Nigel Degraff Nigel Degraff
As a travel writer, I've visited several different natural landscapes from the beaches of Los Cabos to the wetlands of New Orleans and I find the desert the most peaceful and restorative. Something about the stretches of sand and the clear sky really centers me and sets the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway. So, when I had the opportunity to travel to Arizona to celebrate my birthday, I didn't hesitate.
When I shared my initial plans, several people asked me, "Why, Arizona?" and I had the same answer each time. An avid window-seat flier, I often would have to travel from New York City to Los Angeles for work and would be completely awestruck by the red-rock formations outside my window toward the end of the trip. Once I learned I was looking at an aerial view of Arizona, I knew I'd have to travel there to see it in real life. And while Sedona is still on my list (and I did enjoy a day trip to Page more on that later), I chose to host my friends on a birthday trip to Scottsdale, Arizona with Experience Scottsdale so we could include a mix of outdoor activities, spa days, fancy eateries, and nightlife in our itinerary. Since we incorporated a little bit of everything, my list of what to pack for Scottsdale, Arizona is pretty comprehensive.
...I find the desert the most peaceful and restorative. Something about the stretches of sand and the clear sky really centers me and sets the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway.
The first activity on my agenda? Seeing that breathtaking aerial view a little closer. I arranged a hot air balloon ride and it was absolutely magical. For that experience, we had to pack comfortable, closed-toe shoes and I went with a wide-brim hat and a sunset-inspired dress to really capture the moment. Then, we simply had to go off-roading in the desert, so a fun activewear set and sunscreen were a must. And my ultimate nature-lover moment was a solo trip to Page, Arizona to experience Antelope Canyon. My water bottle and facial spray really came in handy then.
Still, there were plenty of opportunities to enjoy city life, from the fancy restaurants to the vineyards. For the latter, I pulled out a pair of comfortable heels and packed my portable charger to capture plenty of content. I heard the food scene in Scottsdale is pretty incredible so I booked dinner at Maple & Ash and brought a festive outfit and my travel steamer to make sure it was wrinkle free. Finally, I spent a few days at Mountain Shadows hotel and sunbathed by the pool with a gorgeous view of the mountains, wearing my favorite swimsuit and a chic pair of sunglasses.
Keep scrolling for my full travel guide to Scottsdale, Arizona and everything I packed for the trip.
PS Photography | Jessica Andrews A couple of nonnegotiables for me when picking a place to stay in Scottsdale, Arizona: a pool and a mountain view. Mountain Shadows delivers that and more with its stunning views of Camelback Mountain and its heated outdoor pool and hot tub. With the option to swim, hike, lounge poolside, and get a good workout in at the gym, I found my stay super revitalizing and relaxing but there were also plenty of opportunities to socialize. It's only 10 minutes from downtown Scottsdale, so I ventured out into the city one night and was delighted to come back to live music and a vibrant scene in the hotel lounge/bar.
Nigel Degraff A winery visit is one of my favorite ways to celebrate: a stunning vineyard, finger foods, and delicious wine what more could you want? We arranged a vineyard tour from Scottsdale through Viator and it was so much fun. While this particular tour is usually bachelorette-themed, they were totally amenable when I said I wanted to celebrate my birthday instead. We traveled from Scottsdale to Verde Valley Vineyards in a party bus and then visited three wineries: Cove Mesa Vineyard (pictured), Javelina Leap Vineyard (get the sangria!), and D.A. Ranch. The trip is on the longer side (nine hours in total) but the host was very flexible if you prefer to cut it short.
Nigel Degraff I knew I wanted to do a hot air balloon ride for the chance to see Arizona's stunning natural landscape while high up in the air. I booked an experience with Hot Air Expeditions through Tripadvisor and it was truly magical. Between the views, the safety protocols throughout, and the hosted breakfast after, it's an experience I'll never forget. If you want to incorporate a balloon ride into your trip, my advice is to book well in advance, as they fill up fast, and prepare for an early meet time we were en route at 4:00 AM local time.
Nigel Degraff You can't really do an Arizona trip without off-roading, right? We planned a UTV tour with Desert Dog Offroad through Booking.com and it was exactly the type of scenic, adrenaline rush we were hoping for. Take it from me: driving on a dirt road with the mountains in the distance is a bucket-list experience. One tip if you book this experience: arrange transportation through Desert Dog Offroad or rent a car to drive, as it's difficult for drivers on ride share apps to locate the pickup spot.
PS Photography | Jessica Andrews Of all the experiences in Arizona, my favorite by far was the sightseeing tour I did with Viator to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona. I went solo and it ended up being such a beautiful, peaceful experience. The trip includes a professional tour guide, pickup and dropoff, and a stop at a Navajo trading post where you can shop souvenirs.
You also drive along Route 66 with the most arresting views of the Sonoran Desert and lots of interesting historical tidbits from your tour guide (my guide, Mark, was incredible!). It's another long trip, but didn't feel like it thanks to the view. As for the sightseeing, I'll never get over how beautiful the Horseshoe Bend is; Pinterest pictures didn't do it justice. And Antelope Canyon is truly one of the world's great natural wonders. You have to go down a lot of stairs to enter the canyon and it can be tight in certain places, but overall, I found it easy to navigate. It does require a moderate physical fitness level though, so keep that in mind.
PS Photography | Jessica Andrews I did a lot of research on TikTok before planning this trip, and Maple & Ash was high on the list of recommendations. The social-media-friendly restaurant has everything you'd want for a memorable dinner celebration: a customized birthday menu, a seafood tower, delicious cocktails, lamb that everyone raved about, and a backdrop for photos. It's a popular hotspot, so make reservations as far out as possible and be mindful of the dress code: no baseball caps, scrubs, athletic T-shirts, athletic wear, excessive displays of skin, or sheer clothing in general, and no open-toed shoes for men.
Nigel Degraff If you're looking for a chic place to dine in Scottsdale, I loved the Canal Club. We booked reservations through Tripadvisor and had the most delicious meal, from the ceviche to the salmon with Peruvian potato hash to churro donut holes with chocolate ganache, pineapple-mango sap, or passion-fruit dust.
Keep scrolling for items to pack for a trip to Arizona.
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ulta.com Evian Mineral Water Facial Spray Travel Size ($7, originally $9)
Everyone I talked to in Arizona from my amazing nail technician to the hotel staff told me hydration is a huge challenge for tourists. And I took their warnings seriously. Not only did I keep my water bottle on hand at all times (more on that later), I invested in a mineral water facial spray for a quick boost of hydration on the go. Not only is it refreshing and nourishing when applied directly to my skin, but I also use it to lightly wet my beauty blender while doing my makeup for a smoother blend.
PS Photography | Jessica Andrews Ami Col� Lip Treatment Oil ($20)
One thing about the desert: you will have to amp up your moisturizing routine and that goes for skin care, lips, hair, and more. I was grateful I packed a few of these Ami Col� lip treatment oils: they contain nourishing oils like baobab seed oil, camellia seed oil, and passionfruit seed oil for hydration that lasts. One editor shared why the product is a must buy in her Ami Col� Lip Treatment Oil review.
Editor Quote: "It has a thick, goopy texture that glides smoothly onto my lips and delivers a deep conditioning feel. At first, it may seem like the product is just sitting on your lips topically, but within minutes, the hydration penetrates, slowly softening the lips for a healthier, nonsticky feel. Because of its thicker texture, the hydration is actually pretty long-lasting I can go a few hours without reapplying." Anvita Reddy, former assistant shopping editor
amazon.com Furtalk Wide-Brim Sun Hat Visor ($20, originally $22)
Any time I'm planning to be in the sun for long stretches, you can guarantee I'm bringing a floppy hat of some sort. Not only will it shield you from the sun's rays, let's be honest: it just feels super glamorous. I loved this option because it's foldable and packable, so it easily fit in my carry-on suitcase. It's also designed to be compatible with different hairstyles, from a ponytail to a top knot.
PS Photography | Kyley Warren iWalk USB-C Portable Charger ($27, originally $30)
When I'm sunbathing by the pool or hiking up Pinnacle Peak, the last thing I want to worry about is my phone shutting off from low battery. This portable charger is a lifesaver and so convenient, as it's cordless and compact, fitting in even my tiniest bags. But most importantly, it has a strong power bank, charging my phone to over 50 percent battery in less than 30 minutes. Several Popsugar editors raved about the device in this review of iWalk's Portable Charger.
Editor Quote: "The iWalk portable charger lets me simultaneously use my phone while it is fueling it up without taking up much space in my handbag, which I can't say for other options in the market. I appreciate this feature the most because I rely on Google Maps to get me around the city, and GPS takes up a good amount of battery. With this sleek and slim portable charger, I can extend my phone's battery life for at least a few more hours." AR
PS Photography | Shelcy Joseph HiLife Steamer ($30, originally $46)
Whether headed to a fancy restaurant or a lounge, I do still like to look put together on vacation, and my Hilife Steamer is perfect for getting rid of wrinkles. It provides 15 minutes of continuous steaming and it's compact enough to fit comfortably in my carry-on bag. One editor shared why it's worth the purchase in her review of the Hilife Steamer.
Editor Quote: "The steamer works wonders on most materials, and clothes you'd have a hard time ironing like sequin dresses or pearl-encrusted tops. I also like that it's lightweight, making it easy to hold and pack in your duffel bag or carry-on." Shelcy Joseph, former assistant fashion editor
PS Photography | Marisa Petrarca Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($30)
Did I mention it's hot and dry in Arizona? I am an avid water drinker, and I noticed that my standard three-refills-a-day routine wasn't making me feel as hydrated as usual in the desert climate. Add the occasional cocktail and outdoor activities to that and you can imagine that I was in full water crisis mode. I ordered a huge water delivery from Sprouts and brought my Owala bottle everywhere. I love it because it keeps my water cold for over 24 hours and the cap is leakproof, so no spills inside my tote bag. My body (and skin and hair) thanked me! Our PS editors explained exactly why they love this water bottle in their Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle review.
Editor Quote: "The twist-off cap is incredibly leakproof. I've dropped this in the gym many times, and not even a single drop comes out. Plus, there are barely any scratches or dents. I love that this is slim and can fit into my bags and cup holders. The feature that truly won me over is the dual swig and sip spout. I'm pro-straw, but when I found out that using straws often can lead to premature wrinkles, I was heartbroken. The Owala's sip function is wider than a traditional straw, so I don't have to pucker my lips to enjoy its convenience. The insulated bottle keeps my water cold for over 24 hours, especially when I use ice. After using it for a few weeks, it's easily the one water bottle I gravitate towards the most." AR
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PS Photography | Jessica Harrington Supergoop Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40 ($48)
Sunscreen is a must every single day, but even more so when you're lounging in the desert sun all day. I swear by Supergoop, and this sunscreen provides a strong barrier from the sun's harmful UV rays. What's more, it includes bakuchiol and peptides to keep your skin healthy and radiant. Apply 15 minutes before exposure to the sun, and reapply immediately after swimming or sweating, or every two hours for continued protection. One editor shared why it's worth the investment in her review of Supergoop Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40.
Editor Quote: "First and foremost, it gives me sun protection in the morning from harmful UVA/UVB rays, which is your greatest defense against signs of aging and skin cancer. But that's only the beginning. Bakuchiol, a plant-based bioretinol, addresses dullness and uneven skin tone just like a serum does. Whereas retinoids aren't traditionally mixed with SPF because they make your skin more sensitive to the sun and therefore should only be used at night, bakuchiol doesn't do that to you. It's much gentler, making it suitable for all skin types." Jessica Harrington, beauty lead
hoka.com Hoka Clifton One9 ($120 - $150)
Whether I was hiking or going on a hot-air balloon ride, my comfortable sneakers were in heavy rotation during my trip to Arizona. Thanks to cushioning and a lightweight feel, these sneakers are super comfy for long walks and extended standing periods in fact, Cory Booker wore them for a 25-hour speech to break the Senate talkathon record not kidding. Though I don't plan on standing that long, I find I can wear these sneakers all day, or for a hike or long walk, without experiencing any discomfort whatsoever.
ta3swim.com TA3 Sleeveless Surfy Swimsuit ($178)
When my friend first told me about TA3 swimsuits, I couldn't believe what I was hearing: sculpting swimsuits with the same technology as your favorite shapewear. But after I bought this black one-piece, I was utterly convinced. It lifts, sculpts, and shapes due to patented technology and layers of compression fabric, and still feels so comfortable and fun to swim in. I also love this zippered neckline for just a peek of cleavage. This was perfect for days spent lounging poolside at the hotel, rental, or spa.
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Jessica C. Andrews (she/her) is an award-winning editor and writer who currently works as the senior style director of PS, overseeing beauty, fashion, shopping, and identity content. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She's appeared on "Good Morning America," NBC, and Fox 5 New York and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.
