January 2026 Newsletter

Happy New Year's JGOOT Adventurers!

Trade the Treadmill for the Trail

January doesn’t need another resolution.
It needs a rhythm change.

Most families start the year talking about “getting back on track,” getting organized, getting healthier — and then life happens. The gym gets quieter. The routines fade. And the goals quietly get pushed to “later.”

What if this was the year you didn’t reset your life —
you reset your lifestyle?

What if movement wasn’t a box to check, but a way of traveling together that feels joyful, active, and worth remembering?

This month, we’re stepping out of treadmills and into sunshine-lit canyons, ephemeral creeks, and trails that reward motion with beauty. Sedona, Arizona invites you to move more — not to work out — but to explore, connect, and discover together.

Because sometimes the best way to start strong…
is to step outside.

🏜️ MONTHLY FAMILY TRAVEL BLUEPRINT — SEDONA, ARIZONA

Trade the Treadmill for the Trail

Sedona’s red rock landscapes are a natural playground for movement of all kinds: wide scenic paths for walking, gentle canyon loops that feel like discovery, and limestone ridges that reward curiosity. In January, the weather is cool and clear — perfect for outdoor days that feel refreshing instead of exhausting.

✈️ Getting There — Deals, Award Space & Hyatt Stays

Fly Into Phoenix (PHX) — then drive to Sedona
January and February are some of the cheapest months to fly all year, especially right after the holiday rush slows down (airfare, hotels, and rental cars all soften). Travel experts note that booking ~3–5 weeks in advance often reveals excellent winter deals and award availability.

✨ RULE #2 SPOTLIGHT — SHOULD YOU USE POINTS FOR THIS TRIP?

JGOOT families don’t spend points just because they can. They spend points when the numbers prove it’s a win.

Your line in the sand is simple:

If a redemption doesn’t give you at least 2¢ per point in real value — you pay cash and save your points.

That one rule protects your future travel more than any trick ever could.

Instead of doing math on a napkin, we make this easy.

Before you use points on any flight or hotel, run it through the JGOOT Point Redemption Calculator:

👉 https:/jgoot.com/calculator

Drop in:
• the cash price
• the points required
• and the taxes/fees

The calculator instantly tells you whether your redemption clears the 2¢ threshold — or whether cash is the smarter move.

What This Means for Sedona

Winter flights into Phoenix are often very cheap.
That’s a great thing — but it also means many point redemptions quietly fail the 2¢ test.

For this trip, Sedona is a Rule #1 cash hero for most families.

Pay cash for the cheap flights.
Save your points for the redemptions that truly multiply later in the year — like international flights and Hyatt stays that regularly deliver 2–5¢+ per point value.

That’s how JGOOT families travel more often and better — without draining their balances.

🏨 Hyatt Stays — Cash & Points Options

World of Hyatt families looking to redeem points near Sedona have a few solid anchors and strategic splits:

Hyatt Place Sedona / Village of Oak Creek

This is the base case for most families heading into Sedona — conveniently positioned near trailheads and casual dining, with free breakfast included courtesy of the Hyatt Place brand and good availability for World of Hyatt points. Point rates vary by date and demand, but this property typically falls into the lower-to-mid category range for Hyatt redemptions, making it one of the most accessible options near Sedona.

Hyatt Vacation Club at Pinon Pointe, Sedona

If your family prefers more space and condo-style comfort, this resort-style property is worth comparing for cash or points + cash stays — especially if you’re traveling with older kids or want living-space flexibility. 

Optional Split Stay — Scottsdale + Sedona

If you want to build a two-stage winter reset, consider an initial night or two in Scottsdale before heading north:

• Hyatt Place Scottsdale/Old Town — free breakfast, spacious rooms, and easy access to local dining and arts districts.

• Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows — splurge tier with bungalow suites and desert views, great if you’re using points at a higher tier or mixing cash + points for an elevated experience.

Tips for Points:


• Compare “Points + Cash” options on Hyatt.com because these often provide excellent value and improve availability for family room types.
• If your dates are flexible by 1–2 days, award calendars often open up much lower point nights at both Hyatt Place and Scottsdale properties.

🌄 Family-Friendly Movement Adventures

Walk Into the Red Rocks — Effortless and Epic

The iconic Bell Rock Pathway is one of Sedona’s most beloved beginner-friendly trails. It’s wide, well-maintained, and offers unforgettable views of sandstone buttes without steep climbs — perfect for kids, teens, and adults who want motion that feels like exploration.

Just around the corner is the Red Rock State Park network — a family-oriented loop system where shaded woods, shallow creek crossings, and inviting paths turn a day of movement into a scenic adventure everyone can enjoy.

Fay Canyon Trail — A Peaceful Canyon Loop

When you want broader views and a sense of deeper canyon exploration without steep climbs, Fay Canyon Trail delivers. The path meanders through shaded areas and opens onto gentle viewpoints — perfect for storytelling, rock-pattern spotting, and letting kids lead.

Slide Rock State Park — Year-Round Water & Rock Play

Slide Rock is famous for its natural red-rock water chute in warmer months, but in January it’s still one of Sedona’s most rewarding spots for canyon exploration, shallow creek wading, and rock hopping — especially for kids who love terrain that feels like a playground.

Seasonal Note: If you save this Blueprint for spring or fall, Slide Rock becomes one of Sedona’s most playful, kid-friendly highlights. In winter, it’s ideal for creekside hikes and natural exploration.

Easy Riding — Bikes That Feel Like Freedom

Rent bicycles and let the family explore gentle paved paths around the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona town center. There’s nothing like the wind on your face and red rocks towering overhead to make motion feel like pure play.

🍽️ Fuel & Explore — Scenic Stops That Feel Like Part of the Journey

After a morning of motion, refuel and wander at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village — an outdoor hub of galleries, shops, and cafés where wandering feels like part of the adventure.

🗓 Sample 4–5 Night Family Flow

Day 1: Arrive, settle in, then take a sunset walk on Bell Rock — golden light and open paths set the tone for the whole trip.

Day 2: Red Rock State Park guided nature walk in the morning + picnic lunch with canyon views.

Day 3: Fay Canyon adventure + side quests — young explorers will love identifying rock patterns and spotting birds.

Day 4: Morning yoga/stretch session followed by Slide Rock creekside exploration; relaxed pace, happy hearts.

Day 5: Easy bike ride + Tlaquepaque village stop before departure.

❓ Q&A

Q: What if some kids get tired easily?
A: Sedona’s terrain is incredibly adaptable — choose shorter loops, plan scenic pauses, and let the landscape tell the story.

Q: Isn’t January too cool for outdoor stuff?
A: Not at all — Sedona’s winter climate is perfect for walking and exploring — cool enough to stay comfortable with layers, warm enough to enjoy canyon days without overheating.

And speaking of questions, don't forget - you get to ask us any questions you want on this month's LIVE Q&A session: Jan 9, 1pm PT/4pm ET. Click here to join the livestream.

Happy Travels!

Julie, Anthony, and Katie

JGOOT Family Experts