Vacation Homes

5 wow-factor vacation homes you can rent across Texas

Summer is here, and that means vacations are in full swing. But who wants to have the same old, boring vacay? If you’re looking to hit the road for a family trip, we’ve rounded up some of the most unique properties in the Lone Star State. From tipis to a Texas ranch that makes a splash, every one of these rentals has a definite wow factor.

No matter where you decide to hang your hat, there's no need to settle for boring when vacation possibilities like these exist.

Modern tipis, New Braunfels
The first mention of tipis may conjure up images of people roughing it in the great outdoors, but at these incredibly luxurious tents in historic New Braunfels, you’ll discover what glamping is all about. Each large tipi is authentically built, but the interiors feature air conditioning, beautiful bedding, private bathrooms, and kitchenettes. Three of the tipis also have pull-out sofas.

On the grounds, you’ll find a communal treehouse game room with a large-screen TV and pingpong table, fire pits, picnic tables, barbecue areas, and hammocks. Rates start at $116 per night.

One-of-a-kind architectural complex, Kyle
The award-winning Plant at Kyle, situated on land that was once part of the Kuykendall Ranch, is an easy drive from Fort Worth. Lake | Flato Architects took a 1920s shed from the defunct Alamo Cement plant in San Antonio and completely reassembled it here, repurposing it to create a stunning three-section complex using corrugated metals, limestone, and steel framing.

This dramatic space offers three bedrooms, a covered outdoor pool, hammocks, and the “world’s largest screened-in porch.” Rental rates start at $750 per night (with a two-night minimum).

Stone lighthouse, Johnson City
Unique stays don’t get much more unusual than a towering lighthouse. This 86-foot-tall structure was inspired by Germany’s Saxon towers and sits on a hill providing 50 miles of jaw-dropping views — the entire fourth floor is a window-filled observatory.

The lighthouse sleeps up to 15 and goes from $720 per night (for two guests). It is part of Lighthouse Hill Ranch, with several other rental homes and guest suites, making it perfect for groups or events.

Ranch and river resort, Mason
Trying to accommodate a large group of people for a family reunion or big get-together and want lots of recreational amenities? Check out the private Red Sands Ranch, with multiple dwellings, including four rock cabins, two bunk buildings, and a vintage Airstream. The features would satisfy almost any checklist: a party shed with big-screen TV, billiards, and pingpong table; massive 53-foot grotto pool with spa; four-story waterslide; basketball and tennis courts — it even boasts a private airstrip.

All of this sits on a half-mile of the beautiful Llano River between Mason and Fredericksburg, perfect for floating and rafting. The base rate, $995-$1,895 per night, includes three units and accommodates up to 12 guests. In total, there are seven units that can house up to 37 people.

Loft house built in mining ruins, Terlingua
If West Texas and Big Bend National Park are calling, you can’t get much more unique than this updated stone house built by miners in the heart of the authentic ghost town. With incredible views of the Chisos Mountains and living spaces that completely open to the outdoors, this charming place really lets you get in touch with nature.

At $140 per night, this place is a steal.

The Plant at Kyle boasts the "world's largest screened-in porch."

The Plant at Kyle/Facebook

The Plant at Kyle boasts the "world's largest screened-in porch."

holidays hotels

Airline News

American Airlines launches new gate program to foil early boarders

Photo courtesy of American Airlines

undefined

Fort Worth-based American Airlines has launched a new system to catch passengers who try to sneak ahead in line.

According to a release, the airline is deploying a program in which technology is used to deter passengers who try to board before their official boarding group has been called.

Passengers who try to board early will not only hear a beep when they scan their boarding pass, but a tattletale message will pop up on the scanner, alerting the American Airlines employee of the passenger's correct group.

The airline trialed this modern technology over the past month at Albuquerque International Sunport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Tucson International Airport. It will now be deployed at more than 100 airports across the U.S.

If a customer boards before their assigned group is called, the new software will not accept the boarding pass and instead makes an audible sound to alert the gate agent and customer that the group has not yet been called. In these instances, the American team member will invite the customer to rejoin the line when their boarding group is called.

According to a story in the NY Post, airline employees have a name for these people: “gate lice."

A statement from American Airlines says that those passengers who are paying for early access should get their just desserts. People who are paying extra are mad when others get the same benefits.

"The new technology is designed to ensure customers receive the benefits of priority boarding with ease," it says.

Surely a factor is the way American Airlines' current boarding system has become an exercise in the haves vs. the have-nots, with nine levels of boarding groups, from elite status members and credit card holders all the way down to the Basic Economy nobodies. It's gotten worse since the pandemic, with extra charges applied to every element of flying, including a charge if you want to choose your own seat.

As an explanation of why people might do it, the NY Post cites a theory that travelers try to get ahead "out of a tendency of conformity and a sense of competition."

Public shaming is a powerful motivator, and Larry David fans would surely agree that line-cutters should always be called out — but in this case, there is an actual valid reason for trying to get a jump in line, and that can be summed up in two words: overhead bins.

Too many travelers place their luggage in overhead bins that are not located over their seats. Who has not seen the guy breezily stash his suitcase in whatever bin is closest? And this is an inequity that is not addressed by flight attendants, who admittedly have enough on their hands.

But the fact remains that if you get on the plane when your boarding group boards, the odds are slimmer that your designated overhead bin is going to have room for your suitcase.

If the airline is not going to enforce the overhead bin situation, then it's hardly fair to blame gate lice for worrying about where their suitcase is going to end up — or worse, whether they'll face the horror of having to get their bag checked at the last minute because some other passenger stole their overhead space.

airport

Vacation Homes

5 wow-factor vacation homes you can rent across Texas

The Plant at Kyle boasts the "world's largest screened-in porch."

Airline News

American Airlines launches new gate program to foil early boarders

4 Fort Worth restaurants earn awards from new Michelin Guide

Fort Worth restaurants open on Thanksgiving 2024 for holiday dining

New Fort Worth restaurant HG Sply Co. catches fire days after it opens