Book cheap flights to Tucson

Visit this quaint desert town during the sweet spots of April-May (spring) or September-October (autumn). These shoulder seasons offer cool, sunny weather – perfect for outdoor exploring, together with affordable hotel rates. With so many festivals and food fairs on show, you’ll never be at a loss for things to do! Tucson summers are sweltering and are best avoided. Although it is the ideal time to experience the city on a budget, outdoor attractions between June and August are hard to come by. Winter, on the other hand, sees flocks of tourists storming the desert landscape in search of warm, balmy weather. Should you decide to visit between November and March, be sure to book accommodation well in advance.

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.

The town of Tucson is generally very safe, and tourists should feel free to walk around. Many homeless people reside downtown but they are harmless. Should you find yourself in the non-touristic areas of Midtown and the south end, be extra cautious of potential hasslers. Car theft is rife in this region, so always ensure cars are locked with valuables out of sight.

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. If you are visiting during monsoon season, wear a strong mosquito repellent. Use a good sunscreen and stay well-hydrated during the unforgiving summer heat, especially when hiking outdoors.

Should you go walking along the desert paths, take plenty of water and carry a cell phone for emergencies. Beware of snakes and scorpions – long, thick socks are advisable for hiking. It is always recommended to take out travel insurance, in the event of unforeseeable theft and medical expenses.