First of all, Arizona is one of the very few States that has an OFFICIAL website for gays visiting their beautiful State. Go to: www.visitgayarizona.com and you will find almost every question you would ever want to know about visiting their State. In addition they list dozens of gay owned and gay friendly businesses along with their addresses, phone numbers and websites.

Arizona is basically divided into 5 distinct areas: Metropolitan Phoenix, including the cities of Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale and Chandler, is the nation's sixth largest city in population and covers more than 450 square miles in land area.

A colorful tapestry of cultures - from Hispanic and Native American to the legendary Wild West - is woven throughout southern Arizona, a land that thrived under the flags of both Spain and Mexico before becoming part of the U.S.

South of Flagstaff in the beautiful Verde Valley area of north central Arizona, Sedona including Jerome and Prescott is red rock country. Many gay men and lesbians - once they experience the friendly atmosphere and small town charm of Sedona - decide to relocate here permanently. Women will find numerous lesbian-owned accommodations.

Although Arizona is a landlocked state, its desert dwellers cool off in the warm waters of the state's many lakes. In fact, Arizona boasts one of the highest rates of boat ownership in the nation. Home to the world-famous London Bridge, Lake Havasu is both a water lover's paradise and a desert lover's dream. More than 400 miles of stunning coastline offers exceptional water sports, including fishing and skiing, kayaking, jet-skiing and houseboating. The western region of the State can be amazing.

Northern Arizona is the Southwest at its best. It is a photographer's paradise, a shopper's delight, a hiker's exploration, a history buff's treasure trove of cultures and a boater's bonanza. Although only a matter of hours from Phoenix deserts, Northern Arizona can be a world away in climate. With elevations up to more than 12,000 feet. If you have never visited the Grand Canyon, it truly is one of the wonders of America. Stay at the historic El Tovar one night. The scenic beauty is beyond description. If you are hardy enough to take the mule excursion to the bottom, then by all means do so. Otherwise just stay at the hotel and have a drink, look out the window and view the scenery.

We have been to all five areas and always have a very interesting time. An auto is an absolute MUST when visiting Arizona and be SURE and keep plenty of gas in your tank! It is truly unbelievable how many gay owned B and B's there are in Arizona plus dozens that are extremely gay-friendly. Even in the small towns, gay life is everywhere.

Among our favorite places to stay in Arizona are: LUNA VISTA B And B in Rimrock (just South of Sedona) Kala and Frank are two of the most wonderful people in the world. http://www.lunavistabandb.com/

An utterly "beyond FABULOUS experience staying there. The ROYAL ELIZABETH B and B in Tucson is wonderful. Jeff and Chuck know how to keep their guests returning year after year. http://www.royalelizabeth.com/

And The Casa de San Pedro in Hereford is great. Karl and Patrick have done a wonderful job. http://www.bedandbirds.com/

In Phoenix, there are literally dozens of gay bars to choose from so just check out your bar guides before going. Whatever your into, there is perfect bar just for you!

There is a very strong gay community in Arizona and some of the resources can be found by going to these: http://www.azpride.org/, http://www.prescottpridecenter.com/, http://www.cochise-pride.net/ , http://www.flagstaffpride.org/ and http://www.tucsonpride.com/ Their local gay newspaper is a great source for information: http://www.echomag.com/.

Always remember to have a good time when traveling and TALK TO EVERYBODY! And, "don't cry because it's over, SMILE because it happened and you were a part of it!

For more infomation on traveling, email Donald and Ray at gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their web page at: http://www.hometown.aol.com/gaytravelers.

Gaytravelers@aol.com is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, a gay couple of over 34 years of "togetherness" who live in the greater Kansas City area. They are also Antique Dealers and have toured the entire United States traveling in search of antiques and for fabulous "gay meccas" of which they have found several.

On their 25th Anniversary, Elizabeth Taylor wrote, "Congratulations to the two of you on your 25th Anniversary! You have surely reached an important milestone in your lives together, and I send you my best wishes as you celebrate tonight". Candice Gingrich wrote, "Your enduring relationship is another shining example of what "family values" is and should be about... trust, security, love commitment. Continued success in your togetherness".

Don and Ray write articles for several gay and lesbian newspapers and magazines. You can email us at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their web page at: www.hometown.aol.com/gaytravelers.