How to have an epic road trip across Texas

After landing at AUS, depart south with Veracruz All Natural to-go. You’ll need those breakfast tacos for the San Marcos step count, especially in San Marcos Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlets, Texas’s largest outlet destination and the place to bag bargains on fashion and homeware. Nearby, explore vintage aircraft and aviation history at the Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing, and then cool off during the hottest point of each day by tubing along the San Marcos River. Sample inventive takes on Asian cuisine (including delicious veggie options) at Don Japanese Kitchen, before overnights at the oh-so-cosy Crystal River Inn.

Don’t go too large on brekkie before heading to Boerne. As a city rich in German and English heritage, baked treats await. Your eyes will roll to the back of your head when you try an array of indulgences from local favourites like Bear Moon Bakery and The Dienger Trading Co., and then they’ll pop when you see the natural wonder of the Cave Without a Name. Tour the Old Jail Museum, and go shopping along Boerne’s Hill Country Mile for everything from antiques to blooms. End any day with charcuterie and a local pour at Lost Oak Cellars. From here, you’re heading to Bandera and spending the night at the authentic Dixie Dude Ranch.

The first stop after a hearty ranch breakfast is the Lost Maples State Natural Area, a park known for spectacular year-round foliage (Texas does indeed have four seasons here!). Factor in ample itinerary time in downtown Bandera, immersing yourself in Western culture. At The Dusty Halo, you can design and shape your own cowboy hat, and then sport it at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar, where it's always easy to make an army of new pals. En route to Fredericksburg, stop at the adorable small town of Luckenbach (population, three), before a dreamy overnight at the boutique Albert Hotel.

Grab a Caliche Coffee or a Fredericksburg Nutrition green juice, and discover Main Street, Fredericksburg’s historic boulevard lined with over 150 stores, art galleries, restaurants and bars. The area is also an opportunity to museum hop, including that of the Pioneer Museum and the surprisingly expansive National Museum of the Pacific War. Stop by the Wildseed Farms and see native blooms, best in spring as it's bluebonnet season. Catch the orange Texas sunset over the 200-acre field before the journey back to AUS.