Romance On High: Visiting the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon in Arizona is a great place to go for the pure pleasure of sightseeing. While it's admittedly not a good idea to go there if you're afraid of heights, for couples that thrive on fantastic views it's an ideal place to go for a romantic honeymoon. There are a lot of attractions down in the Grand Canyon, and for active couples that love heights and thrill seeking it can offer one of the most memorable honeymoon experiences around.

The very act of moving around the various accommodations in the Grand Canyon can actually be a small adventure in itself. There are seven major hotels in the south rim of the canyon, and a larger number of campsites where a couple can go with a trailer or tent. The hotels are situated near the parks, which can be accessed by hiking, on horse or mule, by air transport (both planes and helicopters) or by train. Depending on your personal preferences, getting to and from one venue to another can be an enjoyable opportunity.

For couples that enjoy hiking, the various campsites have clearly marked camp trails that can be negotiated with a minimum of navigational difficulty (but with a lot of sweat!). Health buffs often choose this option, trekking across the landscape with backpacks and tents. For those who don't quite get their kicks out of walking long distance through a park, the horse and mule back rides are an option that promises a unique experience for people who've never ridden before. Kids usually love this one, but even a lot of adults like taking their time going through the riding trails that cut across the parks. One tip for those new to riding though: wear jeans when going mounted for long periods.

For those who prefer more modern modes of travel, rental aircraft services can be chartered for going from site to site. Helicopters are especially popular for this purpose, and the pilots in the Grand Canyon are well trained and are used to ferrying people around. Their helicopters are made for cruising at low altitudes, so you can ask your pilot to dip lower to the ground if you or your partner spot something on the ground that you want to observe at a closer distance.

Lastly, the trains that interconnect some of the parks are made with tourists in mind. They are extremely comfortable rides, and the cabins are plush and comfortable. The train routes go through quite a few scenic areas, offering plenty of opportunities for taking photographs and general sightseeing.

As for the various activities and attractions available in the Grand Canyon, these are generally divided into two categories; the first type appeals to people who adore heights and the second appeals to nature lovers. Hang gliding, bungee jumping, or just plain old staying on a canyon side to enjoy the view are some of the common attractions you'll find in the Grand Canyon. These activities offer a pretty good adrenalin rush for couples that want a good thrill. As mentioned earlier, the various modes of transportation available in the Grand Canyon are also mostly designed to offer the most panoramic views for vacationers.

For those who prefer things a bit more sedate, there are also bird watching tours, mountain hiking trails, and outdoor camping and picnic sites. These offerings let couples relax and enjoy themselves in the outdoors in quiet seclusion, away from the bustle of everyday life. The camp sites not only offers places to stake tents or to park a camper, but also offer rental cabins for people who want to stay in comfort. This offers plenty of romantic opportunities for couples, from having a cozy picnic in the woods to lazing around at night in front of a crackling fireplace in one of the cabins, or cuddling in a sleeping bag for two near a camp fire.

Lastly, another attraction of a Grand Canyon honeymoon is the cuisine there. For true blue carnivores, most of the hotels and restaurants scattered across the place offer good old fashioned western-style cooking, from spare ribs the size of a Mack truck to hot chili that's guaranteed to clear your sinuses. Thankfully, there are also plenty of excellent fresh salads available in the hotels in case you or your love happens to be vegetarian. With all this to offer, it's easy to see why the Grand Canyon remains one of the most popular vacation spots and honeymoon destinations in the United States.