Expert: Stephen Tanenbaum - 9/5/2006

Question
Hi,Stephen.
I am planning on going to Tuscon/AZ.
I am taking 2- 14-year-olds with me.
they want to see the typical old south west, to go shopping, some botanicaa gardens, or open-air museums, swimming, some hiking etc.
My time is limited, money as well.
We live in California( S.D.). will travel by car.
We'll have only one weekend in the begging of november.
recommendations on the place to sleep, activities and budget?

Answer
Hi Lucy:

We love Tucson and only recently noted it’s been far too long since our last visit.  The Revised Edition of my ‘global’ travel guide devotes a couple of pages to just ONE American destination, Tucson!

Here is our FREE travel newsletter: www.CTNspring2006.blogspot.com

First, good and bad news.

GOOD NEWS: The FREE hotel deal in the newsletter.  My FREE NIGHT at Holiday Inns article  describes a super deal that offers ONE FREE night for each adult traveling. Patty and I have already received our 15,000 points each so that we can book a FREE TWO NIGHT WEEKEND anytime. And, yes, Tucson has at least one Holiday Inn.

BAD NEWS: Don’t know that you have enough time to apply and receive your points so that you can use them. Close but may just be doable if you act ASAP.  The article is at the end of the newsletter. Feel free to share the newsletter with others. Other cool articles on free airline tickets!

We love to use Entertainment two for one books. BUT at $42 to buy the book a weekend would pretty much not justify it. It does have two for one motel/hotels as well. Why not check it out at:
http://entertainment.com/discount/change_location.shtml?bookid=7355&search_finds...

You could   always re-sell it on Ebay so long as you list the coupons you’ve used. IN particular to anyone who lives in Tucson and who will use mostly the restaurant non-tourist coupons. Or advertise it in a local Tucson free ad newspaper etc. Should easily sell for half price.

MUST DO:

TUCSON DESERT MUSEUM  - The world class and totally FUN for you and kids Tucson Desert Museum (AKA Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum - SEE  http://www.desertmuseum.org/

OLD TUCSON MOVIE STUDIO: Everyone has fun reliving the old west at Old Tucson.   See: http://www.oldtucson.com/

PINNACLE PEAKS RESTAURANT: Totally old west fun BBQ steaks galore and more.
When the bell rings they cut off a customers TIE....at least that was their custom...
See: http://www.pinnaclepeaktucson.com/    And: http://www.traildusttown.com/history.htm

OPTIONAL: http://parentseyes.arizona.edu/sabino/

Lodging: Check the Entertainment book online for motels. Double queen suites run $85-$101
if you were to ‘rough’it three to a room. There of course are campgrounds as well,

I use www.tripadvisor.com to review any hotel/motel. It offers real USER reviews so you will know if beds are uncomfortable, room smells, location is great/OK/horrid....all important to know.

Hope some or all helps with your planning.
Happy Travels

Steve T.