Information for Planning a Trip to Texas

Texas history is steeped in tradition as well as legends and folklore. Many Texas towns have played a role in shaping this history and are among the most iconic symbols of the Lone Star State.

Often times a quick escape is all the schedule allows. Luckily for Texans - and visitors to the Lone Star State - there are several interesting attractions and destinations within a short drive of major Texas metro areas such as Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.

For those wanting to spend a vacation enjoying the great outdoors, yet don't want to spend their time 'roughing it' in a tent, there are variety of cabins for rent across Texas. Cabins and cabin rental operations range from bare bones to plush. But, the one common thread for cabins available for rent across the Lone Star State is they are all located in amazing natural settings.

Texas is a giant state. Because of this, visitors often have difficulty deciding where to go and what to do. Dividing the state into regions can be helpful when planning a Texas vacation.

Whether you're visiting the scenic Hill Country, planning to stay along the coast, or headed to any other corner of Texas, the Lone Star State offers several unique and invited bed and breakfast inns to ensure you have a memorable vacation.

Texas, like other Gulf Coast states, is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms. However, this does not mean you shouldn’t plan a trip to the Lone Star State during hurricane season, which officially run June through November. In fact, some of the best Texas vacation activities and events occur during this time.

When it comes to summer vacation activities and destinations, Texas has something for everyone. From sweeping beaches to rushing rivers, from huge metropolitans to mountain peaks, vacationers can always find "just the right spot" in the Lone Star State.

With air travel becoming more and more difficult, many travelers have begun seeking out destinations within driving distance of their homes. Although Texas is a huge state – one that can take days to drive across – there are plenty of “drive-to” destinations within easy reach of Texas’ major metro areas.

In a state the size of Texas, you would expect to be able to find any gift you are looking for. And, you would be right! The Lone Star State offers limitless shopping options, from giant malls to cozy cottage shops.

Recent years have seen an explosion in interest in antique furniture in Texas. So much so, in fact, that entire towns have begun developing their economies around this budding industry.

Red Tide is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the alga Karenia brevis becomes densely concentrated. Although there is no known cause for a Red Tide outbreak, most Red Tide events happen during the fall.

Touring the Texas countryside in the spring is alway scenic. However, touring aboard one of these historic trains adds an element of nostalgia and romanticism to the experience.

Looking for a place to visit in Texas? Try hitting one of Texas' major cities. Each of these six cities offers a wide variety of activites and attractions, as well as first-class lodging and dining.

Written by Jerome Pohlen and released in early 2006, Oddball Texas points out all of the eccentric, quirky, unusual and, most of all, fun things to see and do while touring Texas.

Compiled by the Texas Travel Industry Association, this information can help you make your Texas vacation a success.

When you're making a long drive across Texas, it's nice to know there are clean, safe areas to stop and take a break. However, it's best to find out where these rest areas are before you depart.The Texas Department of Transportation has a complete list of rest areas, their locations and what ammenities they include.

If you need information about Texas while you're on the road, stop off at one of these state-operated Travel Information Centers.

Texas Less Traveled is a great resource to find information on those Texas destinations that few people visit, but everyone should see.

Texas offers visitors a wide variety of events, attractions, festivals, and family fun - making it the perfect destination for a vacation in 2005.

When Hurricane Ike slammed into the Texas coast on Saturday, September 13, it altered travel plans for untold thousands. Essentially, the entire upper Texas coast – from the Louisiana border to Houston and down to Freeport – has been dramatically affected. These effects will continue to be felt for quite some time.

Just as summer in South Texas was hitting its stride, Hurricane Dolly slammed into the coast between South Padre Island and Port Mansfield. This Category 2 storm caused significant damage and is expected to prevent thousands of tourists from taking their anticipated vacations to South Padre Island, Port Isabel and Port Mansfield.

When making out your new year's resolutions for 2008, don't leave off these "must see" Texas towns, events and attractions.

Hurricane Rita struck the Texas/Louisiana coastline in the wee morning hours of Saturday, Sept. 24. Anyone with plans to visit the upper Texas coast may need to reconsider. However, the middle and lower stretches of the Texas coast were relatively unaffected and are open for business.

Since Hurricane Katrina made landfall along the Northern Gulf Coast, tens of thousands of hurricane victims have relocated to shelters across Texas. As a result, there is a huge demand for volunteers and donations to aid in the hurricane relief effort in the Lone Star State.