Summer escapes: where Houstonians are heading next before the world arrives

With new routes and rising demand, this summer offers Houstonians more ways to explore before the world’s biggest sporting event lands in Houston in 2026.

Jun 17, 2025

Houston is wide open this summer. With record passenger demand and an expanding menu of nonstop routes, travelers departing George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) have more options than ever, whether they’re chasing mountains, music or mezcal.

Next year, the world will be coming to Houston. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will transform Houston into one of soccer’s global epicenters. Hotels will fill, flights will be booked and soccer fever will take over, making now the perfect time for Houstonians to explore other destinations before the world arrives at their front door.

Beyond the usual: Belize City & San Pedro Sula For travelers looking to break out of the Cancun-and-Cabo routine, Belize City (BZE) and San Pedro Sula (SAP) offer a lesser-known path into Central America’s culture, beaches and biodiversity. United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines serve these routes directly from Houston.

Europe in the sun: Amsterdam, Frankfurt & Munich There’s a sweet spot in European summer travel before the peak crowds arrive. KLM, Lufthansa and United offer nonstop access to Amsterdam (AMS), Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC), connecting Houston to history, festivals and long daylight hours.

The Canadian window: Banff season is short Calgary (YYC) is the entry point to Banff National Park’s postcard-perfect scenery, but travelers have until late September before winter returns. United’s new service to Edmonton (YEG) offers even more ways to explore Alberta.

Mexican markets expand Volaris is growing its footprint out of Houston with new options to Morelia (MLM) and San Luis Potosi (SLP), joining United Airlines’ established service. These central Mexico cities offer rich cultural experiences and expanding business ties.

Closer to home, plenty of options For domestic travelers, nonstop flights to Miami (MIA), Tampa (TPA), Pensacola (PNS), Portland (PDX) and Seattle (SEA) remain popular for sun, sand and seafood. San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) continues to draw travelers seeking Spanish-Caribbean culture without leaving U.S. borders.

And yes, there are two Portlands Portland, Maine (PWM) and Portland, Oregon (PDX) are both on the summer schedule, though only one sits near Seattle. Either way, travelers can pick their coast.

Music, beaches and a little Southern charm Allegiant’s seasonal service to Gulf Shores, Alabama (GUF) and Southwest’s nonstop to Nashville (BNA) offer easy getaways for beachgoers and country music fans.

The bottom line, with the world preparing to turn its attention to Houston in 2026, this summer gives locals the perfect window to explore new destinations before the global spotlight arrives.