Make the Most of Your Trip with Our Advice
Whether you’re headed to Austin for the famous Austin City Limits, SXSW, or something else entirely, you can play a crucial role in keeping Austin weird.
In fact, regardless of what you’re doing in this fine city when you visit, you should be prepared for anything you might encounter here in this popular – and populous – Texas city.
Get ready for your journey to Austin by following these important tips.
Book Your Hotel Early
Austin hotels – especially the great ones – get snapped up early, especially during busy tourist seasons. If you want the best possible vacation experience, it’s smart to book your hotel immediately after you secure your plane tickets.
But don’t wait until after you’ve arranged transportation to begin looking at hotels. Check flight dates simultaneously to hotel availability to ensure you aren’t headed to Austin without accommodations, especially during SXSW or other popular events that draw crowds.
Choose a Hotel with Amenities You’ll Love
Of course, hotel availability isn’t the only thing to look for when planning your trip to Austin, Texas. Once you know when you’re going, you can narrow down your options for accommodations by reviewing amenities each hotel offers.
For example, if you’re headed to Austin with your children, a pool and family-friendly activities within the confines of your hotel are smart features to look for. Or, if you want a romantic getaway with your partner, you might want to seek a hotel that offers room service, a hot cocktail bar, and jacuzzi tubs in upscale rooms.
Consider whether each hotel you’re looking at offers:
- A fitness center
- Massages or other spa treatments
- Valet parking or free parking
- On-site hotel and cocktail bar
- Local flavors and decor
- Sun-soaked private cabanas, poolside
- And more
Then, choose the hotel that provides amenities you love at a price that seems reasonable for what you’re getting. Cheaper isn’t always better when it comes to planning a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation – or when you want to feel restful between business meetings.
Prepare for the Heat
The climate in Austin, Texas is considered humid subtropical, although temperatures vary from season to season. If you’re headed to Austin from April to October, you’re facing temperatures upwards of 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. And with only about five days of rain per month, it’s likely that you’ll be experiencing the hot Texas sun, should you opt for outdoor activities.
Thankfully, there are things you can do to prepare for the heat. You should:
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, breathable clothing, in fabrics that wick sweat away from the body, so you don’t feel chilled when you head into the air conditioning after being outdoors.
- Bring along a water bottle. Keep it full and carry it with you. Staying hydrated in the heat and humidity can help prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Consider wearing a sunhat or similar covering to provide some shade while you’re outdoors.
Choose Your Activities
One of the greatest things about visiting Austin, Texas, is the sheer number of activities you can enjoy. In fact, you’ll find activities for people of all interests and ages.
Get into the great outdoors at one of the many parks and natural springs pools in Austin. Or head indoors for fine dining, boutique shopping, or museums. And don’t forget about the live music and arts scene in Austin!
When you plan your trip, check out local events calendars to find options for things to do during your visit. Head off-the-beaten path for unique experiences, or stick to what’s popular in Austin.
But just like you should book your hotel early, you should secure tickets to any special events you plan to attend. Austin is a happening place, and you don’t want to miss out.
Pack the Necessities for Your Chosen Activities
When considering the types of things you’ll do on your visit to Austin, be sure you’re bringing along everything you may need – or take note about where you can purchase these items once you’ve arrived.
For example, if you’re headed outdoors during much of your trip, bringing along sunscreen, aloe vera lotion, a hat, and sunglasses will be important.
But if you’re spending all your time indoors, packing a lightweight sweater can keep you comfortable in overly air-conditioned spaces like art museums or conference rooms.
And don’t forget about your footwear! Although it’s tempting to don your fanciest cowboy boots for your Texas trip, they’re not always the most sensible for walking. Comfortable sneakers or sport sandals will be best during your Austin adventure.
Quick Austin Facts to Make Planning Easy
Now that you know these important tips for planning your Austin vacation, it’ll be much easier to prepare for your trip!
This basic information about Austin also may come in handy:
- Nearest airport:Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS), Austin Municipal Airport (AUM), and Austin Executive Airport (EDC). Most commercial flights will arrive at Austin-Bergstrom International.
- Public transportation: Capital Metro provides buses, MetroRapid Route 801, and MetroRail service.
- Most popular attractions: Live music venues and music festivals, Lady Bird Lake, Barton Springs Pool, Congress Avenue Bridge (and bats!), Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, Texas state capitol building, and much more
- Other nearby cities to visit: San Antonio, New Braunfels, Waco
