"Sedona - A Pricey Piece of Paradise " a Sedona Travel Page by Karnubawax

Sedona is every bit as beautiful as it looks in pictures. The breathtaking red rock formations invite exploring - by foot, jeep, or car. While the town of Sedona itself is VERY touristy, it's a good place to take a walk after a day of hiking, or to go out to dinner or windowshop.

Theodore Schnebly picked the name of 'Sedona' - after his wife - in 1902. Good thing, too; would you really want to spend your vacation in the "Red Rocks of Schnebly?!?"

Sedona gets two distinct classes of visitors - those for whom the red rocks are the backdrop, and those for whom they're the main attraction. The first group stay at expensive resorts, eat at expensive restaurants, spend the day in expensive spas, and shop at expensive galleries. The second group hikes, bikes, and meditates on top of outcroppings of red rocks.

Guess which group is more catered to?

For an introduction to the vortex phenomenon in Sedona, please take a gander at Karnubawax's Guide To Vortexes - though at times it may seem that the only vortex you find is the one pulling on your wallet!!!

Sedona can be quite pricey, and my main tip is this... though you may be tempted to try and cut corners - don't. You may save a little bit of money by staying at, or eating in, less expensive places, but the difference in quality is just not worth the savings. If you're going to splurge somewhere on your vacation, make it here.

Alternatively, you can make Sedona a day trip from somewhere cheaper - which is basically anywhere. Flagstaff has very reasonably priced accomodations. Places closer - like Cottonwood - are good choices in the off-season, but during high season the prices may not be much better. Sedona just doesn't have a whole lot to offer the budget traveler. If you're on a tight budget - stay out of Sedona!