Here at Travel Off Path, we’re always on the hunt for the biggest surprises to truly wow you.
Sometimes that comes in the form of reports you likely wouldn’t even take time to skim through.
In this case, travel insiders at HomeToGo revealed their hefty analysis covering the scope of 2026 travel, revealing a Texas-sized list of insightful nuggets even the most seasoned travelers wouldn’t be able to narrow down.
But we like to consider ourselves true experts in our field. Of course, it helps when one of your Senior writers used to live in the city we’re unveiling as the trendiest getaway in Texas…
Oh, that’s me!
As a former “El Pasoan”, I’m here to tell you this unsuspecting desert city is the Lone Star State’s next big thing, and it’s not just because I’m tossing around the idea of moving back for mouth-watering tacos at bargain bin prices.
No — it goes deeper than that.
Let’s dive into how HomeToGo’s latest data backs up our claim that none other than El Paso is your next must-visit Texas getaway.
The Safest City In Texas
No — your eyes didn’t deceive you. El Paso is the safest city in Texas despite hugging the border along one of Mexico’s most crime-riddled cities (Juarez).
Well, unless you follow FitFam El Paso, the only go-to news source any El Pasoan gives a hoot about, then you may question the level of safety after viewing their Instagram page — yikes!
The truth is, El Paso is home to welcoming locals who are always happy to see you, and the best-of-both-world cultures are colliding at the precipice of Texas, Mexico, and New Mexico.
Boasting multi-cultural delights through yearly festivals and daily cuisine that will rock your taste buds, this isn’t your average “border town” so to speak.
It’s safe to visit despite the eyesore of Juarez, and many locals will tell you how much they love their family-oriented community that’s too often misportrayed as being lumped in with the opposite side of the border.
El Paso Won’t Break The Bank
No matter the category, El Paso is cheap across the board, especially compared to other major cities.
According to HomeToGo, the average nightly rate for a vacation rental is only $62.21. Ironically, a vacation rental is how I made my base when I moved here until my apartment was ready, so I can attest to this being true.
Interest in booking El Paso trips has soared nearly 200% for a myriad of reasons.
Some are likely visiting family at Fort Bliss, the massive military base that anchors the city, and others are discovering how underrated El Paso is as a weekend getaway and even for longer stays, as this city is far more than a bathroom break before continuing on to other destinations.
My recommendation is to skip the chains and eat local, such as my favorite hole-in-the-wall Jalisco Cafe, famous for its generous weekend-only portions of menudo for about $10.
What travelers may also miss out on is free public transportation on the historic Streetcar, carving through downtown and nearby UTEP, where many of the best bars and restaurants are located.
As much of the country begins to experience brutal winters, keeping people indoors, El Paso is amazing to explore right now through such natural dreamscapes as Franklin Mountains State Park and the Aztec Caves Trail, which costs only $5 to enter.
But hanging out at the always popular Scenic Drive is always free for some of the best views of the city.
Amazing Day Trips
El Paso is no one-trick pony. In fact, there’s far more than meets the eye from some ghostly downtown streets undergoing redevelopment at a snail’s pace.
Recently featured by popular YouTuber Peter Santenello, it’s reasonable to suggest why he was dumbfounded by downtown’s quiet streets, wondering if there’s really anything to do.
Besides hiking, bar-hopping, and eating arguably the country’s best Mexican food into oblivion, one of my favorite things to do is check out delightful small towns worthy of a day trip.
Many suggest seeing the well-preserved Missions in nearby Socorro, but across the New Mexico state line, approximately 40 minutes away, is the storied map-dot village of Mesilla.
Here is where you’ll find a truly timeless plaza with old-timey shops, saloons, and even Billy the Kid-themed museums, as this was formerly an outlaw stronghold.
Whatever you do, a visit to Mesilla without stopping at Double Eagle Restaurant is a crime even Billy the Kid couldn’t pull off — it’s that good!
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