Editor’s note: As 2022 comes to a close, we’re looking back at the stories that defined Austin this year, and that includes travel — in and out of the capital. Austinites were more interested in getting out and seeing the world, whether it was through expanded airways or reasons to visit the rest of Texas. Here are the top 10 travel headlines of 2022.
1. Texas’ largest crystal lagoon dives in summer with floating cabanas and more. Lagoonfest Texas is back for its third year with crystal blue water, white beaches and the favorite aquaabanas – floating cabanas. The festival took place Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day in the Texas City suburb of Houston. Visitors saw beach and water cabanas and the nation’s largest inflatable obstacle course set in a crystal lagoon.
2. The Texas airport lands the coveted 5-star rating in North America for the first time. William P. Hobby Airport earned prestigious 5-Star Airport status in Skytrax’s World Airport Star Rating for 2022. This makes Hobby the first airport in Texas, the US and North America – and one of only 16 airports in worldwide – to set the rating. In the new survey, Hobby rose in all 29 rating categories.
William P. Hobby Airport went beyond the basics.
Photo by Nash Baker
3. Austin lands the first nonstop flight to the hot Caribbean destination this summer. American Airlines added two international beach destinations — both in the Caribbean — to its Austin route map. Beginning in June, American began year-round nonstop service once a week from Austin to Montego Bay, Jamaica and from Austin to Cozumel, Mexico. American became the first airline to fly between Austin and Jamaica.
4. Austin Airport flies new stops at 2 popular events this spring. American Airlines added temporary nonstop service this year to Louisville, Kentucky, for the Kentucky Derby and to Augusta, Georgia, for the Masters golf tournament.
5. The $36 million waterfront hotel abuts the charming Hill Country town. The $36 million project will feature a luxurious 123-room Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel and more than 14,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including a main ballroom and ballroom. An approximately 4,000 square foot rooftop venue is sure to be a highlight. The nearly three-acre property is expected to open in early 2024, near the shores of Marble Falls Lake.
6. Buc-ee’s art installation mysteriously appears in the West Texas desert. In April, a small Buc-ee — without gas pumps, soda baths or Beaver Nuggets — appeared in a remote location along U.S. Highway 90 about 20 miles east of Marathon. It was reminiscent of the permanent replica of the Prada store, which dates back to 2005 and stands about 25 miles northwest of Marfa. Visit Marathon, Texas announced via social media that the little Buc-ee’s had been removed
7. 6 Austin hotels check in among the nation’s best in US News’ prestigious rankings. Several Austin properties — including the historic Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection — are ranked among the best, according to US News & World ReportThe new list of the best hotels in the country. The Commodore Perry Estate was named property no. 2 of Texas, the best resort in Texas and the 40th best hotel in the US
Commodore Perry Estate is one of the finest hotels in the world.
Courtesy of Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection
8. Austin lands first nonstop flight to Colorado’s top destination this winter. In December, American Airlines began nonstop service between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Eagle County Regional Airport in Vail. No other airline offers non-stop service between the two cities.
9. Austin Airport flies 2 new stops to popular summer playgrounds. Seasonal flights were from Austin to John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in Bozeman, Montana. Additionally, American resumed nonstop service from Austin to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, along the Florida Panhandle.
10. Texas’ Big Bend was named one of the world’s must-see destinations for 2023. National Geographic Travel included the great natural wonder in its latest Best of the World list 2023. The annual list compiles 25 global destinations “under the radar, ahead of the curve and ready to start exploring,” according to the article. Editors at National Geographic narrowed the list down to five categories: Community, Nature, Culture, Family and Adventure.
