Editor's note: As 2024 comes to a close, we're looking back at the stories that defined Austin this year, and that includes travel — in and out of the Texas capital. Austinites were most interested in escaping to the Hill Country and exploring San Antonio. To fuel your wanderlust, here are the top 10 travel headlines of 2024.

1. Texas has 2 of the country's top 10 state parks, says new list. Palo Duro Canyon State Park came out as the No. 2 best state park in the country. Travelers who don't want to make a drive to the Texas Panhandle can head to the Hill Country to visit Garner State Park, which landed at No. 9.

2. San Antonio rodeo rounds up Jon Pardi and Pesado for 2025 lineup. Austinites have a few key reasons to travel to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo each year, such as seeing big music stars like Nelly, Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes, Turnpike Troubadours, and more.

3. New downtown San Antonio hotel debuts with 4 bar and dining concepts. Overnight visitors to Alamo City may remember the Wyndham San Antonio River Walk, but things are looking very different now. After a transformation that has been in the works for at least three years, the InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel opened for visitors in August.

A rooftop pool 21 stories up completes the new InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel. Photo courtesy of InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel

4. Texas predicted to be No. 1 destination tourists will hit for the eclipse. Great American Eclipse predicted Texas would see over a million tourists during April's solar spectacle — the highest number out of the 48 continental states.

5. Hill Country resort inflates its 10th annual hot air balloon festival. The annual Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay Resort includes more than balloons, with live music, tastings, and more.

6. Self-flying air taxis to take flight at airports in major Texas city. Keep an eye on the sky in 2025 — maybe you'll spot one of the new electric and autonomous air taxis expected to take flight in Houston.

7. New Hill Country treehouse resort tops Texas travel ideas for October. Our October monthly roundup of travel tips highlighted the recently opened Onera resort in Wimberley, which features 28 treehouses and "earth home-style units" with panoramic views of the Hill Country.

8. Stunning Hill Country resort lodge gets a chic update. TheAntlers Lodge at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio got a major makeover that also included a new chef and updated menu.

9. 15 best eclipse watch parties and events across Central Texas on April 8. Central Texas and the Hill Country were the hottest destinations for eclipse-watchers, and we compiled the ultimate list of viewing parties and events for the occasion.

10. Buzzy Hill Country hotel featuring VIP Austin chef sets opening date. Located right on the main street of charming Fredericksburg, the Albert Hotel is officially accepting reservations as of January 3, 2025.