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How to become a Disney travel agent in Texas

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become a travel agent in Texas
  1. How to Become a Travel Agent in Texas
    1. Understanding the Role of a Travel Agent
      1. Key Responsibilities of a Travel Agent
      2. Types of Trips and Destinations You Can Plan
      3. Leveraging Local Knowledge for Texas-Based Trips
    2. Legal Requirements for Travel Agents in Texas
      1. Obtaining an IATA Number
      2. Working with a Host Agency
      3. Specialty Insurance License and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
    3. Education and Training
      1. Formal Education Options: Degrees and Certificates
        1. Hospitality and Food Service Management Programs
        2. Associate and Certificate Programs in Travel and Tourism
      2. Online Training Programs and Courses
        1. Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) Test Preparation
        2. Courses from Institutions Like Texas State Technical College and Visit Dallas
      3. Duration and Cost of Training Programs
    4. Certification and Accreditation
      1. Popular Certification Programs: CTA, TAP, and More
        1. Certified Travel Associate (CTA) Certification
        2. Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) Certification
        3. Other Certifications from The Travel Institute and Cruise Lines International Association
      2. Benefits of Certification for Job Prospects
    5. Finding the Right Host Agency
      1. Resources Provided by Host Agencies
        1. Access to Booking Systems and Partner Programs
        2. Marketing Support and Training
      2. Choosing a Host Agency: Factors to Consider
    6. Promoting Yourself and Developing a Niche
      1. Building Your Professional Network
      2. Specializing in Specific Types of Travel or Destinations
      3. Marketing Strategies for Travel Agents

How to Become a Travel Agent in Texas

Becoming a travel agent in Texas is an exciting and rewarding career path that combines your passion for travel, customer service, and planning. While it may seem daunting, the process is more accessible than you might think. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started.


how to become a travel agent in Texas

Understanding the Role of a Travel Agent

A travel agent's role is multifaceted, involving key responsibilities such as planning and booking trips, providing travel advice, and ensuring clients have a seamless travel experience. To excel in this role, you need to possess strong interpersonal, planning, and communication skills. Understanding the travel industry, including basic geography and itinerary planning, is also crucial.

As a travel agent in Texas, you will be responsible for helping clients research, plan, and book their trips. This includes everything from flights and accommodations to activities and travel insurance.


how to become a travel agent in Texas

Legal Requirements for Travel Agents in Texas

To operate as a travel agent in Texas, you need to meet a few legal requirements. The primary requirement is obtaining an IATA number, which is a unique identifier that allows a travel business to conduct business. Most travel agents achieve this by joining a host business, which provides access to the IATA number and other essential resources.

Key Legal Requirements
Requirement Description
IATA Number A unique identifier provided by a host business to conduct business.
Host Agency Joining a host business to access necessary resources and support.


how to become a travel agent in Texas

Education and Training

While formal education is not mandatory, acquiring relevant training is highly beneficial. You can enroll in trade schools or colleges that offer programs in hospitality, travel, and tourism. These programs can range from a few months to two years or even lead to a bachelor’s degree. Online training programs are also available and can be completed at your own pace.


how to become a travel agent in Texas

Certification and Accreditation

Certification, although optional, is highly encouraged as it enhances your career opportunities. Popular certifications include the Certified Travel Associate (CTA) and the Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) certification. These certifications demonstrate your mastery of the basics of the travel industry, including selling skills, geography, and the products sold by travel counselors.

Certification Benefits

Certifications not only validate your knowledge but also open up more career opportunities and increase your credibility with clients.


how to become a travel agent in Texas

Finding the Right Host Agency

Joining a host business is a critical step in becoming a travel agent in Texas. Host agencies provide essential resources, including access to booking systems, marketing support, and training. When choosing a host business, consider the resources provided, the level of support, and the opportunities for growth and development.

By following these steps and dedicating yourself to continuous learning and growth, you can set yourself up for success as a travel agent in Texas.
how to become a travel agent in Texas

Understanding the Role of a Travel Agent

You will also be responsible for developing, booking, and managing your clients’ travel plans. This can include choosing travel destinations, booking domestic and overseas flights and lodgings, renting vehicles, making restaurant reservations, and buying tickets for local events and activities.

As a travel agent, you act as a trusted advisor, helping clients research, plan, and book their trips. Your expertise in geography, itinerary planning, and the travel industry is crucial in making informed decisions for your clients.

Key Responsibilities of a Travel Agent

Your daily tasks might include handling currency exchanges, hiring language interpreters, and managing all aspects of a client’s trip. Strong interpersonal, planning, and communication skills are essential to excel in this role. You need to be able to understand and meet the unique needs, budget, and preferences of each client.

Types of Trips and Destinations You Can Plan

As a travel agent, you can plan a wide variety of trips to destinations all over the world. This includes luxury vacations, family trips, business travel, honeymoon packages, and more. You can also specialize in specific types of travel, such as cruises, adventure tours, or cultural explorations.

Types of Trips You Can Plan
Trip Type Description
Luxury Vacations High-end travel experiences including luxury hotels and exclusive activities.
Family Trips Trips tailored for families, including kid-friendly activities and accommodations.
Business Travel Efficient and convenient travel arrangements for business purposes.

Leveraging Local Knowledge for Texas-Based Trips

One of the unique advantages of being a travel agent in Texas is the opportunity to leverage your local knowledge to plan trips within the state. You can organize BBQ tours of Dallas, music explorations in Austin, or other Texas-specific experiences that showcase the state’s rich culture and attractions. Using your insider intel, you can create customized itineraries that highlight the best of Texas.

Local Texas Trips

From the vibrant cities to the beautiful natural landscapes, Texas offers a diverse range of travel experiences. By focusing on local knowledge, you can provide clients with authentic and memorable trips that they might not find with a generic travel package.

By understanding the role of a travel agent and leveraging your skills and local knowledge, you can provide exceptional service to your clients and build a successful career in the travel industry.
how to become a travel agent in Texas

Legal Requirements for Travel Agents in Texas

Obtaining an IATA Number

To operate as a travel agent in Texas, one of the primary legal requirements is obtaining an IATA (International Air Transport Association) number. This unique identifier is essential for conducting business as a travel business. Most travel agents achieve this by joining a host business, which provides access to the IATA number along with other necessary resources.

Working with a Host Agency

Joining a host business is a crucial step in becoming a travel agent in Texas. Host agencies offer a range of benefits, including access to booking systems, partner programs, marketing support, and advanced training. These agencies also provide the IATA number required for earning commissions on the travel you book. Host agencies act as a one-stop shop, equipping you with everything needed to start and grow your travel advisor business.

Benefits of Host Agencies
Benefit Description
Access to Booking Systems Tools to manage and book travel arrangements efficiently.
Partner Programs Collaborations with travel vendors to offer a wide range of travel options.
Marketing Support Resources and strategies to promote your travel services.
Advanced Training Ongoing education and training to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Specialty Insurance License and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

In addition to the IATA number, you will need to obtain a specialty insurance license from the Texas Department of Insurance. This license protects you in case a client attempts to sue you. You will also need a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from the IRS to track your income and avoid tax audits.

Insurance and TIN Requirements

Having the right insurance and a TIN is crucial for legal and financial compliance. These requirements help you operate your business safely and efficiently.

By meeting these legal requirements, you can ensure you are well-prepared to launch and manage a successful travel business in Texas.

Compliance with these requirements not only satisfies legal obligations but also builds trust with your clients and partners.
how to become a travel agent in Texas

Education and Training

Formal Education Options: Degrees and Certificates

To become a well-rounded travel agent in Texas, considering formal education can be highly beneficial. Several institutions offer programs that are tailored to prepare you for a career in the travel industry.

Hospitality and Food Service Management Programs

Collin College, for instance, offers a Hospitality and Food Service Management program that is highly regarded. This program provides comprehensive training for those seeking leadership and supervisory roles in hospitality specialties, including key tourism and travel planning skills. The program emphasizes robust, all-round education with competent instructors who have ample experience in their fields.

Associate and Certificate Programs in Travel and Tourism

Richland College, part of the Dallas County Community District, offers a travel, exposition, and meeting management program. This program provides both certificate and associate in applied sciences degree options. The curriculum includes courses on introduction to travel and tourism, travel destinations, customer sales and service, and travel automation systems. Houston Community College also offers an Associate of Applied Science program in Travel and Tourism, which includes courses on international fare construction and travel services management systems.

Formal Education Programs
Institution Program Description
Collin College Hospitality and Food Service Management Comprehensive training for leadership roles in hospitality and tourism.
Richland College Travel, Exposition, and Meeting Management Certificate and associate degree options focusing on travel and tourism.
Texas A&M University Recreation Park and Tourism Science Preparation for careers in tourism attraction fields with a focus on sustainability, finance, and marketing.

Online Training Programs and Courses

For those who prefer the flexibility of online learning, there are several reputable online training programs available. Temple College offers an online Travel Agent Training course that prepares you for the Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) test. This self-paced course includes topics such as international geography, destination geography, and career development. The registration fee for the TAP test is included with the course enrollment.

LuxRally Travel also provides a comprehensive online travel agent training course, free of charge. This course includes over 388 self-guided lessons and video content covering industry basics, sales training, and how to use their proprietary booking engine.

Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) Test Preparation

The TAP test is a significant milestone for aspiring travel agents, as it demonstrates mastery of the basics of the travel industry, including selling skills, geography, and the products sold by travel counselors. The Travel Agent Training course at Temple College and other institutions prepares you to sit for this exam, which is a crucial step towards professional recognition.

Courses from Institutions Like Texas State Technical College and Visit Dallas

Texas State Technical College offers an online travel agent training program that covers international geography, destination geography, and career development. Visit Dallas, a tourism company, also provides travel professional training using updated and easily shareable tools, which helps you earn a certificate of completion and gain marketing tools.

Online Training Benefits

Online training programs offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace, making them ideal for those balancing other commitments. These programs often include practical exams and feedback sessions to ensure you are well-prepared for the industry.

Duration and Cost of Training Programs

The duration and cost of training programs can vary significantly. For example, the online Travel Agent Training course at Temple College is self-paced and allows six months for completion. The cost for this course includes the registration fee for the TAP test. Richland College’s programs have a tuition cost of $174 to $230 per credit hour, depending on the delivery method. LuxRally Travel’s online course is free but requires 50-70 hours to complete.

Duration and Cost of Training Programs
Program Duration Cost
Temple College Online Training Self-paced, 6 months Included in course enrollment
Richland College Programs Varies by program $174 - $230 per credit hour
LuxRally Travel Online Course 50-70 hours Free

Investing in the right education and training is crucial for building a successful career as a travel agent in Texas.
how to become a travel agent in Texas

Certification and Accreditation

Popular Certification Programs: CTA, TAP, and More

Certifications are a crucial aspect of advancing your career as a travel agent in Texas. These certifications not only validate your knowledge but also enhance your job prospects and credibility with clients.

Certified Travel Associate (CTA) Certification

The Certified Travel Associate (CTA) certification is one of the most recognized certifications in the travel industry. Offered by The Travel Institute, this certification program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a travel agent. The CTA program covers a wide range of topics, including geography, transportation, accommodations, and customer service. Achieving this certification demonstrates your commitment to professional development and can significantly boost your career.

Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) Certification

The Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) certification is another highly respected credential in the industry. This certification is also offered by The Travel Institute and is designed to prepare you for the basics of the travel industry. The TAP certification covers essential topics such as international geography, destination geography, and career development. Preparing for and passing the TAP test is often included in many travel agent training programs, ensuring you are well-prepared for the exam.

The TAP certification is particularly beneficial for new entrants into the travel industry, as it provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of travel planning and customer service.

Other Certifications from The Travel Institute and Cruise Lines International Association

Beyond the CTA and TAP certifications, there are other specialized certifications available. The Travel Institute offers various niche certifications, such as the Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) and the Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE Additionally, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) offers certifications specifically for cruise travel, such as the Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) and the Master Cruise Counselor (MCC These certifications can help you specialize in particular areas of the travel industry and increase your marketability.

Popular Certification Programs
Certification Offered By Description
Certified Travel Associate (CTA) The Travel Institute Covers geography, transportation, accommodations, and customer service.
Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) The Travel Institute Covers international geography, destination geography, and career development.
Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Specialized certification for cruise travel.

Benefits of Certification for Job Prospects

Certifications significantly enhance your job prospects and career growth. Certified travel agents are often preferred by employers because they demonstrate a higher level of competence and commitment to the profession. These certifications can open up more job opportunities, lead to higher salaries, and provide a competitive edge in the job market.

Benefits of Certification

Certified travel agents are viewed as professionals with a deep understanding of the industry, which builds trust with clients and employers. This can lead to more client referrals, better job security, and opportunities for advancement.

Certifications are a powerful tool in your career toolkit, helping you stand out in a competitive industry and achieve greater success as a travel agent in Texas.
how to become a travel agent in Texas

Finding the Right Host Agency

Resources Provided by Host Agencies

When considering a host business, it is crucial to understand the resources they provide. One of the most significant benefits is access to booking systems and partner programs. These systems enable you to efficiently manage and book travel arrangements for your clients. Host agencies often have established relationships with various travel vendors, such as airlines, hotels, and tour operators, which can offer a wide range of travel options and exclusive deals.

Resources Provided by Host Agencies
Resource Description
Access to Booking Systems Tools to manage and book travel arrangements efficiently.
Partner Programs Collaborations with travel vendors to offer a wide range of travel options.

Access to Booking Systems and Partner Programs

These booking systems are designed to streamline your workflow, allowing you to quickly find and book flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel services. The partner programs also provide you with access to exclusive rates, promotions, and loyalty programs that can be passed on to your clients, enhancing their travel experience and your reputation as a travel agent.

Having these resources at your disposal can significantly enhance your ability to provide competitive and comprehensive travel services to your clients.

Marketing Support and Training

Host agencies also offer substantial marketing support and training programs. These programs are designed to help you grow your business by providing marketing materials, social media strategies, and sales training. The training often includes workshops, webinars, and one-on-one coaching sessions to help you develop your sales skills and stay updated with industry trends.

Marketing and Training Benefits

The marketing support can include pre-designed marketing campaigns, email templates, and social media content, all tailored to help you attract new clients and retain existing ones. The training programs ensure that you are equipped with the latest industry knowledge and best practices.

Choosing a Host Agency: Factors to Consider

When selecting a host business, there are several factors to consider. One of the key considerations is the level of support provided. Look for an business that offers ongoing training, technical support, and a strong community of fellow travel agents. Additionally, consider the fees associated with joining the host business, as well as any ongoing membership or transaction fees.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Host Agency
Factor Description
Level of Support Ongoing training, technical support, and community support.
Fees and Costs Initial membership fees, ongoing membership fees, and transaction fees.
Reputation Industry reputation, reviews, and testimonials from other travel agents.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can find a host business that provides the resources and support you need to succeed as a travel agent in Texas.
how to become a travel agent in Texas

Promoting Yourself and Developing a Niche

Building Your Professional Network

Building a strong professional network is essential for success as a travel agent in Texas. This involves connecting with other travel professionals, joining industry associations, and participating in networking events. Associations like the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) offer valuable opportunities to connect with peers, attend workshops, and stay updated on industry trends.

A robust professional network not only provides support and resources but also opens up new business opportunities and helps you stay informed about the latest developments in the travel industry.

Specializing in Specific Types of Travel or Destinations

Specializing in specific types of travel or destinations can significantly enhance your marketability and client satisfaction. For example, you might focus on luxury travel, family vacations, adventure tours, or cultural explorations. Specializing in Texas-based travel can also be highly beneficial, as you can leverage your local knowledge to create unique and personalized itineraries for clients.

Niche Travel Specializations
Niche Description
Luxury Travel High-end travel experiences including luxury hotels and exclusive activities.
Family Vacations Trips tailored for families, including kid-friendly activities and accommodations.
Adventure Tours Active travel experiences such as hiking, biking, or water sports.
Texas-Based Travel Local tours and itineraries highlighting the best of Texas culture and attractions.

Marketing Strategies for Travel Agents

Effective marketing is crucial for promoting yourself as a travel agent. This includes leveraging social media platforms to share travel tips, destination highlights, and client testimonials. You can also use email marketing campaigns to keep clients informed about special deals and new travel opportunities.

Marketing Tips

Creating a professional website and blog can help you showcase your expertise and provide valuable travel advice to potential clients. Additionally, collaborating with local businesses and tourism boards can help you promote your services and attract new clients.

    # Example Social Media Post:
    "Discover the hidden gems of Texas 🌟 From BBQ tours in Dallas to music explorations in Austin, we have the perfect itinerary for you. Contact us to plan your next adventure #TravelTexas #LocalKnowledge"
  
By building a strong network, specializing in a niche, and implementing effective marketing strategies, you can successfully promote yourself and grow your business as a travel agent in Texas.
how to become a travel agent in Texas

Conclusion: Embarking on Your Journey as a Travel Agent in Texas

Becoming a travel agent in Texas is a rewarding and exciting career path that combines your passion for travel, customer service, and planning. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set yourself up for success in this dynamic industry.

Specializing in specific types of travel or destinations, such as luxury vacations or Texas-based trips, can also help you stand out and attract a loyal client base. Leveraging your local knowledge and industry connections will make your travel recommendations unique and personalized.

Continuing Education and Professional Growth

As you embark on your journey as a travel agent, it is important to remember that the travel industry is constantly evolving. Staying updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices through ongoing education and professional development will keep you ahead of the curve.

Importance of Ongoing Education

Many host agencies and industry associations offer continuous training and workshops that can help you enhance your skills and stay informed about industry changes. These resources are invaluable for maintaining your competitive edge and providing the best possible service to your clients.

Building Strong Relationships and Networking

Building a strong professional network is key to your success. Attend industry events, join associations like ASTA or IATA, and engage with other travel professionals to build relationships that can lead to new opportunities and better services for your clients.

Benefits of Networking
Benefit Description
Industry Connections Building relationships with suppliers and other travel agents.
Access to Exclusive Deals Receiving special rates and promotions from travel vendors.
Ongoing Education Participating in workshops and training sessions offered by industry associations.

By combining your passion for travel with the right education, certifications, and professional network, you can build a successful and fulfilling career as a travel agent in Texas. Remember to always stay curious, keep learning, and provide exceptional service to your clients.
    # Key to Success:
    # - Continuous Learning
    # - Strong Professional Network
    # - Excellent Customer Service
  
Embark on this exciting journey with confidence, and you will find that becoming a travel agent in Texas is not just a career, but a way to share your love for travel and create unforgettable experiences for others.
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Become a Travel Agent in San Angelo

Located on the plains of western Texas, 230 mi/370 km southwest of Dallas and at the point where the branches of the Concho River come together, San Angelo has more water than most towns in this part of the state. In frontier times, the town grew up ...

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Become a Travel Agent in San Antonio

San Antonio has something to offer everyone. The city is filled with an array of attractions, from nightly entertainment to historical site visits, shopping, sporting events and museums.

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Become a Travel Agent in South Padre Island

South Padre Island, a booming seaside resort area on the Gulf Coast at the southern tip of Texas, includes the island and the neighboring mainland town of Port Isabel. The area, about 150 mi/240 km southeast of San Antonio, is especially popular amo...

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Become a Travel Agent in Tyler

Located in the heart of east Texas, 100 mi/160 km southeast of Dallas, Tyler is the "Rose Capital of America," producing more than 50% of the nation's commercially grown roses. Don't miss the beautiful Municipal Rose Garden with 500 varieties of rose...

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Become a Travel Agent in Victoria, TX


Categories: Victoria TX


Become a Travel Agent in Waco

Located 90 mi/145 km south of Dallas and about halfway to Austin, Waco (pronounced WAY-ko) straddles the Brazos River, and it was the river that gave the town its start. At one time, back in the 1800s, Waco was known mainly as the site of a ferry tha...

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Become a Travel Agent in Wharton


Categories: Wharton


How to Become a
Travel Agent in
Texas

Texas


A drive across Texas has the slippery, shifting feel of a dream. Things change, and change significantly—from bayous and forests to prairies to bare, windswept plains. But the transformations are subtle. At some point, it will dawn on you that the trees have disappeared, but you won't be able to say exactly when.

Driving will likely be part of your visit to Texas. Unless you're planning to confine yourself to one place, you'll be covering some territory—possibly a lot of territory—and you'll likely be covering it in a car. The trick is to know how much is too much: Texas is a huge place. Unless you've got a lot of time (and a great fondness for road trips), you'll want to set some limits and take the time to enjoy what you're seeing.

One of the state's big cities—Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio—could conceivably fill a vacation by itself. But we suggest you combine one of them with visits to other, less urban areas: The countryside offers so much variety—the wildflowers alone are worth a drive—and the huge blue sky is best appreciated from more-open spaces.

Geography

Texas is almost as big as its natives swear it is. The distance from the top of its "panhandle" to Brownsville in the south is about the same as the distance from Chicago to New Orleans (about 1,000 mi/1,600 km); El Paso sits halfway between Houston and Los Angeles, California.

The state maintains a varied terrain (although oil has been found nearly everywhere). The eastern portion appears lush, almost primeval in its dense forests and swampy terrain. The southern section ranges from semitropical marshland and coastal plains to desert and barrier islands. The central portion is a region of rocky hills, lakes, brush and cattle ranches. The Panhandle is typical of what most visitors expect to find in Texas: a dry, mostly flat desert, home to more rattlesnakes, scorpions and coyotes than humans. But in far west Texas, the traveler will find a surprisingly mountainous landscape, with mesas, buttes and almost 100 summits reaching heights of at least 1 mi/1.6 km.

History

The first people to find their way to Texas were Native Americans: Some of the ancient groups that migrated into present-day Mexico and Central America likely crossed Texas soil in the process. In time, a diverse collection of tribes came to dwell in the area. The Tonkawas and ancestors of the Lipan Apaches were spread over most of central and northwest Texas. The most advanced of all cultures in Texas, the mound-building Caddo, farmed fertile portions of east Texas. On the north Texas plains, Native Americans followed bison herds and lived in tepees.

The first Europeans to see Texas were Spaniards Cabeza de Vaca in 1528 and Francisco Coronado in 1541. Later, Spanish missions were established to Christianize the Indians and help secure the territory: The first was founded at El Paso in 1681, and others followed in east Texas and in San Antonio. The raids of the Apache and, especially, the Comanche left Spain with a very tenuous hold on the area, however.

During the early 1800s, more settlers entered Texas, many of them from the U.S. Some, like those led by Stephen Austin, came with official permission from the U.S. government; some didn't. After Mexico became independent of Spain, residents of the Texas territory lobbied for greater autonomy, but the Mexican government did not enact reforms. In 1835, pro-U.S. Texans revolted. Their efforts led to a bloody defeat at the Alamo, but they emerged victorious at the battle of San Jacinto (near Houston) in 1836. Texas existed as an independent republic for nine years—even accepting consuls from Europe—but became part of the U.S. in 1845.

Already a land of wealth because of its cotton production, Texas became an even more important economic force with the discovery of vast oil reserves early in the 1900s. Since the 1901 unearthing of the rich Spindletop oil field near Beaumont, Texas has remained one of the biggest oil-producing states in the country. Agriculture and ranching—and more recently high technology—have also played an important role in the state's economy.

Snapshot

Among the main attractions in Texas are the Alamo and other Spanish missions, diverse cultures, fascinating architecture (ranging from historic main streets to the postmodern high-rises of Dallas and Houston), Tex-Mex food, country-western music and dancing, theme parks, barbecue, Austin and the Hill Country, Big Bend National Park, chili, Palo Duro Canyon, cowboys, rodeos, Padre Island National Seashore, Guadalupe River tubing, Enchanted Rock, camping, the Mexican border for day trips, birding, underground caverns and rugged mountains.

Outside the big cities, Texas will appeal most to those seeking stark western landscapes and wide-open spaces. Be aware that summers can be very hot and that distances between attractions (in the west, especially) can be great. Travelers who are short on time or who don't like long drives may need to stick to the bigger cities or concentrate on a single area of interest.

Potpourri

Lubbock claims an extraordinary number of country and rock musicians, including Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Waylon Jennings, Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Natalie Maines.

One of the first large-scale spectator events in the world took place near Waco in 1896: 50,000 people gathered to watch two locomotives smash head-on into one another at high speed. On impact, one of the steam boilers exploded, showering the crowd with shrapnel. Two spectators were killed.

Some things really are bigger in Texas: The 67-ft/20-m statue of Sam Houston in Huntsville (an hour north of Houston by car) is the tallest freestanding statue of a U.S. historical figure.

Try two-steppin' at a real Texas dance hall. We prefer the old-time, no-frills places, but Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth takes the honky-tonk to another level, with an indoor rodeo and a huge dance floor. Don't assume that line dancing is what you do in a Texas dance hall, however: Many Texans consider line dancing to be a silly Yankee invention.

The town of Uncertain got its name when its undecided founders wrote that word in the blank on their application for incorporation, and state officials registered the town under that name.

It's legal to carry a concealed weapon in Texas if you have the proper permit, but not into all places. Signs at the airport and in other locations say: No Smoking, No Dogs, No Guns.

Waxahachie, 30 mi/50 km south of Dallas, boasts hundreds of Victorian houses with gingerbread trim that have made it a popular filming location. Bonnie and Clyde, Places in the Heart, Tender Mercies and The Trip to Bountiful are some of the movies shot there.

The Texas execution chamber in Huntsville is the busiest in the U.S.

U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower was born in Denison.

West Texas has two very accurately named towns: Levelland and Notrees.

Don't get lost looking for the town of West, Texas—it's not really in west Texas. It's south of Dallas.

For a period during the Civil War, Marshall, Texas, was the capital of Missouri.

Although Texas isn't usually thought of as a mountainous state, its Trans-Pecos region has six mountains more than 8,000 ft/2,435 m high.

A monument to mules has been erected in Muleshoe, and a sign at the city limits welcomes you to the "Greater Muleplex."

Four cone-shaped "medicine mounds" in Quanah tower 350 ft/110 m above the surrounding plains. The mounds reportedly house powerful spirits that can cure diseases.




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