Here for the snacks.

While some of us watch the big game just for the half-time show, many fans will be flocking to Arizona this weekend to spectate in-person. Football aside, AZ has so much to offer – keep reading for details on this desert destination.

The pre-check

The week’s latest travel stories and news.

• An improved safety net.
  
  Following January’s network outage that grounded flights, the FAA has made policy changes to avoid programming issues in the future.
• GoWild! this summer.
  
  Frontier Airlines introduced a nearly unlimited flight pass starting in May, which will service 100+ destinations for $399.
• Upping the penalty price.
  
  Several US senators are proposing a bill that would raise the penalty cost for airlines with oversold, delayed and canceled flights.

• New entrance fees.
  
  The UK announced that US, EU, Australian and Canadian travelers will soon have to pay an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee to visit.
  
  
• Flights for 50 states.
  
  Delaware welcomed a new budget airline, Avelo, to Wilmington Airport this week, marking the first of these flights in over a year.

Trending travel

Touchdown in Arizona.

While Arizona is a must-see destination year round, this weekend’s big game has certainly piqued travelers’ interest. Searches to Phoenix spiked 179%* following the semifinal games two weeks ago. Interested in venturing to the desert for an upcoming trip (outside of this weekend, preferably)? Based on our data, here are the latest top-trending AZ destinations:

• Marble Canyon
  
  Located north of the Grand Canyon, Marble Canyon is famous for its “wave” formation – hotel searches in Marble Canyon are up 213% compared to 2022**.
  
  Stay in Marble Canyon
• Glendale
  
  Found northwest of Phoenix, Glendale has all the sporting activities, both for those playing and watching. Hotel searches in Glendale are up 118% compared to 2022**.
  
  Stay in Glendale
• Chandler
  
  Nestled southeast of Phoenix, Chandler is home to Arizona’s first (of 250) golf courses. Hotel searches in Chandler are up 26% compared to 2022**.
  
  Stay in  Chandler
• Gilbert
  
  Not too far from Chandler, Gilbert is known for its agricultural roots, which translate to amazing local eats. Hotel searches in Gilbert are up 19% compared to 2022**.
  
  Stay in Gilbert

Need somewhere to crash during your Arizona trip? Start your search to find the right place to stay for your adventure.

Tricks of the trade

More to do in the Grand Canyon state.

If you’re looking to do something beyond staring at an impressive hole in the earth, check out our travel guides. Just type in the city you’re visiting (in AZ or beyond) and we’ll spit out the top sights, weather, facts and things you need to know.

Community voices

Our cross-country road trip guide features some of the most prominent Black History landmarks in the US. It’s a non-exhaustive list that will direct you to revolutionary destinations so you can learn a bit more about those who helped shape our country.

Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.

*KAYAK US considered searches to Phoenix Arizona between 1/29 and 1/30/2023 for travel dates 2/9/-2/13/2023. For percent change, KAYAK considered search dates a week prior for the same travel dates.

**KAYAK US considered hotel searches between 8/1/2022 and 1/31/2023 for travel anytime in the future to the state of Arizona. For YoY comparison, the same search dates were used for the year prior. Destinations were excluded based on minimum search volumes.