You can feel the difference while still in the air. The mood is jolly even though the plane passengers are squished shoulder to shoulder in their seats ( even during COVID times). While I can’t see their smiles under their mask, their eyes tell it all. They are free. They are heading to an oasis. They are on vacation. Poolside drinks, sunbathing, golfing, and hiking awaits.
Scottsdale is a part of the Greater Phoenix area. It is 31 miles long and 11 miles wide. Scottsdale and Phoenix are so close that while visiting one you will find yourself enjoying the amenities of the other.
TRANSPORTATION?
Once we landed I attempted to grab an Uber but was quickly reminded that Phoenix/Scottsdale was a popular destination ( even more so during COVID times). Most cities were partially shut down, but not Arizona. The Governor had lifted restrictions the week prior thus the neighboring Californians who were coming up on a year of social isolation and the east coasters who wanted to escape the cold were traveling to Arizona ( with Phoenix being the Mecca). After waiting for nearly 15 minutes, I checked to see if I could rent a car for my Phoenix stay. No luck. There were no cars available and those who had rented cars were told there was a 4-5 hour wait to receive their car. So Uber or a cab ride was my only option. Thankfully after waiting a total of 25 minutes I finally was connected with an Uber driver.
Phoenix is a large metropolitan city that is spread out. Renting a car is doable however you should reserve your car far in advance. During my four-day stay, a car would have been very useful, however, it might have been pricey. Some reservations for economy cars were close to $180 a day. My trip was on the weekend which is possibly why the prices were high. If you plan on renting a car, I would do so way in advance to get a good deal.
Uber is a great form of transportation and you can explore Phoenix solely by Uber rides. However, it is important to note that if the Phoenix area is busy ( like during my trip), you may be waiting 20-30 minutes for a ride and paying surge prices. A 15-minute drive cost between $30-40 during my stay. The cheapest I paid during my trip was $15 for a 20-minute ride and that was because it was 7 am. Depending on how busy your schedule is, these can really add up.
Uber experience: One of the benefits of using Uber is that it allows you to interact with and ask questions of the locals. This was especially true during my Scottsdale trip. The Phoenix/Scottsdale Uber drivers were a different breed all together ( in a good way). There has never been a time during my travels where Uber drivers have welcomed me into their city with such open arms. Not only did they welcome me into their city, but they were emphatic that this city was the place to be and asked me to join them in the Phoenix sun. Never have I been in a city where the Uber drivers love their city so much that they are making their case as to why I should move there, and why their city is the best city to live.
