| When planning their Arizona travel, most vacationers | | | | If you travel to Arizona in the summer, you need to be |
| focus on where to stay and what to do once they get | | | | prepared for summer monsoon storms. These storms |
| there. | | | | generally begin in mid-July and run through |
| Savvy travelers, however, know that Arizona travel | | | | mid-September when air currents shift and tropical |
| offers some unique considerations that | | | | moisture flows up from Mexico. Storms tend to be |
| requireforethought and advance planning. | | | | localized and can be intense with brief but fierce |
| Keep these Arizona travel tips in mind during your | | | | downpours, high winds and thunder and lightening. If |
| preparation and packing and you're sure to have a fun | | | | you are caught in a monsoonstorm while driving, pull |
| and memorable trip. | | | | over safely and wait for it to pass. Never cross |
| 1) Arizona Seasonal Travel Values | | | | flooded roads or washes. Your vehicle may stall or |
| If you're looking to get a good deal on your Arizona | | | | can be swept away in only 6 inches of water. Avoid |
| travel, book your reservations during the "low" season. | | | | downed power lines. If there is lightening, determine |
| The low season will vary depending upon which part | | | | how many miles the storm is from you by dividing the |
| of the state you will be visiting. For Phoenix, Scottsdale | | | | number of seconds between the flash and the sound |
| and Tucson, the best Arizona travel deals are during | | | | of thunder by 5. Is it 10 miles or less? Get indoors |
| the summer. For Sedona, the cheapest rates are in | | | | immediately. Caught outside? Find the lowest spot |
| January and February. If you are going to the South | | | | possible and crouch down with your feet together, |
| Rim of the Grand Canyon, | | | | eyes closed and handscovering ears. |
| October through April will get you the lowest room | | | | 6) Traveling on Tribal Lands |
| rates. | | | | There are 22 Native American reservations in Arizona. |
| 2) What to Wear | | | | Each is a sovereign nation with its own laws, rules and |
| The dress code in Arizona is ultra-casual, a left over | | | | law enforcement. The tribes welcome visitors and |
| from its cowboy heyday. What you pack for your | | | | offer numerous recreational and cultural attractions. |
| Arizona travel will depend on where you're going and | | | | However, they also value their privacy and lifeways. |
| the time of year. Visiting in August? You will only need | | | | Remember to obey all posted speed limits and |
| a pair of pants if you plan to attend the theater or eat | | | | restricted access signs. Some tribes also have |
| at a high end restaurant. Staying in Flagstaff in May? | | | | restrictions on photography, videography, sketching and |
| Bring a coat and pants and shorts too as the days | | | | note taking on their lands and/or during religious |
| can warm up. | | | | ceremonies. When in doubt, ask before snapping that |
| 3) Time Zone | | | | photo and remember to respect people's privacy and |
| During your Arizona travel, you'll probably be phoning | | | | private property. |
| home. Keep in mind that Arizona is only one of two | | | | 7) Wildlife |
| states that does not observe daylight savings time. | | | | One of the most common questions I hear from first |
| The exception to this is the Navajo Nation, which | | | | time Arizona travelers is about animals; specifically |
| covers portions of four western states - Arizona, Utah, | | | | rattlesnakes, scorpions, tarantulas, Gila monsters and |
| Colorado and New Mexico. For them, ignoring daylight | | | | the like. People are naturally frightened of these |
| savings would be too confusing. For the rest of | | | | animals but there is no need to be. Most Arizona |
| Arizona, it's Mountain Standard Time all year. | | | | travelers will not see these animals. But if you do, there |
| 4) Sun Protection | | | | are a few common sense precautions that will help |
| Arizona boasts over 300 days of sunshine per year. | | | | keep you and the wildlife safe: |
| While that makes for a great climate, it means that | | | | 1) Pay attention to where you are and keep your eyes |
| you will need to think about sun protection during your | | | | and ear open. 2) Watch where you put your hands |
| Arizona travel. Be sure to bring a good pair of | | | | and feet. 3) Do not ever try to pick up the animal - this |
| sunglasses with both UVA and UVB blocking, a | | | | is how most people get bit or stung. |
| wide-brimmed hat and a sunscreen with at least | | | | 4) If you happen upon a rattlesnake, back away |
| SPF30. Be sure to reapply the sunscreen as | | | | slowly, giving it plenty of room. Rattlesnakes don't want |
| recommended by the bottle's directions. | | | | a confrontation...that's why they have a rattle, to warn |
| 5) Summer Monsoon Storms | | | | potential predators. |