Well,

You and I have lots in common. I'm in Seattle too, have been to both Kauai and Oahu - and the Cook Islands - and we actually bought some retirement property SE of Tucson (near Benson).

Places I recommend you see:

Antelope Canyon (though it IS crowded)

Sedona, Sedona, Sedona.

Zion, without a doubt - though it may not be as toasty as you'd like.

Ken

PS - forgot to mention I've to Maui as well.

Ken

Ken,
I bet us Seattle folks that love going to hot places and tropical places are very common, eh? :)
Thanks for the suggestions too! They cement what others have been saying, so these are great tips!

Vladdie

Vladdie -

If you haven't seen them yet you may want to check out some of the photos I took in some of those places. There are shots of the Cooks, the Hawaiian Islands, French Polynesia, and various areas around Arizona (including Sedona).

http://community.webshots.com/user/lordbalfor

Ken

Ken,
WOW, what gorgeous photos, all of them! I have to be careful though and not show the Cook Islands photos to my husband or he will cry. :)
He has always wanted to go to Aitutaki especially and those water photos will kill him!

Vladdie

I definitely agree with Tucson. We have a winter home just south in Green Valley and there is so much to do and see. Check out http://mikepintucson.blogspot.com/
It is the best spot to see all the Tucson and area hilites. The other thing too is that the prices at the resorts are a lot more reasonable at that time of year.

Thanks Traveller69, I appreciate the link! I will check this out. :)

vladdie,
There is a place near Big Bend in Texas called Cibolo Creek Ranch. It is truly in the middle of nowhere but has so much to offer. It is the "hunting lodge" of a very wealthy Texan and when he is not there with his friends hunting, it is a resort. Truly an unbelievable place. Check out their website cibolocreekranch.com One of the Dixie Chicks was married here and a few movie stars have vacationed here. This is for anyone who REALLY wants to get away. Have been only once, but can't wait to go back.