So if you can't find any Grand Canyon vacation packages that suit your taste, what are your alternatives? A lot of places will let you book each component of your trip separately, but still keep track so you can pay once for your vacation. You'll get some of the convenience you're looking for in finding the perfect Grand Canyon vacation packages.

The most inexpensive way is to fly into Las Vegas or Phoenix and rent a car for the drive to your hotel. This puts your flight and rental car at the same place, so you can still buy a package deal and save money. While you're there, you can book a hotel. So you'll have the whole deal. You can do this at Expedia.com, Travelocity, or many other travel sites.

Here's a sample itinerary to help you create Grand Canyon vacation packages for four or more days.

• Day 1: Fly into Phoenix, drive to Flagstaff, stay at one of the many affordable hotels (try the Super 8 on the I-40 Loop). Whatever you do, use Expedia's "view map" function to make sure you don't get a hotel right next to a railroad crossing (where the train has to blow its whistle). They come through all night!


• Day 2: Drive to the Grand Canyon and either stay inside the park or in nearby Tusayun (1 mile from the entrance). Spend at least two days at the Canyon if you have the time!


• Optional Days Visit Powell Observatory in Flagstaff, hike Walnut Canyon or see Meteor Crater. You could also head on over to Grand Canyon West where you'll find the glass-bottomed Skywalk and Grand Canyon Caverns.


• Day before your flight leaves (optional but recommended): Drive down Alt. 89 South to Sedona through breath-taking Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona. Have a nice dinner amid the beautiful red rocks and energize yourself at one of the vortexes! Bell Rock is a good choice, it's just south of Sedona near Oak Creek. You'll need to get a "Red Rocks Pass" to park, but access is just off the main road.


• Last Day: Have a last look, then drive to Phoenix, return your rental car and fly home.

Check out my Grand Canyon Lodging page for more detail on locations and driving distances.

Don't forget, the Grand Canyon can be like a zoo! The South Rim is visited by 1.4 million people a year. The busy season runs May through mid-October. It's the one place in Arizona that everyone wants to visit at least once in their lifetime (and who can blame them?). By creating personalized Grand Canyon vacation packages, you're at least saving yourself some of the worries. Have a great trip!