Book cheap flights to Phoenix

Phoenix experiences a desert climate with hot, dry summers and pleasantly mild winters. While the rest of the US is putting on snow shoes and gearing up for a frosty winter, the people of Phoenix are sunning themselves in the toasty winter outdoors (November-April) and enjoying festivals like the Arizona State Fair and Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. If you’d rather avoid high accommodation rates, visit just before or just after winter and be sure to book accommodation a few months in advance. Summertime in Phoenix brings a sweltering, dry heat over the city, between May and October. With temperatures reaching up to 41°C in July, sun tanning and golfing may not be quite so pleasant. Ensure you wear a strong sunscreen and stay well-hydrated. As this is not a very popular time to visit, many resorts and hotels offer unbelievable discounts and package deals.

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.

Like any other major American city, Phoenix has its fair share of crime and the usual vigilance should be exercised. By day, it is perfectly safe to walk around and explore the diverse neighbourhoods but, as night sets in, certain areas are best avoided. Be especially careful around South Phoenix, Maryvale and Guadalupe. Car theft is fairly common, so always ensure your vehicle is locked with valuables out of sight. Exercise caution when driving on the freeways, as some stretches are notorious for speeding and aggressive driving.

Aside from being up-to-date with regular vaccines, other immunisations are not necessary for travel to Arizona. However, coccidioidomycosis (valley fever) is endemic to the region. It is a dust-dwelling fungus, occurring during sand storms, causing infection when inhaled. Flu-like symptoms may occur and are treatable.

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