I visited Scottsdale for the first time in the spring. I made 3 mistakes that I’m still thinking about months later.

• I traveled to Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, Arizona, for the first time in April.
• The trip included neighborhood tours, fine dining, and luxury hotel stays.
• I made a few mistakes, from booking to packing and planning, that I’ll avoid next time I visit.

In April, I took my first trip to Arizona’s desert oasis — the wealthy enclave of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, two Phoenix suburbs known for their high-end real estate and travel markets.

During my two-day whirlwind trip, I packed in neighborhood tours, fine-dining experiences, and two luxury hotel stays.

Months later, I’m still thinking about three mistakes I made when booking, packing, and planning the trip, which I’ll avoid next time I want to escape to Arizona’s millionaire hub.