten days in the arctic winter. By March they'll be having average highs for around 20 (versus the minus 10 right now). The aurora borealis should be in prime time, the dog sled championships being staged and tons fo other great winter things to do (not including skiing). I can hardly wait!

SS - sorry to hijack your thread. Enjoy your trip to Arizona. I'm sure you'll love it's beauty and nature.

Yvonne

mshatty · January 25, 2007, 02:57 PM

My family and I stayed in both places this Christmas. If you are going to travel the area to different national parks and other sight seeing venues, Sedona is not an easy to get to or from. One of the highways from I-17 to Sedona has lots of road construction. On the other hand, Flagstaff is very convenient to 2 interstates, I-17 and I-40, which makes traveling the area a lot easier.

Personally, I thought both areas were very beautiful. Sedona is much more touristy, higher prices than Flagstaff. Flagstaff is older, Rte 66 goes through town at the historical district. Going to the Grand Canyon from Flagstaff is a very nice scenic drive on Hwy 189, which you would not probably take from Sedona.

There is no bad choice. Have a great trip.

talkamotta · January 25, 2007, 07:34 PM

If I wanted to see the Grand Canyon and everything in between there and Sedona, my first choice would be ff Flagstaff. If you can get it. Its an above average timeshare but its in the perfect location. More timeshares in Sedona but you will be doing alot of driving on the 89A. Which isnt a bad thing, very pretty drive.

Some cities will give great fares for certain cities. So I would keep an eye out for fares from Vegas, too. Both cities, will be a drive but one city might be alot cheaper.

Check out the reviews on Fairfield Flagstaff and Sedona resorts. Note all the places people have visited in that area. We stayed in Flagstaff, visited Oak Creek Canyon, Slide Rock, Walnut Creek, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, Monument Valley, Sedona and all that town has to offer (which is alot) and Montezuma's well. We could go again and not duplicate any places. Sooo much to see.

Keep your receipts for your entrance fees. When they add up to $50 you can get an annual National Parks Pass. Very good deal. We got ours after going to Cedar Breaks and Grand Canyon, (with a family) so all the other places (except Oak Creek and Slide Rock) were free. We later used that same pass for Bryce and Hawaii and will use it again this summer for Canyonlands, Zions, and Bryce.

Timeshare Von · January 26, 2007, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by talkamotta

Keep your receipts for your entrance fees. When they add up to $50 you can get an annual National Parks Pass. Very good deal. We got ours after going to Cedar Breaks and Grand Canyon, (with a family) so all the other places (except Oak Creek and Slide Rock) were free. We later used that same pass for Bryce and Hawaii and will use it again this summer for Canyonlands, Zions, and Bryce.

Not any more. The National Parks no longer offer an annual pass. There is now an $80 pass offered in collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management, which adds a lot of public land areas, if that is of interest to you.

I have been a NPS Annual Pass holder for over 10 years and after my current pass expires in May, we will not be buying another. For $50 we ususally got our money's worth but at $80 we will never make it worthwhile.

More information can be found at: http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm .

Yvonne

talkamotta · January 26, 2007, 02:04 PM

Thats a sad thing.... I loved the annual $50 pass. Does the $80 include more places?

We will have saved over $150 on entrance fees by the time my pass expires next September. We also used it in Hawaii and will use it when we go back this September.

The senior pass is a very nice thing for $10, not that I want be elligible any faster than I have to but its still good. After the Labor Day weekend, the only people we ran into were senior citizens.

slsharp · January 26, 2007, 03:27 PM

Hey thanks everyone for all your info...especially about the National Parks pass and link...and We are Seniors so does that mean we get discounts??? and does the link go to all info we need to get our passes to the Parks??
I have never been to a National Park so don't know beans about what or where to do anything. I am so excited about this trip!!!

Guess I will learn from all of you...And thanks talkamotta for the tips on checking flights from Vegas vs. Phoenix for prices

and info on Flagstaff vs Sedona.etc. Is Sept/Oct. weather comfortable or would maybe Nov. be better.?..I really don't want to go when it is real cold and no snow please....I am to wimpy when it comes to very cold weather.
Thanks
Sandra

talkamotta · January 26, 2007, 08:51 PM

Yes you do get the discounts.......Yeah seniors......

The National Parks are so cool. The people are friendly and they take pride in their work. They make everything so accessible, like the south rim. There is wheel chair access for at least 3 miles. That made me feel real good. If you walk and need to take frequent breaks, they have plenty of places just to sit and look. Everything between a light hiker to an experienced hiker. If you send for the pass now, Im sure they will give you the book. It lists all the National Parks in the country.

National Parks will become your new addiction. Something to learn each place. I brought necklaces back from Cancun (Mayans), Arizona (Indians), and Hawaii for my grandaughters. I told them the stories I read while going to the National Parks and showed them pictures. Thier eyes were so big, they think I am pretty smart.

(Have to impress them while they are young)

We went Labor Day week. On the Sunday, there were lots of people on 89a but Monday the Grand Canyon wasnt very crowded. After Monday, not many people. So I would go in September. It rained a little at night and it was slightly cool during the day 70 degrees. There might have been a cold front coming through. Fairfield is at a higher elevation than Sedona so I would pick September. November you could chance some snow but it would be colder. I dont know about October, maybe the colors would be prettier then.

Have Fun... Might want to make it 2 weeks.

PStreet1 · January 30, 2007, 01:06 AM

For planning help with everything there is to know about Arizona, you'll want to check www.tripadvisor.com Click on U.S.; then on Forums; then on Arizona.

PStreet1 · January 30, 2007, 01:08 AM

As seniors, you'll want to get the Golden Age pass; one time fee, and it's good at all National Parks forever. One pass is all you need for the two of you; in fact, you can take anyone in the car inside the parks with one Golden Age pass. :-)

JEFF H · January 30, 2007, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PStreet1

As seniors, you'll want to get the Golden Age pass; one time fee, and it's good at all National Parks forever. One pass is all you need for the two of you; in fact, you can take anyone in the car inside the parks with one Golden Age pass. :-)

Golden Age Pass has been discontinued but I belive the new Senior Pass
is just as good for $10
Timeshare Von already posted the link above but here it is again
http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm

JEFF H · January 30, 2007, 04:29 AM

Sedona is only about 35 miles away from Flagstaff taking Highway 89A,
Its a very senic drive but slow going with all the curves and hair pin turns climbing up toward Flagstaff. You can also take HYW 179 back to I-10 and then upto Flagstaff but it adds alot of extra miles and didn't seem to save any time for us.

I enjoy both places but normally recommend Sedona in the colder months and Flagstaff in the summer. Flagstaff is higher elevation and will be cooler than Sedona. Snow is common and sticks to the ground in Flagstaff during the winter months but melts quickly in the rare cases Sedona gets it.
Sept is good month for Both places. Oct & Nov it will be getting pretty chilly in Flagstaff.

January 24, 2007, 09:18 PM	#1
slsharp TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 12, 05 Location: Hartford, KY Posts: 14	Arizona for 1 week/airports?? We are planning a 1 week vacation in Arizona for our 40th Anniversary. Have always wanted to visit that state. Does Flagstaff or Sedona have airports or do you have to fly into Phoenix??? Also, anyone who can give me ideas on the must see places when you only have a week. We are thinking of staying in the Sedona area or Flagstaff..going to the Grand Canyon. We are flying in and renting a car. To far to drive from KY. Also, what is the best time to vacation there? I hate cold weather..so winter is not a choice....Our time is flexible other than winter. Now, I am searching for available Timeshares.....Can you share your favorite 2 bedrooms resorts choice, too? Thanks for all info. SS

January 25, 2007, 02:57 PM	#7
mshatty TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Mar 24, 06 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 774 Resorts: Wyndham Vacation Ownership	My family and I stayed in both places this Christmas. If you are going to travel the area to different national parks and other sight seeing venues, Sedona is not an easy to get to or from. One of the highways from I-17 to Sedona has lots of road construction. On the other hand, Flagstaff is very convenient to 2 interstates, I-17 and I-40, which makes traveling the area a lot easier. Personally, I thought both areas were very beautiful. Sedona is much more touristy, higher prices than Flagstaff. Flagstaff is older, Rte 66 goes through town at the historical district. Going to the Grand Canyon from Flagstaff is a very nice scenic drive on Hwy 189, which you would not probably take from Sedona. There is no bad choice. Have a great trip. __________________ Mike

January 26, 2007, 08:51 PM	#12
talkamotta TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 7, 05 Location: Sandy, UT Posts: 1,273 Resorts: Sands of Kahana, Longboat Bay, Westgate Vacation Villas, etc	Yes you do get the discounts.......Yeah seniors...... The National Parks are so cool. The people are friendly and they take pride in their work. They make everything so accessible, like the south rim. There is wheel chair access for at least 3 miles. That made me feel real good. If you walk and need to take frequent breaks, they have plenty of places just to sit and look. Everything between a light hiker to an experienced hiker. If you send for the pass now, Im sure they will give you the book. It lists all the National Parks in the country. National Parks will become your new addiction. Something to learn each place. I brought necklaces back from Cancun (Mayans), Arizona (Indians), and Hawaii for my grandaughters. I told them the stories I read while going to the National Parks and showed them pictures. Thier eyes were so big, they think I am pretty smart. (Have to impress them while they are young) We went Labor Day week. On the Sunday, there were lots of people on 89a but Monday the Grand Canyon wasnt very crowded. After Monday, not many people. So I would go in September. It rained a little at night and it was slightly cool during the day 70 degrees. There might have been a cold front coming through. Fairfield is at a higher elevation than Sedona so I would pick September. November you could chance some snow but it would be colder. I dont know about October, maybe the colors would be prettier then. Have Fun... Might want to make it 2 weeks. Last edited by talkamotta : January 26, 2007 at 08:53 PM.

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January 25, 2007, 09:26 AM	#2
Eileen A. TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Oct 16, 06 Location: Scottsdale Posts: 73	SS, I live in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. I suggest you fly into Phoenix and make the 2-2.5 hour drive north to Sedona and Flagstaff. Flagstaff has a airport but it is small and you would have MANY more flight options flying into Phoenix. I suggest you stay in Sedona. Many more TS options and it is beautiful. Not much to do in Flagstaff especially if you are not interested in winter sports. The Grand Caynon is another couple of hours from Flagstaff. If you stay in Sedona you could go for the day or make a one night stay at the Canyon. One suggestion for a nice day trip is the Verde Valley Railway. A four hour scenic train ride. Also if you don't want to drive to the Canyon. There is a all day train trip out of Williams, Arizona. I would suggest going May. Schools are not out yet for crowd control and it would not be too hot in Phoenix or too cold up north. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions. Eileen A.

January 25, 2007, 10:32 AM	#3
Timeshare Von TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Mar 13, 06 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 2,590 Resorts: FF/Wyndham Flagstaff, FF/ Wyndham Williamsburg - Kingsgate, FF/Wyndham Myrtle Beach/Westwinds, Lifetime in Hawaii (Oahu)	"Not much to do in Flagstaff especially if you are not interested in winter sports." WOW . . . I thought there was a lot to do and see in and around Flagstaff. We were never short on things to do, and we don't ski. SS, if you love the National Parks and other historical sites, Flagstaff is a great place to be. In or within 15 minutes of Flagstaff are several pueblo ruin sites including Wupatki National Monument and Walnut Canyon National Monument. Adjacent and connected to Wupatki is Crater Volcano National Monument. If you drive out about 90 minutes or so east of Flagstaff you will reach Painted Desert National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. (If you do these two, do them together, they are also connected, and plan for it to be a full day.) In the direction of Sedona you can also visit Montezuma's Castle, another cliff dwelling ruin left behind by the Sinagua. While not a National Park or Monument, lots of people are fascinated by Meteor Crater which is also outside of Flagstaff (maybe an hour?). And as was previously mentioned, the Grand Canyon is within a day trip's travel from Flagstaff. We did a tour via American Dreams Tours and love it! We would high recommend leaving the driving to someone else and enjoy the scenary and guided tour provided by such a company. We own at FF Flagstaff and were there in March 2005. We had a fantastic time and are looking forward to returning again probably in 2008. Yvonne

January 25, 2007, 10:52 AM	#4
Eileen A. TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Oct 16, 06 Location: Scottsdale Posts: 73	Yvonne, I guess as a beach/ocean person I was the wrong person to answer. I feel Sedona is more scenic and would be a better location to stay in. The Grand Canyon is a must see. SS - you will love the trip. Arizona is a beautiful state, that is why I relocated from New York twelve years ago. ENJOY! Eileen

January 25, 2007, 11:28 AM	#5
slsharp TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 12, 05 Location: Hartford, KY Posts: 14	YVONNE AND EILEEN AND OTHERS Thanks so much for the above information....We do want to see all the beautiful scenery and visit the Parks and shop and eat and ALL that a tourist would do. Playing golf or skiing is not for us. The vast beauty of Arizona is why I want to be there for our 40th anniversary year. Any other touring suggestions you might share [favorite restaurants, tour groups, Hwy. routes to travel to see the best of the best, shops that must not be missed, ETC.] and which resort favorites to search for ..please send my way. We likely will stay in the Sedona area, but I am open to Flagstaff too. But will do all traveling in Sedona and north to the Grand Canyon..and East/West of there....if we get to see the northern part of the state, I will be happy. I don't think we will have time to tour southern Arizona this trip...but I know we will come back and do that another year. Thanks to all for your ideas and information. You are now a page in my planning book!!! SS Sandra

January 25, 2007, 01:23 PM	#6
Timeshare Von TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Mar 13, 06 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 2,590 Resorts: FF/Wyndham Flagstaff, FF/ Wyndham Williamsburg - Kingsgate, FF/Wyndham Myrtle Beach/Westwinds, Lifetime in Hawaii (Oahu)	No problem Eileen. We all have different travel tastes. Actually I love the sun and beach A LOT too, but also enjoy the national parks almost as well, which makes Arizona a nice vacation destination (and the reason we bought the FF Flagstaff a couple of years ago). To so my diverse interests . . . I'm heading to Fairbanks, AK in about six weeks for ten days in the arctic winter. By March they'll be having average highs for around 20 (versus the minus 10 right now). The aurora borealis should be in prime time, the dog sled championships being staged and tons fo other great winter things to do (not including skiing). I can hardly wait! SS - sorry to hijack your thread. Enjoy your trip to Arizona. I'm sure you'll love it's beauty and nature. Yvonne

January 25, 2007, 07:34 PM	#8
talkamotta TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 7, 05 Location: Sandy, UT Posts: 1,273 Resorts: Sands of Kahana, Longboat Bay, Westgate Vacation Villas, etc	If I wanted to see the Grand Canyon and everything in between there and Sedona, my first choice would be ff Flagstaff. If you can get it. Its an above average timeshare but its in the perfect location. More timeshares in Sedona but you will be doing alot of driving on the 89A. Which isnt a bad thing, very pretty drive. Some cities will give great fares for certain cities. So I would keep an eye out for fares from Vegas, too. Both cities, will be a drive but one city might be alot cheaper. Check out the reviews on Fairfield Flagstaff and Sedona resorts. Note all the places people have visited in that area. We stayed in Flagstaff, visited Oak Creek Canyon, Slide Rock, Walnut Creek, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, Monument Valley, Sedona and all that town has to offer (which is alot) and Montezuma's well. We could go again and not duplicate any places. Sooo much to see. Keep your receipts for your entrance fees. When they add up to $50 you can get an annual National Parks Pass. Very good deal. We got ours after going to Cedar Breaks and Grand Canyon, (with a family) so all the other places (except Oak Creek and Slide Rock) were free. We later used that same pass for Bryce and Hawaii and will use it again this summer for Canyonlands, Zions, and Bryce.

January 26, 2007, 02:04 PM	#10
talkamotta TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 7, 05 Location: Sandy, UT Posts: 1,273 Resorts: Sands of Kahana, Longboat Bay, Westgate Vacation Villas, etc	Thats a sad thing.... I loved the annual $50 pass. Does the $80 include more places? We will have saved over $150 on entrance fees by the time my pass expires next September. We also used it in Hawaii and will use it when we go back this September. The senior pass is a very nice thing for $10, not that I want be elligible any faster than I have to but its still good. After the Labor Day weekend, the only people we ran into were senior citizens.

January 26, 2007, 03:27 PM	#11
slsharp TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 12, 05 Location: Hartford, KY Posts: 14	Hey thanks everyone for all your info...especially about the National Parks pass and link...and We are Seniors so does that mean we get discounts??? and does the link go to all info we need to get our passes to the Parks?? I have never been to a National Park so don't know beans about what or where to do anything. I am so excited about this trip!!! Guess I will learn from all of you...And thanks talkamotta for the tips on checking flights from Vegas vs. Phoenix for prices and info on Flagstaff vs Sedona.etc. Is Sept/Oct. weather comfortable or would maybe Nov. be better.?..I really don't want to go when it is real cold and no snow please....I am to wimpy when it comes to very cold weather. Thanks Sandra

January 30, 2007, 01:06 AM	#13
PStreet1 TUG Lifetime Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Rosarito Beach, Baja Norte, Mex., & Phx Posts: 736	For planning help with everything there is to know about Arizona, you'll want to check www.tripadvisor.com Click on U.S.; then on Forums; then on Arizona.

January 30, 2007, 01:08 AM	#14
PStreet1 TUG Lifetime Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Rosarito Beach, Baja Norte, Mex., & Phx Posts: 736	As seniors, you'll want to get the Golden Age pass; one time fee, and it's good at all National Parks forever. One pass is all you need for the two of you; in fact, you can take anyone in the car inside the parks with one Golden Age pass. :-)

January 30, 2007, 04:29 AM	#16
JEFF H Guest BBS Reg. Date: Jun 7, 05 Posts: 955	Sedona is only about 35 miles away from Flagstaff taking Highway 89A, Its a very senic drive but slow going with all the curves and hair pin turns climbing up toward Flagstaff. You can also take HYW 179 back to I-10 and then upto Flagstaff but it adds alot of extra miles and didn't seem to save any time for us. I enjoy both places but normally recommend Sedona in the colder months and Flagstaff in the summer. Flagstaff is higher elevation and will be cooler than Sedona. Snow is common and sticks to the ground in Flagstaff during the winter months but melts quickly in the rare cases Sedona gets it. Sept is good month for Both places. Oct & Nov it will be getting pretty chilly in Flagstaff.