Summer is an ideal season for travel, and Texas, the Lone Star State, offers a variety of destinations for a road trip getaway without having to travel far. In a recent analysis by WalletHub, Texas ranked first in the “Best and Worst States for Summer Road Trips” ranking, narrowly beating Minnesota with a score of 58.59 out of 100. New York, Louisiana, and Florida completed the top five.
The high placement of Texas was primarily due to its affordability and the wide range of activities available. These activities include bucket-list outdoor destinations, theme parks, vibrant nightlife, and more. WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe highlighted the importance of affordability, safe roads, and enjoyable attractions for a great summer road trip experience.
The analysis considered 32 factors across three categories – safety, cost, and activities – for each state, which were then weighted, averaged, and ranked. Despite being the 39th safest state, Texas was the 11th cheapest and had the fifth-best activities score, trailing only California, Florida, New York, and Alaska.
Texas’s diverse landscapes were a significant factor in its high ranking. The state boasts 9,500 miles of scenic byways, including those in the Hill Country and mountainous West Texas, and smaller boosts from Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The numerous attractions around the state’s metro areas, such as Austin’s honky-tonks, D-FW’s entertainment venues and theme parks, San Antonio’s historical sites, and Houston’s food scene, also contributed to the high activity score.
In addition to its diversity and affordability, Texas is also relatively affordable in terms of travel costs. The state’s average gas price is just over $3 per gallon, which is nearly 50 cents below the national average. Texas also has the cheapest average price for 3-star hotels within 10 miles of city centers in mid-July and ranks first nationally in accommodations and restaurants per capita.
WalletHub also named Texas the eighth best state to drive in due to its stable weather conditions and low cost of gas and maintenance. This is the second year in a row that Texas has ranked first in WalletHub’s road trip rankings.
When planning a summer road trip, considering travel insurance can be beneficial. There are various options available, including credit card coverage, medical evacuation membership programs, and standalone travel insurance. Being a flexible traveler, planning trips accordingly, and using appropriate tools can help ensure an affordable and stress-free summer vacation.
