B+

Tourist Popularity

A-

Hotels

A-

Family Friendly

B+

Single Friendly

Senior Friendly

B-

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Weather

A-

Recreation

A-

Nightlife

Restaurants

C+

Crime

InternationalTravel.ai > Texas

Texas

Coastal Beaches

Best Season to Visit: Spring

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: January

Famous For: Barbecue, Live music, Cowboy culture

Train Access: Yes (amtrak, dart, metrorail, tre, very safe)

Bus Service: Yes (Greyhound, Megabus, VIA Metropolitan Transit, METRO Houston, Capital Metro, relatively safe)

Tourist Visa: Foreign travelers to Texas will generally need a visa unless they are from a Visa Waiver Program country. Visas can be obtained through the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country, with tourist visas typically allowing a stay of up to six months.

Texas, the second-largest state in the United States, offers a diverse array of experiences for travelers, from the bustling cities of Houston and Dallas to the historic charm of San Antonio's Alamo and River Walk. Visitors can embrace the cowboy culture at Fort Worth's Stockyards, or explore the state's rich musical heritage in Austin, the "Live Music Capital of the World." Texas is also home to a variety of natural wonders, including the scenic Big Bend National Park and the Gulf Coast's sandy beaches. Foodies will delight in the state's barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine, with opportunities to dine at both high-end eateries and roadside smokehouses. Outdoor enthusiasts can partake in activities like horseback riding, hiking, and water sports. Unique events such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Austin's SXSW festival highlight the state's vibrant culture. With its blend of modern attractions and historical sites, Texas provides an engaging experience that reflects the spirit of the American Southwest.

VRBO Vacation Rentals
Learn More

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The Vrbo community offers families an array of rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, and more. Discover properties in destinations that everyone dreams of visiting.

VRBO Vacation Rentals

Podcasts

Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns

Jake Barber, the Founder and CEO of SJB Global, is a life-long expat and an expert in expat finance. Over the course of Expat Exchange's nearly 30 years online, there are few people we have met with as much lived experience and professional acumen as Jake. We were thrilled to welcome him back to the show and look forward to having him on again!

Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat

Jake Barber is an expat finance expert and the founder and principal of SJB Global. A lifelong expat currently living in Marbella, Spain, Jake has vast experience helping expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries manage their finances while living abroad. Get a primer on what you need to know both before and after you move abroad!

Planning Your Trip to Texas

Weather: Texas has a highly variable climate due to its size and geographic location. The western part of the state is arid and semi-arid, while the eastern part is characterized by humid subtropical conditions. Summers are typically hot with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C), while winters are mild to cool. Texas also experiences extreme weather such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and severe thunderstorms.

Festivals: The State Fair of Texas in Dallas is famous for its fried food, games, and Big Tex statue, while Austin's SXSW festival is a major draw for music, film, and tech enthusiasts.

Best Destinations for Kids: The Space Center Houston provides an educational and exciting experience for kids, while the beaches of Galveston Island offer family-friendly fun in the sun.

Hidden Gem: The Texas Hill Country, with its rolling hills, wineries, and charming small towns like Fredericksburg, is an underrated destination offering a peaceful escape from the bustling cities.

Budget-Friendly Advice: Travelers on a budget can enjoy Texas by visiting state parks like Enchanted Rock for low-cost camping and hiking. Affordable accommodations can be found in smaller towns or through budget chains, with prices often under $100 per night. Dining on inexpensive yet delicious Tex-Mex or barbecue at local joints can keep meal costs down. Cities like San Antonio and Austin offer free or low-cost attractions, such as the San Antonio Missions or Austin's Zilker Park. Utilizing public transportation in major cities or driving between destinations can be cost-effective, especially when sharing expenses with fellow travelers.

Accessibility: Texas cities like Dallas and San Antonio have made efforts to improve accessibility with public transport options and ADA-compliant sidewalks, but some areas may still present challenges for older travelers.

For the Solo Traveler: Solo travelers in Texas can enjoy a safe and welcoming environment, with friendly locals and a variety of activities to suit any interest. Cities like Austin offer vibrant nightlife and community events where solo visitors can mingle with residents. Outdoor adventures, such as hiking in Palo Duro Canyon, can be done independently, though it's always wise to let someone know your plans. While Texas is generally safe, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in less populated

Planning a 1 Week Stay: A week-long trip in Texas could include exploring the cultural sights of San Antonio, enjoying the music scene in Austin, and experiencing the history and food in Dallas and Fort Worth.

Planning a 1 Month Stay: For a month-long trip, consider a road trip through Texas, starting in the east with Houston's museums, heading to the Hill Country for wineries, then west to Big Bend National Park, and finishing with the art scene in Marfa.