Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Veterans Day
November 11
Thanksgiving
fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day
December 25
Safe Travel
Travel, including solo travel, is generally safe in Texas. As anywhere you should exercise more vigilance in large cities
than in rural areas.
Guns
Texas does allow personal gun ownership, including the permitted carrying of concealed hand guns. You will see signs
forbidding firearms in some public places, and that will likely be your closest encounter with a gun.
In Texas metro areas, as in all all big cities, there are some neighborhoods that are less safe than others. Exercise a
normal amount of caution. Aggravated theft (with the use of a weapon) is not common.
We don't recommend getting involved in road rage incidents (no swearing or making rude gestures at another motor-
ist), whether or not the other person may have a gun.
Recreational Hazards
In wilderness areas the consequences of a getting lost or having an accident can be very serious. Off main trails always
travel with a hiking partner. Even on established routes, if going it alone inform someone of your destination and expec-
ted return - at the very least leaving a note in your car.
JELLYFISH
Jellyfish can be present year round in the mild waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Two varieties pack powerful stings: the
Portuguese man-of-war, which is a translucent blue with long tentacles dangling from the center; and the sea nettle,
which is also translucent but has tentacles attached to the edge of its bell-shaped central mass. Do not touch these even if
you see one dead on the beach.
If you are stung, a supermarket-bought unseasoned meat tenderizer can ease the pain. For serious reactions, seek med-
ical attention.
MOSQUITOES
Year round in the great Texas outdoors you may see mosquitoes that deserve inclusion in the boast that 'everything is
bigger here.' The best way to combat these bugs is to keep yourself covered (wear long sleeves, long pants, hats and
shoes rather than sandals) or apply a good insect repellent. Repellents containing DEET are the best, but children under
two should not be exposed to DEET and children aged 2 to 12 years should not be allowed to use repellant containing
more than a 10% solution.
