People frequently ask us how we manage to live in the Phoenix area year-round and survive the summer heat. My answer is always the same: Arizona has mountains. And mountains mean higher elevations, cooler temperatures, and the perfect excuse for a quick getaway.
The key, though, is actually taking the trip.
We make a point to do just that throughout the summer, and these short escapes always leave us feeling refreshed and recharged. Here are my favorite tips for planning a simple summer getaway of your own.
Tip 1: Pick an Affordable and Close Destination
If your destination is more than a couple hours’ drive, you’ll find it harder to pack a bag and hit the road. Because you’ll want to spend more than one or two nights. And you’ll need a pet sitter. And someone to water the plants.
Are you with me here?
Two hours seems to be a sweet spot for us. That usually leads us to Sedona or Payson and I love them equally.
The summer rates are much lower than winter and I use my Hotels.com app to find resorts we’ve used and loved or to try out something new with amenities that interest us.
Pro Tip: We’ve found that staying in timeshare properties can be surprisingly affordable. Since they’re individually owned, even older properties are often well maintained and offer plenty of activities and amenities.
Tip 2: Stay Somewhere That Encourages You to Slow Down
Coffee on the patio, anyone? Yes, please.
On our visit to Sedona this week, I accidentally drank a bit too much coffee and couldn’t wait to put on my walking shoes and wander down to the creek. Which is a very happy place for me.
It’s hard to slow down when you don’t want to miss a thing, but you’ll be glad you spent quiet moments recharging your batteries.
Pro Tip: If you have a morning routine that requires special coffee, cream or additives, take the time and space to pack them. This particular resort supplies good coffee but fake cream. I pack a bit of half & half in a plastic container and it’s worth it!
Tip 3: Keep Meals Simple
We generally want to eat no more than one or two meals out, but we don’t want to be tied to cooking and cleaning either.
I’ve found that I can easily pack the makings for eggs and bacon breakfast and nobody makes a better one than hub!
We always pack for happy hour too. After we arrive, it’s so nice to have a little snack and a drink to unwind from the drive.
The evening can be very long if we are staying in a hotel room without snacks. We have learned!
Pro Tip: I mix up the eggs and milk for scrambled eggs and put them in a plastic container in the cooler. No worries about transporting eggs.
Tip 4: Spend Time Outdoors
The rooms we stay in are fine, but we go 100% for the outdoors. When I need to spend dedicated time hearing God’s voice, I will find it outdoors.
The grounds at Kohl’s Ranch in Payson and Los Abrigados in Sedona are beautiful, but nothing outdoes nature itself—the creek, the mountains, the wildflowers, and the green grass. Spending time outdoors is one of the main reasons we make these trips.
Tip 5: Have Fun!
We usually bring games with us (Rumikub, Phase 10 or Skipbo) but this trip we spent a bit of time at the pool and then enjoyed an evening round of mini golf.
Many resorts have pickleball courts and it’s fun to get in an early morning match before check out.
Pro Tip: Check with the front desk to see what equipment or games they have for guests to use.
Wrap Up
I hope this provides inspiration for short and sweet getaways. With very little planning and a small(ish) budget, a simple overnight trip might be just the thing.
As always, may God bless you and yours for a wonderful weekend.
