Savvy Traveling

The South Kaibab Trail at the Grand Canyon

Successful travel planning is a little bit science, a little bit art and, sometimes, just a little bit luck. I've been planning our upcoming journey to the Grand Canyon for a month or so and it's been fun.

Snagged a good flight on American Airlines. Just $401 total for two tix; though we do have to leave at 6 a.m. from Phoenix on the way home. However, with two little kids, getting up early is not a problem and I'd just as soon get home earlier.

Also, we're leaving early on the way out from ORD, but we arrive nice and early in PHX, giving us time for a leisurely drive to the Grand Canyon. It's about four hours or so, with quite a bit of elevation gain on the way. But, it's very scenic and takes you through several climates as you leave Phoenix, pass through Flagstaff and then make your way to the GC.

My search for a rental car warrants at least a few words. As you may remember from an earlier post, I'm a big fan of Enterprise and rent from them almost exclusively. This time is no exception but the crazy pricing is a story in itself.

Started out with a quote of $228, including taxes and fees, for four days, for a Full Size car (Ford Taurus, Chevy Impala, etc.). I'd learned on a earlier trip that if I check back somewhat regularly, their prices have a tendency to move a bit. Waited a week and, sure enough, the price had dropped to $178. Booked it and was happy.

About two weeks later, just for shits and giggles, I checked it once more, with little hope that anything had changed. Was stunned to find the price had dropped to $130. Needless to say, I booked it. So, a little checking had saved me $102 from start to finish. Have I checked again recently? Absolutely, but with no luck. Totally doubt that it will drop again but the experience has shown that a little persistence can pay off, sometimes in a big way.

Grabbed a couple of nights at the Holiday Inn Express at the Grand Canyon for about $90 per night and then one night in Phoenix at a Courtyard near the airport. Using reward points for that one since Spring Training will be in full swing and the prices were absolutely crazy.

All in all, we'll probably pull this trip off for about $900, food included. Not bad for 72 hours in Arizona.

More details on our plans for the Grand Canyon hike coming soon.