Arizona vacations: The destinations you can't miss

The Southwestern United States is home to cowboy lore, cacti galore and, these days, quite a bit of glamor. The famed sunshine of Arizona makes it a great winter getaway, but its varied landscapes and cityscapes make it a truly unique year-round destination.

Arizona vacations can take many forms, from the outdoorsy to the urban to the historical. Whether you choose to go with one guiding theme or mix and match, you'll end up with a rich and rewarding experience.

Here are the destinations that deserve to be considered for all Arizona vacations:

* The Grand Canyon. A cynic might call it an obvious pick, but if they do, they've clearly never seen the Canyon. Stretching as far out as the eye can see and down a good long way, too, the sheer expansiveness of the Grand Canyon is a marvel. Add to that the spectacular colors and forms of the rock that make up its walls, the wildlife and the roaring Colorado river, it's no wonder that this is one of America's greatest natural treasures. Whether you go rafting, hiking or just stick to the easy trails, it's an unmissable experience.

* Sedona. It's a New Age center, it's a hiker's paradise, and it's getting a bit commercial. Sedona has its pluses and minuses, but it's absolutely worth a visit. The surrounding red rock country is nothing short of breathtaking. Stop by the visitors bureau and the friendly staff will offer recommendations for walks and hikes for people of all abilities. There are also lots of jeep tours offered for those who aren't comfortable with hiking. Throw in some good restaurants, decent shopping options and simply unbeatable sunsets and sunrises and you'll be happy you came.

* Phoenix and Scottsdale. The one runs into the other, and it's easy to combine a visit, particularly since you'll probably fly into Phoenix's Sky Harbor airport. In Phoenix, you can explore local history in Heritage Square, which features 19th- and early 20th-century buildings; see the fascinating and highly determined flora of the area at the Desert Botanical Garden; and spend an afternoon exploring the excellent Heard Museum, dedicated to Native American history and culture. In Scottsdale, you'll find top-of-the-line shopping (including a seemingly endless supply of excellent art galleries), scores of fine dining options and ultra-luxurious hotels.

* Northeastern Arizona. You won't find any megalopolises here -- this is an area where nature does the talking, and she speaks loudly. The Petrified Forest National Park, set in the beauty of the Painted Desert, is wonderful for a scenic drive and short walks -- just keep in mind that there isn't anywhere to camp (or hotels to stay at) and no maintained trails to speak of. Also in the area is Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. To be immersed in the iconic scenery here is like walking into a classic western movie or a grand painting. You can camp in the park for nominal fees, and there is a visitor center with a restaurant featuring Navajo dishes. You'll also find Navajo vendors who live in the area selling their handmade arts and crafts at roadside stands -- the perfect way to buy an authentic handicraft or souvenir.

To get started planning your vacation to Arizona, sites like Travelocity.com are an excellent resource. You can get lower prices on hotels and cheap flights when you bundle them together in a vacation package. And since visiting many of Arizona's best sites requires a bit of driving, it's a good idea to throw a rental car into the package as well.

Courtesy of ARAcontent