Travel Tips: the Southwest Pt. 1

With Mesa Air Group being found in New Mexico and now based in Arizona, it is only right we share tips for successful travels to the Southwest region starting with these two states. While the temperatures are high this summer that doesn’t mean a trip isn’t worth your while. There are tons of different ways to make sure you still have fun in the sun! From hiking the Grand Canyon to cruising down Route 66, a perfect trip in the Southwest can be curated for anyone.

Best Ways to beat the heat

One of the most shocking parts about traveling to the Southwest during the summer is the intense heat. The temperatures in Arizona and the other Southwest states can rise well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit and it is essential to be prepared for it to enjoy your stay without melting away. So the best way to best ways to beat it is to bring these key items

• Sunscreen of a high SPF

• Sunglasses

• Hat/visor

• Portable fan

• Reusable water bottle

• Camelback backpack

• Portable deodorant

• Wick-away clothing

Beyond these items it is essential to monitor yourself and how you handle the heat. Water is the key to success.

• Take showers to cool yourself down

• Go in a pool if you feel overheated

• Drink more water than normal

• Dab water behind your ears

• Take everything at your own pace so you can have fun on your trip!

Essentials for all

While there are endless possibilities for your trip to any of the Southwest states there are a few things they all need. Renting or bringing a car is a must. Attractions are far from each other due to the vast structure of the states. So after you hop off a flight from Mesa and its partners make sure you have automotive arrangements ready to go!

Top Southwest Locations

When deciding to travel to the Southwest there are many amazing places and attractions you can visit. Here are the top ones from each state.

Arizona - The Grand Canyon State

• Grand Canyon

  • As one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon was formed by millions of years of erosion and rain. It offers breathtaking views, amazing hikes, river rafting, and more. While you are at the canyon you can also soak in the rich indigenous culture. Eleven tribes have land, live within the Grand Canyon, and/or consider the Grand Canyon a part of their cultural and spiritual traditions. We must respect and protect this incredible land as it has a deep history and fantastical wonders.

  • Mesa’s Picks

    • Hikes: For experienced hikers, we recommend the rim-to-rim hike which will immerse you into the Canyon. Many of our local Mesa employees share the best time for this experience is the end of Spring to the beginning of fall. For those who are looking for an easier hike, we recommend walking along The Trail of Time. In which you can learn about the geology of the canyon.

    • Experiences: If you are looking for a more family-friendly experience, in the winter you can take a Polar Express ride to the Canyon with a fully immersive experience just like the movie. Some of our own have done it as children and adults and loved it.

• Phoenix

  • Phoenix is the fifth most populated city in the U.S. and is home to our HR and training center as well as hiking, art, amazing cuisine, nightlife, and the Sonoran Desert. While we are biased, we do believe this is truly one of the best places to be in the U.S. The Valley of the Sun has mild winters, great golf, and awesome professional sports (Go Suns!).

  • Mesa’s Picks

    • Coffee Shops: Arizonans are coffee lovers with an abundance of aesthetic coffee shops throughout the valley. Some of our favorites are:

      • Cartel Coffee Lab - This small chain offers a triple threat; great coffee, great decorations, and a great work spot.

      • Dutch Bros - We aren’t sure which wakes you up more, the bubbly employees or their signature Rebel Energy drinks.

      • Mythical Coffee- This Gilbert-based coffee shop is focused on “visual art” when it comes to coffee so you are sure to get an Instagrammable moment.

      • Peixoto Coffee Roasters - This coffee roaster provides rich coffee with beautiful designs from their family farm in Brazil.

    • Hikes: For experienced hikers, we recommend Camelback Mountain as your go-to hike in Phoenix. If you are going in the summer make sure you go early as the temperatures rise quickly! If you are looking for a more leisurely endeavor we recommend hiking Papago Park and visiting the Hole-in-the-Rock for some breezy views.

    • Restaurants:

      • Snooze A.M. Eatery- For delicious breakfast head to one of the Snooze locations for unique meals that will have you craving more!

      • The Henry - This brunch spot has it all! There is amazing food, a great sangria, a cute coffee shop, and fantastic service!

      • Diego Pops - This Mexican-style restaurant offers tasty happy hour deals 3-6 pm 7 days a week.

      • Maple and Ash - For a more luxurious experience, the best spot is Maple and Ash. Their service is unparalleled and their food is mouthwatering.

    • Nighttime: For exceptional nighttime experiences we recommend going to one of Phoenix’s many speakeasies. Hidden speakeasy bars are an up-and-coming trend in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. Some of the most popular that offer an amazing experience are:

      • Pigtail’s Cocktail Bar - a hidden speakeasy with a rustic vibe. They only allow walk-ins.

      • Platform 18 - which emulates the experience of being on a train while sipping on delectable cocktails.

      • 36 Below - this is a brand new fantastical spot has drinks presented in flower pots, tubes, and many other unique styles.

      • The White Rabbit Bar - This spot is a traditional speakeasy-themed after the times of prohibition.

• Sedona

  • Known for its amazing red rocks and healing energy there is something in Sedona for everyone. Whether you are hiking, going to a psychic, taking a sound bath, or seeing McDonald’s only turquoise arches you are sure to have a good time. For Arizona locals, Sedona is the go-to staycation for adventure and relaxation.

  • Mesa Picks:

    • Restaurant: Our favorite restaurant which is a must-try is Elote Cafe. There is amazing cuisine, margaritas, and it is surrounded by the beautiful red rocks of Sedona.

    • Activities:

      • Many people come to Sedona for wine tours and we recommend the Hop on Hop off wine tour by AZ Wine Crawler. One of our employees recently did this on a bachelorette trip and she said this was the best way to experience all of Sedona’s beautiful wineries.

      • Pink Jeep Tour: This tour is excellent for seeing the beauties of Sedona, thrills, and picturesque moments.

      • Tlaquepaque: A food shopping square with tons of art to explore.

    • Hikes: For experienced hikers we recommend Cathedral Rock to experience the energy of the Vortex. For a more leisurely hike, we recommend Fay Canyon. You still get all of the beauty with much less of the challenge.

New Mexico - Land of Enchantment

Our founder, Larry Risley, saw the potential for regular commercial air service between Farmington and Albuquerque.

• Route 66

  • A good part of the original route 66 is still intact in New Mexico. The route is famous for its great views and awesome Motels. Definitely worth the drive to channel your inner Lightning McQueen from Cars while blasting Nat King Cole.

    • Mesa’s Picks: Here at Mesa some of our favorite stops on the route:

      • Nob Hill - where you can find vibrant shops, food, and nightspots.

      • Downtown Albuquerque - currently the city is undergoing a revitalization so be one of the first to visit this up-and-coming spot.

        • Dining:

          • Tikka Hut - an amazing combination of Indian fusion foods.

        • Coffee

          • Humble Coffee Company - an indoor/outdoor coffee shop with great coffee, service, and ambiance.

        • Art:

          • 516 Arts - Extremely interesting and eye-catching modern art. Make sure you check out the Banana scultpture!

      • University of New Mexico - to explore the flagship University of New Mexico.

• Santa Fe

  • New Mexico’s capital has a melting pot of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo culture that creates a unique atmosphere. The city is made amazing pueblo architecture and a variety of great art. Canyon Road, the Opera House, the Plaza, and their museums are a must-see on your visit. Don’t forget they also have amazing food. The

  • Mesa Tip: Santa Fe is known for its amazing food so we recommend you take a mini food tour during your stay.

    • The Shed - Best Mexican

    • La Plazuela - Best Green Chile Cheeseburger

    • The Plaza Cafe - Best Sopaipillas

    • Coyote Cafe and Cantina - Best Margarita

• White Sands National Park

  • The national park is comprised of dunes made of breathtaking gypsum crystals. It is a truly unique experience and a perfect photo opportunity. Fly in from El Paso one of Mesa’s base locations and be sure to check out the dunes. Something about Missile.

  • Mesa Tip: Grab a sled or a snowboard and head to the White Sands from our El Paso Airport Base! It is a quick 1.5 drive and the gypsum sand behaves just like snow. Note: the White Sands Missile Range road closures schedule.

Closing

With this new information in mind, we hope that you have an amazing journey to the Southwest and fall in love with the region like we did. Mesa holds the Southwest close to our hearts. Stay tuned for more travel tips on the rest of the Southwest!