Arizona Travel Agent Specialist

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Matthew Schaffer, Travel Agent in Chicago, IL

Matthew Schaffer

Chicago, IL Travel Agent
Super Agent

Matthew Schaffer

Chicago, IL · 7 Years of Experience

A full-service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
5.0
(47)
100% Recommended
Matthew was fantastic! He planned a last minute trip to the Grand Canyon for me and my boys age 11 and 13. He... Read More >
About
Reviews
My Places

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, Nogales, Arizona

Interests:

Golf, Hiking & Backpacking, Outdoor Activities & Sports, Couples & Romance, Adult Only

About Me

When it comes to great U.S. destination states, Arizona will always have a special place in my heart.  This may be because I had an amazing destination wedding in the mountains of Tucson, or maybe because I went to the University of Arizona, and every time I visit Tucson, I feel young again.  I really do not believe there is another state with so many different types of beautiful vacation possibilities all year round.

It really is difficult to explain the different experiences to be had all over the state.  For all you lovers of truly majestic scenery, nothing compares to places like the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Montezuma Castle or Vermillion Cliffs.  Any one of these sites are perfect for a relaxing getaway, but also offer multiple options for outdoor adventures. 

If mainly water activities is more your style, Arizona offers gorgeous locations like Lake Havasu, Saguaro Lake, Lake Powell or Lake Mead.  With amazing scenery these locations offer boating, waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, scuba diving, parasailing and of course, fishing.  For a break from the water each Lake is also unique in its different hiking environments. 

Of course, you cannot talk about Arizona without mentioning the two biggest cities, Phoenix and Tucson.  While there is only about an hour and a half drive between the two, the cities are different in almost every aspect from environment to culture.  If you are looking for a city that has everything, Phoenix being the 5th most populous city in the country is just that.  To name just a few of Phoenix's draws, there is professional sports, Jack Nicholas designed golf courses, world class spas, museums, hiking in the Sonoran Desert, a lively nightlife, diverse restaurants and don't forget the hot air ballooning.  Another great perk of Phoenix is that Scottsdale is on its northern border, which is a great resort town that all should visit.

For you mountain view lovers, Tucson is the place to be.  This is because Tucson is situated in a high desert valley surrounded by the Santa Catalinas to the north, the Rincons to the east, the Santa Ritas to the south and the Tucsons to the west. Located only 70 miles from the Mexico border, the Tucson experience is everything a person imagines of the true southwest with both Mexican and Native American influence.  Tucson delivers exceptional opportunities to explore, from hiking in Saguaro National Park, to the famous 98-acre Arizona-Senora Desert Museum.  And if you like Mexican food, you will love what is known as the Best 23 Miles of Mexican food.  With multiple ranch experiences and luxury resorts in the mountain side, Tucson is a must visit in Arizona.

Lastly is a town very close to Tucson, the border town of Nogales.  Native American tribes met up with Spanish explorers there Centuries ago, which has created an amazing meld of cultures in Nogales.  Luckily for all of us, that history has not been erased, and Nogales is one of the premier places to visit historical buildings.  As far as food goes, whether you are on the Arizona side or the Mexico side of Nogales,  the authentic Mexican food is outstanding.

I wish I could tell you more about all the other amazing places in Arizona, but unfortunately that would take a novel.  Instead, I hope you allow me to create an experience for you that will make you long to see every part of Arizona.  

Additional Languages
Spanish

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
47 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 47 reviews

Last minute Grand Canyon adventure
Reviewed By Heather - West Chester, PA | Traveled to Grand Canyon ~ Arizona ~ USA
Matthew was fantastic! He planned a last minute trip to the Grand Canyon for me and my boys age 11 and 13. He was so helpful and knowledgeable and made great suggestions with my boys in mind. He was a pleasure to work with and very communicative throughout the process. We are going to plan another trip to the area and will definitely use Matthew again. I would highly recommend his services!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Good Times
Reviewed By Chelsea - Los Angeles, CA | Traveled to Cabo San Lucas ~ Baja California Sur ~ Mexico
Matt made my trip to Cabo the best! My friends and I had so much fun doing all the activites Matt set up for us. Can't wait for the next one.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
5 of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Viva Las Vegas!!!
Reviewed By Kyle - Chicago,Il | Traveled to Las Vegas ~ Nevada ~ USA
I have always wanted to go to Vegas but wasn't sure how to make it great. Matt listened to every request I had and made every idea come true. I have never had such a great time in my life! I can't wait to travel with Matt's help again.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
6 of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Awesome!!!!!
Reviewed By Debbie - Chicago, IL | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Matt was always available for me no matter when I contacted him. He was able to find the perfect places and activities for all of my requests. I'll be using his services for a long time to come.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Hole in one!!!
Reviewed By Mark - Chicago,Il | Traveled to Kiawah Island ~ South Carolina ~ USA
Matt was so great to work with! I love golfing, but I knew nothing about Kiawah Island. Matt gave me the best golfing trip of my life. I can't wait to take another trip with his help.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
5 of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.
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