Road-tripping Aussie and Kiwi Travel Advisors Stay and Play in Flagstaff

“Our road trip and Route 66 was really fantastic,” says Jasvinder Singh of Flight Centre Riccarton Mall Christchurch. “The US is a place where you can get everything.” Eight Australian and Kiwi travel advisors really did experience a little of everything on their Northern Arizona road trip: desert, snow play, world-class astrotourism, collegiate tennis matches, culinary masterpieces by a James Beard-nominated chef and funky Route 66 watering holes.

The trip advisors, led by two Australians representing Brand USA and the Arizona Office of Tourism, stayed and played in Flagstaff for three days as part of a familiarization road trip through northern Arizona.

“Road-tripping in the US is a growing market, but Australian consumers are reluctant to drive on the opposite side of the road,” says Australian Lexie Milliatis of Brand USA. “What I’m doing in my role is teaching Australian and New Zealand agents the history and ease of the US road system. We’re giving them the experience of driving on the open road, seeing the scenery, and experiencing charming small towns. Australian agents are on the front line of defense for changing attitudes of the Australian consumer.”

“All of my agents but three have had time in the driver’s seat on this fam trip,” Lexi continues. “For our industry in Australia and New Zealand, it’s important for agent confidence to grow.” With the approaching Route 66 Centennial in 2026, road-tripping will be a popular way to visit Flagstaff, which has more National Parks and Monuments at its doorstep than any other Route 66 town.

“I will tell my clients not to be afraid of driving on the other side; it’s quite easy once you get into the routine,” shares Brian Caddle of Reho Travel in Melbourne, Australia. “My wife and kids want to drive from San Francisco to LA, and I wasn’t keen on driving. But now, after having the opportunity to drive on this fam trip, I’m ready to do it.”

“Driving on the other side of the road is not that difficult,” agrees Fiona Gent of MTA Travel, Queensland.

Experiencing Flagstaff’s variety of attractions

“My perception before coming here was that it was just all desert, but going through four completely different landscapes in less than four hours changed my mind. From warm days to snow, the diversity is extraordinary,” smiles Fiona. “It’s definitely a destination I can sell.”

“Now that I’ve been here, I can wholeheartedly recommend getting on the road and exploring. A four-day itinerary added to a Vegas day would be amazing!” the Australian adds.

Connecting with nature

“My clients will love to hear that you are trying to preserve your nature,” says Jasvinder after learning about the Pledge for the Wild program and Flagstaff Trails initiative. “They like to give back to the community and hear the stories of the locals who benefit from tourism in smaller communities.”

“My clients have done the big European cities; they now want to do something different. We do these fams, so we can say we’ve done that. They do what is recommended—they don’t care about money. Flagstaff is fantastic for people coming from my place because it’s like ours,” the Christchurch, New Zealand travel agent continues. “The key points to selling Flagstaff include nature, people and transportation.”

Accessibility and connectivity

When evaluating the effectiveness of Flagstaff’s transportation infrastructure in supporting his clients, Jasvinder says he will route his clients through Dallas, Fort Worth (DFW), to connect with the flight to Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG).

FLG offers direct flights to both DFW and Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) international airports. Amtrak serves daily trains to Los Angeles and Chicago. And, of course, Route 66 goes right through historic downtown Flagstaff. 

Quality accommodation options

Flagstaff offers various accommodation options, from budget-friendly motels and hotels to family-friendly resorts and luxury suites catering to multiple needs and preferences. Several travel advisors noted that although no accommodations are classified as luxury resorts, there are plenty of quality accommodations—including the AAA 4-Diamond rated Little America—upscale restaurants and luxury experiences to satisfy their luxury traveler clientele.

“With the hiking, the monuments, and all the things to do in Flagstaff, I can 100% recommend it to my clients,” says Corinne Heveldt from Sydney. “Post-COVID, people are more into experiential travel than checking off cities; they want to slow down and do immersive travel. My main demographic is luxury, so it is nice to find a town where clients have options to do both.”

Local expertise and partnerships

Many agents commented on how well they valued Discover Flagstaff and its partners for providing authentic experiences and reliable services.

“To come here and connect with Meg and her team is like gold,” reports Corinne. “Meeting the experts, you can get to the nitty-gritty. It’s the cream on top. Having a contact that the average person using the internet can’t get is invaluable, really.”

The travel agent empowers her clients to rise above mere visitor status by offering insider tips on immersing themselves as short-term locals. Exploring local events is key, Corinne advises, “Visit Northern Arizona University to catch a tennis or diving match, where you can connect with like-minded locals and gather recommendations on the best spots to dine and explore.”

“Everybody wins, the agent wins, the client wins, the destination wins. With the amazing food, monuments and Sedona, there is a good 6-day itinerary here,” Corinne adds.

Cultural richness

From exploring the cultures of the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe to bowling in a retro Route 66 bowling alley to throwing axes in a town founded on lumber, the travel advisors took a deep dive into unique Northern Arizona traditions and customs. They can now better incorporate experiences into their itineraries to give their clients more authentic and engaging experiences.

“Where else can you stop at a roadside sandwich diner and find yourself in a bingo battle or end up playing pool with the local mayor at a town club?” Alana Pilcher from Flight Centre Luxury Queensland said in a Traveltalk interview, “These unexpected, unforgettable moments made this journey truly something special and one for the books,”

Competitive pricing

Flagstaff offers competitively priced accommodations, activities and transportation options, making it an ideal hub for exploring Arizona's diverse landscapes and attractions, from the Grand Canyon to Sedona to the San Francisco Peaks.

“The accommodation, activities, and transportation in Flagstaff are relatively competitive, which allows you to create an attractive and cost-effective itinerary that caters to all types of travellers. With Flagstaff’s easy accessibility, it makes it a great addition to a larger Arizona itinerary,” says Treen Moore of Galaxy Travel in New Zealand.

Flagstaff has visitor information available in English, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish.

For global travel trade consultation, contact:

Meg Roederer
Manager – Global Travel Trade Sales
Discover Flagstaff
211 West Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
mroederer@flagstaffaz.gov
928-213-2915

3 Day Flagstaff Itinerary

DAY ONE

Midmorning - Arrive at Flagstaff Visitor Center and experience the iconic Walk This Talk - Route 66 Audio Tour, followed by lunch at Lumberyard Brewery or another of the six craft breweries in historic downtown Flagstaff.

• The Flagstaff Visitor Center, located in the historic Santa Fe passenger train depot on Route 66, is the first stop for visitors. Pick up the Flagstaff Visitor Guides, Explore Flagstaff guides, event calendars, area maps and brochures and experience the Walk This Talk - Route 66 audio tour that commemorates Flagstaff’s original alignment of Route 66 on Phoenix Avenue and Mikes Pike. Ten signs mark the stops, encouraging you to call the toll-free phone number and listen to pre-recorded stories about the history of Route 66 downtown. The program is introduced by Hollywood actor and Flagstaff’s own Ted Danson. The first stop on the audio tour begins just outside the entry doors on the north side of the Visitor’s Center.

1 East Route 66
Web: flagstaffarizona.org/plan-your-trip/visitor-center

Lunch at Lumberyard Brewing Company

• Housed in one of the last standing buildings of Flagstaff’s lumber era, Lumberyard Brewing Company has been brewing award-winning beers for people who love to drink them since 2010. Lumberyard Brewing has something for everyone, with a full menu, a large patio, and tons of drink specials and weekly events. Lumberyard is a must-stop location on the Flagstaff Brewery Trail.

5 S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Web: lumberyardbrewingcompany.com

Afternoon National Monuments
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Fee waiver provided. Drive time appx 25 min.

• Born in a dramatic series of eruptions 900 years ago, Sunset Crater is still the youngest volcano on the Colorado Plateau. Visitor Center exhibits explain the powerful geologic forces and their aftermath. See for yourself on the one-mile, self-guided Lava Flow Trail.
• The new Apollo Mission plaque at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument honors the area’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places for its ties to the Apollo Program. Look for it at the Bonito Vista Trail.

Web: nps.gov/sucr/index.htm

After Sunset Crater Volcano, continue the drive into Wupatki National Monument.

• Visit Wupatki National Monument - Rock walls of 800-year-old pueblos dot a desert landscape once home to thousands of people. Ancient pueblos dot red-rock outcroppings across miles of prairie. Where food and water seem impossible to find, people built pueblos, raised families, farmed, traded and thrived. Today, if you linger and listen, earth and artifacts still whisper their stories to us. Visitor center exhibits explain how they survived by farming, hunting, gathering and trading. Short trails lead to Wupatki, Lomaki and other pueblos.

Web: nps.gov/wupa/index.htm

4:00 pm Return to Flagstaff

4:30 pm Check-in to your hotel or Aiden Best Western Flagstaff

• Aiden invites business and leisure travelers to bask in a one-of-a-kind and Instagrammable boutique experience. Combining refined style with local charm, art installations with a mural inspired by Flagstaff’s San Francisco Peaks and the beautiful colors of the Arizona sunset are twists that help capture the destination’s charisma and are elevated by modern amenities. This hotel is cool, edgy, and chic, nestled on a mesa at the entrance of Flagstaff, with scenic views of the striking San Francisco Peaks and the Coconino National Forest, home to the largest Ponderosa pine forest in the world.

2000 S. Milton Rd.
Web: bestwestern.com/en_US.html

6:15 pm Dinner at Atria

•  Atria’s mission is simple: serve delicious, straightforward food showcasing the variety of farm-fresh foods grown across Northern Arizona. Think house-made pasta, fresh fish and premium steaks paired with craft cocktails and an extensive wine list. A hyper-seasonal approach to modern American cooking. In the heart of historic downtown, Atria is Flagstaff’s new home for farm-fresh modern American fare, craft cocktails and more. James Beard nominated Chef Rochelle Daniel at the helm.

103 N. Leroux St.
Web: atriarestaurant.com

8:00 pm Stargazing experience at the Lowell Observatory

• Lowell Observatory is an independent, non-profit research institution founded in 1894 by mathematician and astronomer Percival Lowell. Today, their mission is to pursue the study of astronomy, conduct research, and bring astronomical education to the public. Discover the recently opened state-of-the-art Astronomy Discovery Center with the world’s first rooftop open planetarium with heated seats.

1400 W. Mars Hill Rd.
Web: lowell.edu

PM Return to your hotel

• Overnight in Flagstaff

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DAY TWO

AM – Light breakfast at your hotel

9 am Experience Northern Arizona University College Sports

• Check the link below to see events during your stay. Depending on the venue, you could watch collegiate tennis or swim and diving matches where Olympic hopefuls from around the world come to train at Flagstaff’s high altitude. The school’s lumberjack mascot was adopted in 1946.

Web: nauathletics.com

11 am Axe Throwing Flag Tag AZ. Closed-toe shoes required

• Channel your inner lumberjack at axe throwing. With arcades, laser tag and a pizza café, FlagTagAZ is ready to serve your needs for food and fun.

1801 W. Route 66 #102
Web: flagtagaz.com

1 pm Lunch at The Station Café

• A contemporary café and lounge with a modern feel. Every menu item is thoughtfully curated to create a satisfied pallet and a unique experience. Located on the North side of Fort Valley Road in Flagstaff, Arizona, The Station is the best café on the way to Snowbowl Arizona, The Museum Of Northern Arizona, Nordic Center and The Grand Canyon and on the way back! No matter what time it is, they promise to deliver an exceptional experience for locals, travelers, remote workers and everyone in between. They plan to win you over with outstanding service, consistently high-quality espresso drinks, and menu items that won’t disappoint.

1800 N Fort Valley Rd.
Web: thestationflag.com

2:30 pm Depart for Arizona Snowbowl. Drive time appx 20 min.

3:00 pm Arizona Snowbowl Resort Gondola

• Arizona Snowbowl is located on the western slope of Mount Humphreys, the tallest point in the state. Humphreys is the most recognizable point on the San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff. “The Peaks,” as often known, are what remains of an eroded, dormant stratovolcano formed between 500,000 and 1,000,000 years ago. The views are amazing; you can even see Flagstaff’s backyard with the Grand Canyon in the distance!
• With 260 inches of average annual snowfall, 2,300 feet of vertical drop and the Arizona Gondola, discover elevated winter experiences.

9300 N Snow Bowl Rd
Web: snowbowl.ski

5:00 pm Return to hotel

6:30 pm Hosted Dinner Dirty Birdies Sports Bar

• Welcome to Dirty Birdies Sports Bar & Grill – your go-to destination for the ultimate game-day experience! They take sports seriously, offering an impressive array of sports packages to cater to every fan’s passion. Enjoy the excitement of NFL Sunday Ticket, catch all the slam dunks with NBA League Pass, witness the intensity of NHL Center Ice and follow your favorite MLB teams as they battle it out on the diamond. Step into their exciting sports bar, soak in the energetic atmosphere and join fellow fans cheering for your beloved teams and fighters. You’ll never miss a moment of the thrilling sports action. 

2285 E. Butler Ave
Web: dirtybirdiesbargrill.com

8 pm Bowling Starlite Lanes

• Starlite Lanes is a family-owned and operated business, operating continuously since 1958 along Historic Route 66 and one of the oldest bowling businesses in Arizona! This newly renovated, 16-lane bowling alley has a snack bar, cozy lounge and video arcade. It’s perfect for family outings, large groups and birthday parties. There are also daily specials that make bowling genuinely affordable. Don’t miss out; grab a cold beverage, order some great food, and Go Bowl! 

3406 E. Route 66
Web: starlitelanes.com

10 pm The Museum Club

• One of the most iconic Route 66 dance halls is next to Starlite Lanes. The Museum Club, affectionately known as “The Zoo,” is a log structure decorated with taxidermy. Watch cowboys tip their hats while dancing or join a line dance.

PM Return to your hotel

• Overnight in Flagstaff

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DAY THREE

Morning – Breakfast at MartAnne’s

Fresh-squeezed juices, espresso drinks, Mimosas, Margaritas or Bloody Mary’s start your Mexican breakfast of Rancheros, Chilaquilas or Huevos Benedicto at a local’s favorite.

112 E. Route 66
Web: martannes.com

9:30 am Enjoy a nature hike at Buffalo Park

• Buffalo Park’s Nate Avery Trail is Flagstaff’s most popular urban trail, with a 2-mile loop on an expansive open space of McMillan Mesa, an ancient lava flow. Most of the trail is on open, native grassland, but the trail dips into a wooded ravine just to the west of the park entrance. The trail provides a magnificent panorama of the mountains north of town, including the San Francisco Peaks, the Dry Lake Hills and Mount Elden. Before it became a City park and open space, Buffalo Park was a private wildlife park. Evidence of its former use can be found in the buffalo statue at the entrance to the park and a seasonal pond on your right just after you enter the park. Buffalo Park also provides access to the Arizona Trail, an 800-mile trail that crosses Arizona from Mexico to Utah.

• You might see runners from around the world, who come to Flagstaff to train in Flagstaff’s high altitude. Flagstaff has more than 370 Olympic medals (and counting) from athletes who trained in Flagstaff.

11:00 am Museum of Northern Arizona

• The Museum of Northern Arizona is one of the great regional museums of the world in one of Earth’s most spectacular landscapes. The museum and its nine exhibit galleries evoke the very spirit of the Colorado Plateau and its richly diverse Native cultures, tribal lifeways, natural sciences, ecology and fine arts. Learn about traditional arts and stories of the surrounding region. Interactive exhibits feature the area’s geology, natural history, anthropology and archaeology. Museum Shop and Bookstore on-site.

3101 N Fort Valley Rd
Web: musnaz.org