Phoenix Trip Idea: "Cactus League" Spring Training

Baseball's spring-training camps offer fans the chance to watch their favorite teams and get close to the players, in an environment that's much more relaxed and affordable than regular-season games. In Phoenix, spring training is known as the Cactus League and runs from March 3-April 3, 2010. Fifteen Major League Baseball teams are in town, with games being played throughout the Greater Phoenix area. There are stadiums in Phoenix and the suburbs of Scottsdale, Glendale, Mesa, and more, but all are no more than a 45-minute drive away from each other. This makes it easy to catch your favorite team at their home stadium plus at their "away" games. Teams playing in the Cactus League for the 2010 spring-training season are as follows:

Top 3 Affordable Desert Escapes

You don't have to go to the Sahara to experience the desert. These sandy getaways, all accessible via major airports with regular flight deals from around the country, certainly don’t skimp on luxury. However, book a trip during the slow season (ie, the hottest summer months) and they can make for a surprisingly affordable vacation.

The Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix, Arizona
A desert oasis offering Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced architecture, spa and golf packages, and a full menu of activities from salsa dancing to lawn chess, this circa-1929 resort blends vintage charm with modern amenities. Kids will enjoy the comfort food at the hotel's delicious new Frank & Albert's restaurant.

Phoenix Outdoor Adventures: South Mountain Park

Just outside of Phoenix, South Mountain Park encompasses 16,500 acres of mountainous desert country. Along the nearly 50 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, you'll enjoy impressive views of the valley, prehistoric petroglyphs, giant granite boulders, and stately saguaro.

Photo credit: South Mountain Park, Phoenix (Alistair Wearmouth)