Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Resources
Gay & Lesbian Yellow Pages
(
www.glyp.com
) Directories to Austin, Dallas, Galveston, Houston and San Antonio.
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
(
202-393-5177;
www.thetaskforce.org
)
Advocacy group with great nation-
al news coverage.
This Week in Texas
(
www.thisweekintexas.com
) Statewide publication with business directories and bar guide.
Insurance
Taking out a travel insurance policy to cover theft, lost tickets and medical problems is a good idea in the USA, where
some privately run hospitals refuse care without evidence of insurance. These are offered by travel agencies, your airline
and others. Different policies cover different circumstances, always check the fine print. Worldwide travel insurance is
available at
www.lonelyplanet.com/travel_services
. You can buy, extend and claim online anytime - even if you're
already on the road.
Internet Access
Many, many cafes offer free wi-fi service for your personal computer or tablet (or phone, or iPod...). Airports usually
have hot spots, but it's not always free. Most hotels have wi-fi in the lobbies and wired or wi-fi access in the rooms.
Not traveling with your own device makes finding access trickier. Your best bet is the local library (free), or a copy
center like FedEx Office (from $7 per hour).
Legal Matters
Aside from it being against the law to carry wire clippers in your pocket in Austin, or shoot a buffalo from any 2nd-story
window, the laws in Texas are similar to the rest of the states. It's illegal to possess controlled substances and to drive
under the influence (with more than .08% blood alcohol level). If you are arrested, you are assumed innocent until
proven guilty; you have a right to make one phone call and you will be assigned an attorney if you cannot afford one.
Do note that speed limits are strictly enforced, especially in small towns trying to make their budget. There is no pro-
vision for on-the-spot fine payment. (So don't offer!) For more on road rules,
Click here
.
Maps
As phone and tablet GPS become more widely used, maps become less necessary, but in rural areas and some small
towns in Texas these GPS options are inaccurate. Maps are available at bookstores and at gas stations ; you can order
ahead of time at
Texas Map Store
(
www.texasmapstore.com
). Helpful maps include:
Delorme Texas State Atlas & Gazzetter
Detailed atlas, good for rural roads.
Mapsco
City maps covering all the main Texas towns.
Texas Official Travel Map
Available free at many visitor centers and tourist offices.
