Pros and Cons of Cruise Ship Private Island Ports

The allure of cruising lies not only in the opportunity to explore exotic destinations but also in the opportunity to wake up in a new place every single day ready for a new experience. More and more cruise lines are offering the unique experience of exploring secluded paradises in the form of a beach island, usually nestled away from the hustle and bustle of typical tourist hotspots. They promise a day of relaxation, adventure, and exclusive amenities on cruise line-owned private islands. However, like any destination, there are both pros and cons to stopping at these private islands, and understanding them will help you make the most educated decision the next time you are considering a cruise with a private island port of call. I recently stopped on our Caribbean cruise in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas and this is what I took away from our first cruise line-owned private island experience.

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5 Things I'm Glad I Packed for a Caribbean Cruise

Ahoy mateys! If you are like me, the mere mention of a cruise to the Caribbean gets you excited for sun-soaked shores, crystal-clear waters, and the rhythmic sway of the ocean. I thrive on new experiences and exploring new places, plus the thrill of the open sea and the possibilities ahead always make cruise travel exciting for me. I recently embarked on a memorable spring break cruise with one of my college kiddos to the Caribbean that left me with a treasure trove of memories and a newfound appreciation for the art of packing just the right thing to make your life that much more enjoyable! It is essential to be well-prepared and I'm excited to share this top five list of items that made my cruise experience not only unforgettable but also seamlessly enjoyable. If a cruise is in your future, take note!

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Phoenix, Arizona Visitors Guide: Beat the Crowds and See the Highlights

Phoenix, Arizona is the perfect escape, especially for those of us in the Pacific Northwest. When the sun is hiding in Seattle, you are sure to find it in Phoenix! Not only that, Phoenix has plenty of outdoor adventure, the perfect combination of city life and lots of southwest culture. You can easily balance a quick trip with relaxation and plenty of recreation making it the perfect vacation destination. It's always important for me to make the most of my trip and beat the crowds. Read on for the best tips on how you can do that!

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Phoenix, Arizona Visitors Guide: Beat the Crowds and See the Highlights

When to Visit Phoenix

Phoenix is known for it's more than 300 days of sunshine a year! A true delight from the dreary grey gloom in the Pacific Northwest. Phoenix has some extreme temperature swings to be aware of. It gets hot in the summer {the average high in July is 106 degrees!} so keep that in mind. Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit if you want warm dessert days. Though be aware that it can get cold in the mountains during those times. October-May are generally great months for weather, keep in mind that during the winter months, it could be a bit cold for lounging poolside. Spring is the high season and prices for plane tickets and hotels/accommodations often reflect that. There's nothing more special than seeing the cactus bloom though!

Monsoon Season

Arizona's monsoon season runs from June-September. It's often a quick heavy rain but it can also bring flash flooding which can be dangerous if you are hiking in unfamiliar territory. 

How Many Days To Spend in Phoenix

You can easily get a good taste of Phoenix over a long weekend. Three-five days will allow you time to rest and explore the area. You can add extra days if you want to continue to explore more of Arizona and road trip to the Grand Canyon or head down towards Tucson or even the Mexican border.

Beat the Crowds

If you are flexible, you can beat the crowds by visiting mid week and not over a weekend. Not only will flights be less expensive, so will accommodations. 

How to Get to Phoenix

The Phoenix Sky Harbor airport {PHX} is your best option if you are flying in. There are a few small airports in the area, but you'll find the most options flying into and out of PHX. Renting a car is easy and often most helpful if you want to explore the city. Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the US, but it's not really great at public transportation, so you'll likely need a car to get around.

Where to Stay in Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix is an easy choice if this is your first visit to the city. It's close to lots of activities and restaurants. Tempe is close to Papago Park and is a good option if you are combining a visit to Arizona State University. Scottsdale is another favorite area with lots of great dining and unique shopping as well as historic districts to explore. Mesa is home to the Superstition Mountains and a great place if hiking is at the top of your to do list.

Private pool with hiking in the backyard? Yes please! Favorite sunscreen for teens is Coola. It smells great and doesn't break them out!

Beat the Crowds

If you want to stay close to Phoenix for a quick visit in but not be in Phoenix proper, consider Chandler or Goodyear. Both are about a 30 minute drive from the city, but these are great options if you want more family-friendly affordable options with less people!

We stayed in Goodyear a few years ago, and rented a house with a private pool. It had hiking out the back fence with plenty of trails to explore. It's a good option if you want to spread out a little but still benefit from the landscape and beauty of the desert.

Find a VRBO in Phoenix and surrounding areas!

Pro Travel Tip

If you are traveling to the Phoenix area and are booking a home with a pool, make sure that the pool is heated. You won't think that you need it when the days are in the 80's, but you do! It makes an incredible difference having a heated pool to swim in. It's often noted in VRBO listings, but it's worth inquiring about if it's not. And it is often an extra charge to have the pool turned on. Again, it's totally worth it and needed with the exception of summer.

Things To Do In Phoenix

Desert Botanical Garden

I'm a big fan of the Desert Botanical Garden. Not only is it one of the most Instagram worthy spots in all of Phoenix, it's got plenty of opportunities for you to learn more about the variety of desert plant life. There are more than 140 acres and 50,000 plants and plenty of room to wander. It does get hot, so pack some water! Plan to spend a few hours wandering the gardens and don't miss the Gertrude's, probably my favorite restaurant in the city! You'll find seasonally grown farm to table favorites on the menu. Don't miss the garden 'rita! I still drool when I think about it!

Beat the Crowds

Go early! Get to the Botanical Garden just after it opens or right before it closes for fewer crowds. Head to the back of the Garden property and work your way to the front to beat the slow moving crowds.

Hike the Trails

There are plenty of popular hiking spots like Papago Park, which is actually very close to the Desert Botanical Garden so you could combine a trip! Piestewa Peak or Camelback Mountain both have amazing views and can be a bit more challenging. South Mountain is a more urban trail you can't go wrong on! North Mountain is paved but steep and makes a great place to watch the sunrise in the morning.

Beat the crowds

I enjoy some of the lesser known hiking options since the popular ones can get busy! Check out Pinnacle Peak Trail for a less popular hike. And if you drive further out to Estrella Mountain, there are great hiking and biking trails that are very well marked and less trodden. 

Find a Game

Baseball fans will love catching a Cactus League Spring Training game. Every February and March, more than 200 games are played by 15 major league teams all within a 45 minute drive! Games can sell out, so make sure you buy tickets early if there's a game you want to catch!

Beat the Crowds

Not going to lie, it will be harder to beat the crowds at a spring training game. There are people who intentionally come to Arizona only to see a game. Skip this option if you want to miss the crowds.

Wander in Old Town Scottsdale

Walking the streets in Old Town Scottsdale is such a great way to explore this neighborhood. There are great restaurant options, fun boutique shops and public art sprinkled throughout. 

Relax

This is my favorite option! I love soaking up the vitamin D and sitting poolside in the sunshine. There are plenty of luxury resorts and even retreat-like backyards in VRBO rentals! Keep an eye out for resorts that offer spa treatments. You can often use the resort amenities if you are getting a treatment even if you aren't a guest. 

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Things on My List Next Time I Visit Phoenix

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Taliesin West-Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and desert lab

Musical Instrument Museum-doesn't sound super exciting, but gets great reviews!

Salt River Tubing

Heard Museum-Lots of southwestern Native American Art

Day trip to Sedona

Phoenix is the perfect getaway for most of the year. You can often find flight deals and sunshine making it a quick getaway if you are trying to escape less than ideal weather in your hometown. 

disclaimer: this post may have affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing through them, I may receive a small commission. These small purchases help me to continue to keep writing content and creating at Rachel Teodoro. Thank you!

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Fun Things to See and Do in Cairo and Giza

Cairo Museum included, this Egyptian capital also promises perfume palaces, papyrus galleries, Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar and exciting camel rides! Egypt's capital Cairo and its town on the outskirts - Giza - are not just about history. A traveler can unearth fun experiences, by digging a little deeper with an Egyptian guide, even on a short trip. I've got fun things you can see and do when you travel to Cairo and Giza. It's a trip you are going to want to add to your bucket list!

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How to Plan Vacations with Young Adults

While traveling as a family can be a great time to make memories, sometimes taking a vacation when your kids are older or with other adults can be where the longer-lasting memories are actually made. But trying to get a vacation on the books with young adults can prove to be tricky and can raise a few questions you might not have considered before. If you’re looking for some tips to help you plan a vacation with young adults, here are some things to consider while planning.

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Cheap Eats at Disney

When visiting somewhere like Disney where you are already going to be spending a lot of money between lodging and tickets to enter the park, you probably want to save money anywhere that you can to avoid having too big of a hit on your pocketbook! One of the places that I have found is easiest to cut down on spending at Disney is on food. If you are going to power through a full day at the theme park, you will of course need to eat, but that doesn't mean that you have to spend a fortune! 

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Best Hike in Every National Park in the Southwest

The Southwest has a number of amazing national parks and state parks with hundreds of hiking trails for you to enjoy. From white dunes to incredible landscapes, there is a lot to see and do in the Southwest. Here are the best hikes in the national parks of the Southwest.

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Benefits of One-on-One Travel With Kids

As a travel enthusiast, I have ventured all around the globe, including family vacations and solo travel. Traveling has made me realize how much I value experiences and how much more I treasure them when I share them with others. I just got back from a trip to France with my daughter, and the year before that, I took my son to Alaska on a cruise. While these may be a bit more lavish than your budget, traveling 1-on-1 with your kids can have many benefits!

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Outdoor Adventure in Ireland with Teens: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go!

Castles, sheep, golf, and Guinness, that's basically what my impression of Ireland has been, but after getting the chance to experience it myself recently as a guest of Tourism Ireland, I know that it's so much more than that! Ireland has been on my radar for a few years now. Especially after I learned that Aer Lingus had launched a direct flight from Seattle to Dublin. In under 9 hours, I could be on the Emerald Isle! After exploring the island and barely scratching the surface, I feel like Ireland has been flying under the radar as an outdoor enthusiast destination. The great thing about Ireland is that there are a lot of outdoor adventure activities packed into that small island just waiting to be discovered by travelers and you could be one of the lucky ones to experience it!

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Preparing for a Family History Travel Trip

I am an avid traveler, as most of us are. So imagine my surprise to learn that while planning my trip to Ireland, I learned that I had family from there! Researching your ancestry and roots can not only help you take a glimpse into the people that came before you but also help you experience those travel destinations a little differently. Every “journey home”  starts at home, and in searching to learn more about my ancestors, it made me realize how important researching your ancestry is before traveling!

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Make the Most of One Day in Zion National Park: Maximize Your Time With These Tips!

The Southwest has some of the most magnificent National Parks out there. Zion was Utah's first National Park and is often on the top of people's favorite US parks. The massive sandstone cliffs will dwarf you and the narrow slot canyons will draw you in. There is plenty to explore at Zion National Park, but if one day is all you have, you can most definitely get a generous taste of this beautiful park. I'll give you all the best tips so that you can maximize your time at Zion National Park.

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What to Expect on Your First Visit to Paris

After several canceled trips {thanks COVID}, I wasn't sure if we would ever see Paris. I spent {literally} years planning our trip, not because it's super complicated, but because so much with travel has just been changing and evolving. While travel to Europe used to be very fly by the seat of your pants, it's definitely not like that anymore. Reservations need to be made well in advance for everything from museums to the summit at the Eiffel Tower and a little bit of pre-planning will make your first visit to Paris extremely smooth and successful. Here are a few things I learned on my first visit to Paris!

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Family Fun with Teens in Wilsonville, Oregon

A few years ago, I realized I hadn't spent a lot of time exploring the beautiful area that we live in and I set out to change that. The PNW is arguably the most beautiful place to be in the summer with mountains, rivers, trees, and trails. The weather is mild and it's easy to be outside or relax inside. Our family was hosted by ExploreWilsonville recently and we had the best time. Wilsonville is in the heart of it all and only 16 miles south of Portland, making it the perfect home base to explore Oregon. 

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Tips for Renting a Car in France

When I started researching things to do in Paris on a recent mother/daughter trip, the list of things we wanted to do extended beyond the city. So I started looking at our transportation options. There are quite a bit of options for public transportation, but in order for you to have the most flexibility in your schedule and to not be at the mercy of a train schedule, renting a car will give you the freedom to get around. You can visit smaller towns and make countryside stops or detours to markets and wineries you might have otherwise passed by. Renting a car in France can create some unforgettable memories and here are some tips to know before you go! 

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Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon in Iceland?

When we traveled to Iceland on a 24-hour Icelandair stopover, we knew we couldn't visit without stopping at one of the local geothermal pools. The first one that comes to mind is of course Blue Lagoon. It's the oldest and definitely the most well-known, but after doing some research we found that there was a new kid on the block and it was getting some good reviews. I probably was overthinking our decision, but in case you have to make the same decision and choose a visit to Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, here are the factors we used to decide.

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Making the Most of a 24 Hour Stopover in Iceland: Tips for Hiring a Local Guide

When I found out that we could take a trip to Paris and include a stopover in Iceland, I knew I had to book the ticket! Icelandair started doing a stopover for those flying to or from major European countries back in the 60s, but it didn't really start to gain popularity until the 2000s. And heck, even then, I'd say most travelers don't even know this exists! If you book your ticket on Icelandair and select the option for stopover {it's easy to miss, so take caution when you book your tickets!}, you can stay in Iceland anywhere from 24 hours to 7 days for no additional fee. Once I started researching things to do, I realized that 24 hours may not be enough time to see what we wanted to see. At least in the most traditional way. I started to get frustrated, thinking that maybe all we'd get to see was a geothermal lagoon and the airport hotel! But I didn't give up and let me tell you, we saw more of Iceland than most get to see! Want to know how? Keep reading!

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5 Reasons I Wouldn't Visit Horseshoe Bend Again

There were a few stops along our Ultimate Southwest Road Trip that I was most excited about, and sunset at Horseshoe Bend was one of them! I started seeing photos of this amazingly beautiful location on Instagram a few years ago and added it to my list if I was ever in the area. We actually planned our trips to include a stop in Page, Arizona with a hike to Horseshoe Bend at the top of my list. After visiting, I was disappointed. Here are 5 reasons why I wouldn't visit Horseshoe Bend again.

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Best Place to Watch Sunrise on Grand Canyon's Southern Rim

When you find yourself close to a National Park, you should always take advantage of viewing sunrise and/or sunset. Many of the National Parks we visited on our Ultimate Southwest Road Trip™ are doing their best to work towards the International Dark Sky status. This just means that a park is doing its best to improve the night sky visibility in order to protect and preserve the nighttime environment. Sunrise is a different story! One of my first questions to any and all of the park rangers and volunteers was "where is the best place to watch the sunrise?" I got a lot of different answers and with only one morning sunrise to test it out, I think we found the winner! Read on!

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The Best 7 Day Grand Circle Road Trip Itinerary! The Ultimate Southwest Road Trip!

What started as a {potential} college visit to Prescott, Arizona, with a side trip to the Grand Canyon, turned into a road trip through Nevada, Utah, and Arizona making stops at Zion National Park, Bryce National Park, Glen Canyon, and the Grand Canyon {to name a few} in what is often referred to as {a portion of} The Grand Circle. We actually deemed it "The Ultimate Southwest Road Trip" and it will forever be known as that from here on out. {We never made it to visit the college.} 
It's easy to look at a map and see how close some of the most spectacular parts of the southwest are to one another and get carried away planning a road trip. We planned the Ultimate Southwest Road Trip­­™ and think that this was the best way to spend seven days around some of the United State's most beautiful vistas. We fit a lot in, allowing for some downtime, and felt like we saw all the things {and a few things you could skip}. Read on for tips on how you can plan your own Ultimate Southwest Road Trip.

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The Complete Guide to Visiting Dollywood

Dollywood is famous for having more stages and live entertainment than any other theme park in the United States. As you might expect from a park-themed after the country music icon, Dolly Parton, this park has a big personality just like its namesake. With plenty of live music, lavish stage shows, and epic coasters the park highlights the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. This guide to Dollywood will help you to make the most of your time at this charming Tennessee theme park.

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