Book cheap flights to Columbus

Columbus sees an influx of tourists during the summer months of June to August, when the city comes alive with outdoor concerts and a pulsating nightlife. The high travel rates, humidity and occasional heatwaves don’t deter the crowds, so be sure to book accommodation well in advance. Spring can be chilly with significant rainfall, although the south-east Ohio hills are particularly beautiful at this time of year. The sweet spot to travel to this vibrant city is during the golden autumn months of September and October, when the weather is pleasantly warm and the parks are laced with hues of amber and gold.

A United States Tourist Visa is required for South Africans travelling anywhere within the United States. You’ll need to ensure that your SA passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return and that there are at least 2 pages free for stamps. Visa processing can take a few months, so leave plenty of time and ensure you have all the required documents.

For further information, see the Embassy website

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates are located in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

For the most part, this bustling city is fairly safe. Visitors should feel perfectly safe to walk around and enjoy the town’s attractions. Nevertheless, general safety precautions should always be taken. There are a few unsavoury neighbourhoods that should be avoided at night, namely, Cleveland Avenue, Livingston Avenue, Main Street and around Brice Road. If renting a car, ensure it is always locked when parked, with valuables hidden out of sight. Be warned that drinking and driving is not tolerated and is punishable by law. Police routinely set up roadblocks along major roads, so always have your driver’s licence on hand.

It is always recommended to take out travel insurance, in the event of unforeseeable theft and medical expenses.