Texas vacation packages

How to reach Texas

• Flight time: Flights to major Texas airports such as Dallas−Fort Worth, George Bush Intercontinental (Houston), Austin-Bergstrom, and San Antonio take 9 to 11 hours, plus any connection time from other airports.

• Transfer time: It takes about an hour to get from Dallas−Fort Worth Airport to downtown Dallas via the Trinity Railway Express. To get from George Bush Intercontinental to downtown Houston, take the METRO bus, which takes 50 minutes. Travel from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to downtown Austin by METRO bus takes about 35 minutes.

• Price: The Trinity Railway Express to Dallas costs $2.50 for one zone. METRO buses from George Bush Intercontinental to Houston and from Austin-Bergstrom to downtown Austin are both $1.25. The cost of taxis and rideshares varies greatly based on distance and level of car service, but you’d generally be looking at rides starting at $30–$45 to get to downtown destinations from the airports.

Best time to visit Texas

• Spring sees Texas blessed with pleasant weather that is ideal for exploring the cities and also enjoying the outdoors, including seeing the state’s renowned Texas bluebonnets and other wildflowers in person. Average temperatures range from 59°F to 79°F, and while rainfall varies quite a bit, there is a moderate amount at this time of year.

• Summer gets very hot in Texas – average temperatures often head to the mid to high 90s°F. This is the time to hit the beach and make the most of what’s on offer along the Gulf Coast, but bear in mind that the cities – especially Houston and Dallas – can be stifling (although air-conditioning is plentiful).

• Autumn welcomes cooler but still warm and pleasant temperatures ranging from 70°F to 79°F. Strap on your hiking boots: this is the best time for exploring the state parks, or alternatively, enjoying the range of outdoor festivals.

• Winter features temperatures dropping to as low as 39°F to 59°F across the state. Winter in a state as big as Texas means a lot of variety, with it much colder in the Panhandle than in the warmer south. It’s the off-peak season and a good bet if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy comfortable walking weather.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the main language, but Spanish is also widely spoken.

• Local habits and customs: Texans are renowned for their warmth and hospitable welcome to visitors. Greet people in kind with a polite “hello” or “howdy.” Chivalry isn’t dead here; it’s usual to hold doors for others and extend thanks when they do the same for you. As elsewhere in the States, tipping all service staff is standard and expected; expect to give 15–20% in restaurants and bars, and keep a stash of $1 bills handy.

• Getting around: Texas is a vast state and best traveled by car; it’s straightforward to hire one. The big cities, however, have good and affordable public transport networks. A single journey ticket in Dallas and Houston, for instance, costs just $1.25–$2.50.

• Currency: The currency used is the United States Dollar. You’ll find ATMs everywhere, while credit cards are widely accepted.

• Health and safety: Texas is generally safe for visitors, but stay aware of what’s around you. Summers are hot: wear sun cream, a hat, and carry water.

• Time zone: Big ol’ Texas spans two time zones: Central Time Zone and Mountain Time Zone.

Best things to do in Texas

Trips to Texas offer a vast array of sights, activities, and breathtaking natural landscapes; here are just a few highlights you should consider adding to your list.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park: This stunning park is home to the highest peak in the state, Guadalupe Peak. Climb to the top for incredible views of the desert.

• Big Bend National Park: This iconic park is renowned for its dramatic scenery, featuring extraordinary views over the rugged landscape. Don’t miss Santa Elena Canyon and the Chisos Basin.

• Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Everything is big in Texas, including the second-largest canyon in the country. Hike the Lighthouse Trail for breathtaking views.

The best city districts

• San Antonio’s River Walk: Like a hidden gem below street level, this alluring series of walkways along the San Antonio River is filled with places to eat, drink, and shop, alongside historical and natural attractions.

• Austin’s South Congress Avenue (SoCo): Discover why the city’s motto is “Keep Austin Weird”: SoCo is lined with quirky boutiques, live music venues, and restaurants.

• Houston’s Museum District: With 19 museums, Houston’s Museum District is bound to intrigue you – so much so, they named the area after it. Wrap up all that culture with some time in the vibrant Montrose neighborhood, where diverse food options and vintage shops abound.

Historical monuments

• The Alamo in San Antonio: Even if you’re not well-versed in Texan history, you’ve likely heard of The Alamo. It’s the site of the pivotal 1836 battle during the Texan Revolution, and this historic Spanish mission is a must-see.

• State Capitol in Austin: Explore this majestic Renaissance Revival structure, take a guided tour, and learn about Texas’s legislative history – more interesting than it sounds.

• San Jacinto Monument in Houston: Still not finished with Texan Revolution history? Visit the site of the decisive Battle of San Jacinto.

Regional highlights

• West Texas: For a different experience, head to Marfa and enjoy its natural beauty, cultural significance, and the mysterious Marfa lights.

• The Gulf Coast: Enjoy some downtime with beach life, seafood, and perhaps even birdwatching on the Padre Island National Seashore.

• Hill Country: Did you know you can go wine tasting in Texas? Head to the hills for some wine, charming historic towns, and the region’s natural springs.

Activities for families in Texas

There’s an abundance of activities for families of all ages in Texas: everything is big and bold, with plenty designed with kids in mind.

• Parks and gardens: Urban parks like Austin’s Zilker Metropolitan Park offer green spaces to run around, fun train rides, and activities such as canoeing on Lady Bird Lake. Discovery Green in Houston will thrill kids with its interactive fountains and playgrounds.

• Interactive museums: Many kids love rockets and space, so head to the Houston Space Center for an educational and thrilling experience. For something nearer to earth, visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas for captivating, interactive exhibits.

• Theme parks and adventure: When you crave excitement, Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington offers plenty of fun, or cool off at one of the Schlitterbahn Waterparks.

• Cultural experiences: Immerse yourself in friendly, family-friendly culture at one of the state’s festivals, such as the Texas State Fair in Dallas, or take an engaging, interactive tour at one of San Antonio’s historic missions.

Free things to do in Texas

With a bit of planning, you can take full advantage of Texas’s freebies and stretch your dollars further.

• Free events: Head to San Antonio’s First Fridays to enjoy art events, live music, and delicious food, while in Houston, you can visit places like the Houston Museum of Fine Arts for free on Thursdays.

• Free guided tours: Austin, the capital of Texas, offers free guided tours of the State Capitol, making its history and politics accessible.

• Nature exploration: Not every park charges an entry fee: visit Big Thicket National Preserve, located near Houston, for free hiking and fascinating nature trails.

Local dishes in Texas

You might plan your vacation in Texas dreaming of succulent barbecue and Tex-Mex, but while these are beloved, Texas cuisine offers a heady diversity. Don't miss sampling these local favorites:

Some typical dishes

• Tex-Mex: The Mexican food we're more familiar with in the US started here, blending Mexican and American influences: think cheese, spicy sauces, and refried beans, presented in plates of fajitas, enchiladas, burritos, and nachos.

• Barbecue: This is barbecue taken to another level, as Texas is renowned for its barbecue offerings. Try smoky beef brisket, ribs, turkey, and more, all finished off with delectable sauce.

Meat dishes

• Chicken-fried steak: Sounds like a carnivore's dream, and indeed, this is a Texas staple: tenderized steak that's coated in seasoned flour, fried, and served with creamy gravy.

• Chili: Texas chili skips the beans in favor of a lot of spiced meat, and everyone has their own recipe. Known as "Texas Red," it's worth seeking out local recommendations for the best!

Fish and seafood dishes

• Gulf Coast seafood: With such a long stretch of coast, seafood here is top-notch. Seek out freshly caught shrimp, oysters, and redfish, maybe even served in a gumbo.

City eats

• Food trucks: Food truck culture is alive and well in Texas's cities, offering everything you can think of from tacos and arepas to Korean-fusion sandwiches.

• Tapas: It may not sound Texan, but a local take on tapas is popular, with small plates of dishes like spicy shrimp, stuffed jalapeños, and brisket sliders on offer.

Sweets and desserts

Texan desserts are rich and sweet. Seek out sopapillas (fried pastries with honey), pecan pies made with local nuts, and classic peach cobblers.

Local drinks

• Sweet tea: Thirst-quenching, this Southern staple of sugary iced tea is what you need in the heat.

• Local craft beers: Beer aficionados rejoice: there is a thriving craft beer scene in Texas, with hundreds of breweries.

• Texas wines: Don't overlook Texas wine: its Tempranillo and Viognier varieties are award-winning.