United States
The American Southwest is rugged, vast, and full of contrasts. It’s home to cowboy towns and tech cities, wide-open highways and global airports. In 2026, Dallas will host World Cup matches—making it not only a major sports destination, but also a perfect jumping-off point to explore more of the region.
DFW Airport is one of the busiest in the world, with connections across the U.S. and beyond. By the same token, you don’t need to fly. Drive west into Big Bend National Park, where the desert meets the Rio Grande, and the night skies are some of the darkest in North America. Or trek through the less-explored Guadalupe Mountains, home to the highest peak in Texas.
Meanwhile, a few hours south of Dallas, you’ll hit the Texas Hill Country—a rolling region of rivers, wineries, small towns, and live music. Spring brings wildflowers. Summer brings swimming holes. And fall brings that great American tradition known as Texas football.
The Southwest is an acquired taste—distances are long and summers are hot —but it is, as Texas’ “Minister of Culture” Matthew McConaughey might say, “alright, alright, alright.” Whether you’re coming for the World Cup or just to explore, there’s a lot more here than meets the eye.
Best time
to visit
United States
The best time to visit the American Southwest is late fall through early spring. From October to April, the weather is cooler and more comfortable for hiking, road trips, and city exploration. This is the ideal window for places like Big Bend and the Guadalupe Mountains, where summer temperatures consistently top 100°F. Spring also brings wildflowers, and bluebonnets can be seen carpeting the side of roadways. In summer, cities like Dallas are well-equipped with air conditioning and indoor attractions—especially if you’re visiting for events like the 2026 World Cup.
What to Know
Language: English is the official language across Texas and the American Southwest, but Spanish is widely spoken and woven into everyday life—especially in southern Texas and New Mexico. In rural areas along Route 66 and in national parks like Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains, English is the norm, but knowing a few Spanish phrases is useful. Be respectful in Indigenous areas (e.g., near Zuni Pueblo or Navajo Nation), where tribal languages are still spoken and cultural norms may differ—ask before taking photos and follow local signage and rules.
How to Pay: The U.S. dollar (USD) is the national currency, and card payments are widely accepted—both in cities like Dallas and in smaller towns along Route 66. Still, in remote spots like Terlingua (near Big Bend) or tiny roadside attractions, carrying a small amount of cash ($20–100) can be useful for tips, entrance fees, food trucks, or old-school diners. ATMs are available in most towns, but they may be rare inside national parks or gas-station-only communities. During World Cup events in Dallas, contactless payments will likely be the norm across stadiums, rideshares, and pop-up venues.
Safety: The rural Southwest is generally low-crime and welcoming, especially for road-trippers and hikers. However, distances are vast, cell service is often limited, and weather can change rapidly. Along Route 66, most towns are safe and proud of their Americana heritage, but always lock your car, especially when parking for photo ops or overnight stays. Watch for open-range cattle, wild burros, and washed-out side roads—particularly in Arizona and New Mexico.
Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks are safe and stunning, but extremely remote. You’ll need to bring water—lots of it—and be prepared for desert heat, sharp elevation changes, and long distances between services. There’s little to no cell signal in the parks, and medical help can be hours away. Stick to marked trails, carry a paper map, and alert someone to your itinerary before venturing out.
Dallas, on the other hand, is a major urban center. Crime levels vary by neighborhood— downtown, Uptown, and World Cup venues will be mostly secure. As in any big city, keep valuables close, especially in crowded areas or on public transport. The metro area is safe for visitors, and traffic and heat are bigger concerns than crime.
Healthcare: In Dallas, top-tier hospitals like UT Southwestern and Baylor offer world-class care. Urgent care clinics are abundant and usually accept walk-ins. Along the broader Southwest, such as Route 66, healthcare access varies. Larger towns like Amarillo (TX), Gallup (NM), and Flagstaff (AZ) have full hospitals, while smaller towns may only have clinics or pharmacies. In Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains, you’re hours from the nearest ER. Dehydration, altitude sickness, and heat exhaustion are more common than injuries—plan accordingly.
In an emergency, dial 911. Response times in the desert can be long. Travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is a good idea, particularly if you plan to hike, camp, or drive off-pavement.
What to Read and Watch
