7 Things to Bring on a Trip to Phoenix
Winter is peak season in Phoenix. That means a lot of people tired of the cold will be heading to my new hometown to take in the gorgeous weather, beautiful sunsets, and Sonoran cuisine. I've been living here for several months now and know first-hand what you will sorely be missing if you do not pack these five things in your suitcase as you head to Phoenix!
Sunscreen
I'm sure you wouldn't even think about forgetting your sunscreen if you were visiting Phoenix in the summer. The mild winter weather just doesn't seem like something that will hurt you, but, it is vitally important to wear sunscreen, especially one with UV protection, as beautiful sunny days can have a damaging effect on your skin.
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My sunscreen favorites:
Hat
In the same vane, wearing a hat to further protect your head and your face while you are hiking those gorgeous trails, catching a baseball game, or playing a round of golf, heck even just sitting by the pool at any number of Phoenix's amazing resorts, would be a really smart thing to do.
My favorites hats:
Sunglasses
It is very bright and clear here in the desert and if you don't pack a pair of sunglasses you will find yourself squinting a lot. And that causes wrinkles. Just saying…
Lip Balm
The air is very dry here in the Southwest and from time to time wind can pick up. The air can quickly dry out your lips (and your nose!). Make sure you have your favorite lip balm (or two) on hand to ensure you don't end up with chapped, cracked, lips.
MY FAVORITE LIP BALM
J&L Naturals Sustainable Lip Balm
Chapped lips and dry spots don’t stand a chance. This lip balm will instantly smooth and soothe your lips for a healthy, hydrated smile. It’s packed with vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. Lips need skincare too! Vegan. 100% Natural. Sustainable
Lotion
The dry air also means that your skin can take a beating, to keep it soft and supple, bring a bottle of lotion to put in in the morning and evening. Look for brands that offer extra-moisturizing versions, and added a bonus if it has built-in SPF protection.
My favorite lotions for desert environments:
Water Bottle
It is very easy to get dehydrated, you can begin to feel ill and not even realize that you haven't drunk enough liquids. From time to time put down the frosty beverage and grab some water. I personally try to be as sustainable as possible so I carry around a refillable water bottle and depending on what I am doing, a handy-dandy holder that allows me to be hands-free with my container.
Drink at least twice as much water as you normally would.
My favorite water bottles:
Probiotics
For years I have recommended that you travel with probiotics. While on business or vacation, we often get out of our normal eating routine and sometimes we can suffer the consequence of indigestion. I have been taking probiotics for years and cannot tell how many times it has come to the rescue when I have over-indulged.
There are a lot of great Mexican and Sonoran-inspired foods, some can be a touch spicy, and the digestive enzymes can help.
Also, if you do something like the Fresh Foodie Trail and partake in all its delicious offerings or eat every tamale on my best tamales in Phoenix list, you may thank me if you pack a bottle of probiotics in your suitcase!
Don't forget your pup!
If you are bringing your dog to visit Phoenix with you, then please make sure you protect your fur-baby too! Please consider picking up a pair of Bark Brite Lightweight Neoprene Paw Protector Dog Boots to protect their paws. They offer the best performance in high temperatures and on hot surfaces.
Now that you are all packed and ready to go, I've got a few suggestions for your trip to Phoenix. And if you make it further out to Tucson, I've got you covered there as well!
How about you? What else would you recommend for a trip to Phoenix?
If you want my FULL Phoenix and Tucson Phoenix and Tucson Activity + Day Trip List with day trips and things to do in Phoenix and Tucson, it is available for $4.99.
More [greater] Phoenix Stories
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- Get your cowboy on! There are rodeos all year round!
- Check out Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home, Taliesin West.
- Best tamales in Phoenix, yum!
- Cool down with the best ice cream in Phoenix.
- 50+ day trips from Phoenix!
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hydration is so important especially in the dry environments. Great tips and must haves. Never been to phoenix yet but maybe one day.
I wish people realized hats are JUST as important as sunscreen! They help so much!
I have never been to Phoenix. You have some great suggestions, so many people don’t take proper precautions because they don’t realize how important sun protection is.
These are perfect tips. When I went west to New Mexico, the change to the dry environment wreaked HAVOC with my skin.
I would love to travel to Phoneix!! I am getting to the point of winter when I need to get some sunshine going. Great list!!
We are making our travel plans for 2018 right now and I can’t believe there are so many beautiful places we haven’t traveled to yet. I have been to Phoenix once when I was a child, and I would love to visit again. Thanks for sharing the must-haves. We will consider this in our list too.
YESS a hat is a must! I feel lost without mine otherwise! being crazy pale and the fact I burn so easy and overheat means I pretty much have to be wearing one all the time!!
I think maybe an air conditioner and your own swimming pool, too. 🙂
We are huge on sunscreen ANYWHERE we travel! (My hubby being his dermatologist’s youngest skin cancer patient did that to us LOL)
Water bottles are a must no matter where you travel and I definitely agree about the probiotics. I always have some on hand and take some daily. Also the water bottle is key so that you can stay hydrated through your travels.
It is zero degrees here and lower with the wind chill. Phoenix sounds really good, and I have all these things ready to go! I’ve not yet been to Phoenix, it sounds nice!
I’ve never been to Phoenix. One thing for sure, I never leave the house without wearing sunscreen.
Good list Andi, The desert sun is nothing to trifle with. The low humidity makes the UV that much more intense. I would make sure to bring layers. Even though the days are toasty warm, if you stay out past sunset it cools off quickly.
Seems like Phoenix is a lot like Calgary, except for the cold temperature! When the climate is cool, it is dangerous to think the sun is not as harmful. But it is always a good idea to put on sunscreen to protect your skin when you’re outdoor!
These are great tips! I always underestimate the sun in the Southwest, it takes so much out of you. Lotion is a must too, agree with everything listed!
Great tips and advice Andi! The last time I was in Arizona was a layover on my way back home to Kansas City. I stepped outside and noticed how dry the air was. I can see why moisturizers, lip balm, and hydration are so important there. Thanks for sharing these important tips!