TRAVEL

GETTING THERE, GETTING AROUND

BY AIR

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is one of the largest US airports with two active terminals and 119 gates connected by the Sky Train shuttle. Sky Harbor is a major hub served by over 20 airlines offering direct connections to over 100 U.S. cities.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is about 10 miles southwest of Scottsdale. The drive from the airport to the Valley Ho should take less than 20 minutes. Rides are plentiful with Taxis costing about $30-$40 per trip, with ride shares typically running about $10 less per trip. For the adventurous, try using Waymo - a driverless ride share that is prevalent in Scottsdale. You should not need to rent a car unless you plan to extend your stay and do some exploring.

Once on-site at the Valley Ho, you will be a short walk from Old Town Scottsdale where a free trolley runs between hotels, shopping and dining destinations. Bike and scooter rentals are abundant downtown as well.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

In today's environment, we recommend that travelers purchase refundable tickets or consider buying travel insurance to address unplanned expenses that may arise from the need to cancel a trip. Insurance can also protect against theft or loss of personal belongings and emergency medical care. Premiums depend on the age of the travelers, the type of coverage, and the trip’s cost. For more information visit this site: Insure My Trip [+]

BEFORE YOU GO

CLIMATE

Scottsdale enjoys a desert climate with late October being an ideal time to visit. Daytime highs should rest in the upper 80's degrees with lows dropping to the mid 60's late in the evening and early morning. Expect warm, pleasant days and cool evenings. There is little chance of any rainfall during our conference dates.

ATTIRE

Historically a casual event, there are no requirements in terms of dress at Rumpus. The Valley Ho and most of Scottsdale appears to be quite relaxed, so "resort casual" should serve you well anywhere. Scottsdale is very walkable so bring along some comfortable shoes, and the sunny conditions suggest sunglasses, hats, shorts and sunscreen for outdoor events. Alfresco evening events may warrant some layering.

SAFETY

The most likely safety issue in Scottsdale is the heat, so drink plenty of water to avoid overheating. On the town, Scottsdale and Old Town are generally safe, well lit, and well traveled - but as with any tourist area, you should remain vigilant, especially in the evenings. Avoid unfamiliar backstreets and use reputable ride shares or taxis for late night returns. If you plan on doing any hiking, use marked trails, carry water, and keep an eye open for rattlesnakes, scorpions, spiders, and javelinas. During the day, drink plenty of water to avoid overheating.