The Grand Canyon (Oct 2016)

I’d always had the Grand Canyon on my bucket list, so I was super excited when I got the opportunity to incorporate it into my trip. You can actually do short trips to the Canyon from Vegas, but it was far nicer to spend a couple of days at the South rim to experience the Canyon in all its glory – including a beautiful viewing at sunset!

The South rim, in the heart of Arizona, has everything to offer the first-time visitor, as it has a great visitor centre and services, fantastic views, and the advantage of four distinct seasons so that you can enjoy it all year round. You can explore it in a number of different ways: by helicopter, on mules, or by a variety of walks in and around the Canyon – and don’t forget the sensible shoes. I actually witnessed one or two people trying to trek along some of the paths inside the Canyon in flipflops! You can do some serious guided trekking down into the depths of the Canyon and some include overnight camping. But, if like me, you just want to meander at leisure, then there are many paths just inside the Canyon and around the perimeter that will give you a wonderful experience and the opportunity to take as many photos as you wish. There are also benches dotted around the perimeter walks, so you can stop for a break and refreshments while still taking in the incredible scenery. This has to be one place I visited that really lived up to expectation and will never be forgotten.