The Best Stops On A West Texas Road Trip

Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park | © Steve Davies / Flickr
Aubrey Cofield

Traveling through West Texas you’ll feel as though you’re continuously driving through the middle of nowhere until you find a hidden gem. This, however, is the largest perk when heading out west. Here’s some of the best places to hit during a West Texas road trip.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch

One of the prime examples of ‘everything is bigger in Texas’ is The Big Texan Steak Ranch. It’s both a restaurant and motel located in Amarillo, Texas. They focus largely on the sheer size of their food and take special pride in serving the largest, juiciest steaks. You can either watch or partake in the 72 oz. steak-dinner-in-one-hour challenge. If you can finish it within the time limit you get eat for free, and it’s been said only true cowboys can handle the challenge.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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The Big Texan Steak Ranch, 7701 I-40, Amarillo, TX, USA

The Big Texan Steak Ranch

Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site

Park

Hueco Tanks State Park
© Visit El Paso/Flickr
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site leaves visitors in awe after witnessing this amazing historical landmark. Only 70 people are allowed at a time in order to better preserve the park, and you can enjoy fairly private self-guided tours through the boulders – just don’t forget to ask the staff members where to take pictures. There’s Native American paintings on the rock walls, water-holding depressions in the boulders, and the park is also one of the best places in the world for bouldering (rock climbing without harnesses).

Fort Concho

Building, Museum

Fort Concho

In Midland, TX lies the historical Fort Concho. Constructed during the building of the Texas frontier and once the home of nearly 500 men, the fort closed in 1889 after the last of the soldiers left. The 23 original forts now take the proud label of National Historic Landmark and there’s even a museum showcasing the fort’s historical significance to Texas.

Fort Concho, 630 S Oakes St, San Angelo, TX, USA

Terlingua Ghost Town

Hotel

Terlingua Ghost Town © PunkToad/Flickr
© PunkToad/Flickr

Terlingua Ghost Town

Near Big Bend National Park sits one of Texas’ most popular ghost towns. Once a bustling mining town with a population of 2,000 people, Terlingua is now completely abandoned. You can still visit the disintegrating structures like the once agreeable hotel or the old Chisos Mining Company building. It’s both an eerie and interesting stop to make while in West Texas.

Terlingua Ghost Town, Terlingua, TX, USA

Terlingua Ghost Town © PunkToad/Flickr

Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch will only take up a small portion of your time but it’s well worth it. The destination is actually a public art installation. You can create your own art or sign your signature on the piece, take the requisite Instagram shot, and be on your way to the next adventure.

Cadillac Ranch, I-40 Frontage Rd, Amarillo, TX, USA

Cadillac Ranch

The Peasant Village Restaurant

The Peasant Village Restaurant

This is a great option for a more upscale food stop along the way. The Peasant Village Restaurant serves gourmet sandwiches for lunch and fine dining for dinner including racks of lamb, steak, and seafood. The restaurant is located in an old home complete with unique art pieces throughout, and the stop will make for a nice treat after a day of traveling.

The Peasant Village Restaurant, 23 S Park St, San Angelo, TX, USA

Gage Hotel

Hotel

Gage Hotel During Christmas
© Steve Davies/Flickr
Once home to a Texas rancher, Gage Hotel is now a beautifully restored hotel. The mission-style building makes you feel like you’ve stepped back to the wild west while the modern touches give it real class. The historic hotel offers modern amenities like wifi for convenience but sits in the middle of the small Texas town of Marathon where the star gazing is phenomenal – the town actually holds one of only six Dark Sky Park designations. Their sky is ideal for astronomers and anyone looking to experience the best stargazing. The hotel also conveniently provides guests with a 24″ Dobsonian telescope.

Big Bend National Park

Park

Big Bend National Park
© RZUS_Images / Alamy Stock Photo
Drive along Big Bend National Park’s dirt roads that lead through canyons, creeks, boulders, and past settlements. If you plan on camping for the night make sure to hike up to the top of the canyons for the most scenic views of Texas you’ll ever witness.
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