Austin lands in top five destinations as state shows strong appeal for budget-conscious travelers

Three Texas metropolitan areas rank among the nation’s best summer travel destinations, according to a new WalletHub study that evaluated 100 major cities based on costs, attractions and convenience.

Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown claimed the fifth spot overall, while Dallas-Fort Worth landed at No. 10 and San Antonio-New Braunfels reached No. 18 in the comprehensive analysis released Tuesday.

The strong showing for Texas cities comes as 82% of Americans plan to travel this summer, with 42% expecting to take multiple trips, according to the report.

Austin earned its high ranking through competitive local costs, placing 21st in that category, and a robust attractions scene that ranked 10th nationally. Flights to Austin from major hubs start at $219 with no connections required.

“The city scored particularly well in areas that matter most to budget-conscious travelers,” said the report, which measured 41 different factors across six categories including travel costs, local costs, attractions, weather, activities and safety.

The Dallas-Fort Worth area distinguished itself with the 13th-best local costs while offering diverse attractions and entertainment options. San Antonio also demonstrated strong value for travelers seeking affordable destinations with rich cultural offerings.

Professor John Bowen from the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College said destinations featuring nature experiences, wellness vacations and culinary culture continue growing in popularity — areas where Texas metros traditionally excel.

“Destinations that feature breathtaking scenery and interacting with nature through hiking, biking or walking are growing in popularity,” Bowen said.

Jason Draper, also from the Hilton College, emphasized that travelers should research thoroughly and consider visiting during shoulder seasons rather than peak summer months to maximize savings.

“Do your due diligence and shop around for the best deals you can find,” Draper said. “Not putting in the time to find the best deal” ranks among the costliest travel mistakes.

The rankings considered various factors, from the cost of three-star hotel rooms to flight prices from major airports in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles and New York. Austin showed particularly strong performance with three-star hotel rooms starting at $42 per night.

Orlando topped the overall list, followed by Atlanta, Washington D.C., and Honolulu. Texas cities outperformed major metros including New York (17th), Boston (58th) and Seattle (86th).

The analysis arrives as travel experts predict summer budgets will increase about 8% over last year, though international travel may decline slightly from 2024 levels.

For budget-conscious travelers, experts recommend booking early, bundling reservations, maintaining flexible travel dates, and choosing accommodations with kitchens to reduce restaurant expenses.