The Lone Star State is a great location for your next vacation, whether you are a world traveler or you live in a state right next door. There are plenty of things to do that can excite every type of personality out there, from live entertainment to impressive landscapes to fun outdoor activities. 

But planning an awesome vacation in Texas is not just about choosing which attractions to check out. You also have to know how to vacation.

While most people will travel to some extent throughout their lives, some are simply better at maximizing their experiences than others.

It’s not that hard to transport yourself to a new destination and Google what there is to do there. But knowing how to vacation the right way can make a huge difference in how much enjoyment you get out of the experience.

As you plan your trip to Texas, whether it is for a weekend, a week, or a cross-country road trip, you should keep a few things in mind that will help you get the most out of your travel plans. 

1. Knowing what to pack

If you have ever traveled in your life, you are probably familiar with that one thought that inevitably pops into your head at some point in the journey; “oh crap, I forgot [insert crucial item here].”

Packing for a long vacation is tough because there is a lot to remember; clothes, toiletries, money, passports, maps if you are old-fashioned, items for sleeping, bags for laundry, and more.

Knowing a few essentials to include in your luggage can help make the trip more enjoyable and easier. Some helpful items include a day pack, a diary, a rain jacket, and snacks.

These items will help ensure that you are super prepared for different circumstances that you may encounter while traveling while helping you avoid that feeling of regret over forgetting a key item. 

2. Don’t overplan

That’s right, when you are planning your Texas vacation, know when to stop planning.

Filling up your schedule for each day is great for hitting as many attractions and activities as possible. But you will probably pay the price when you return home. The best vacations don’t leave you feeling more tired than you were when you left. Instead, you feel restored, rested, and ready (albeit hesitant) to return to normal life.

Instead of creating an insane itinerary that is just go go go, try to leave a lot of room for improvisation and relaxing. This will allow you to enjoy the vacation and not feel like the pace of it tired you out even more.

Remember to pack a good book and take advantage of a few slower times during the trip.

3. Determine your priorities

While it can be fun to go on vacation on a whim with little plans for what you will do, this could lead to you missing out on some exciting opportunities.

Before you decide where you will stay, figure out what activities and locations are the most important to check out.

What are the three things you are dying to do in Texas that you’ll be sad to miss out on? Is it visiting the Alamo in San Antonio? Is it getting tickets to a Houston Astros home game to cheer on your favorite team in a ballpark in person? Is it seeing the amazing wonders of the Natural Bridge Caverns?

Planning your trip around a few priority attractions ensures that you visit what matters most. Then, you can build your schedule and your accommodations around these activities to have a better overall experience. 

4. Tell someone your plans

Part of going on a vacation is leaving your home. Safety is a crucial aspect of traveling that many people forget about, both for your home while you are gone and for yourself while you are in an unfamiliar setting.

In case of an emergency, it is a good idea to let a trusted family member or friend back home know your travel itinerary in case something happens. Let them know where you will be staying and the contact number for that location.

Where will you be? And for how many days is also helpful information. Maybe that person can stop by your house and check on things once or twice while you are gone.

Protecting yourself and your home should stay front of mind during your trip to Texas, so tell someone about your travel plans. 

Have the best vacation ever

These tips are designed to help you get a full experience during your vacation. Packing the right things will make sure you have access to all the items you might need when circumstances are unexpected.

Leaving some time open in your schedule prioritizes relaxation and the ability to change plans when you discover something while traveling.

Choose a few priority attractions so that you have no regrets about missing out on exciting opportunities during your travels.

Lastly, remember that safety should still be a priority so tell someone you trust about where you will be and when.

If you do all of these things, then your Texas vacation can become a stronger experience that creates lasting memories for you and your fellow travelers.