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Southwest Vacation Travel Planner

Traveling the Southwest will be better planned with our weather, time, special southwest travel information and more. Find out some important information that may affect your travel plans.

Free Things to Do and See in the Southwest US

There are so many things to do and see in the Southwest that are absolutely free. Festivals, parades, museums and so much more are free to the visitor.

Altitude Sickness - When Your Body Rebels at over 9,000 Feet

Altitude Sickness affects almost one out of three people who travel to high altitude destinations. What’s high altitude? Well for some, it might be 5,000 feet while for others it might not be an issue until they hit 10,000 feet. Altitude sickness is unpredictable. It can affect the young fit hiker as well as the elderly traveler. It can affect you one one trip but not the next.

Travel with Dogs - Dog-Friendly Hotels, Pet Parks, Travel Information

Travel with dogs can be easy if you know where your canine companion is welcome. Find out where you can stay with your dog, exercise your dog and care for your dog while on vacation.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Southwest U.S.

These sites have been named by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites in the Southwestern U.S. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. You will want to visit each and every one.

Reader Suggestions for Gay and Lesbian Travel - Gay and Lesbian Trave…

Throughout the Southwestern United States, there are many gay and lesbian-friendly resorts, hotels, inns and communities. We can't be everywhere. We invite readers to provide leads and reviews to help others looking for that ideal, welcoming vacation.

Where to Go in the Southwest for Your Clothing Optional Vacation

Nude, naturist, clothing optional resorts, destinations, clubs in each state of the Southwestern U.S. provide you with leads on where to go for your clothing optional vacation or day trip.

Gay Travel Guide to the Southwest

Throughout the Southwestern United States, there are many gay and lesbian-friendly resorts, hotels, inns and communities.

Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli),

The plant, pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli), is both a popular Southwest U.S. landscaping plant as well as a threat to some people.

Southwest for Horse Lovers

The Southwestern U.S. is a horse lover's paradise. From all-inclusive dude ranch vacations to enjoying a parade with the most horses you'll ever see, we provide you with a guide to finding the horses in the Southwest.

Where and When to See Wildflowers in the Southwest

Here's your state by state guide to wildflowers in the Southwest. Learn about wildflowers and where to spot them in Spring and Summer. This is a great guide for students and for photographers.

Alone on Valentine's Day - You Can Be Solo in the Southwest and Enjoy It!

It's inevitable that there will be some Valentine's Days when you will be flying solo. If you are alone on Valentine's Day in the Southwest, here are some great things to do that don't require the love of your life to accompany you.

What is a Javelina?

The javelina is a dark grey peccary (not a pig) with a subtle white collar. Javelina live in semi desert areas of Mexico and Southwestern United States

Star Party Basics - What You Need to Know About Attending a Star Party

Star parties are all about dark skies and dark viewing areas. Be sure you understand the rules and plan accordingly. Make necessary preparations ahead of time. Above all learn about star parties and how you can be a good neighbor so everyone can enjoy these dark sky events.

Finding Dark Skiy Sites in the Southwestern U.S.

Want to find dark sky sites in the Southwest? Dark sky destinations are precious and becoming harder to find. Dark sky tourism appeals to amateur astronomers looking for prime viewing space, dark-skies advocates, as well as travelers who just love to vacation where they can enjoy stargazing under a truly dark sky.

Dude Ranches in the Southwest

Dude ranches, or guest ranches, have been a mainstay of southwest tourism for many years. Dude ranches of today offer service and accommodations a cut above the drafty bunk houses of yesteryear, yet guests will experience the feel of a working ranch, learn about horses and sample cowboy cuisine. Here's our list of dude ranches in the Southwest.

Historic Hotels of the Southwest

The historic inns and hotels of the Southwest are worth a stay so you can immerse yourself in their history. Only by staying at a Southwest historic hotel or inn can you fully appreciate the architecture and architectural details. We provide you with our own photographs so you not only see what the hotels and inns really look like and appreciate the architecture and history, you can make your pla…

Southwest Hot Air Balloon Events

Love hot air balloons? The Southwest has some great hot air balloon events for you to enjoy. From the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta to the Great Reno Balloon Race, you'll love the beauty of these colorful balloons.

4th of July in the Great American Southwest

No matter where you are in the Southwest, you are sure to find a memorable 4th of July Celebrations. Whether it's a small town 4th or a stay at a luxurious resort, we have some suggestions for a sizzling 4th of July in the Southwest

Avoiding the Plague While Traveling in the Southwest - Plague Tips

From time to time you hear about people who come down with the plague. I have heard about an outbreak in Utah and, most recently, in northern Arizona. While catching the plague is pretty rare, it's not a bad idea to learn something about it... just in case.

Birding Hot Spots in the Southwestern U.S. - Great Places for Birders

Here's our Southwest U.S. Birding Guide. The Southwest, with it's mild climate, is a destination for migrating birds. Find out where to see wild birds in the Southwest.

Correct Time in the Southwestern United States

Sometimes it gets a bit confusing when you travel from state to state in the Southwest. It gets more than a bit confusing when Day Light Savings is in effect as Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings Time. Here are links for the current time in key cities in the Southwest.

Historic Missions of the Southwest

The Missions of the Southwest tell the story of the meeting of the Hispanic and Native American cultures and the part that faith had to play in Southwest history. Many missions, beautifully restored, are available for visitors and for local parishoners as well. Find these beautiful historic missions in the 6 Southwest states and plan your mission pilgrimage or vacation.

Hostels and Budget Hotels in the Southwest

Find a hostel or a super-budget hotel in the Southwest. Plan a trip that won't break your budget.

Mysteries of the American Southwest

Dinosaurs, ghosts, ancient mysteries and wandering Saguaros will intrigue you as you travel the Southwest. Find out about the most mysterious and interesting sites in the Southwestern United States.

Places to Find Chocolate in the Southwest

Love chocolate? There are some unusual, beautiful and delicious chocolate-oriented places in the Southwest. We have found everything from a world-class chocoate fountain to a home grown chocolate factory you can visit.

Places to Find Fall Color in the Southwestern United States

From the Aspens of Colorado to the riot of color in Arizona's high country, the Southwestern United States offers a leaf-peeper's paradise. We have chosen sites that take you to where the colors are.

Primary Airports of the Southwestern United States

If you are flying to the Southwest for the first time, or especially if you are traveling from outside the United States, you will find this airport information helpful.

Romantic Ideas from the Southwest

Travel to romantic southwest destinations or prepare a special meal at home full of southwest flavor. The choice is yours. The southwest states are filled with romance, fun and great ideas for your romantic getaway.

Share Your Southwest Vacation With Us - User Submission Form

No travel web site is complete without photos and stories to inspire those planning a trip and to bring back memories for those who have already been. If you are enthusiastic about your Southwest travel stories or photos and would like to see them up on the Southwest for Visitors site, I welcome all submissions.

Sometimes a Girl's Just Gotta Getaway - Great Escapes in the Southwes…

We found some great ideas for your girls' getaway weekend or retreat. The Southwest offers spas, dude ranches and resorts that would be ideal for a girls' getaway escape. These places are women-tested and guarantee you a fantastic escape. So whether it's a solo vacation or a time to re-connect with special women in your life, you will enjoy our special places.

Southwest Clothing Optional and Nude Safety Zones

You may not be a naturist but sometimes you just want to go somewhere where you can be nude for awhile. It's hot in the Southwest and there are places where you can be topless by the pool or nude in the resort's hot tub. This isn't a list for naturists, but it's a good start for someone who's clothing is getting the best of them.

Southwest Destinations for April

Top Southwest Destinations for April - Best Places to see in the Southwestern U.S.

Southwest Destinations for August

Top Southwest Destinations for August - Southwestern US Events and Best Places to see in the Southwestern U.S.

Southwest Destinations for December

In the beautiful Southwest, you can enjoy the snow or choose a more sunny climate. There is much to do and see in December.

Southwest Destinations for July

Top Southwest Destinations for July - Southwestern US Events and Best Places to see in the Southwestern U.S.

Southwest Destinations for May

Top Southwest Destinations for May - Southwestern US Events and Best Places to see in the Southwestern U.S.

Southwest Destinations for October

Top Southwest Destinations for October - Southwestern US Events and Best Places to see in the Southwestern U.S.

Southwest Destinations for September

Top Southwest Destinations for September - Southwestern US Events and Best Places to see in the Southwestern U.S.

Southwest Events and Destinations for February

Top Southwest Events and Destinations for February

Southwest Events and Destinations for January

Top Southwest Events and Destinations for January

Southwest Events and Destinations for March

Top Southwest Events and Destinations for March

Southwest States Weather - What's the Weather in the Southwest?

The Southwestern United States is very diverse. From the Rocky Mountain high country to the valley of the sun in Arizona, weather can be extreme. We provide the best weather information for those traveling to the Southwestern United States

Southwest United States Travel Basics - Southwest Travel

When you travel throughout the Southwest you will encounter deserts, mountains, large cities and, when in Texas, coastline and islands. Although we can prepare you for travel in the desert, which has the most extreme climate, it is important to realize that you may be traveling through a variety of climates and eco-systems

Southwest Vacation Ideas for Your Trip in the Southwestern United States

If you are planning for a vacation in America's southwest, you will want to include our top vacation destinations. We have all you need to know to plan your southwest vacation.

Special Interest Travel in the Southwestern United States

It may be that you are a foodie, a book enthusiast, a train traveler, family with kids or are gay looking for gay resorts. No matter what your special interest, we try to head you in the right direction when it comes to travel in the Southwestern U.S.

Tips for Ruining Your Southwest Vacation

The high deserts of the Southwest are breathtakingly beautiful, but the rough terrain demands respect and vigilance. Being too careless can bring an early end to an otherwise incredible Southwest vacation.

Top 10 Southwest Destinations for June

Top Southwest Destinations for June - Southwestern US Events and Best Places to see in the Southwestern U.S.

Top 8 Southwest Holiday Ideas for Your Trip in the Southwestern United States

If you are planning for a holiday in America's southwest, you will want to include our top holiday destinations. We have all you need to know to plan your southwest holiday.

Top Places in the Southwest for a Real Wild West Experience

The Southwest is the place to go for a real Wild West experience. Whether you want to ride like a cowboy or stay where the Western stars of yesteryear stayed, we have the place for your Wild West vacation.

Top Southwest Travel Adventures

The Southwest is a great place for a travel adventure. Fly over the Grand Canyon in a bubble or rope cattle in a dude ranch rodeo. If you want to fly, ride or peek over the edge of a Southwest canyon, we have some great ideas for your Southwest adventure vacation.

Top Southwest Vacation Ideas - Best Places to Vaction

If you are planning for a vacation in America's southwest, you will want to include our top vacation destinations. We have all you need to know to plan your southwest vacation

Traveling with Children in the Southwest - Kid Friendly Resorts and Attractions

Traveling with children in the Southwest can be a memorable family experience. There are child-friendly resorts, places to go and things to see that maybe educational or just plain fun.

Visiting During Monsoon Season - What You Need to Know

Monsoon is a weather condition that is actually defined as a season. In Arizona, we typically experience monsoon storms during the summer. Humidity levels increase, and the season is marked by wind storms, dust storms, and periods of heavy desert rains.
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