Total for 2 people, 5 nights: $1,163
Average Hotel Rate: $109
Average Airfare: $309
Why it's worth visiting: The city's 300-plus rain-free days make it ideal for outdoor pursuits -- whether hiking Camelback Mountain, catching catfish at Papago Park, or taking a Hummer tour of the desert past dark with night-vision goggles. "Phoenix's natural beauty is 24/7," says Douglas MacKenzie of the local visitors' bureau.
Just want to improve your swing? There are more than 200 golf courses in the area, from tournament sites to public links. The secret to a prime tee time: Make reservations at least a month in advance, suggests MacKenzie.
Why it's a deal: Phoenix is a hub for low-cost airline Southwest, which has kept fare competition stiff: Prices for travel through March were actually down 1% over the previous year. Also, the city overbuilt hotels during the late 2000s, and demand hasn't yet caught up.
Research firm STR expects only 58% occupancy this year, which should keep rates low. (Just be aware that you'll pay more in the spring, when the area is popular with golfers.)
Where to stay: The 4 1/2-star Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria property adjacent to the 36-hole Arizona Biltmore Country Club. Rates start at $150 a night in the fall.
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