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In this post, I share how I started 2019 traveling. I booked a roundtrip nonstop flight on Southwest to Phoenix, Arizona. I left Chicago on New Year. In hindsight, I did not think about the logistics of this trip. I booked my accommodations near Fashion Square Mall and T.J. Maxx. I knew I was going shopping in Phoenix. I did not repeat that team carry-on foolishness from Portland.
I waited 10 minutes to drop off my luggage. The security lines were long, but I have TSA PreCheck. Yes, I am on another long flight on Southwest. I fell asleep before the plane took off. When I landed, I caught an Uber to the hotel. Even though I usually rent a car, I decided to walk everywhere to reach my step goals. Besides, my doctor had suggested I lose weight. I intentionally booked a room at Hyatt Place Scottsdale/Old Town. Over the next few days, I would dine at Culinary Dropout and shop at Fashion Square Mall and T.J. Maxx. My room was not ready. I dropped off my luggage and walked to Culinary Dropout. As always, lunch was delicious. When Donovan (D) got off work, I was exhausted and went to bed.
After breakfast, I met D at the mall. We purchased tickets for Aquaman, dined at Panera for lunch, and then I went back to the hotel. Are you wondering why I am staying at a hotel? My son lives in an apartment, but we are one year away from investing in permanent housing. He also has a roommate. Later that evening, D went to play trivia with friends, and I walked to T.J. Maxx for some retail therapy. If you have read one or two of my posts, another pattern has emerged. I try to add shopping at a TJX brand for every trip. I walked back to the hotel with ease carrying two large bags.
I enjoyed my complimentary breakfast. By now, you should have recognized another pattern; I intentionally book at hotels that offer complimentary breakfast. While D was at work, I decided to play tourist and headed to the free trolley. Scottsdale residents do not pay to enter the Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West on Thursdays. I told the cashier the zip code and earned my sheriff badge to enter. I participated in a guided tour, picked up some souvenirs, and caught the trolley back to the mall. As I headed back to the hotel, I stopped at one of the many bars in the area for Happy Hour.
D picked me up after work, and we made our annual trip to Costco. I also pick up the tab. We left Costco and headed to my favorite place, AZ/88. Because I had to watch what I ate, I ordered a salad. Okay, I had the turtle cheesecake first. We sat next to the Christmas tree made of safety pins. If you are ever in Scottsdale, visit AZ/88. We enjoyed dinner, and D dropped me off at the hotel.
D had to work. I took an Uber to the airport and hung out in a Priority Pass Select lounge until it was time to board. It was cold in Scottsdale. If you have never been to Arizona, you should put it on your bucket list. This trip does not reflect my planning skills. I waited until December to book this flight, but I used two Southwest LUV vouchers. Also, my Uber charges were unreal. At 5:46AM, it cost $31.49 for a ride to Midway. I travel to Arizona at least once a year. Of course, I miss my only child, but he is happy. In addition, I have somewhere warm to visit, most of the time.
I earned 2,392 Southwest Rapid Rewards and 1,682 World of Hyatt points. This is how I started 2019 traveling. How will you start traveling in 2019? Do need a Southwest gift card? Click on the link below.
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