TEXAS

Texas is the second largest and second most populous state in the United States of America. Owing to its remarkable size, distinctive culture and politics, and colorful history, many Texans maintain a fiercely independent attitude, with Texan identity often superseding American identity.

Few other American states feature their flag so prominently in businesses, on the backs of cars and in advertisements. Originally a territory of Spain and, later, Mexico, Texas rebelled in 1836 and became its own nation for 10 years before being annexed by the United States in 1845. Despite having existed under the auspices of six different nations (France, Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the United States of America, and the Confederate States of America), Texas has maintained its fascinating independent spirit, making for a unique and unrivaled exploration ground for any intrigued and intrepid adventurer.

Known for their generosity, hospitality, accent, and penchant for the larger-than-life, Texans are wonderful people to meet, and the variety of cultural experiences, from feasting on bratwurst with the Germans of the Hill Country to watching Flamenco dancers with the Tejanos of the Rio Grande valley, is seemingly unlimited.

The large size of the state should not be underestimated. Texas measures over 267,000 square miles (695,673 sq. km) in area, making it slightly larger than France. Having a car is essential for travel between cities, and within most. The traveler should factor on long driving times between cities and destinations.

Texas is bordered by the U.S. states of New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and the Mexican states of Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, Coahuila, and Chihuahua.

Capital: Austin

Best Time of Visit:

Texas truly has something to offer visitors all year long. Every season has its ‘signature’ event or activity.

However, the one season that stands out is fall. During early fall, the sometime oppressive heat of summer is gone, making outdoor activities much more pleasant. And, though fall finds cooler weather in Texas, the temperature is still warm enough to allow most any type of outdoor activity. Fishing, hunting, camping, birding and even water sport activities are viable fall vacation options.

Min Days Required: 6 days

Places of Interest: 

Houston

Houston’s greatest moment of glory, perhaps, was when it became the first word to be uttered by Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon. America’s fourth largest city, Houston is an important center for research in space technology and medicine. It is also an important commercial center. The striking architecture, the many excellent museums and above all, the sheer energy that permeates the city will entrance visitors.

Places to Visit: The Galleria, Space Center Houston, Downtown Aquarium, Museum of Fine Arts, Holocaust Museum, Six Flags AstroWorld

Austin – Zilker Park, Texas State Capitol, Ausitn Zoo, McKinney Falls State Park, Paramount Theater

Dallas – Dallas World Aquarium, Cowboys Stadium, Dallas Zoo, Gexa Energy Pavilion, Reunion Tower

Climate:

Texas’s climate varies widely, from arid in the west to humid in the east.

The huge expanse of Texas encompasses several regions with distinctly different climates: Northern Plains, Trans-Pecos Region, Texas Hill Country, Piney Woods, and South Texas. Generally speaking, the eastern half of Texas is humid subtropical, while the western half is semi-arid (with some arid regions).

 While snowfall is more common across northern Texas than in its southern sections, snow has fallen heavily near and along the middle and upper Texas coastline.

Texas ranks first in tornado occurrence with an average of 139 per year. Tropical cyclones can affect the state, either from the Gulf of Mexico or from an overland trajectory originating in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

Those originating from the Gulf of Mexico are more likely to strike the upper Texas coast than elsewhere.

Significant floods have occurred across the state throughout history, both from tropical cyclones and from stalled weather fronts.

Currency: US Dollars

Things to carry:

Luckily, you won’t often encounter wild weather in Texas, so you don’t need to lug along a winter coat and boots.

In winter, average temperatures tend to hover around 60 degrees F in many Texan cities; on many summer days, the temperature inches up to or beyond 100 degrees. Packing clothes that will be weather-appropriate allows you to visit the Alamo or look out over the Gulf of Mexico in comfort.

Carry t-shirts, pants, shorts, sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes.

How to get there:

Air:

Texas is home to two major airlines: American Airlines, based out of Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport; and Southwest Airlines, based out of Love Field, Dallas’s secondary airport. United Airlines maintains a primary hub at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). American and United fly direct to/from many national and international destinations. Southwest is the no-frills discounter granddad and flies throughout Texas and most of the United States. Travel to any destination worldwide is quite painless from the larger Texas airports.

The primary (commercial) airports are in:

Austin Bergstrom (AUS) is the third busiest airport in Texas and is a huge focus city for Southwest Airlines and JetBlue.

Dallas-Fort Worth Area– Dallas Ft Worth (DFW) is the largest and busiest airport in Texas and 4th busiest airport in the United States. It is a major airline hub (especially w/ American Airlines) and is relatively cheap to fly into. Dallas Love Field (DAL) is the smaller, alternative airport closer to downtown Dallas for Southwest Airlines and some Delta Connections and United Express flights.

El Paso (ELP)

Houston-Sugarland area – George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) is 40mi/64km north of Houston is also a major hub (especially for United) and has the most international connections in the state. Houston Hobby Field (HOU) is a smaller airport 11mi/17.5km south of downtown Houston for Southwest, American Eagle, Delta Connection, Air Tran, JetBlue, Pinnacle & Vision.

McAllen-Miller International (MFE)

San Antonio (SAT) is the fourth busiest airport in Texas and is a huge focus city for Southwest Airlines.