getaway plans

3 Texas cities land top spots on list of best 2024 summer travel destinations

San Antonio's breadth of activities plus affordable prices put it high on WalletHub's list.

As the mercury consistently creeps past 90, summer’s imminent arrival is becoming undeniable. And while many Texans look to escape this time of year, the latest data from WalletHub shows that the Lone Star State is still high on the list of summer travel spots – with Austin and San Antonio nabbing the No. 6 and No. 19 spots, respectively.

That's a reversal of last year's ratings, which placed San Antonio (No. 11) higher than Austin (No. 14). El Paso also earned a spot in the top 10, while several other Texas cities made the list of 100.

The personal finance website reports that nearly 82 percent of Americans plan to take a trip this summer, while 42 percent expect to take more than one trip. Comparing 100 metro areas across 41 key indicators of an affordable and fun vacation, WalletHub’s data set ranges from the cost of the cheapest flight to the number of attractions a city has to offer and the average price of a two-person meal.

“When picking a summer travel destination, it’s easy to focus just on the types of activities you want to do or certain cities you’ve always wanted to see,” writes WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe in the report. “However, choosing a destination that’s not only entertaining but also affordable is important ... [D]ining and activity costs have surged so much in recent years. It can also allow you to have a longer, more relaxing trip.”

The report found that Florida and Texas are home to the largest number of top summer destinations in the U.S., each earning at least two metro areas in the top 15. With an overall score of 61.64, the Austin/Round Rock/Georgetown metro area scored the highest at No. 6. Austin's best category, in which it made No. 10, was attractions.

The San Antonio-New Braunfels area scored an overall 58.96, earning it the No. 19 spot overall and a special recognition as the city with the lowest nightly rate for a three-star hotel room. It was ranked No. 5 for local costs — its best category.

There's plenty to see around Texas, and no one city or type of trip prevails over a well-rounded itinerary. Whether it's glow-in-the-dark kayaking, watching weird performance art, or even sledding on real snow, CultureMap's monthly travel roundups might help readers break out of their comfort zones — without having to hop on a plane.

Other Texas cities on the list of 100 destinations include:

El Paso, No. 9, with an overall score of 60.88
Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlington, No. 29, with an overall score of 56.82
Corpus Christi, No. 41, with an overall score of 54.74
Houston/The Woodlands/Sugarland, No. 47, with an overall score of 53.93
McAllen/Edinburgh/Mission, No. 95, with an overall score of 44.20

The overall number one spot went to the Atlanta metro area, and the full report can be found at WalletHub.com.

Airline News

San Antonio gets nonstop flights to this Washington, DC airport

Photo courtesy of American Airlines

undefined

American Airlines will soon introduce long-awaited nonstop flights between San Antonio (SAT) and Washington, D.C. (DCA). One flight will be scheduled daily, starting in March.

Tickets for the new service will be available on sale starting December 23 through aa.com or American’s mobile app.

The route was tentatively announced in October, but the U.S. Department of Transportation has now formally approved the application by American Airlines.

“This new service will offer convenient nonstop access to our nation’s capital for San Antonians, while helping further connect customers to our comprehensive global network," said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning, in a press release. "American thanks the many elected officials and citizens who supported our application, and we look forward to welcoming customers onboard this new service soon.”

Flight 1718, reflecting the year San Antonio was founded, will depart SAT at 6:35 am and arrive in DCA at 10:41 am. Flight 1947, reflecting the year the U.S. Air Force was established, will depart DCA at 7:45 pm and arrive in SAT at 10:43 pm.

“This long-awaited connection to our nation’s capital is a game changer for our community, opening doors to countless opportunities for travel and economic development,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “I’m grateful to those who have championed this effort and for the bipartisan support of our representatives in the Senate and House, whose advocacy was instrumental in making these flights a reality. We look forward to the positive impact this nonstop service will have for years to come."

San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh echoed the sentiments about economic development and pointed out some growth already happening in San Antonio. The release also notes that San Antonio is the largest city in Texas lacking nonstop service to DCA and the largest city in the U.S. with a majority Hispanic population without nonstop service to DCA.

“Serving the fastest-growing city in the country, SAT has achieved record-breaking passenger numbers throughout 2024. This nonstop service to and from DCA addresses a need for our military, business, educational and research communities, among others. It also promotes competition and offers more travel options for passengers flying to and from San Antonio, enhancing connectivity as we continue making progress on the airport Terminal Development Program.”

flights airport