Christmas Trip

I’m OBSESSED with Texas—who wouldn’t be? While Toronto was covered in snow, I was rocking short sleeves here—pure joy that’s hard to explain! ❄️→☀️ Plus, Texas’ prices are surprisingly affordable. This is a laid-back itinerary (mostly because most places here close by 7 or 8 PM—small-town vibes, love it!). If you’re stuck on where to go for Christmas, this foolproof guide is for you: Houston → San Antonio → Austin. Let’s dive into the first half of the adventure! 🌟 Day 1: Arrival → Thai Food → Chapel Vibes → Rest & Relax After landing around noon, my first stop was NON-NEGOTIABLE: Thai food! 🇹🇭 Texas has some hidden gem Thai spots, and we dug into spicy papaya salad, pad thai, and green curry—fresh, flavorful, and the perfect pick-me-up after a long flight. ⛪️ Chapel of St. Basil Our first “star attraction” was this stunning chapel tucked inside a Catholic university. With its black-and-white minimalist design, it’s equal parts retro and modern—total architectural eye candy! The clean lines, geometric shapes, and soft natural light make it so photogenic—every corner is a photo op. Fun fact: Since it’s a Catholic university, we spotted several nun teachers walking around—such a unique and peaceful sight. The chapel itself is quiet and serene, with simple decor that lets the architecture shine. Even if you’re not religious, it’s worth a visit for the aesthetics alone. Pro tip: Go in the late afternoon for golden hour light—your photos will turn out magical! After soaking up the chapel’s beauty, we headed to our accommodation to unwind. Travel days are exhausting, so we kept the evening low-key—early to bed for the next day’s adventures! 🌟 Day 2: NASA → Kemah Boardwalk 🚀 NASA Johnson Space Center This was the highlight of Day 2—100% recommend for space lovers (or anyone who appreciates awe-inspiring science!). There are three main areas to explore, all accessible via shuttle buses: Apollo Mission Control Center: This is a must-see! You’ll stand in the actual control room where NASA monitored the 1969 moon landing—chills down my spine just thinking about it. ⚠️ Important: Book this tour 1 week in advance online, and it’s an extra fee (worth every penny!). The guide shares fascinating stories about the Apollo missions, and seeing the vintage equipment is like stepping back in time. Rocket Park: Both indoor and outdoor exhibits feature REAL rockets—yes, actual rockets that have been to space! The Saturn V rocket outdoors is towering and impressive, while the indoor displays let you get up close to smaller rockets and learn about their history. Perfect for photos (and feeling tiny next to these giants of space travel!). Space Center Houston Worksite Tour: Head to the front desk RIGHT when you arrive to grab a “boarding pass” for this tour—it fills up fast! You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at NASA’s current operations, including astronaut training facilities (we even saw a mock space station!). It’s super interesting to see how NASA prepares for future missions to the moon and Mars. Overall, plan to spend 4–5 hours here—take your time to read exhibits, watch short films, and soak up the “romance and grandeur of the universe.” It’s educational, inspiring, and totally worth the drive! 🏖️ Kemah Boardwalk Just a 15-minute drive from NASA, this coastal town is the perfect post-space adventure unwind spot! The star here is the Kemah Boardwalk—a lively waterfront with a huge amusement park, seafood restaurants, and scenic views of Galveston Bay. Amusement Park: For just $20+, you get unlimited rides on roller coasters, Ferris wheels, carousel, and more—such a steal! The rides are fun for all ages, and the ocean breeze makes the roller coaster feel extra thrilling. Boardwalk Stroll: Even if you skip the rides, wandering the boardwalk is lovely. We walked along the water, breathed in the fresh sea air, and soaked up the sunshine—total relaxation mode. Boat Tours: If you’re visiting on a weekend, you can take a sunset cruise (last departure at 5:30 PM)—we missed it, but it looked amazing! Seafood Markets: The nearby markets have super affordable seafood—think fresh shrimp, crabs, and oysters at “vegetable prices” 🥬. We grabbed some to cook later, and it was delicious! We spent a few hours here, eating ice cream, watching the sunset, and enjoying the laid-back coastal vibe. It’s the perfect contrast to NASA’s high-energy excitement! 🌟 Day 3: Post Houston → The Galleria Mall → Drive to San Antonio 🏬 Post Houston Our morning started at this trendy spot in downtown Houston—part food hall, part rooftop garden. The first floor is a bustling food court with tons of options: BBQ, tacos, burgers, Asian fusion… it felt like being in Changsha’s lively night markets! We grabbed breakfast burritos and coffee, then headed upstairs to the rooftop sky garden. The rooftop has panoramic views of Hou #US #Texas #San Antonio