I have said this before, I love planning trips, specifically the packing part! It always gets me even more excited about my vacation. Arizona was relatively easy to pack for. I packed to keep cool and to keep the sun away from me. If you are struggling with what to pack here are the essentials you need to bring to Arizona.
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Arizona in the Spring
Late Fall to Early Spring: This is the perfect time to visit the desert. With temperatures ranging from the low 50s in the evening to the highs of the 70s during the day, You will be able to enjoy walking through Saguaro National Park comfortably.
Summer Season: Temperatures start to rise during this time, in the mid-90s to low 110’s. I highly recommend exploring the park in the early morning hours (from sunrise to about 10 am) or in the evening (5 pm -sunset). Here are a few tips to keep in mind (taken from the NPS website).
During the Day
In Arizona, the sun can be intense. If the temperatures get above 100 degrees it is recommended not to even go out past 10 am. For Arizona, I packed several pairs of shorts and t-shirts. Brings a few extras as you will sweat through most of your clothes during the day. I packed mostly closed-toed shoes to keep my toes protected from those desert critters.
During the Night:
If you plan on visiting Northern Arizona such as Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon. You will want to pack a few articles of clothing for cooler weather. As soon as the sun sets the temperatures can dip down and get quite chilly. Pack a few long sleeves, a light jacket, and even some sweats if you plan to do camping.
Sun Gear:
Again, do not underestimate the power of the desert sun. Please protect yourself and bring these items with you on your trip.
Hat and Sunglasses- these will keep the sun off your face and out of your eyes. Making your outdoor adventures must more enjoyable. Here is the hat I wore on our Arizona trip!
Sunscreen – no one likes to get sunburned on their weekend getaways. Apply sunscreen in the morning and be sure to reapply if needed. This is my favorite kind.
Aloe – in case you do miss a spot with your sunscreen bring aloe to soothe those burns.
Activewear:
Arizona is full of amazing hikes. So be sure to bring your hiking clothes including good hiking or walking shoes. You will want to bring shorts for the hikes in Sedona or the Grand Canyon. But if you intend to hike in Southern Arizona I recommend bringing longer pants for the desert hikes. Sometimes the small cacti can jump out on you.
Carry On VS Checked Bag
The suitcase I use most is the Away Carry-On or Away Medium. I have been able to pack a few weeks’ worth of clothes in both suitcases. However, sometimes the larger, flights can get a bit full. If you want to save money but don’t want the hassle of bringing your bag on board, take your carry-on bag through security. But have the airline check it at the gate!
EXTRAS:
Snacks that won’t melt (if you are on a road trip)
Swimsuit
Bug spray
Camera (This should be at the top of the list!)
Any electrical charges needed
Last but not least, to keep all my clothes and outfits organized I use packing cubes! These are my favorite ones!
Hotel Items
To feel like I am at home and to be absolutely comfortable in a hotel room, here are the essential items I pack:
Slippers (I have smaller footies I pack if I am just using my carry-on)
Pillow Case (Always buy a king size to fit any hotel pillow)
Washcloth (I pack this, so I don’t have to put my face or mouth on any hotel towels)
Antibacterial foam soap (I cannot stand those bars of soap used in hotels, so I bring my own!)
Laundry bag (This one explains itself, keep those dirty clothes separated from your clean ones)
Toiletry Bag
No packing list is complete without the toiletries! If I am only bringing my carry-on, I use this bag. However, if it is a longer trip and I am bringing a checked bag, I use a larger one. The list below is everything I pack:
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body Wash
Razor (Only if I am bringing a checked bag)
Face lotion (I use this at night, but I always pack one with SPF for the day)
Body lotion (Especially after a long flight, you want to moisturize as much as possible)
Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss
Contact case/Solution/Glasses case (If needed)
Deodorant
Brush (I use a mini Wet Brush)
Hair products (Buy travel size when you can)
Makeup (I buy travel size, it makes it easier to pack plus it saves a few pennies!)
Makeup remover (I love the individual wipes, they also work great for a face wash, so that is one less item to bring)
Small earrings, just to keep it simple. They bring the outfit together and are stylish if your hair is up.
Side note: I also recommend bringing some sort of allergy medication. I also like to bring acetaminophen, anti-diarrheal, and an antiacid for emergency purposes.
Airplane Bag
For any trip I have my suitcases, I also like to bring an airplane bag with all the flight essentials.
Headphones (These work perfectly for movie watching and are noise canceling!)
A good book (I love my Kindle!)
Passport if applicable (Here is one I use, I can fit my ID, credit cards, and cash)
Blanket (I freeze when I fly)
Save room for any snacks you purchase at the airport and a water bottle.
Thank you for reading!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
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