Everything’s bigger in the Lone Star State, including travel frustrations. According to a recent Forbes Advisor report, three of Texas’ largest cities have been named among the worst places for summer travel in the U.S. Texas ties with Florida for the most cities in the top 20 of this unenviable list, highlighting significant challenges for travelers during the summer months.
Texas Cities in the Top 20 Worst for Summer Travel
1. Dallas (13th Worst)
Dallas stands out for its problematic air travel and extreme summer heat. Key issues include:
Lost or Damaged Items: Dallas’s airports have one of the highest rates of property loss and damage claims during the summer.
Severe Heat: The city averages 76 extreme temperature days in June, July, and August, making outdoor activities particularly challenging.
2. El Paso (15th Worst)
El Paso’s ranking is driven by poor infrastructure for tourists and disrupted air travel. Specific factors include:
Few Parking Lots and Garages: The city has limited parking facilities, adding to the inconvenience for travelers.
Lack of Tourist Attractions: El Paso has the second-fewest tourist attractions with four or more stars on Tripadvisor.
Flight Disruptions: Over a quarter of summer flights at El Paso International Airport are disrupted, causing significant travel headaches.
3. San Antonio (20th Worst)
San Antonio rounds out the list with severe heat and low walkability. Contributing factors are:
Severe Heat Days: The city experiences an average of 79 severe heat days each summer, making it one of the hottest destinations.
Low Walkability: San Antonio’s low walkability score makes it less convenient for tourists to explore the city on foot.
Silver Lining: Houston as a Top Summer Travel Destination
Despite the negative rankings for Dallas, El Paso, and San Antonio, there is a bright spot for Texas in the form of Houston. Forbes Advisor ranked Houston as the 10th best city for summer travel. The city boasts several advantages:
Affordable Hotel Prices: Houston has the lowest median hotel prices at $122 per night.
Property Loss and Damage Reimbursement: The city’s two major airports reimburse property loss and damage claims 52% of the time, the second-highest rate in the analysis.
Analysis and Conclusion
Forbes Advisor’s rankings are based on data from the 43 largest cities in the U.S. across three categories: city experience, air travel, and driving conditions. Metrics used in the analysis included walkability, in-season hotel prices, flight delay rates, and the number of fatal car crashes in the summer.
While Dallas, El Paso, and San Antonio face significant challenges that make them less attractive for summer travel, Houston offers a more favorable experience for tourists. Travelers should consider these insights when planning their summer vacations and weigh the pros and cons of each destination. Despite the heat and travel issues, the Lone Star State still offers a variety of experiences for those willing to navigate its challenges.
You Might Be Interested In:
