I need HELP BIG TIME planning trip to Sedona

[jlwquilter]

Hi! I am new at this and am starting at ground zero. My family (me, DH and DD - she'll be 8) have decided to use our first exchange ever and go to Sedona in 2008. Looks like June will be the timeframe. DD gets out of school on June 5th so after that would be ideal although we can leave earlier if $$$ savings come into play. So we have quite a bit of flexibility to try to get the best deals and I need to know where to look for those deals!

General Plan: We live in SE FL so flying out of PBI is best but FTL would be fine. We will stay in the Sedona TS exchange for a week and then add on a few days (at least one day, prefer 2, and even 3 is doable if hotel rates aren't crazy) staying right in GCNP. We can do the add on at either end of the trip. We will need a car of some sort (I've read that Priceline is probably the best source for the car but will need help there too).

When do I start shopping for airfares to get the best prices? Where should I look for best fares? Should I get the airfare first and then book the TS so to coordinate with it? Do the Sedona TS go fast too? I can see right now on RCI all the dates that would fit our general timeframe but am scared to lose out by waiting! I was told that the hotels in GCNP book up fast so when do I probably need to have that done by? Renting the car would be last on my worry list I guess.

I am VERY excited about this trip and am kinda of hyperventilating right now thinking of getting all the pieces into place

I really, really need all you TUGers to help me out! Thanks!!

[Bill4728]

Most people get the week at the TS then book airfare. As long as you book airfare about 9 months ahead you'll do great.

The problem is when you get within a few months of travel, airfare can skyrocket.

[JimJ]

I made reservations a few months ago at the Maswik Lodge right in GCNP for Oct of 2007 for a reasonable rate.

Check http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/

[calgal]

Since availability is good right now for the Sedona week you want, why not finalize an exchange today? Reservations for Yellowstone have already opened for summer 2008. I am guessing the same may be true for GCNP. The park reservation is fully cancellable until 48 hrs prior to checkin. I too have ressies for Maswik, going to Sedona 6/24-28, then GCNP for 2 nights. I would not delay on either reservation, as selection will likely decrease. If you book El Tovar, make your dinner ressies too.
I suspect everything will be less expensive and less crowded if you go in the first half of June. Also cooler.
In terms of air, try the web site www.itasoftware.com to do your initial research about itinerary options.

[talkamotta]

After you get your timeshare and GC hotel booked. Then you can start checking for airfare. You would probably be flying into Phoenix, which would make Southwest a good choice from Florida, but not always.

Check the western board for ideas to do around Sedona and Flagstaff area. Fairfield Flagstaff gave me alot of information about the area. We went down there last year for a week and didnt have enough time to see everything, just enough to get me excited about going back. Oak Creek Canyon, Slide Rock, Painted Desert, Montezuma's castle, Petrified Forest, Walnut Canyon, so many places and so different from Florida.

[Hophop4]

We exchanged into Sedona early June 2006 and had a wonderful time, can't wait to go back. Weather was nice didn't mind the heat, we are use to it. Southwest Airlines might be a good choice but they won't open up their dates until few months before June not sure what the time frame was. We stayed at Arroyo Roble.

You can view my 2 albums: Arroyo Roble and Grand Canyon at: http://photos.yahoo.com/hophop4

[jlwquilter]

I called for the GC lodges. They work on a rolling 12 month system so I can't reserve for June 2008 until June 2007. I did ask the nice lady all sorts of questions and given our new situation (my Dad and my DH's Mom will now be coming along too!), it looks like El Tovar might be the way to go after all. The extra cost, spread over several pocketbooks makes it more affordable. Bright Angel doesn't have AC and that took it right out of consideration

It looks like we are going more in mid-June vs. early June also.

Can anyone fill me in on how the Southwest DING thing works? It looks like I will be coordinating flights into PHX...from FL (FLL or PBI) to PHX, from BUF (Buffalo) to PHX and lastly EWR (Newark) to PHX (but Southwest doesn't fly that route).

[Jimster]

Last time I was there (last year) I flew into Las Vegas and drove to Sedona. It is a bit of a drive, but you'll probably get cheaper air fare there. If you fly into Phoenix you'll still have to rent a car but there isn't much to see along the way-except desert. I also like to gamble a bit first. There is a casino "Cliffs Club" only about 15 miles from Sedona. I would also plan on going over to Jerome while you are there. It is an old mining town. Of course, a pink jeep trip or two would be nice. There are several TS there so if you don't get into one you may get into another. Personally, I like the Ridge at Sedona. If you want to golf you can drop a cool $100-125 on greens fees for a round but there is a small course across from the Ridge that is much more modestly priced.

[jlwquilter]

Originally Posted by Hophop4

We exchanged into Sedona early June 2006 and had a wonderful time, can't wait to go back. Weather was nice didn't mind the heat, we are use to it. Southwest Airlines might be a good choice but they won't open up their dates until few months before June not sure what the time frame was. We stayed at Arroyo Roble.

You can view my 2 albums: Arroyo Roble and Grand Canyon at: http://photos.yahoo.com/hophop4

Thanks for the photo link! Looks great! I also sent the links to my Dad and MIL so they can sneek a peek

[jlwquilter]

Originally Posted by Jimster

Last time I was there (last year) I flew into Las Vegas and drove to Sedona. It is a bit of a drive, but you'll probably get cheaper air fare there. If you fly into Phoenix you'll still have to rent a car but there isn't much to see along the way-except desert. I also like to gamble a bit first. There is a casino "Cliffs Club" only about 15 miles from Sedona. I would also plan on going over to Jerome while you are there. It is an old mining town. Of course, a pink jeep trip or two would be nice. There are several TS there so if you don't get into one you may get into another. Personally, I like the Ridge at Sedona. If you want to golf you can drop a cool $100-125 on greens fees for a round but there is a small course across from the Ridge that is much more modestly priced.

I didn't really think about flying into Las Vegas. I will check that out, especially as my MIL prefers to fly out of Atlantic City and SW doesn't serve that airport. I have time to really try and find the combo of flights that will get us all there at about the same time...arriving from 3 different locations, it will be a challenge!

I did make the TS exchange yesterday so we are confirmed into Arroyo Robles - at least one thing is in the bag

[Neesie]

Originally Posted by Bill4728

Most people get the week at the TS then book airfare. As long as you book airfare about 9 months ahead you'll do great.

The problem is when you get within a few months of travel, airfare can skyrocket.

I'd never buy the airfare without getting the ts first.

Fly into Phoenix and take highway 89 up to Sedona. At one time Rand-McNally called it the most scenic drive in America. Along the way you'll drive through the Black Canyon (pretty scenery), Prescott (the oldest town in Arizona w/historical downtown and Whiskey Row) and Jerome (an old silver-mining town that now attracts tourists with their specialty shops.) The drive from Phoenix to Sedona is quite fun. Although, since you're from Florida I have to warn you that some of the mountain driving is a little hair-raising. You might even want to consider taking a motion sickness pill to help with adjusting to the altitude as well as the hairpin curves on the mountain roads.

Have a wonderful time in Sedona! Arroyo Roble is located right in uptown, you'll be walking distance to some of the shopping and eating. We enjoyed the 2 story, spacious condos and their pretty grounds.

[jlwquilter]

Just did that yesterday, so we are officially in Arroyo Roble for Sedona June!

I also downloaded Ding! for the 2 out of 3 of us that can fly Southwest. I will check out Las Vegas just in case of lower fares and/or being able to get all 3 "families" into the same airport within a short itme of each other. MIL's airport doesn't get Southwest.

I will definitely take the motion sickness pill under consideration. I get it as it is (have to drive or ride up front) and airplane rides usually leave me drained. It a PIA, but what can I do Are there OTC meds for this?

Does anyone have a suggestion for a really good map of the USA for me to buy? I know Rand NcNally of course, but are any others better? I really want to get a better handle on where all these places are in relation to each other (and it will be a fun learning opportunity for DD too).

[Jimster]

If you are a AAA motor club member, just go ask them for maps or order on line.

[jlwquilter]

Originally Posted by Jimster

If you are a AAA motor club member, just go ask them for maps or order on line.

I am, and I will! In fact, I just renewed our membership yesterday Never thought of them at all - DUH!

[Neesie]

Originally Posted by Jimster

If you are a AAA motor club member, just go ask them for maps or order on line.

Back in the 60's and 70's (long before the days of internet) my grandparents used to order the maps through AAA. They were called trip-tiks. AAA would basically customize a map for your trip from point A to point B.

As for OTC meds, there are all kinds. Bodine comes to mind. I usually buy a WalMart brand, myself. Found these work best if you take them BEFORE you feel sick.

I'm so envious of your vacation! Make sure you have lots of film or digital space on your camera. You will take more pictures than you expect to! Sedona is gorgeous!

[jlwquilter]

Originally Posted by Neesie

Back in the 60's and 70's (long before the days of internet) my grandparents used to order the maps through AAA. They were called trip-tiks. AAA would basically customize a map for your trip from point A to point B.

As for OTC meds, there are all kinds. Bodine comes to mind. I usually buy a WalMart brand, myself. Found these work best if you take them BEFORE you feel sick.

I'm so envious of your vacation! Make sure you have lots of film or digital space on your camera. You will take more pictures than you expect to! Sedona is gorgeous!

We (me, DH, DD, Dad, and MIL) are all very excited. It was quite entertaining to listen to a 77 year old man and a 68 year old woman whine about waiting a WHOLE YEAR for this vacation to happen Oh, how the tables have turned

I actually got a tip-tik from AAA yesterday for our trip to Destin in a few weeks. And DH is going to the local AAA office this week to see if we can get some "real maps" of the various states for the Sedona trip. If not, then Rand NcNally, here I come

I'll check out the OTC meds the next time I am Wal-Mart. Any help I can get would be good help!

[AzMin]

We're going to Sedona 18 May. We're checking out Hyatt Pinon Pointe, staying 4 days. If you're driving up from Phoenix, try to plan it so that you drive it when there's still daylight. It's truly a beautiful drive, especially when the sun hits the red rocks.

[talkamotta]

Originally Posted by Jimster

Last time I was there (last year) I flew into Las Vegas and drove to Sedona. It is a bit of a drive, but you'll probably get cheaper air fare there. If you fly into Phoenix you'll still have to rent a car but there isn't much to see along the way-except desert. .

At least one trip a year. Our group will drive from Salt Lake to Vegas because of airfare. (We have family there. One night in a casino is always fun and because its only one night thats good too.) Vegas always has specials. I dont know if the car rental will be cheaper.

[susiequeve]

I would wait until Southwest opens their range for your dates. I got a fabulous deal thru their website from Providence Rhode Island to Phoenix non stop both ways for $198 pp for June of this year. Internet special. I just kept checking everyday day until the date range opened up. Good Luck!!