How to visit a pricey Sedona without having to sell your kidney

By: Ron Valderrama/Tragically Hip Living

Sedona, Arizona
Photo: Tragically Hip Living

Without a doubt, Sedona, Arizona is one of the most beautiful and spiritual places on earth. The Sedona landscape has been used in many movies that range from Westerns to Comedies, John Wayne, Sam Elliott, Robert De Niro and tons more actors have filmed here.Sedona is a short two-hour drive from my home in Phoenix when the destination is reached, it's simply pure magic! Since my childhood, I have visited Sedona and have watched it grow. Visitors from around the world flock here to capture it's grandeur and marvel at it's beautiful views.

Statues at Tlaqapaque Shops
Photo: Tragically Hip Living

Sedona is a prime location to visit a Vortex, a Vortex is described as a place in nature that energy swirls and draws energy to the center. Sounds crazy right? Well, if you are spiritual you get it, there are four of them in Sedona. Many people visit a Sedona Vortex for a host of reasons, but don't think this is crazy, some well-known people come to Sedona for that very reason. Sedona has some great hiking trails too with much to explore in the area. A drive up Hwy 89A heading North takes you through Oak Creek Canyon and some stunning views. Continue North on 89A brings you to Flagstaff, just a short 30 miles out of Sedona.

Tlaqapaque Shops
Photo: Tragically Hip Living

Sedona used to be a quick and inexpensive destination to escape the summer heat of the Valley, but times have changed and the beauty of Sedona has become a costly getaway. Just a few years ago, a simple motel room could be found for $50 a night, give or take a few Washington's if you wanted to save a few bones and avoid the more expensive resorts that make Sedona their home. But those days are gone unless a room is booked way in advance, and even at that nearly impossible in the summer unless you are willing to pony up some major cash, maybe throw in severed limb or sell a kidney as well for payment. If my plan was to stay at one of the many resorts, I wouldn't mind paying if all I were going to do was stay at the resort most of the time, they do have some nice one's here, but the whole Sedona experience isn't in a hotel room or expensive meal, it's about exploring the area and taking in the magical beauty. To really experience Sedona, plan on more than just a weekend, the area really does offer a lot. From shopping, dining, hiking or even camping, Sedona offers something for everybody. It is possible to enjoy this wonderland, even if on a budget.

Sunset outside of Cottonwood
Photo: Tragically Hip Living

West out of Sedona on Hwy 89A, 17 miles and you've arrived in Cottonwood, they have a cool downtown Art's District with some cool shops and places to stuff your mug with some tasty chow. The area is also home to some pretty not to bad wineries too in the area. Maynard Keenan from the band "Tool" has a winery. A short drive out of Cottonwood brings you to Jerome, an old mining town. Jerome was a mining town back in the 1800s and closed down in 1953, pretty much becoming a ghost town after that. Jerome claims to be the oldest ghost town in America. Today, Jerome is home to artist and shop owners. Some cool restaurants and bars line the skinny streets.

Hwy. 89A (Downtown Sedona)
Photo: Tragically Hip Living

The places I used to stay have at the very least doubled in price in just the past few years. Some of the restaurants that served good and cheap comfort food have since closed. On a recent trip, I stopped at a pizza joint on Hwy 89A, the main drag in Sedona for a bite to eat. The pizza looked okay, but nothing special so I walked up to the counter to order. When I asked the price for a pizza with sausage and pepperoni, I nearly soiled my panties, as a matter of fact, pretty sure there may have been some seepage! $26 for a fake pizza? For reals? I asked the guy if they offered pizza rentals, or could he make me a deal on some pizza droppings, because unless a table dance came with the pizza, it ain't gonna happen!

If you travel cheap like me, then West Sedona is where you stay and eat, it's a little cheaper, to tell the truth, I don't even stay in Sedona anymore. I drive 17 miles or so down the road to the sleepy little town of Cottonwood and stay at a place called The Little Daisy Motel, named after the "Little Daisy Mine," a few miles away in the town of Jerome. I have been staying at The Little Daisy for about 5 years when visiting Sedona. I'm pretty sure they have not raised their prices, at least not by much anyway since I've been staying there. Even my last visit to this place was only $56 a night, cheaper Sun-Thur. The Little Daisy is nothing fancy, but the rooms are very clean and have a fridge and microwave, they'll even lend you coffee maker at the office if needed.

Oak Creek
Photo: Tragically Hip Living

If going to Sedona is your thing and money doesn't matter, then go for it, you'll have a great time. If traveling on a budget like me, then go to Cottonwood or a surrounding town and find a deal. After talking to a few of the locals in Cottonwood, they all said Sedona has become way too pricey, but as long as visitors are willing to pay, it's not going to change. Many who work in Sedona don't live there because it's just too expensive, they live in places like Cottonwood.

Sedona, Arizona
Photo: Tragically Hip Living

I also talked to a German tourist on my last trip to Sedona, the gentleman loved Sedona, but he thought it was expensive too. He was visiting America, Los Angeles to be exact and purchased a package for him and his wife.  The package was a 3-day tour of the Grand Canyon, a visit to Sedona and to the surrounding Indian Ruins in the area, it also included a train ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad. He didn't say how much he paid, but after further investigating, he said that he would have been better off renting a car in Los Angeles and making his own hotel reservations and sightseeing tours.

Oak Creek Canyon
Photo: Tragically Hip Living

The point is this, with a little research and a few phone calls, cheap travel is there to be had.

I use TripAdvisor.com a lot, as a matter of fact, I write many reviews for TripAdvisor.com and often find great deals on the site.

Until next time, have a tragically hip day!

Ron Valderrama can be contacted by email: tragicallyhipliving@gmail.com

Minimalist Alexis Stephens and Christian Parsons, a look at their ‘Tiny House Expedition’

By: Ron Valderrama/Tragically Hip Living

Alexis Stephens & Christian Parsons - Tiny House Expedition
Photo: Tragically Hip Living

To most people, wealth is measured by how much money or the material things that are acquired along the way. We come into this world with nothing and leave this world with nothing but the skin it came in. The Dalai Lama may sum it best when he was once asked about what surprised him most about humanity, “Man.... Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.” 

Photo: Tragically Hip Living

For the many who travel a different path, wealth is measured by health, living small and with less, such is the case with Alexis Stephens and Christian Parsons of Tiny House Expedition, a project they created which will document their nationwide travels. Together, this young couple grew tired of the stress and time given to own too many material possessions. But the story doesn't end there, no sir, it just begins here. Alexis and Christian for a number of different reasons became “Minimalist,” and changed the way they live for a purpose. The two spent about nine months building a tiny house on wheels and I do mean tiny, but yet, totally big enough to live like a boss. They  are traveling the country and educating people on the minimalist lifestyle, doing so in a tiny house on wheels at that. This past weekend, I had the opportunity to meet with Alexis and Christian, they were featured guest, (their tiny house too) at the Maricopa County Home and Garden Show in Phoenix. A tour of their 130 sq. ft. "tiny house on wheels" is proof that one can indeed live very comfortable if planned correctly.

Photo: Tragically Hip Living

Check out the video tour at the bottom of the page from my Tragically Hip Living YouTube Channel, the channel is still in the works, and the video is not edited, but it's a great tour of the home. Sure it’s an adjustment for them and may not be for everybody, but these two have it figured out and made adjustments for a better way of life along the way. Every inch of the home serves a purpose, everything has a place and a function. What I noticed most as I entered through the door, the peaceful energy Alexis and Christian have, the same energy is evident in the house as well. 

130 sq. ft. of pure joy
Photo: Tragically Hip Living

Of course, like in real life, it's not always fairies and unicorns every day. Things break down like a normal house or you may wish you had some of the things you gave up, but overall, it's a small price to pay for living in a mobile paradise. I asked them if there was anything they missed from living in a larger home, Alexis said a washer and dryer would be nice, and Christian said he missed having a garden and plants, although he is experimenting with gardening while on the road. Both of them said the few things they miss are only minor compared to the experience they are living now. 

The Tiny House Expedition
Photo: Tragically Hip Living

Imagine, being able to have your home with all the comforts, yet, wake up to a whole new view and world that is right outside your door every few days. That my friend is priceless! The purpose of the Tiny House Expedition is to think big and build small, doing it through documentary storytelling and most important, through direct engagement, Alexis and Christian are doing just that. Besides, being advocates for the tiny house movement, they are also filmmakers, and this tragically hip couple have some interesting projects in the works. Alexis and Christian are not only documenting their journey across the country, they have also teamed up with Kai Rostscheck, another advocate (I Love Tiny Houses, Tiny House Lending & Tiny House Dating) for the tiny house movement. "Living Tiny, Legally" will be a co-produced documentary that hopes to educate and make legal tiny house communities a reality along with many other things, best of all it will be free, and a resource for those who want to learn about living tiny and legally. If you would like to donate, or know more about the project, check out their site on Indiegogo for more information. 

Alexis Stephens - Tiny House Expedition
Photo: Tragically Hip Living

So, what did I myself get out this interview with Alexis and Christian? Well, I got a lot out of it to tell the truth. It was inspiring to see a young couple take on a challenge like this, only to find out it's not a challenge at all, but a journey that is packed with adventure and a continuing Tiny House Expedition. Living tiny doesn't mean having to give up style, it's about giving up the things that hold you back. For Alexis and Christian, most of their time is spent outdoors, experiencing the adventures to be had.

Until next time, have a tragically hip day!

Ron Valderrama can be contacted by email: tragicallyhipliving@gmail.com

Tiny House Expedition at Maricopa Home Show, How to travel cheap like a boss

By: Ron Valderrama/Tragically Hip Living

Tiny House Expedition this weekend at Maricopa Co. Home & Garden Show

Tiny House Expedition
Photo: Tragically Hip Living

If downsizing and living a minimalist lifestyle is your passion, then head out to the Tiny Homes Street of Dreams at the Maricopa County Home and Garden Show at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix. It starts today and runs through Sunday (Jan.15-17) and is only $5 for admission, kids 3-12 get in for $3 and little nippers under 2 are free. Six tragically hip tiny homes will be displayed in a real life neighborhood setting. Tiny House Street of Dreams will also feature Tiny House Expedition blogger and media personality, Alexis Stephens. Along with her partner Christian Parsons, the two embark on adventures along the way, documenting  their nationwide journey which will someday become a documentary. Yesterday, I had the extreme honor interviewing Alexis and Christian for my blog. Impressive is an understatement, they both possess a kind and gentle spirit, an inspirational couple, proving on a daily basis that living big can be living tiny, it's simply contagious. They gave me a tour of their house on wheels and highlighted the many features that are packed in this little jewel. If you can't attend, or live out of state, Tragically Hip Living will be attending the Tiny House Expedition this weekend and will blog the tips and tricks Alexis and Christian will be sharing. The Arizona State Fairgrounds is located at 1826 W. McDowell Road Phoenix, AZ. 85007.

How to travel cheap like a boss

Photo: Tragically Hip Living

When it comes to cheap airfare, one must think outside the box and be willing to compromise. Travel to Texas from Arizona is common for me and whenever, wherever there is travel, planning, and research is just part of the game. Basically, it's what you are willing to do if saving money is your goal. Let's look at how I travel to Texas shall we? Well alrighty then, I use Southwest Airlines, sometimes United Airlines, but mostly Spirit Airlines. Yes, Spirit Airlines doesn't always get the best reviews, but I rarely have any issues with Spirit. Look at travel in a different sense, relax and enjoy, give yourself extra time and avoid getting worked up if there is a delay, do this, and pure adventure awaits if you can simply look at it from a different angle. I joined Spirit Airlines $9 Club, it cost $60 per year and provides some deep discounts. I book anywhere from 1-3 weeks out and pay almost nothing in terms of air travel. I never upgrade or pay extra for pricey baggage fees. A small rolling bag and a laptop briefcase that I stuff in a backpack until on the plane is my choice. 

Photo: Tragically Hip Living

Here's an example, my destination is Houston from Phoenix for most of my travel, but that flight is almost always sold out, so, this is how I do it. I book a round trip from Phoenix to Dallas, my last trip cost just $60.10 round trip (usually, it's $48 or less), but the destination is Houston, oh no what now? I take a Greyhound bus from  Dallas to Houston, usually runs $17 or less round trip, join the rewards club and save even more. But how do you get from DFW Airport to the Greyhound Depot in downtown Dallas? Easy-peasy, by using  the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system train, it cost $2.50 for a 2-hour pass and runs from the airport (Orange Line) to downtown, exiting at the West End Station, a short walk to the Greyhound Station. The total cost for everything round trip, $82.10. I don't expect much and look at each trip as an adventure, out of the 14 trips to Texas last year I had only 2 delays. Yes, the plane has seats that may not be the most comfortable, they don't recline, but usually the plane is not full and you can move once in the air, often getting an entire row for the 2-hour flight. The train ride is less than an hour from the airport to downtown, the bus from Dallas to Houston is 4 hours with one stop. Time is passed on the bus enjoying the view out the window, maybe by sleeping, working, or watching a movie as all Greyhound buses are equipped with Wifi. If cheap travel is your thing like me, just do some research and find a way. Expect delays that hardly ever happen and no frills, make it an adventure and take in the surroundings that you didn't even know existed.