International Travel Desk

Arizona's pride, the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, attracts more than five million tourists a year. This ancient marvel consists of limestone, sandstone, and shale brought about by geological processes including the erosion by the Colorado River. The early twentieth century saw the national reserve becoming a popular tourist destination. Different companies offer exciting bus, helicopter, Hummer, and airplane tours. For example, the Grand Canyon Tour Company offers terrific luxury coach tours, while some others use minivans at times. There are scenic tours to the Grand Canyon South Rim National Park. Also fascinating are the Indian heritage sites. National Geographic certified cruises and rides are also offered. There are lovely lodges and places to eat on these sightseeing adventures. The coaches take about fourteen hours.

Phoenix is the state capital and has a wide range of museums and other Arizona attractions. The Arizona Science Center presents shows in the planetarium and films on the five-story Imax Theatre screen. There are demonstrations on different subjects, such as electricity, magnetism and gravity. Exhibits include aerospace, weather and energy conservation. The center can be found in the Heritage and Science Park. Children enjoy going to Summer Science Camp, which is run by the center. One of the other Arizona attractions is the Heard Museum, a museum dedicated to Native American art and artifacts, including Hopi dolls and jewelry. The Phoenix Zoo has four sections divided into themes. There is the Africa Trail, the Tropics Trail and the Discovery/Children's Trail. The Arizona Trail contains local wildlife and native plants.

Tucson is the second largest city in the state and the Pima Air and Space Museum is one of the most impressive tourtist attractions in Arizona. It opened in 1976 and the collection includes more than 250 aircraft and artifacts from the USA and elsewhere, including military, civil and commercial. Some of the craft and objects are quite rare. Exhibits include World War II airplanes and the Air Force One plane, used by John F.Kennedy. The museum is located next to the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

Arizona is a great place to visit because there are so many things to see and experience. From museums, golf courses to the breath taking Grand Canyons it is a travellers gold mine.