A 5-Day, 4-Night Adventure in Texas Cowboy Country

I absolutely adore Texas! ❤️ While Toronto was covered in snow, I was in Texas wearing short sleeves—who else gets that joy?! 😎 Plus, the cost of living in Texas is refreshingly low. This travel guide is the relaxed version (partly because many places here close by 7 or 8 PM 😴). If you’re still figuring out your Christmas getaway, take this step-by-step guide! Route: Houston → San Antonio → Austin 🌟 Day 1: Arrival – Thai Food – Chapel – Rest Landed at noon and headed straight for Thai food 🍛, then visited our first star attraction: ⛪️ Chapel of St. Basil Located inside a university campus, this black-and-white minimalist chapel feels both vintage and modern. The architecture is stunning and super photogenic 📸. (Since it’s a Catholic university, you might even see nuns teaching! 👩‍🏫) 🌟 Day 2: NASA – Kemah Boardwalk 🚀 NASA Space Center There are three tram tours included: ✅ Mission Control Center (where Apollo missions were guided – book one week in advance for an extra fee) ✅ Rocket Park (indoor and outdoor displays of real rockets 🚀) ✅ Astronaut Training Facility Tour (grab your “boarding pass” at the front desk right when you enter!) Overall, NASA is highly recommended—take your time to soak in the romance and grandeur of space exploration ✨. 🏖️ Kemah Boardwalk Just a 15-minute drive from NASA. This seaside town has a large amusement park with rides for around $20+ per person 🎡. On weekends, you can take a boat tour (last departure at 5:30 PM 🛥️). I loved strolling along the waterfront boardwalk—soaking up the sun and sea breeze was pure bliss 🌊☀️. There are also several seafood markets nearby with incredibly fresh and affordable options! 🦞 🌟 Day 3: Rooftop Garden – The Galleria Mall – Drive to San Antonio 🏬 Post Houston The first floor is a vibrant food hall that feels like a night market—so lively and full of delicious options 🍜🎪. The rooftop is an urban garden with sweeping views of downtown Houston 🌆. During the holidays, there’s even a giant Christmas tree nearby! 🎄 Another great photo spot! 🛍️ The Galleria Mall Known as the 7th largest mall in the U.S., it has every brand you could want—plus an ice-skating rink inside! ⛸️ The giant futuristic face sculpture at the entrance is so cool 🤖. (My friend and I ended up shopping here all afternoon because we didn’t pack enough warm clothes 😂). 🚗 San Antonio Drove from Houston to San Antonio (about 5 hours). Arrived in the evening and rested up for the next day’s adventures! 🛌 #US #Texas #Houston