Cruise the Coast

Photo courtesy of Marina Byrum

Austin travel agent Marina Byrum of Travel by Marina recommends taking the family on a cruise ship for fall travel.

"A great choice for end-of-year travel is cruising, especially since the rates drop to rock-bottom at the end of November and first two weeks of December," she says, noting easy access for her Texas clients.   

"There are many cruise ships sailing out of Galveston now, and it is so easy to just drive down, park your car and board the ship - no flying necessary!  

"I have a family of three sailing out of Galveston on December 2, and for $446 per person, they are getting a seven-night cruise, all meals on board, nightly entertainment, three great ports of call and their accommodations on the ship."