Reconnect & Rejuvenate: Girls on the Go to Arizona
All-girl getaways are great for reconnecting, rejuvenating, and forging new bonds. Whether you have a sister, a daughter, a mother, a best friend – or a group of friends- an all-girl getaway can be a powerful way to escape and explore this beautiful country. For a sunny and warm girls getaway, book your seat for a flight headed to Arizona. The stunning landscapes of Arizona create the perfect spot for an adventurous all-girl vacation. Often known as the snow birders’ paradise, it is also the perfect place to enjoy a tan with your favorite girls. Here is a sample itinerary for a weekend of fun, down to this southwest state.
Fly into Phoenix, but since this isn’t a trip about big cities, rent a car and drive 4½ hours north (233 miles) along Interstates 17 and 40 and Highway 64 toward the Grand Canyon. As you travel along these scenic highways, the vegetation changes from saguaro cactuses to tall pine trees.
Try to arrive at the southern entrance to the Grand Canyon, right before sunset and have your cameras ready. Hopi and Yavapai points are some the best places to view a sunrise or sunset.
For dinner, be sure to visit the Bright Angel Lodge, a restaurant that specializes in hand-cut steaks and chicken in southwestern style. The food and drinks are excellent, and the view from the Angel Room is worth the whole visit. One of its signature drinks is the Prickly Pear Margarita, which includes Hornitos Reposado tequila, prickly pear cactus syrup, lime, Triple Sec and sweet and sour mix. There are also multiple shops to do some Grand Canyon shopping if the summer sun is too much for the visit.
If you plan to stay one of your nights near the Grand Canyon south rim, it is highly recommended that you find a hotel outside the park, as they are much more expensive once you start looking at hotels on or in the canyon.
El Tovar Hotel is the park’s priciest and most famous lodge. Built in 1905, famous guests over the years have included Theodore Roosevelt, Bill Clinton and Paul McCartney, to name a few. The hotel was also featured in the 1983 Chevy Chase film National Lampoon’s Vacation.
The following morning, hop on a tour bus outside the Bright Angel Lodge for a guided view of the national park. Some bus rides cover around 50 miles in a little less than four hours as you travel east from the lodge along the rim of the canyon. Enjoy some scenic viewpoints, such as the Watchtower, which offers stunning views of the canyon.
The Grand Canyon offers endless opportunities for fun and exploration. Millions of visitors each year hike the park’s famous trails; enjoy airplane and helicopter tours, and brave mule rides and rafting trips.
A special highlight of the park is the nine to 14-day white water rafting tour on the Colorado River. The adventure starts at Lee’s Ferry, near the Glen Canyon Dam and ends at Pierce Ferry, which is at the upper Lake Mead. In the summer months, the rangers organize daily informative walks throughout the park.
The sensational mountain scenery is one of the most popular destinations in North America. An Arizona getaway will help you and your girls escape the pressures, cares, and stress of your everyday life and put a little bit of sunshine back into your days.
