We have completed our first ABD, and we wish we were still on the trip. It was amazing!
I am not doing a full trip report, but I wanted to share some info in case it helps others with their trips. Feel free to ask me questions.
We arrived in Phoenix on 5/21, got a rental car from Alamo, and stayed at the Hampton Inn near Sky Harbor airport for one night. We drove straight to Tombstone the next day and spent 2 nights there. On 5/24 we returned to the Hampton Inn; the next morning we left at 11 to return the rental car and take the shuttle bus to Terminal 4. Keep that in mind if you arrive a few days early and get a car--rental agencies are all offsite.
Met our group at Starbucks between doors 4 and 6, which is at baggage claim on level 1. Had time to grab a quick lunch on level 3.
Our group consisted of 11 adventurers--3 siblings over age 11, their parents, their grandparents, and an adult daughter/mother duo. We had one guide, and she was fantastic. She said they thought about getting us a smaller vehicle, but we ended up with the huge bus.
The bus has a restroom, which my husband used a couple of times. He said it was okay as far as traveling bathrooms are concerned.
I have a sensitive digestive tract, and I had a few issues. The worst being the day we were hiking to the Delicate Arch. I barely made it up the first incline before I had to turn back and use the long drop (a nicer version of an outhouse). My group went ahead of me, and I was pretty mad that I had to turn back. I felt better after a bit and made the hike up on my own. Met up with my group at the top. If you think you might have intestinal issues, be proactive in what will keep them to a minimum.
As I previously mentioned, my husband is afraid of heights with too much open space. He pushed himself to take the mile hike into the Grand Canyon (you are mostly looking at your feet so you don't trip) and took a photo with me under the Delicate Arch. I was really proud of him.
Rapids on the rafting trip were really mild. One person in my raft and I both got the opportunity to guide it.
Weather was absolutely perfect. Make sure you are drinking the water they offer plus more.
I loved the Enchantment Resort in Sedona, and we adored the Red Cliffs Lodge in Moab. We stayed at the Maswik Lodge in the Grand Canyon. While not fancy, it was clean and comfortable for our two nights there. Plus it was a really quick walk to the canyon rim. We ate our on-your-own dinner at the onsite cafeteria. Lots of choices. I had a basic grilled chicken sandwich and a side salad, and my husband had the Italian sandwich, which disappointed him. (We have a local deli that makes the best Italian sandwich.)