This Austin, Texas travel guide covers where to stay, the best time to visit, things to do, packing essentials, where to eat and more!

Austin, Texas Travel Guide

There’s a reason Austin, Texas is the fastest-growing metro in the United States — this vibrant city is brimming with live music, food trucks, art, nature and of course the best Tex Mex you’ve ever tasted! This haven for the young and young-at-heart is a year-round destination (thanks to its notably favorable weather), and one absolutely worth a visit!

The Best Time to Visit Austin

What is the best month to visit Austin, Texas? Two words: AVOID SUMMER. There is a reason the city’s most popular events occur in early spring or late fall — the humid Texas summers are not for the faint of heart! Not only will you curb the predictable summer tourist crowds, but you’ll find the climate to be much more enjoyable in the off season.

This said, I would also suggest saving your trip for before or after February, as late January and February has consistently brought sudden severe winter weather that can shut the entire city down for a day or two.

The famed Austin City Limits music festival occurs in early/mid-October, so note that — while weather is typical warm and balmy — you’ll find hotel and Uber prices to be sky high during these few weeks (not to mention nonexistent parking and traffic frenzies!).

Weather and crowds considered, the best time to visit Austin is late October to December, or March to early May.

Read more: Travel Guide to Tucson, Arizona in a Weekend

How many days should you spend in Austin?

While there’s easily enough going on in this youthful city to keep you occupied and entertained indefinitely, I’d recommend staying for at least four days. This will give you enough time to enjoy the outdoors, explore the local hangouts and hopefully see a show or two.

Is Austin safe?

YES — in fact, a recent report created by AdvisorSmith indicates Austin ranks higher in safety than major metropolitans like Portland, Seattle, Phoenix, Nashville and all three other major Texas cities (San Antonio, Houston and Dallas).

Statistics aside, there’s been fewer cities (especially in the U.S.) I’ve felt more comfortable and safe in as a solo female traveler.

This said, be sure to keep standard safety precautions in mind. It is not recommended to leave valuables in your car or in plain sight. There have been some car break ins — especially at a few of the popular hiking trails.

Read more: Sedona Travel Guide & The Best Hiking Trails

Where to Stay in Austin

Austin Motel

Often featured in photography for its notable neon sign, the Austin Motel is everything you’d expect from a funky, revamped motel in the heart of the city. Located in the South Congress neighborhood, you’re a short walk over the Congress Ave. Bridge to everything downtown has to offer.

The Carpenter Hotel

Ideally situated in South Austin between downtown and Zilker Park (a local favorite), The Carpenter Hotel is modern, minimalistic and earthy — a perfect serene getaway right in the middle of the city. This is an awesome choice if you do decide to bring your fur baby along, considering the close proximity to the park!

Hotel Indigo

The chic hotel in the heart of the Red River District, Hotel Indigo, has three major selling points: location, affordably priced (under $200/night) and heated rooftop pool with a bar and city skyline view.

This is the perfect spot for night owls who plan to enjoy some music in the city, given it’s directly across the street from Stubb’s BBQ — one of the city’s most popular live music venues! The Red River District is known for its nightlife, good food and great times, so if you don’t mind the noise this is a great option in the middle of all the action.

Canopy By Hilton Austin Downtown

On W. 6th street, you’ll have access to all the expected downtown attractions plus some! This neighborhood is a historic entertainment district with variety, ranging from casual fine dining to mechanical bull riding at Bull & Bowl. Canopy by Hilton is the perfect embodiment of Austin — modern and chic, but not pretentious.

The Driskill

If you’d prefer a more traditional southern experience to the hipster vibe, there isn’t a single hotel that beats The Driskill; this refined historic hotel screams “old money” luxury and practically transports you back in time! Located on E. 6th in downtown, you’re just a few short blocks from the State Capitol.

Read more: The Best Weekend Getaways in the USA

Where to Eat & Drink in Austin

Austin is known as a food haven — not only will you find high-quality food from unexpected places, but you’ll find plenty of dietary restriction-friendly options at that! No matter your taste, you’re bound to find a new favorite restaurant that gets your taste buds tingling.

Brunch

Paperboy and Better Half have been hailed by locals as the best brunch spots, but you can likely expect a line during peak hours. Not up for the wait? Make a reservation at Hillside Farmacy. Breakfast tacos at Tacodeli are also a true Austin staple!

Vegan/Vegetarian

In E. Austin is a small cluster of vegan and vegetarian food trucks, some of the best veggie bites in the city. The beer-battered cauliflower tacos at Velvet Taco will have you coming back for more, as will the Frito Pie burger from Arlo’s. I have yet to try a solely vegan/vegetarian eatery in the city that has disappointed.

Rooftop bars

Downtown you have your pick of rooftop bars, from tiki-themed Zanzibar and Asian-inspired P6 to the laidback Upstairs at Caroline and lively Maggie Mae’s. You can get out of the city for an awesome skyline view at Sway, which also serves up some of the best non-alcoholic mocktails in the area.

Texas BBQ

Franklin’s is easily the most well-known BBQ joint in the city (even the state!), but you’ll pay the price of standing in line for hours — if you’d rather not waste precious time, Sam’s BBQ, LeRoy & Lewis, and Terry Black’s BBQ are great alternatives.

Tex Mex

There’s something for everyone when it comes to Tex Mex, which you can find on every corner in Austin; just a few favorites are Torchy’s Tacos, Matt’s El Rancho, Iron Cactus, and Pelon’s.

Rainey Street bars

An absolute must for a night-out in Austin is Rainey Street — a street of historic bungalow-style homes converted into bars. You can’t miss on Rainey, though favorites are Container Bar, The Alibi and Parlor Room.

Read more: The Complete Travel Guide to Nashville in a Weekend

Best Things to Do in Austin

Lady Bird Lake

Austin has a few different lakes, though Lady Bird Lake in the middle of the city is easily the most accessible and tourist-friendly.

The 10-mile trail around the lake offers the perfect scenic opportunity to see downtown by foot or bike, or you can rent a kayak or paddle boat and get on the lake yourself! If you’re up for a little splurge, opt for a private dinner cruise with Capital Cruises.

Live music

It wouldn’t be a trip to the live music capital of the world without seeing a show, would it?!

The Continental, Broken Spoke and White Horse offer a true honky-tonk-esque vibe and fun, casual atmosphere, while Stubb’s BBQ and Hole In The Wall offer some bigger names year-round. If jazz is your scene, check out Antone’s and The Elephant Room.

Mount Bonnell/Covert Park

If you haven’t visited the area before, you might be surprised by some of the awesome scenery and viewpoints — Mount Bonnell included. At one of the highest points overlooking Austin, you’ll get a beautiful view of the river and a bit of a workout on the short hike.

The Domain

The Domain in N. Austin is a one-stop location for everything from — you can go straight from luxury shopping at designer stores like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany’s to casual rooftop appetizers and a trip to the Instagram-worthy Museum of Ice Cream.

While you’re in there, try an edible cocktail at Somersault Innovative Cocktails, treat yourself at Viva Day Spa or get a hands-on cooking experience at Second Bar + Kitchen.

Barton Springs Pool

If you’re visiting during warm weather, enjoy the afternoon at Zilker Park and then take a dip at the natural pool! Feeling adventurous? Go night swimming — locals are known for adding to the fun by howling on nights of the full moon, but any night spent at this widely-loved swimming hole is bound to make memories.

Read more: Must-Know Tips For Taking A Road Trip In The USA

Packing Essentials for Austin

Layers

I don’t think there’s anything more fickle than Texas weather, so bring layers for every (yes, every) weather — you may see sunny, warm weather one day and thunderstorms the next.

I’d recommend accounting for three layers (t-shirt/tank, sweater and jacket) for each day, unless you’re visiting in summer — in summer, the only thing you’ll need to layer is sunscreen!

It also gets very humid in summer months, so consider packing an extra shirt and pair of underwear for each day; you may find yourself more comfortable if you have the opportunity to change midday.

Casual clothing

Rarely will you find a dress code anywhere in Austin, as even in cocktail bars you’ll find people in jeans. Skip the heels and flashy dresses — or don’t, but you’ll probably the only one in the room wearing them! Casual clothing passes pretty much anywhere in Austin, so pack your favorite staples (like a sundress, your favorite leggings, jeans and a couple of casual loose fit tops).

Sneakers

Unless you plan on fine dining, you can realistically get away with a pair of comfortable, versatile sneakers (these are my favorite and I wear them with sundresses!) being the only shoes you’ll need your entire trip. Be sure you can dress them up or down as needed.

Hat or beanie

If you’re like me and hate hair whipping in your face in the wind, pack a hat or beanie as wind gusts can pop up unexpectedly!

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The post Austin Travel Guide (Where To Stay, Things To Do + Packing Tips) appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.

Costa Rica Driving Guide

Ready for an epic road trip driving in Costa Rica? Renting a car is the best way to experience this beautiful country. But there are a few things you should know before you go.

So you’ve been wanting to visit for years, and are finally planning your own epic road trip to drive around Costa Rica!

For such a small country, Costa Rica is surprisingly mountainous with winding dirt roads and occasional river crossings, so my first time driving there was quite an adventure! Since then, I’ve visited the country many times, always preferring to rent a car.

Renting a car and self-driving Costa Rica on your own is the best way to experience this stunning country, as it truly gives you the freedom to stop at every waterfall, volcano, beach, and national park along the way.

Here are some important tips I learned about driving Costa Rica, so you’re ready to hit the road and explore the Rich Coast on a vacation you’ll never forget.

Driving In Costa Rica Guide (2022)

1. Should You Drive In Costa Rica?

Hey, if you love those big group bus tours, by all means, go book one. It’s a decent way to see Costa Rica if you don’t have a lot of time.

No planning, no driving, just sit back and let someone else do all the work!

But if you’re like me, you prefer the adventure of independent travel.

No set schedule or timetable — driving around Costa Rica with the freedom to stop anyplace cool you find along the way.

If that’s the kind of traveler you are, renting a car in Costa Rica is the way to go!

Yes, there is a public bus system in Costa Rica too, but it’s really only good for getting from one big town to another, and often the bus stops are located just outside of town, so you’ll also end up having to take a taxi. Not to mention that traveling by public bus is just a slower way to get around the country.

Just keep in mind that some of the back roads in Costa Rica can be very rough & muddy, and some local drivers don’t follow their own laws. With some practice though, you’ll gain confidence driving here!

Another nice thing we enjoyed about having a car was the ability to store things in the trunk, stopping off in Costa Rican towns with small travel backpacks rather than hauling luggage everywhere.

2. Where To Rent Your Car In Costa Rica

Some common car rental companies in Costa Rica include Enterprise, Sixt, Hertz, a local one called Adobe Rent-a-Car, and many more.

But the best site to book your car is Discover Cars. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car in Costa Rica.

We rented our car from San Jose Airport in Alajuela, and began our Costa Rican road trip from there.

San Jose Airport: Plan to pick up your car about 60 minutes after your flight arrives. When departing, try to be at the airport at least 3 1/2 hours before your flight leaves. Because returning your rental car and catching a shuttle back to the airport can take up to 30 minutes.

Liberia Airport: Plan to pick up your car about 30 minutes after your flight arrives. When departing, try to be at the airport at least 2 1/2 hours before your flight leaves. Again, because of the shuttle.

Rent A Car In Costa Rica

Search both local and international car rental companies to help you find a good deal.

Check Latest Prices

3. Car Rental Insurance In Costa Rica

Some of the rumors about driving in Costa Rica are true, and the roads are VERY rough in some areas. Especially the back roads outside Costa Rica’s smaller towns. Don’t worry, I’ll share some tips for dealing with them below.

This is why I highly recommend getting full insurance coverage.

Typically, rental cars in Costa Rica come with a basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), but this isn’t exactly insurance, and only covers the car for up to $1000-3000 USD worth of damage.

This is the amount they hold on your credit card until you return the car in one piece. CDW typically does not include tire, cracked windshield, or undercarriage damage either.

While you can often save money booking your car with a good travel credit card that includes car rental insurance, you REALLY must read the fine print, because many people wrongly assume their card covers them in Costa Rica.

If you get in a wreck driving in Costa Rica, declined full coverage, and you suddenly learn your credit card doesn’t actually cover the damage — you’re screwed. I can’t tell you how many travel horror stories I’ve heard like this…

It’s why I usually pre-book full coverage online. It’s cheaper than at the counter — and then you won’t have to worry about accidents at all!

4. How Much Does In Cost To Rent A Car In Costa Rica?

Renting a car in Costa Rica is going to cost you around $25-$40 USD a day, depending on the type of car you get. Our 4-door sedan was about $25 per day. A four-wheel drive SUV will cost you more like $40-$70 USD per day.

A 4X4 campervan, or truck with a tent attached, is going to cost over $100 USD per day (however you can sleep in it too!)

I recommend renting a car with an actual trunk (no hatchbacks) to hide your luggage from prying eyes. It helps to prevent break-ins if thieves can’t see your stuff.

Gas Prices

Currently, gas costs about $4.75 USD per gallon ($1.25 per liter) in Costa Rica. Diesel cars will often save you some money on gas, and diesel fuel costs about $4.20 per gallon. It’s much more expensive than in the gas in the United States!

Automatic vs Manual

Automatic cars are more expensive to rent than manual cars (but manuals are more common in Costa Rica), and you must specify what type you want when booking. If you’ve never driven a manual car before, don’t start in Costa Rica! It’s safer to get an automatic.

One-Way Rentals

There’s an additional fee for one-way car rentals in Costa Rica, which can vary by company. For example, if you want to drop off the car in a different city than where you started from. But because the country is so small, you probably won’t need to do this.

5. Age Requirements For Renting A Car

The minimum age for driving in Costa Rica is between 21-25 years old, depending on the company you book a car with. They also might charge an additional fee (usually $10 a day) if you’re under 25 years old.

6. Things To Remember While Driving In Costa Rica

Driving laws in Costa Rica are similar to driving laws in any other country. However local drivers don’t always follow them. For example, drivers may not use turn signals or will run red lights if they think they can get away with it.

Speed Limits In Costa Rica

Speed limits in Costa Rica are quoted in kilometers per hour. The maximum speed on most highways is 120 km/h (about 74 miles per hour). On secondary roads, the limit is usually 60km/h (37 miles per hour), and around towns & cities it is 40km/h (25 miles per hour).

If you happen to get a speeding ticket, please let your car rental company know right away, as you’ll have to pay for it when you drop off the car at the end of your trip.

Road Signs In Costa Rica

The road signs in Costa Rica should be pretty self-explanatory, as they look similar to US road signs, just in Spanish. You can browse some common Costa Rican road signs here.

Road Conditions

Costa Rica’s highways are paved and in good condition, however the country is also covered in back roads. Lots of dirt roads, and many are not in great shape. Muddy, potholes, etc. If you plan on driving off the beaten path in Costa Rica, I highly recommend renting a four-wheel drive SUV. Some bridges are only single lane, requiring one car to wait for the other to cross before proceeding.

River Crossings

You can road trip around Costa Rica without ever having to cross a river, but there are also some back roads that pass through rivers. Especially during the wet/rainy season, and in the Nicoya Peninsula, Drake Bay and Osa Peninsula areas. If you’ve never crossed a river before, please watch someone else go first!

Put your vehicle into 4X4 mode, go slow, and pay attention to the route. Some rivers aren’t crossed directly, but require you to drive up or down stream before exiting. This can be due to hidden obstacles, depth, or simply the best entry/exit points.

7. International Driver’s License

No, you do not need an international driver’s license to drive in Costa Rica or rent a car there. Just bring your passport, credit card, and your driver’s license from your home country. So yes, you can drive in Costa Rica with a US driver’s license.

8. Extra Advice For Renting A Car & Driving In Costa Rica

• Lock your doors while driving in Costa Rica, and never leave valuables visible in your car.
• Pedestrians don’t really have right-of-way in Costa Rica. Meaning if you politely stop in the road to let someone cross, they’ll be confused, and the car behind you won’t expect it — which could cause an accident! This is similar in Mexico and other parts of Central America.
• Don’t book a car without reading the company reviews. You’ll find plenty of bad reviews for every company (people love to complain online), but try to pick one with the LEAST bad reviews.
• You may not always get the make/model/type of car you booked. If they give you a smaller car, or a manual when you asked for an automatic, be pushy and ask for an upgrade.
• Inspect your car thoroughly and record video on your smartphone pointing out damage before you leave. This is a backup if they attempt to charge you for damage that was already there. This is a common car rental scam in Costa Rica….
• Pay attention to if your Costa Rica rental car takes regular gas or diesel fuel, so you fill up with the correct type at gas stations.
• Use Google Maps on your smartphone for directions instead of renting a GPS device. Simply use your own hands-free car mount and a good international cell phone plan.

9. Accident & Breakdown Information

In an emergency, you can dial the Costa Rican Emergency Phone Number which is 911, just like in the United States. They have an English speaking line too.

However if your car simply breaks down, and no one is injured, its probably better to call your Costa Rican car rental company’s own emergency roadside assistance number located on the rental agreement.

Enjoy Your Costa Rica Road Trip!

Exploring the small villages, pristine beaches, jungle mountains, and national parks of Costa Rica in a rental car was definitely the right choice for us.

Self-drive road trips allow you to get off the beaten track to see things most people miss! ★

Rent A Car In Costa Rica

Search both local and international car rental companies to help you find a good deal.

Check Latest Prices

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.