Saguaro cacti (with human for scale).
  • Sabino Canyon, Tucson, AZ, via Shutterstock
  • Saguaro cacti (with human for scale).

My friend Barry claims Tucson is an excellent spot for a non-bank-breaking wintertime-sun vacation. He says it's a college town with lots of live music to see, really good food to eat, and many saguaro cacti to look at/walk among/embrace. On the recommendation of Barry, flights have been booked; they become non-refundable at 6 p.m. today. Is Barry right?!