Hi friend,

About a month ago, we did something we don’t do often...we took a short trip just to get away.

The kids had a four-day weekend, and we decided to pull them out of school for two extra days to make it a real trip.

Not rushed. Not jam-packed. Just long enough to actually settle in.

We headed to Arizona and stayed at Home2 Suites by Hilton Mesa Longbow, and we would absolutely stay here again.

I chose it for all my usual non-negotiables: space ✔, free breakfast ✔ & excellent reviews ✔.

But what really caught my eye were the pool photos and the views. 😎

And I’m happy to report those expectations were met.

The back of the hotel overlooked a golf course, which was honestly just really nice. Much better than staring at a parking lot or another building.

Why This Trip Worked

• We planned one main activity each morning​
• We saved afternoons for pool time and downtime​
• We stayed somewhere that made rest feel enjoyable
• We didn’t try to “see everything”

That simple rhythm made the entire trip feel easier for the kids and for us.

Each morning, we did one thing: a park we love, Hole in the Rock, wandering Old Town Scottsdale, or exploring Goldfield Ghost Town in Apache Junction.

Then we stopped.

Pool time every afternoon. No pressure. No squeezing things in.

Evenings were for dinner and fun including Organ Stop Pizza and Medieval Times. Both were big hits with the kids.

One planning decision I’m especially glad we made?
​Keeping all our activities in the mornings. Everyone had more patience, and downtime actually felt like downtime.

The weather was incredible. The days felt full but not exhausting. And most importantly, everyone genuinely enjoyed the trip which, if you’re a mom, you know is the real win.

Would I do this exact setup again?
​

Absolutely. Same trip length. Same daily rhythm. Same type of hotel.

This kind of getaway is perfect if you want warm weather, easy logistics, and a balance of adventure and rest especially with kids who still need downtime. And let's be honest, parents enjoy some downtime too!

Trips don’t have to be big or complicated to be worth it. Sometimes a change of scenery, a calm place to stay, and a realistic schedule are more than enough.

If you’re thinking about a similar getaway, I just updated my Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale with Kids blog post with our favorite parks, easy activities, and planning tips that pair well with a slower trip rhythm. Read it below. ↓

Stay tuned for more packing tips, behind-the-scenes travel hacks, and inspiration to make your trips feel doable and fun. I’m all about helping you make family travel as smooth as possible, so you can create memories without the headache.

Thanks for being part of the Travel Tuesday community, and I can’t wait to connect again soon!💕

✨ Want to make planning even easier?

If packing always feels chaotic, my Travel Itinerary Planner + Packing List was created to simplify this exact part of the process. One list. One system. Reused trip after trip. Click below to grab both! 👇

Wishing you trips that meet you where you are, whether you’re craving adventure, rest, big moments, or the small ones in between. 💛

May you LOVE your adventure!

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