Need some help I thought I had it figured out

Question

Hey Everyone,

You have all been so much help on this forum in the past with trip planning I am hoping you can help with the mess I have probably got us into. The original plan was to fly into Phoenix and go south this time, but since we did not make it to the GC the last time we were there I decided to fly into Las Vegas and fly out of Phoenix which would put us closer to the GC. We have never been to Las Vegas so I thought I had a good game plan at the time I booked. Fly into Vegas stay one night, go see a show (which I booked already but not too expensive that I cannot take a loss) stay at the Golden Nugget or Four Queens, pickup rental car on Fremont and move on. Next stop Kingman, Williams, Holbrook (husband wants to go see the Painted Desert) Sedona and surrounding area (love it) and end up back down in Phoenix Friday am to spend some time there and fly out Saturday afternoon. Here is the problem. Fremont??? We do gamble a little bit and enjoy a little craziness every once in a while, but really not sure about this Fremont deal. We prefer more laidback sort of towns like Prescott, Sedona, Cottonwood and so forth. So, wondering if this was a bad decision or just go with it?

Also, spring break in April and the GC? I figured it would be over by then but apparently not by what I have read so far. So, I know a lot of you will say stay at the GC a couple of days but there is not a lot to pick from on the dates we will be arriving close to the GC. Then everyone will say stay in Tusayan but we really enjoyed Williams the last time we were there but did not get to spend much time there. So, thinking two nights in Williams. And which town should we choose for the PNF? Holbrook or maybe even Flagstaff?

Just wondering how some if you would plan this trip if flying in on Saturday and flying out late the next Saturday? We were really hoping to go to a swap meet on this trip or even little farmers markets along the road. It is not to late to make changes if needed. We are a couple in our 50’s and 60’s who enjoy having a few drinks with dinner and strolling back to our hotel. Doing scenic drives, but not all day ones. And just eating good food, shopping and loafing around.

Thanks for all your help.

Answer

It sounds like you have a fun trip planned, and it’s completely understandable to second-guess the Vegas portion. Here’s a breakdown and some suggestions to help you refine your itinerary while keeping it relaxed and enjoyable:

Las Vegas / Fremont Street:

Fremont Street is lively, colorful, and has a lot of old-school Vegas charm with light shows, street performers, and casinos like Golden Nugget or Four Queens. It’s more compact and walkable than the Strip, but it can feel busy and “touristy.” Since you prefer more laidback towns, consider these alternatives:

Stay on the south Strip near a quieter resort—this will give you easy access to a show and a few drinks without the constant bustle of Fremont.
Downtown Arts District or Henderson areas offer a more relaxed vibe with boutique bars and restaurants, still close enough to enjoy Vegas entertainment.
If you really want the Fremont experience, one night is enough to see the highlights; you don’t need to fully immerse yourself in the craziness.

Grand Canyon / Williams / Tusayan:

Spring break in mid-April can still be busy, but not as crowded as peak summer. Your idea of staying in Williams for two nights works well if you enjoy a small-town atmosphere and the historic Route 66 charm. If you want to be closer to the South Rim for sunrise/sunset views, Tusayan is more convenient, but the town is smaller and more tourist-oriented.

Two nights in Williams gives you time to explore the town, ride the Grand Canyon Railway (if interested), and do a day trip to the South Rim without rushing.
If you prefer shorter drives to the canyon, consider one night in Williams and one night in Tusayan for a mix of charm and convenience.
For the Painted Desert / Petrified Forest National Park, Holbrook is ideal as it’s closest and allows for an easy day trip. Flagstaff is more of a base for exploring northern Arizona, Sedona, and surrounding areas, but it adds extra driving to reach the park.

Sedona / Scenic Drives / Relaxation:

Sedona and surrounding towns like Cottonwood or Jerome are perfect for leisurely exploration, shopping, and casual dining. If you enjoy scenic drives but not all-day ones, consider:

Red Rock Scenic Byway (short drives with multiple stops for hikes and viewpoints).
Oak Creek Canyon drive to Flagstaff for a couple of hours, returning the same day.
Exploring local farmers markets or swap meets in Sedona or Cottonwood, which often operate on weekends.

Suggested Itinerary (Saturday arrival / Saturday departure):

Saturday: Arrive Vegas, one night at a quieter Strip hotel or Fremont for a taste of downtown.
Sunday: Pick up rental car, drive to Kingman / Route 66 highlights, overnight in Kingman.
Monday: Drive to Holbrook for Petrified Forest NP, overnight in Holbrook or continue to Flagstaff depending on timing.
Tuesday: Drive to Sedona, enjoy scenic drives, local shops, and dining. Overnight in Sedona.
Wednesday: Sedona day 2, optional short hikes or Red Rock Jeep tour.
Thursday: Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim, overnight in Williams or Tusayan.
Friday: Explore Grand Canyon, scenic viewpoints, and short hikes. Overnight near Phoenix if flying out the next day.
Saturday: Leisurely morning in Phoenix before departure.

This plan balances scenic drives, small-town charm, and relaxation with enough time to enjoy your destinations without long, exhausting drives every day.

In summary, Fremont Street is not a bad choice for a one-night experience, but if you prefer laidback towns, consider the Strip or artsy neighborhoods. Two nights in Williams for the Grand Canyon is perfectly fine, with Holbrook as the base for Petrified Forest. Sedona and surrounding areas provide the relaxing, scenic portion of your trip. Your plan is very doable with a few tweaks for travel pace and preferred vibe.

Need some help I thought I had it figured out

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