Editor's note: I had never heard of Big Thicket National Preserve before reading this take on it from Christian, our national parks expert here at The Royal Tour. This story made me laugh, smile, and shake my head at some people - yes, Christian, I'm looking at you - who will brave anything just to…
Austin is the capital of Texas, America's eleventh largest city, seat of barbecue and live music, and a spectacular destination for those in search of an incredible fun-filled getaway. But what should you do in Austin? What should you expect when you come here to central Texas? We hope this guide will help! Note: please…
Thinking of going to Austin? Here are some helpful pointers from our team. 1. Allow for travel time Austin is pretty spread out, so make sure to allow time to get between activities, as well as to/from the airport. Traffic is also notoriously bad. While not on the level of LA or Boston, Austin has…
In 1836, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and 6,000 Mexican soldiers stormed the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, killing the defenders there, most famously James Bowie and Davy Crockett. In 2017, The Royal Tour visited the site. Some other stuff happened in between. The Alamo is San Antonio's most famous landmark. It began as…
Many people think that travel is too expensive. So when I planned my trip to Austin and decided to add a single night in San Antonio, I was asked why I would take on that additional expense. After all, hotel costs are not negligible, especially if one wishes to stay in an area of a…
Walking into C-Boys Heart and Soul in the South Congress area of Austin, I am greeted by dim lights and soft music. The place is quiet - it is, after all, early evening on a Monday night. The bartender greets patrons by name. A stage sits at the end of the small room, and it…
Most cities have things that are very worthwhile doing, especially for a tourist. The best cities have a district that is not to be missed, as walking through it will give you a better sense of the place. Austin has both. I mentioned my recommendation for the one restaurant you can't miss, Franklin BBQ. Today,…
Some things are worth braving throngs of tourists. The Royal Palace in Bangkok, the Sistine Chapel, Yosemite Valley: these are attractions so extraordinary and unique that being constantly jostled by my fellow men and women is bearable, even if unpleasant. Last night, I visited the San Antonio Riverwalk. It is a spur off of the…
Cheyenne is from Los Angeles. His flight got into Austin at around 5am this morning. Did he go to his hotel to check in? No. He came here, to Franklin BBQ, to get in line. Franklin BBQ opens at 11am, but getting in line early is necessary. Cheyenne was not the first one here. Those…
After nearly a month at home - my longest stretch of the year so far - my anxiety has flared up. I find myself staring at the calendar and counting down the days until I leave again. Fortunately, the countdown is nearly done, and I get the privilege of taking off later this week for…