Paddle and Passport was created for people who are new to pickleball and want to plan a trip around playing. We know the first time you show up at a court, you may not know the rules, the etiquette, or which gear matters. So we focus on the questions beginners actually ask.

Every trip we feature is judged on coaching quality, court access, and how welcoming the social atmosphere is for newcomers. We also manage affiliate partnerships openly, so you always know when a link supports our work.

Our guides follow a simple, beginner-first set of criteria so you can compare options with confidence.

We look for resorts and camps with patient instruction, clear skill-level grouping, and staff who explain the basics without rushing.

We check how many courts are available, whether open play is easy to join, and whether equipment can be borrowed or rented on site.

We favor places where first-timers feel comfortable joining in, with social play that suits newcomers as well as experienced players.