Arizona Cheap Vacations

The biggest key to Arizona cheap vacations is to know when to go.

Arizona hotel and resort rates are lowest during the low and shoulder seasons. Because Arizona is a large state with diverse geography and climates, the prime travel season differs from region to region.

Arizona resorts in the desert like the Wigwam Resort have very low summer room rates

If you want Arizona cheap vacations to desert cities such as Phoenix, Scottsdale or Tucson, the cheapest time to go is the summer.

Yes, it's going to be hot but those Arizona resorts summer specials are worth it, especially if you plan to spend lots of time at the pool anyway.

How low will those popular Arizona luxury resort and hotel room rates drop to?

Down to the low $100s, which is a steal compared to their typical high season winter rates of over $350 or more per night.

Don't like the heat? Take an Arizona winter vacation to towns like Sedona, Prescott and Flagstaff, which all have lower room rates during the cold season.

2) Stay Midweek.

Thoroughly research dates before you book your travel. Often, arriving at your destination midweek and returning home early in the week can save you lots of money for both room costs and airfare.

3) Watch the Services and Fees.

Sometimes it’s the little things that really add up when you travel. When you check in to your resort room, don't open that bottle of water or pack of nuts sitting on the minibar.

It may be convenient but that water bottle could cost $8. Instead, once you've settled into your room, take a trip to the local grocery store and pick up all of the drinks and snacks you'll need for half the price or less.

4) A Room with a Kitchen.

Preparing some of your own meals is a good way to keep travel costs down. Several hotel chains offer fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes in their rooms.

This simple kitchenette in the room at Flagstaff’s Embassy Suites can help you save money during Arizona cheap vacations

Try the Embassy Suites, Marriott’s Springhill Suites or TownePlace Suites, Holiday Inn Express and Suites and Hyatt Summerfield Suites.

Armed with at least a microwave, mini-refrigerator and a coffee maker, you can easily prepare your own simple breakfasts or put together picnic fixings.

Just watch the cost of condiments. Tip: save up condiment packets from restaurants at home to bring with you.

5) Kids Get a Deal.

Another great way to take Arizona cheap vacations is to stay at hotel chains that offer "kids-eat-free, stay-free and play-free" deals. Check out hotels like Marriott, Holiday Inn and Wyndham for good kids’ specials.

6) Rent a Home Away from Home.

If you have a family with children, you can save money and take Arizona cheap vacations by booking an Arizona vacation home rental.

If you take an Arizona cheap vacation to Sedona, New Frontiers market is a good place to buy groceries

Home rentals can often be the same price or lower than a resort.

Many home rentals have similar types of amenities like nicely landscaped yards, a pool and/or a hot tub.

With a home rental, you can fix all or most of your own meals.

Plus, you don't have to worry about tipping, paying for parking or extra fees.

7) Joint Venture Vacations with Friends and Family.

Why not consider vacationing with friends or family members? You can really stretch your vacation dollar when you share the costs of a vacation home rental with a large group.

8) Stay Outside of Town.

Another Arizona cheap vacations strategy is to avoid staying near popular places. Hotels rates are often lower the farther the hotel is from major attractions such as parks, stadiums or city centers.

Visiting Tucson? Then consider booking a room in the town of Marana that borders the north side of the city.

If Sedona is your destination, you can cut your room costs by staying in the nearby communities of the Village of Oak Creek or Cottonwood. A trip to Phoenix may be cheaper if you stay in one of the surrounding areas such as North Phoenix or Mesa.

9) Camp Out.

If you already have your own outdoor equipment, camping is a great way to take Arizona cheap vacations.

Rose Canyon Lake is a popular camping area on Mount Lemmon, just outside of Tucson

Arizona has some truly beautiful camping spots.

You can camp amid towering saguaros cactus, by a burbling, trout-filled streams or next to a cool, placid lake. And nothing beats camping at the Grand Canyon.

Arizona’s seasons will determine where you camp during the year.

You won’t want to camp in the desert during summer or in the White Mountains during winter.

Also, keep in mind that demand for camping spots will be higher during the season when temperatures are most pleasant.

Most Arizona campgrounds do have fees but you can still find some that are free.

Arizona campground rates range from $6 - $30 nightly, depending upon season and location.

You’ll find campgrounds on most Arizona public lands including the National Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Arizona State Parks system and the Bureau of Land Management and on some Indian Reservations.

To reserve a campsite on Arizona’s federal lands, check out www.recreation.gov.

10) Drive Instead of Fly.

If you live near Arizona, it may be cheaper for you to drive instead of fly.

It’s not just increased airfare rates that you have to consider when planning how to get there.

There are also taxes, fees and the costs of checked luggage as well as the cost, taxes and fees for a rental car once you reach your destination.

So, taking your own vehicle might be a better bargain.

11) Find the Cheapest Gas While You Travel.

If you are going to take your car, you can keep your fuel costs down by finding out where to get the best price for gas along your route.

Check out www.GasBuddy.com to find the cheapest gas by zip code. Tip: Make sure you’ve got the gas station’s address right so you don’t drive to a more expensive station on the same street.

12) Have Fun at Free Places.

Another way to keep costs down is to take in the many Arizona free attractions. Every city has opportunities for free things to do.

Tucson Mountain Park is a great place to go hiking for free

Some of our favorites include:

• Window shopping in downtown Scottsdale or at the Mexican-style courtyards of Tlaquepaque in Sedona.
• Hiking among the saguaro cactus and rugged mountains at Tucson Mountain Park in Tucson or at Pinnacle Peak in north Scottsdale.
• Exploring San Xavier Mission, just south of Tucson, the oldest Spanish mission in the U.S., where you can witness culture and history firsthand.
• A scenic drive through the red rocks and forests of Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon.
• Strolling the historic streets of Old West towns like Jerome, Bisbee and Tombstone.

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