Why Go

     In one very large state you can explore soaring pine forests, rapid-running rivers, 600 miles (965km) of beaches, devil-dry deserts and green rolling hills. From Austin\'s swinging blues bars to Amarillo\'s old Route 66, Texas is full of surprising images.
     If all you pictured were dusty trails and tumbleweeds, cowboys and oil derricks, you\'re in for a pleasant surprise.

When To Go

As would be expected in a state as big as Texas, climate varies, sometimes dramatically, by location; it can be snowing in one area of the state, such as Amarillo, while people are swimming at South Padre Island. High temperatures in the summer average in the 90s (30s Celsius) in most of the state, while average winter temperatures drop -- sometimes much lower than you might expect -- as you travel north. Southern Texas is known for its muggy summers, which make it feel hotter than it really is, and contrasts with the dryness of the West Texas deserts. The state\'s few mountainous areas have more extremes of temperatures, hitting the 80s and 90s (upper 20s and 30s Celsius) during the day, only to plummet into the 30s and 40s (single digits Celsius) at night. All areas of Texas get more sunshine than most other parts of the United States.

Entry Requirements

Passport required.  Must be valid for six months after return date of travel.
Check with your travel professional or local consulate for entry visa requirements.

What To See

The Alamo - The most famous spot in Texas. Where Davy Crockett, Colonel William Barrett Travis, Jim Bowie and 186 other died fighting for independence on March 6, 1836, after repeated attacks from Mexican General Santa Anna. Originally established in 1718 as San Antonio\'s first mission, The Alamo is located in the heart of the city, inside beautifully landscaped grounds.

Facts

Language:  English
Capital City: Austin
Population: 20,851,820
Telephone Calling Code(s): 1
Electricity: 110-120V, 60Hz
Currency: US Dollar (USD)