Do you ever feel the post-travel blues? You get back from a trip, and just feel down in the dumps, wishing you were back exploring that fantastic place with perfect weather? Yes? What’s more, the feeling doubles when the day after you return home, it’s your birthday!
Instead of having a pity-party though, I’m reminiscing.
My 2.5 year old couldn’t get enough of the water.
You won’t often find us heading to big hotels and resorts. We’re more likely to choose a rental home to feel more connected to a locale, or maybe a smaller charming hotel plopped in the middle of town. We’re certainly not opposed to a few days of luxury, but budget is something we’re always considering.
For our recent trip to the Phoenix area, we were spoiled a bit due to two coincidental events: A work event for Slaed (husband and Dad) and our annual visit to Grandma’s. Getting to spend the day poolside, taking advantage of all the J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge had to offer in their expansive outdoor area was one of the highlights of our week in Arizona.
From the splash pad and the adjacent perfectly heated smaller pool, to the lazy river, hot tubs, and larger pools dotted with waterfalls, we enjoyed it all.
Splash Pad with adjacent small pool (perfect for kids) among tree lined walkways…
At just about 75 degrees that afternoon, it wasn’t what you’d call ideal pool weather, but we were too busy taking in all the fun to mind. Besides the obvious water diversions, the grounds of Desert Ridge are also something to take in, and not just with the eyes. The scent of the purple flowers blooming from the Texas Mountain Laurel trees is out of this world. Something I wanted to bottle up, and take back to Seattle.
Texas Mountain Laurel, Bird of Paradise & Tree Orchids
More blooms of countless varieties could be seen throughout the outdoor areas of the resort. Separate from the pool area is Desert Ridge’s own mini desert botanical garden. It was a treat to roam the pathways watching the birds and bunnies play, and thanks to great signage, learn a little bit about many of Arizona’s native plants.
One brave bunny.
Do you get the post-travel blues? What’s your cure?
This post is part of Skimbaco’s #IGTravelThursday. All photos shared are from my Instagram stream. If you’d like to see more of our Arizona travels (and our everyday adventures around Seattle), come join us!
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You need a big birthday celebration! Your little boy and his grandmother looks very happy. I’d like some Texas Mountain Laurel scent.
Enjoy your blog.
Exactly! Luckily my boys are taking me out for sushi tonight! We had such a great visit to Phoenix. Yes, definitely be on the look out for the Texas Mountain Laurel in your travels!
I have definitely had post travel blues in the past. I would usually wallow for a minute and then try to distract myself with day travel close to home. My favorite thing to do would be to find a great new restaurant though. I have to say food soothes me, thankfully I am usually pretty happy. Haha
I love your ideas for curing the post travel blues! We have lots to look forward to next month, so I’m going to stick to that and also, I’m taking your advice on enjoying a few good meals out!
I hope you have had a fabulous birthday! At least you got to catch some fun in the sun!! 😉
Thank you, Joy! It was a fun day and yes, I have so much to be grateful for! 🙂
YES! I always get the post-travel blues! My cure: Usually planning the next trip. YIKES!
Love that cure! We are off to the Oregon coast and Portland in early April–lots to look forward to! Where are you headed next?
We are soon heading home from our 7-week trip to New Zealand and I’m fearing the travel blues, I have loved it SO much here that I don’t think I’ll be ready to leave!! Usually I settle back home quite well though, I think the best cure is to start planning new adventures, immediately, even if they are just to the neighboring town or somewhere else nearby 🙂
I don’t know what I’d do after 7-weeks, Satu. That is tough, but it sounds like you are on the right track with already having a plan! I feel the same about more local/regional adventures. As long as we are going SOMEwhere, I’m happy! 🙂
Kate,
I always hate to leave when I go to a place. I really love your photos in this photo. The flowers and landscaping with the bunny is so unique. I’ve not been to Arizona, but it’s on my list.
Thank you, Leigh! We love visiting Arizona (especially in when it’s winter in Seattle), and feel lucky to have family there to visit–it’s any amazing state, and I’m always adding more to my list of things to see and do when we are there.
I’m glad you guys got a bit of break from Seattle with sunny Arizona. Bergen is just so cute and he makes me smile with every adorable photo you post. We had a girlfriend’s getaway at the same JW Marriott last year. Their spa is awesome. So, take note for next time for your mommy time 😉 We hung out at that pool but it was in the 90s but still felt great.
Thank you, Mary! That’s so sweet. 🙂
Ahh, now that I think about it, I remember you planning/going on that girls weekend in Phoenix. Oh, every time I walked by Revive, I dreamed of sneaking inside! 🙂 Didn’t have a chance this time, but maybe next year! So glad you got to take advantage. What a perfect place for a girls getaway!
I’m not usual a resort-goer either but just occasionally they’re spot on – especially if you’re pool side with a young child! We visited friends staying in a very fancy resort in Penang (we were staying in a much more modest hotel) and my 3-year-old did love it! Love the cactus picture too.
Thanks for stopping by, Amanda!
Yes, we are finding out quickly that our little guy is quite the lover of pools. I’m happy to learn something else that we can “entice” him in our travels 😉 Sounds like an amazing place to visit in Penang!