Scottsdale & Phoenix

"Arizona positively teems with National Parks, not least the Grand Canyon. If you're planning to visit a number of national parks, save money by purchasing a National Park Annual Pass for just $80 per vehicle (it’s US$25 to enter the Grand Canyon, for example)."

"Take time out in Sedona to enjoy lunch by the creek at L'Auberge de Sedona. We can think of no better way to lose an afternoon!"

"The sunsets in Arizona are incredible. See as many as you can, camera at the ready, champagne in hand!"

"If you're driving from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon, make sure you don't miss Oak Creek Canyon, just north of Sedona. The views are magnificent."

"The Arizona desert is beautiful all year round, but if you want to see it in full bloom, visit during the spring when it's a carpet of colour."

"If you're in Tucson during the summer and want to cool off, take a drive up Mount Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains. You'll ascend to 9,000ft and enjoy wonderful views and a perfect temperature."

"From Scottsdale, take the short 15-minute drive to Tempe Market Place for attractive shops in an outdoor setting, great water features, an open fireplace plus great places to eat. Go at the weekend for the bonus of some live bands. Fish lovers should eat at Kings Fish House."

"There are many ways to see the Grand Canyon but the best way is to take a rafting trip along the Colorado River. These are available from half days to almost two week trips."

"Take an early morning hot air balloon ride. It's well worth the early start to experience it and don't worry about heights. As strange as it may seem, you don't have that same sensation of height as you get standing on a tall building."

"In north-eastern Arizona, visit Canyon de Chelly (pronounced Shay) to see the spectacular red cliffs and some ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings that date back at least 700 years."