The Southwest has an iconic attraction as a uniquely American landscape. It’s little wonder why – the history of the region and its grandiose natural beauty give it instant, universal appeal to all travelers.

For those considering a trip to the area, the first tip to keep in mind is that the Southwest can be an excellent value. Cheap flights to Phoenix are easy to come by, particularly if you keep an eye on prices by using travel sites like Travelocity.com. Flight price tracking makes the job much easier, and if your dates are flexible, set a price alert so that you’ll know when ticket prices are right for your budget.

Phoenix hotels offer some truly beautiful accommodations, and since you’ll start your vacation there, it’s wise to do some comparison shopping for prices before you depart. Keep in mind that Phoenix and Scottsdale are very close – essentially linked – and that it’s not too difficult to get to sites in the two cities, particularly if you rent a car.

A good place to set the tone for exploring the Southwest is Phoenix’s Heard Museum. This expansive museum, set in the grounds of the Heard Mansion, is a rich resource for learning about the Native Americans of the Southwest. Learning about the different tribes, culture and arts is essential to giving context to your explorations of the region.

Another key site to visit in the Phoenix region is Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s summer home and architectural school. The buildings were inspired by the local landscape, much as the Prairie School architecture that Wright developed echoed the look of his Midwestern surroundings.

A few hours’ drive to the north will take you through red rock country to the Grand Canyon, one of America’s most breathtaking natural wonders. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting the region, and if possible, hikes, horseback rides or helicopter trips – whatever’s in your budget – make the experience even more memorable.

Further afield but equally worth a visit is Canyon de Chelly National Monument. The site is unique in that it is a unit of the U.S. National Parks Service, but is located within the Navajo Nation. In addition to dramatic landscapes, there are ruins of habitations of Ancient Pueblo People and a living Navajo community. Keep in mind that visitors are only authorized to tour the canyon floor with a park ranger guide or authorized Navajo guide.

For more urban adventures, travelers can also incorporate cities like Las Vegas and Los Angeles in their itineraries. Both are easily within driving distance from Phoenix, giving you the chance to make your vacation stretch a little bit further. To really get the most out of the cities, book Las Vegas and Los Angeles hotels and stay for a day or two before returning to Phoenix for your flight home.